Inkjet system

Abstract

To determine a recording condition for printing processing, while reducing burdens on a maker of a printer.SOLUTION: An inkjet system comprises: a head unit which has a nozzle that discharges ink, a pressure chamber communicating with the nozzle, and a driving element that gives pressure fluctuation to ink in the pressure chamber by supplying a driving pulse; an obtaining part that obtains output information including either or both of first output information concerning the head unit and second output information concerning ink that is used in the head unit; a first connection part that is connected to a network to be communicatable with a server; a first output part that outputs the output information towards the server through the first connection part; a first input part to which input information is inputted from the server through the first connection part; and a determining part that determines a timing of driving the driving element ion the basis of the input information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an inkjet system.

Background Art

[0002] In an inkjet printer, generally, while scanning a head with respect to a medium, ink is ejected from the head to the medium (for example, see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In recent years, there is a business model in which a head manufacturer manufactures and sells heads to a printer manufacturer. There are various uses and demands for printers. In the above business model, the head manufacturer partners with a printer manufacturer having specialized knowledge for each use and each demand, and the head manufacturer provides the head to the printer manufacturer. Then, the printer manufacturer makes use of its own specialized knowledge and manufactures a printer incorporating the head of the head manufacturer. This is because, from the viewpoint of comprehensively satisfying various uses and demands, there are cases where the above business model is more efficient than the head manufacturer manufacturing each printer that satisfies various uses and demands one by one.

[0005] However, in the above business model, printer manufacturers needed to explore and determine the optimal recording conditions (drive timing, scanning speed, distance between the head and media, etc.) to achieve the ideal impact position. Some printer manufacturers have specialized knowledge for each application and demand, but not so much knowledge about the printer itself, in which case this exploration and determination process would be extremely time-consuming and costly.

[0006] On the other hand, if the printhead manufacturer has expertise in printers, it is conceivable that the printhead manufacturer could provide appropriate recording condition information to the printer manufacturer. However, due to the nature of the business model described above, where the printhead manufacturer and the printer manufacturer are different entities, the printhead manufacturer is unaware of how the printer manufacturer uses ink, temperature, printheads, etc. Since the optimal recording conditions vary depending on these usage conditions, it has been difficult for the printhead manufacturer to provide appropriate recording condition information. As a result, printer manufacturers have had to search for recording condition information themselves according to their respective usage conditions, which sometimes increased the burden on the printer manufacturer. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems, one aspect of the inkjet system of the present disclosure includes: a head unit having a nozzle for ejecting ink, a pressure chamber communicating with the nozzle, and a drive element that causes pressure fluctuations in the ink in the pressure chamber by supplying drive pulses; an acquisition unit that acquires output information including one or both of first output information relating to the head unit and second output information relating to the ink used in the head unit; a first connection unit that is network-connected to a server in a manner that enables communication with a server; a first output unit that outputs the output information to the server via the first connection unit; a first input unit that receives input information from the server via the first connection unit; and a determination unit that determines the drive timing of the drive element based on the input information.

[0008] Another aspect of the inkjet system of the present disclosure includes a head unit having a nozzle for ejecting ink, a pressure chamber communicating with the nozzle, and a drive element that causes pressure fluctuations in the ink in the pressure chamber by supplying drive pulses; an acquisition unit that acquires output information including one or both of first output information relating to the head unit and second output information relating to the ink used in the head unit; a first connection unit that is network-connected to a server in a manner that enables communication with a server; a first output unit that outputs the output information to the server via the first connection unit; a first input unit that receives input information from the server via the first connection unit; and a determination unit that determines the scanning speed of the head unit based on the input information.

[0009] Another aspect of the inkjet system of the present disclosure includes a head unit having a nozzle for ejecting ink, a pressure chamber communicating with the nozzle, and a drive element that causes pressure fluctuations in the ink in the pressure chamber by supplying drive pulses; an acquisition unit that acquires output information including one or both of first output information relating to the head unit and second output information relating to the ink used in the head unit; a first connection unit that is network-connected to a server in a manner that enables communication with a server; a first output unit that outputs the output information to the server via the first connection unit; a first input unit that receives input information from the server via the first connection unit; and a determination unit that determines the distance between the head unit and media based on the input information. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing an example configuration of an inkjet system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of an ink ejection device used in an inkjet system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the head chip configuration. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the first processing unit used in the inkjet system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the server configuration used in the inkjet system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart showing the processing of the inkjet system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This diagram explains the information included in the correspondence information, specifically the information showing the correspondence between the output information and the first input information. [Figure 8] This diagram illustrates the drive timing based on the first input information. [Figure 9] This diagram explains the information included in the correspondence information, specifically the information showing the correspondence between the output information and the second input information. [Figure 10] This diagram illustrates the scanning speed based on the second input information. [Figure 11] This diagram explains the information included in the correspondence information, specifically the information showing the correspondence between the output information and the third input information. [Figure 12] This is a diagram illustrating the interval based on the third input information. [Figure 13] This is a schematic diagram showing an example configuration of an inkjet system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of an ink ejection device used in an inkjet system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 15] This is a flowchart showing the processing of the inkjet system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 16] This is a schematic diagram showing an example configuration of an inkjet system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 17] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a second processing unit used in an inkjet system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 18] This is a flowchart showing the processing of the inkjet system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 19] This diagram illustrates the display transitions of the second processing unit. [Figure 20] This diagram illustrates the display transitions of the second processing unit. [Figure 21] It is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of an inkjet system according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 22] It is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of an ink ejection device used in the inkjet system according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 23] It is a flowchart showing the processing of the inkjet system according to the fourth embodiment.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the dimensions and scales of each part in the drawings are appropriately different from the actual ones, and there are also parts shown schematically for easy understanding. Further, 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.

[0012] 1. First Embodiment 1-1. Outline of Inkjet System FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of an inkjet system 10 according to the first embodiment. The inkjet system 10 is a system that performs printing by an inkjet method. In particular, the inkjet system 10 has a function of determining the recording conditions used for the printing. As will be described in detail later, the "recording conditions" are conditions that can change the landing position of the ink on the medium, and for example, are the driving timing of the head (the ejection timing of the ink), the scanning speed of the head, or the distance between the head and the medium described later.

[0013] In the example shown in FIG. 1, the inkjet system 10 includes ink ejection devices 100_1 to 100_3, first processing devices 200_1 to 200_3, a server 300, and a third processing device 400.

[0014] Here, the ink ejectors 100_1 to 100_3 are provided by the printer manufacturer, as described later. The ink ejectors 100_1 to 100_3 may be provided by the same manufacturer or by different manufacturers. Each of the first processing units 200_1 to 200_3 may be owned by the user or provided by the printer manufacturer. On the other hand, the head unit 110 incorporated into each of the ink ejectors 100_1 to 100_3 is provided by the head manufacturer, as described later. The server 300 and the third processing unit 400 are each owned by the head manufacturer. Maintenance and management of the server 300 are performed by the head manufacturer.

[0015] When a user uses the printer, the user owns the ink ejector 100_1, the first processing unit 200_1, and the head unit 110. On the other hand, the user does not own the server 300, but the first processing unit 200_1 is connected to the server 300 via a communication network NW so that it can communicate with it.

[0016] The term "user" refers to the person who uses the ink ejection device 100_1. For example, if the printer manufacturer purchases the print head from the print head manufacturer and manufactures the printer body, and then uses the printer body itself, the printer body manufacturer is the user. Also, for example, if the printer body manufacturer purchases the print head from the print head manufacturer, manufactures the printer body, and a third party purchases and uses the printer body from the printer body manufacturer, that third party is the user.

[0017] Ink ejector 100_1 is connected to the first processing unit 200_1 in a communicative manner. Ink ejector 100_2 is connected to the first processing unit 200_2 in a communicative manner. Ink ejector 100_3 is connected to the first processing unit 200_3 in a communicative manner. Thus, ink ejector 100_1 to 100_3 correspond to the first processing units 200_1 to 200_3 respectively and are connected to the first processing units 200_1 to 200_3 in a communicative manner. In the following, ink ejector 100_1 to 100_3 may be referred to simply as ink ejector 100 without distinction. First processing units 200_1 to 200_3 may be referred to simply as first processing unit 200 without distinction.

[0018] In the example shown in Figure 1, the inkjet system 10 has three ink ejectors 100 and three first processing units 200, but this number is not limited to these three, and may be one, two, or four or more. In other words, the number of sets of ink ejectors 100 and first processing units 200 is not limited to three, but may be one, two, or four or more.

[0019] The ink ejector 100 is a serial printer that prints an image based on the recorded data DP from the first processing unit 200 onto a medium using an inkjet method. The recorded data DP is image data in a format that can be processed by the ink ejector 100. The medium can be any medium that the ink ejector 100 can print on, and is not particularly limited; for example, various types of paper, various types of cloth, or various types of film. The ink ejector 100 may also be a line-type printer. In this case, the second input information D2b and the elements based thereon, described later, are omitted.

[0020] The ink ejection unit 100 has a head unit 110. The head unit 110 is a module that includes an inkjet head. In particular, the ink ejection unit 100 is configured to allow changes to the recording conditions of the printing process. Hereinafter, the elements constituting the ink ejection unit 100, excluding the head unit 110, may be referred to as the "printer body." Also, the head unit 110 or the ink ejection head 110a described later may simply be referred to as the "head." The configuration of the ink ejection unit 100 will be described in detail later with reference to Figures 2 and 3.

[0021] The first processing unit 200 is a desktop or notebook computer and has the functions of generating recording data DP, controlling printing by the ink ejection device 100, and determining the recording conditions used for the printing. The configuration of the first processing unit 200 will be described in detail later with reference to Figure 4.

[0022] The first processing unit 200 is connected to the server 300 via a communication network NW, including the Internet. The first processing unit 200 outputs output information D1 to the server 300 and receives input information D2 from the server 300. The output information D1 includes information about the head unit 110 (described later) and / or information about the ink used in the head unit 110. The input information D2 is information about the recording conditions for the printing process. The first processing unit 200 determines the recording conditions for the printing process based on the input information D2. The first processing unit 200 also generates recording data DP by image processing image data DI, such as bitmap format JPEG or vector format JPEG such as PostScript, PDF (Portable Document Format), or XPS (XML Paper Specification). This image processing includes, for example, color conversion processing, density correction processing, quantization processing, and distribution processing. In addition to the above-mentioned processing, this image processing may also include, if necessary, RIP (Raster image processor) processing, etc.

[0023] Server 300 is a computer that functions as a cloud server and has the functions of receiving output information D1 from the first processing unit 200, generating input information D2 based on the output information D1, and outputting the generated input information D2 to the first processing unit 200. The configuration of Server 300 will be described in detail later with reference to Figure 5.

[0024] Furthermore, the server 300 is communicatively connected to the third processing unit 400 and appropriately sends and receives information necessary for generating input information D2. The third processing unit 400 is a computer that, as needed, receives output information D1 from the server 300 and outputs information necessary for generating input information D2 to the server 300.

[0025] In the inkjet system 10 outlined above, the first processing unit 200 outputs output information D1 to the server 300, so that output information D1 can be provided to the print head manufacturer. Therefore, by utilizing the knowledge of the print head manufacturer in addition to output information D1, input information D2 can be efficiently obtained as information necessary to determine the recording conditions for the printing process. Then, since the first processing unit 200 determines the recording conditions for the printing process based on the input information D2 input from the server 300, the burden on the printer manufacturer can be reduced while determining the recording conditions for the printing process. The inkjet system 10 will be described in detail below.

[0026] 1-2. Configuration of the ink ejection device Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of an ink ejection device 100 used in an inkjet system 10 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the ink ejection device 100 includes a head unit 110, a moving mechanism 120, a communication device 130, a storage circuit 140, and a processing circuit 150.

[0027] The head unit 110 is an assembly having a head chip 111, a drive circuit 112, a power supply circuit 113, and a drive signal generation circuit 114.

[0028] In the example shown in Figure 2, the head unit 110 is divided into an ink ejection head 110a including a head chip 111 and a drive circuit 112, and a control module 110b including a power supply circuit 113 and a drive signal generation circuit 114. Note that the head unit 110 is not limited to being divided into an ink ejection head 110a and a control module 110b; for example, part or all of the control module 110b may be incorporated into the ink ejection head 110a.

[0029] The print head 111 ejects ink toward the media. Figure 2 shows representative examples of the multiple drive elements 111f that make up the print head 111. A detailed example of the print head 111 will be explained later based on Figure 3.

[0030] In the example shown in Figure 2, the head unit 110 has one head chip 111, but this number may be two or more. Since the ink ejection device 100 is serial type, one or more head chips 111 are arranged so that multiple nozzles are distributed across a portion of the media's width. If the ink ejection device 100 is line type, two or more head chips 111 are arranged so that multiple nozzles are distributed across the entire width of the media.

[0031] The drive circuit 112, under the control of the processing circuit 150, switches whether or not to supply the drive signal Com output from the drive signal generation circuit 114 as a drive pulse PD to each of the multiple drive elements 111f of the head chip 111. The drive circuit 112 includes, for example, a group of switches such as a transmission gate for this switching.

[0032] The power supply circuit 113 receives power from a commercial power source (not shown) and generates various predetermined potentials. The generated potentials are supplied to various parts of the ink ejection device 100 as appropriate. In the example shown in Figure 2, the power supply circuit 113 generates a power supply potential VHV and an offset potential VBS. The offset potential VBS is supplied to the head chip 111, etc. The power supply potential VHV is supplied to the drive signal generation circuit 114, etc.

[0033] The drive signal generation circuit 114 is a circuit that generates a drive signal Com for driving each drive element 111f of the head chip 111. Specifically, the drive signal generation circuit 114 includes, for example, a DA conversion circuit and an amplification circuit. In the drive signal generation circuit 114, the DA conversion circuit converts the waveform specification signal dCom from the processing circuit 150 (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 113 to generate the drive signal Com. Here, among the waveforms included in the drive signal Com, the signal of the waveform actually supplied to the drive element 111f is the drive pulse PD.

[0034] The moving mechanism 120 changes the relative position between the head unit 110 and the media. More specifically, since the ink ejector 100 is serial type, the moving mechanism 120 includes a transport mechanism that transports the media in a predetermined direction and a moving mechanism that repeatedly moves (scans) the head unit 110 along an axis perpendicular to the transport direction of the media. Furthermore, the moving mechanism 120 is configured to change the distance between the head unit 110 and the media. For example, the transport mechanism that transports the media in a predetermined direction is configured to change the height of the transport path for the media. If the ink ejector 100 is line type, the moving mechanism 120 includes a transport mechanism that transports the media in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the elongated head unit 110.

[0035] The communication device 130 is a circuit capable of communicating with the first processing unit 200. For example, the communication device 130 is an interface such as a wireless or wired LAN (Local Area Network) or USB (Universal Serial Bus). USB is a registered trademark. The communication device 130 may also be connected to other first processing units 200 via other networks such as the Internet. Furthermore, the communication device 130 may be integrated with the processing circuit 150.

[0036] The memory circuit 140 stores various programs executed by the processing circuit 150 and various data such as recording data DP processed by the processing circuit 150. The memory circuit 140 includes, for example, one or more volatile memories such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and one or more non-volatile memories such as ROM (Read Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), or PROM (Programmable ROM), or both, as semiconductor memory. The recording data DP is supplied, for example, from the first processing unit 200. The memory circuit 140 may be configured as part of the processing circuit 150.

[0037] The processing circuit 150 has the function of controlling the operation of each part of the ink ejection device 100 and the function of processing various data. The processing circuit 150 includes, for example, one or more processors such as CPUs (Central Processing Units). The processing circuit 150 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.

[0038] The processing circuit 150 controls the operation of each part of the ink ejector 100 by executing a program stored in the memory circuit 140. Here, the processing circuit 150 generates signals such as a control signal Sk, a print data signal SI, and a waveform specification signal dCom as signals to control the operation of each part of the ink ejector 100.

[0039] The control signal Sk is a signal for controlling the drive of the moving mechanism 120. The print data signal SI is a signal for controlling the drive of the drive circuit 112. Specifically, the print data signal SI specifies at predetermined intervals whether or not the drive circuit 112 supplies the drive signal Com from the drive signal generation circuit 114 to the drive element 111f as a drive pulse PD. This specification determines the amount of ink ejected from the head chip 111, etc. The waveform specification signal dCom is a digital signal for defining the waveform of the drive signal Com generated by the drive signal generation circuit 114.

[0040] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the head tip 111. In the following explanation, the X, Y, and Z axes, which intersect with each other, will be used as appropriate. In the following, one direction along the X axis is the X1 direction, and the direction opposite to the X1 direction is the X2 direction. Similarly, opposite directions along the Y axis are the Y1 and Y2 directions. Opposite directions along the Z axis are the Z1 and Z2 directions.

[0041] As shown in Figure 3, the head tip 111 has a plurality of nozzles N arranged in the direction along the Y axis. These plurality of nozzles N are divided into a first row L1 and a second row L2, which are spaced apart from each other in the direction along the X axis. Each of the first row L1 and the second row L2 is a set of plurality of nozzles N arranged linearly in the direction along the Y axis.

[0042] The head tip 111 has a configuration that is approximately symmetrical with respect to the X-axis. However, the positions of the multiple nozzles N in the first row L1 and the multiple nozzles N in the second row L2 along the Y-axis may coincide or differ. Figure 3 illustrates a configuration in which the positions of the multiple nozzles N in the first row L1 and the multiple nozzles N in the second row L2 along the Y-axis coincide.

[0043] As shown in Figure 3, the head chip 111 includes a flow channel substrate 111a, a pressure chamber substrate 111b, a nozzle plate 111c, a vibration absorber 111d, a diaphragm 111e, a plurality of drive elements 111f, a protective plate 111g, a case 111h, and a wiring board 111i.

[0044] The flow channel substrate 111a and the pressure chamber substrate 111b are stacked in this order in the Z1 direction, forming a flow channel for supplying ink to multiple nozzles N. The region located in the Z1 direction from the stack consisting of the flow channel substrate 111a and the pressure chamber substrate 111b is where the diaphragm 111e, multiple drive elements 111f, protective plate 111g, case 111h, and wiring board 111i are installed. On the other hand, the region located in the Z2 direction from the said stack is where the nozzle plate 111c and vibration absorber 111d are installed. Each element of the head chip 111 is generally a plate-shaped member that is elongated in the Y direction, and is joined to each other, for example, by adhesive. The elements of the head chip 111 will be described in order below.

[0045] The nozzle plate 111c is a plate-shaped member provided with a plurality of nozzles N in the first row L1 and the second row L2, respectively. Each of the plurality of nozzles N is a through hole through which ink passes. Here, the surface of the nozzle plate 111c facing in the Z2 direction is the nozzle surface FN. The nozzle plate 111c is manufactured by processing a silicon single crystal substrate using semiconductor manufacturing technology, such as dry etching or wet etching. However, other known methods and materials may be used in the manufacture of the nozzle plate 111c as appropriate. In addition, the cross-sectional shape of the nozzle is typically circular, but is not limited to this, and may be non-circular, such as polygonal or elliptical.

[0046] The flow channel substrate 111a is provided with a space R1, multiple supply channels Ra, and multiple communication channels Na for each of the first row L1 and second row L2. Space R1 is a long opening extending in the direction along the Y axis when viewed in a plan view along the Z axis. Each of the supply channels Ra and communication channels Na is a through hole formed for each nozzle N. Each supply channel Ra communicates with space R1.

[0047] The pressure chamber substrate 111b is a plate-shaped member in which a plurality of pressure chambers C, referred to as cavities, are provided for each of the first row L1 and the second row L2. The plurality of pressure chambers C are arranged in the direction along the Y axis. Each pressure chamber C is formed for each nozzle N and is a long space extending in the direction along the X axis in a plan view. The flow channel substrate 111a and the pressure chamber substrate 111b are manufactured, for example, by processing a silicon single crystal substrate using semiconductor manufacturing technology, similar to the nozzle plate 111c described above. However, other known methods and materials may be used as appropriate for the manufacture of the flow channel substrate 111a and the pressure chamber substrate 111b.

[0048] The pressure chamber C is the space located between the flow channel substrate 111a and the diaphragm 111e. Multiple pressure chambers C are arranged in the direction along the Y axis for each of the first row L1 and the second row L2. The pressure chamber C also communicates with the communication channel Na and the supply channel Ra, respectively. Therefore, the pressure chamber C communicates with the nozzle N via the communication channel Na and with the space R1 via the supply channel Ra.

[0049] A diaphragm 111e is positioned on the surface of the pressure chamber substrate 111b facing the Z1 direction. The diaphragm 111e is an elastically vibrating plate-shaped member. The diaphragm 111e has, for example, a first layer and a second layer, which are stacked in this order in the Z1 direction. The first layer is, for example, an elastic film composed of silicon oxide (SiO2). This elastic film is formed, for example, by thermal oxidation of one surface of a silicon single crystal substrate. The second layer is, for example, an insulating film composed of zirconium oxide (ZrO2). This insulating film is formed, for example, by forming a zirconium layer by sputtering and then thermally oxidizing the layer. Note that the diaphragm 111e is not limited to the stacked configuration of the first and second layers described above, and may be composed of, for example, a single layer or three or more layers.

[0050] On the surface of the diaphragm 111e facing the Z1 direction, multiple drive elements 111f corresponding to the nozzles N are arranged for each of the first row L1 and second row L2. Each drive element 111f is a passive element that deforms in response to the supply of a drive signal. Each drive element 111f is elongated in the direction along the X axis in a plan view. The multiple drive elements 111f are arranged in the direction along the Y axis to correspond to the multiple pressure chambers C. The drive elements 111f overlap the pressure chambers C in a plan view.

[0051] Each driving element 111f is a piezoelectric element, and although not shown in the figure, it has a first electrode, a piezoelectric layer, and a second electrode, which are stacked in this order in the Z1 direction. One of the first and second electrodes is an individual electrode that is spaced apart from each other for each driving element 111f, and a driving pulse PD is supplied to this electrode. The other electrode is a common strip-shaped electrode that extends along the Y axis so as to be continuous across multiple driving elements 111f, and an offset potential VBS is supplied to this electrode. Examples of metallic materials for these electrodes include platinum (Pt), aluminum (Al), nickel (Ni), gold (Au), and copper (Cu), and one of these can be used alone or two or more can be used in combination in the form of an alloy or stacking. The piezoelectric layer is made of a piezoelectric material such as lead zirconate titanate (Pb(Zr,Ti)O3) and, for example, is a strip-shaped layer extending along the Y-axis so as to be continuous across multiple drive elements 111f. However, the piezoelectric layer may be a single unit across multiple drive elements 111f. In this case, the piezoelectric layer has through holes extending along the X-axis in regions corresponding to the gaps between adjacent pressure chambers C in a plan view. When the diaphragm 111e vibrates in conjunction with the deformation of the drive elements 111f, the pressure in the pressure chamber C fluctuates, causing ink to be ejected from the nozzle N.

[0052] The protective plate 111g is a plate-shaped member installed on the surface of the diaphragm 111e facing the Z1 direction, protecting the multiple drive elements 111f and reinforcing the mechanical strength of the diaphragm 111e. Here, the multiple drive elements 111f are housed between the protective plate 111g and the diaphragm 111e. The protective plate 111g is made of, for example, a resin material.

[0053] Case 111h is a component for storing ink supplied to multiple pressure chambers C. Case 111h is made of, for example, a resin material. Each of the first row L1 and the second row L2 of Case 111h is provided with a space R2. Space R2 is a space that communicates with the aforementioned space R1 and functions together with space R1 as a reservoir R for storing ink supplied to the multiple pressure chambers C. Case 111h is provided with an inlet IH for supplying ink to each reservoir R. The ink in each reservoir R is supplied to the pressure chamber C via each supply channel Ra.

[0054] The vibration absorber 111d, also called the compliance substrate, is a flexible resin film that forms the wall surface of the reservoir R and absorbs pressure fluctuations of the ink in the reservoir R. The vibration absorber 111d may also be a thin, flexible metal plate. The surface of the vibration absorber 111d facing the Z1 direction is joined to the flow channel substrate 111a by adhesive or the like.

[0055] The wiring board 111i is mounted on the surface of the diaphragm 111e facing the Z1 direction and is a mounting component for electrically connecting the head chip 111, the drive circuit 112, and the control module 110b, etc. The wiring board 111i is a flexible wiring board such as COF (Chip On Film), FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit), or FFC (Flexible Flat Cable). In this embodiment, the aforementioned drive circuit 112 is mounted on the wiring board 111i.

[0056] 1-3. Configuration of the first processing unit Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example configuration of the first processing unit 200 used in the inkjet system 10 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 4, the first processing unit 200 includes a display device 210, an input device 220, a communication device 230, a storage circuit 240, and a processing circuit 250. These are connected to each other in a way that allows them to communicate with one another.

[0057] The display device 210 displays various images under the control of the processing circuit 250. Here, the display device 210 has various display panels, such as a liquid crystal display panel or an organic EL (electro-luminescence) display panel. Note that the display device 210 may be provided outside the first processing device 200. Also, the display device 210 may be a component of the ink ejection device 100.

[0058] The input device 220 is a device that accepts operations from the user. For example, the input device 220 has a pointing device such as a touchpad, touch panel, or mouse. If the input device 220 has a touch panel, it may also function as the display device 210. The input device 220 may be located outside the first processing unit 200. The input device 220 may also be a component of the ink ejection unit 100. Furthermore, the input device 220 may include an imaging device having a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor or a CMOS (Complementary MOS) image sensor.

[0059] The communication device 230 is a circuit capable of communicating with both the ink ejector 100 and the server 300. For example, the communication device 230 is a wireless or wired interface such as LAN or USB. The communication device 230 transmits recorded data DP to the ink ejector 100 through communication with the ink ejector 100. The communication device 230 also transmits output information D1 and receives input information D2 through communication with the server 300. In other words, the communication device 230 functions as a first connection unit 231 that is connected to the server 300 in a communicative manner. The communication device 230 may also be integrated with the processing circuit 250.

[0060] The memory circuit 240 is a device that stores various programs executed by the processing circuit 250 and various data processed by the processing circuit 250. The memory circuit 240 may be, for example, a hard disk drive or a semiconductor memory. Note that part or all of the memory circuit 240 may be provided in an external storage device or server, etc., of the first processing unit 200.

[0061] The memory circuit 240 of this embodiment stores program PG1, output information D1, input information D2, image data DI, and recorded data DP. Note that some or all of the output information D1, input information D2, image data DI, and recorded data DP may be stored in an external storage device or server of the first processing unit 200. Furthermore, in the following, program PG1, output information D1, and input information D2 may be collectively referred to as information DG.

[0062] Program PG1 is a program that enables the computer to implement various functions necessary for determining the recording conditions of the printing process based on the input information D2.

[0063] Output information D1 includes first output information D1a, second output information D1b, and third output information D1c. Depending on the determination target in the determination unit 254 described later, either the first output information D1a or the second output information D1b may be omitted, or the third output information D1c may be omitted.

[0064] The first output information D1a is information relating to the head unit 110, and in particular, information relating to the discharge characteristics of the head unit 110. The first output information D1a can be any information that can identify the discharge characteristics of the head unit 110, for example, identification information such as a serial number or product name unique to the head unit 110. However, the first output information D1a is not limited to such identification information, and may also be measurement information such as measurement information of the discharge characteristics of the head unit 110.

[0065] The second output information D1b is information about the ink used in the head unit 110, and in particular, information about the viscosity of the ink. The second output information D1b may be any information that can identify the viscosity of the ink, for example, identification information such as the ink's part number or product name. However, the second output information D1b is not limited to this identification information, and may also be measurement information such as the waveform of the vibration remaining after the drive element 111f has been driven.

[0066] The third output information D1c is information regarding the temperature of the ink used in the head unit 110. The third output information D1c can be any information that can identify the temperature, for example, information regarding the output of a temperature sensor located in or near the head unit 110. Alternatively, the temperature of the ink near the pressure chamber C may be detected using a part of the drive element 111f, and information regarding the detected temperature may be used as the third output information D1c. Furthermore, although the temperature of the ink used in the head unit 110 can be estimated to some extent based on the first output information D1a, the ink temperature is affected by the ambient temperature at which the head unit 110 is used, so information regarding the ambient temperature at which the head unit 110 is used may be used as the third output information D1c. In this case, for example, the temperature of the ink used in the head unit 110 is estimated based on the first output information D1a and the third output information D1c.

[0067] In addition to the information described above, output information D1 may also include information regarding other operating conditions of the head unit 110.

[0068] Input information D2 is information regarding the recording conditions for the printing process. As described above, input information D2 is provided from server 300 to first processing unit 200. In the example shown in Figure 4, input information D2 includes first input information D2a, second input information D2b, and third input information D2c.

[0069] The first input information D2a is information regarding the drive timing of the drive element 111f. The second input information D2b is information regarding the scanning speed of the head unit 110. The third input information D2c is information regarding the distance between the head unit 110 and the media. Hereafter, the drive timing of the drive element 111f may be simply referred to as "drive timing," the scanning speed of the head unit 110 may be simply referred to as "scanning speed," and the distance between the head unit 110 and the media may be simply referred to as "distance." Details of this information will be explained later based on Figures 7 to 12.

[0070] The processing circuit 250 is a device that has the function of controlling each part of the first processing unit 200 and the function of processing various data. The processing circuit 250 has a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processing circuit 250 may consist of a single processor or multiple processors. Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the processing circuit 250 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).

[0071] The processing circuit 250 functions as an acquisition unit 251, a first output unit 252, a first input unit 253, a determination unit 254, and a reception unit 255 by reading and executing the program PG1 from the memory circuit 240.

[0072] The acquisition unit 251 acquires output information D1. In this embodiment, the acquisition unit 251 acquires first output information D1a, second output information D1b, and third output information D1c. For example, the acquisition unit 251 has a function to receive output information D1 via the input device 220, and uses this function to acquire output information D1. The acquired output information D1 is stored in the memory circuit 240 as described above. The acquisition unit 251 may also acquire first output information D1a from the ink ejection device 100.

[0073] The first output unit 252 outputs output information D1 via the first connection unit 231. For example, the first output unit 252 outputs output information D1 to the server 300 via the first connection unit 231, triggered by user instructions using the input device 220.

[0074] Input information D2 is input to the first input unit 253 via the first connection unit 231. For example, input information D2 is input to the first input unit 253 via the first connection unit 231 from the server 300, triggered by instructions from the user using the input device 220.

[0075] The determination unit 254 determines the recording conditions for the printing process based on the input information D2. Furthermore, the determination unit 254 decides whether or not to execute the printing process based on the recording conditions determined by the input information D2, based on the reception result from the reception unit 255. Details of this decision will be explained later with reference to Figure 6.

[0076] The reception unit 255 receives instructions from the user regarding whether or not to perform the printing process according to the recording conditions indicated by the input information D2. For example, the reception unit 255 receives such instructions via the input device 220.

[0077] 1-3. Server Configuration Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example configuration of a server 300 used in an inkjet system 10 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 5, the server 300 includes a display device 310, an input device 320, a communication device 330, a storage circuit 340, and a processing circuit 350. These are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate. Note that the storage circuit 340 is an example of a "storage unit".

[0078] The display device 310 is a device that displays various images under the control of the processing circuit 350, and is configured in the same way as the display device 210 described above. The input device 320 is a device that accepts operations from the user, and is configured in the same way as the input device 220 described above. The communication device 330 is a circuit that can communicate with each of the first processing units 200, and is configured in the same way as the communication device 230 described above. Note that the communication device 330 may be integrated with the processing circuit 350.

[0079] Here, the communication device 330 receives output information D1 and transmits input information D2 through communication with the first processing unit 200. In other words, the communication device 330 functions as a second connection unit 331 that is communicatively connected to the first connection unit 231. The communication device 330 also transmits output information D1 and receives corresponding information D4 through communication with the third processing unit 400 as needed.

[0080] The memory circuit 340 is a device that stores various programs executed by the processing circuit 350 and various data processed by the processing circuit 350, and is configured in the same way as the memory circuit 240 described above. The memory circuit 340 stores the program PG2, output information D1, input information D2, and corresponding information D4.

[0081] Program PG2 is a program that enables the computer to implement various functions necessary to generate input information D2 based on output information D1. Correspondence information D4 is information regarding the correspondence between output information D1 and the recording conditions of the printing process to be executed. Details of correspondence information D4 will be explained later with reference to Figures 7 to 12.

[0082] The processing circuit 350 is a device that has the function of controlling various parts of the server 300 and processing various data, and is configured in the same way as the processing circuit 250 described above. The processing circuit 350 functions as a second output unit 351, a second input unit 352, and an arithmetic unit 353 by reading and executing the program PG2 from the memory circuit 340.

[0083] The second output unit 351 outputs the input information D2 via the second connection unit 331. For example, the second output unit 351 outputs the input information D2 to the first processing unit 200 via the second connection unit 331, triggered by user instructions using the input device 220.

[0084] Output information D1 is input to the second input unit 352 via the second connection unit 331. For example, output information D1 is input to the second input unit 352 via the second connection unit 331 from the first processing unit 200, triggered by user instructions using the input device 220.

[0085] The arithmetic unit 353 performs calculations to generate input information D2 based on output information D1 and corresponding information D4. Here, depending on the result of comparing output information D1 and corresponding information D4, the arithmetic unit 353 receives new corresponding information D4 from the third processing unit 400 and generates input information D2 using the new corresponding information D4 from the third processing unit 400.

[0086] More specifically, if the output information D1 from the second input unit 352 is included in the corresponding information D4, the calculation unit 353 generates input information D2 based on the output information D1 and the corresponding information D4. On the other hand, even if a portion of the output information D1 from the second input unit 352 is not included in the corresponding information D4, if the first output information D1a and the second output information D1b, which have a greater impact on image quality than the third output information D1c, are included in the corresponding information D4, the calculation unit 353 generates input information D2 that corresponds to the information in the output information D1 indicated by the corresponding information D4 that is closest to the output information D1 from the second input unit 352. Furthermore, if one or both of the first output information D1a and the second output information D1b from the second input unit 352 are not included in the corresponding information D4, the calculation unit 353 receives new corresponding information D4 from the third processing unit 400 and generates input information D2 using the new corresponding information D4 from the third processing unit 400. Furthermore, the correspondence information D4 stored in the memory circuit 340 is overwritten with the new correspondence information D4.

[0087] Here, the third processing unit 400 generates new correspondence information D4 using the output information D1 from the server 300. That is, the third processing unit 400 has an update unit 410 that updates the correspondence information D4. The update unit 410 updates the correspondence information D4 using the output information D1 and the correspondence information D4, as well as information input from the operator of the third processing unit 400 or the administrator of the inkjet system 10 as appropriate. The update unit 410 also causes the updated correspondence information D4 to be sent to the server 300. If the third processing unit 400 does not have the original correspondence information D4, it may update the correspondence information D4 after receiving input of the correspondence information D4 in addition to the output information D1 from the server 300.

[0088] 1-4. Processing of the inkjet system Figure 6 is a flowchart of the processing of the inkjet system 10 according to the first embodiment. In the inkjet system 10, first, as shown in Figure 6, in step S101, the first processing device 200 acquires output information D1.

[0089] Specifically, in step S101, for example, the acquisition unit 251 acquires output information D1 by receiving output information D1 via the input device 220. In step S101, the order in which the first output information D1a, second output information D1b, and third output information D1c are acquired is not particularly limited and is arbitrary. Furthermore, the acquisition unit 251 may, for example, display an image for a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for inputting information necessary for acquiring output information D1 on the display device 210, and use this image to appropriately receive the information necessary for acquiring output information D1 from the user.

[0090] Then, in step S102, the first processing unit 200 outputs output information D1 to the server 300.

[0091] Specifically, in step S102, the first output unit 252 outputs output information D1 via the first connection unit 231, triggered by the acquisition of output information D1. Note that the timing of outputting output information D1 to the first connection unit 231 is not limited to the time of acquisition of output information D1. For example, if the first output unit 252 receives input using the aforementioned GUI image, it may send authentication information such as user account information and password to the server 300. If the server 300 successfully authenticates using this authentication information, the server 300 may send output permission information to the first processing unit 200. Once the first processing unit 200 receives the output permission information, it may output output information D1 to the server 300.

[0092] Next, in step S103, the server 300 inputs output information D1. Then, in step S104, the server 300 generates input information D2 based on the output information D1. More specifically, in step S104, the calculation unit 353 performs calculations to generate input information D2 based on the output information D1 and the corresponding information D4. The server 300 may query the output information D1 against predetermined query information and cancel the processing from step S104 onward depending on the query result. Alternatively, depending on the query result, the server 300 may have the second output unit 351 output input information D2 indicating that it will not provide the recording condition information for the printing process.

[0093] Subsequently, in step S105, the server 300 outputs the input information D2 to the first processing unit 200.

[0094] Next, in step S106, the first processing unit 200 inputs input information D2. Specifically, in step S106, the first input unit 253 receives input information D2 from the server 300 via the first connection unit 231. The first input unit 253 may notify the user, using a display device 210 or the like, whether or not to input input information D2 from the server 300, and may only input input information D2 from the server 300 if the user gives an instruction to permit input using an input device 220 or the like.

[0095] Then, in step S107, the first processing unit 200 determines whether or not to perform printing under the recording conditions indicated by the input information D2. Specifically, the receiving unit 255 displays an image on the display device 210 to receive an instruction on whether or not to perform printing under the recording conditions indicated by the input information D2. The receiving unit 255 then receives the instruction on whether or not to perform printing under the recording conditions indicated by the input information D2 via the input device 220.

[0096] If an instruction is received to perform a print process under the recording conditions indicated by input information D2, in step S108, the first processing unit 200 determines the recording conditions for the print process based on the input information D2.

[0097] On the other hand, if an instruction is received not to perform the printing process under the recording conditions indicated by input information D2, in step S109 the first processing unit 200 decides to perform the printing process under different recording conditions entered by the user.

[0098] The determination unit 254 may also determine the actual recording conditions to be used after fine-tuning the recording conditions indicated by the input information D2 based on user input using the input device 220.

[0099] Once the recording conditions are determined by the determination unit 254, those recording conditions are set. Specifically, the drive timing indicated by the first input information D2a, the scanning speed indicated by the second input information D2b, and the interval indicated by the third input information D2c are set. The drive timing indicated by the first input information D2a is set, for example, by shifting the timing of supplying the drive signal Com to the drive element 111f. This change in supply timing may be done, for example, by changing the operating timing of the drive circuit 112, or by image processing of the recorded data DP. The scanning speed indicated by the second input information D2b and the interval indicated by the third input information D2c are set, for example, by adjusting the control signal Sk. When the scanning speed is changed, the ink ejection timing is adjusted so that the pitch between pixels at the ink landing positions on the media is within the reference range.

[0100] 1-5. Processing in the arithmetic unit In the calculations performed by the calculation unit 353, at least one of the first input information D2a, second input information D2b, and third input information D2c is adjusted based on the corresponding information D4 so that the recording conditions for the printing process are optimized. Here, in this calculation, from the viewpoint of ease of adjustment, it is preferable that one of the first input information D2a, second input information D2b, and third input information D2c is adjusted, and from the viewpoint of suitably improving image quality, it is more preferable that the first input information D2a is adjusted.

[0101] The landing position of ink ejected from the print head varies depending on the print head, ink, and temperature. Therefore, depending on the printer manufacturer or printer user, landing position adjustments may be made regarding the landing position that were not anticipated by the print head manufacturer, potentially resulting in insufficient image quality. For example, consider a case where a print head manufacturer provides landing position adjustments (such as drive timing, scanning speed, and interval, which will be discussed later) designed to achieve the optimal landing position for a given combination of print head, ink, and temperature. For simplicity, the following explanation assumes that the printer manufacturer and printer user are the same, that is, the user who purchased the print head manufactures and uses the printer themselves, but the basic principles are the same even if the printer manufacturer and printer user are different.

[0102] In particular, when the print head manufacturer and printer manufacturer are different, the printer manufacturer will determine the recommended ink and temperature. In such cases, a printer manufacturer with limited expertise may not be able to determine the optimal impact position adjustment. It would be ideal if the print head manufacturer could provide impact position adjustment information in advance, but as mentioned above, the recommended ink and temperature differ from printer manufacturer to printer, and therefore the optimal impact position information also differs. Traditionally, even print head manufacturers have been unable to determine what impact position adjustment to perform.

[0103] For example, suppose a printer manufacturer uses ink with a higher viscosity than the ink the print head manufacturer anticipated. Higher ink viscosity slows down the ink ejection speed from the print head. A slower ejection speed causes the ink to land in a different position. In that case, even if the print head manufacturer uses the optimal landing position adjustment information for the ink they anticipated, the actual landing position will be off due to the higher ink viscosity.

[0104] As another example, suppose a printer manufacturer sets the operating temperature of the printer lower than the temperature assumed by the print head manufacturer. Generally, viscosity increases as the temperature decreases. Therefore, if the printer's operating temperature is low, viscosity will increase, and as described above, there is a risk of misalignment of the projectile's impact position. In that case, even if the print head manufacturer uses the optimal impact position adjustment information for the temperature they had previously assumed, the actual impact position will be off due to the low temperature.

[0105] As another example, a printer manufacturer may own multiple types of print heads from different print head manufacturers, each with different ejection characteristics. In such a case, even if the printer manufacturer uses one of these multiple print heads and applies the optimal impact position adjustment information to another head B, which has a lower ejection speed than head A, the actual impact position will still be inaccurate.

[0106] Thus, the optimal impact point adjustment information varies depending on the combination of print head, ink, and temperature adopted by the printer manufacturer. This can be difficult for printer manufacturers to determine. On the other hand, even if print head manufacturers attempt to provide impact point adjustment information based on the print head, ink, and temperature in advance, these can be arbitrarily determined by the printer manufacturer, making it difficult to recognize this at the time of print head manufacturing and sales. Therefore, it has also been difficult for print head manufacturers to provide appropriate impact point adjustment information.

[0107] In light of this, in this embodiment, as described above, the first processing unit 200_1 located at the printer manufacturer's location and the server 300 provided, maintained, and managed by the head manufacturer are connected via a communication network NW, allowing the printer manufacturer to directly input information such as the head, ink, and temperature used by the printer manufacturer to the head manufacturer's server 300. This makes it possible for the head manufacturer to easily provide appropriate impact position adjustment information according to the head, ink, temperature, etc., to the printer manufacturer, thereby reducing the burden on the printer manufacturer.

[0108] Specifically, in this embodiment, the first processing unit 200 outputs first output information D1a related to the head unit 110, second output information D1b related to the ink, and third output information D1c related to the temperature to the server 300. The server 300 then uses the corresponding information D4 to calculate input information D2 (including first input information D2a, second input information D2b, and third input information D2c) corresponding to the input first output information D1a, second output information D1b, and third output information D1c, and outputs the result to the first processing unit 200.

[0109] 1-5a. Generation of the first input information D2a (Example 1) As Example 1 of the first embodiment, the case in which the drive timing is varied according to the first output information D1a, the second output information D1b, and the third output information D1c is described below. Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating information D4a, which shows the correspondence between output information D1 and first input information D2a, among the information contained in correspondence information D4. Information D4a is used when first input information D2a is generated based on output information D1 in step S104 described above. Figure 7 illustrates the correspondence between first output information D1a, second output information D1b, third output information D1c, and first input information D2a. Note that for the sake of explanation, information D4a is shown in a simplified form in Figure 7, and in reality, information D4a will differ from the example shown in Figure 7 depending on the situation of the assumed printer manufacturer, etc.

[0110] In Figure 7, the first column from the left, "High Discharge Performance" and "Low Discharge Performance," represent the discharge characteristics indicated by the first output information D1a, with "High Discharge Performance" indicating a higher discharge characteristic than "Low Discharge Performance." In other words, if the head unit 110 indicated by the first output information D1a is a head unit with high discharge performance, it means that in Figure 7, one of the first input information D2a corresponding to "High Discharge Performance" is used. Conversely, if the head unit 110 indicated by the first output information D1a is a head unit with low discharge performance, it means that one of the first input information D2a corresponding to "Low Discharge Performance" is used in Figure 7. Of the two different discharge characteristics, the one with a faster ink discharge speed from the nozzle has a higher discharge characteristic than the one with a slower discharge speed. Note that the discharge speed is, for example, the initial speed or the average speed at a predetermined distance from the nozzle. Furthermore, the classification does not have to be limited to two stages, "High Discharge Performance" and "Low Discharge Performance," but may be further subdivided into three or more stages. Here, "low discharge performance" is an example of "first discharge characteristics," and "low discharge characteristics" is an example of "second discharge characteristics." Of the two different discharge characteristics, the one with a higher maximum discharge amount per pixel from the nozzle has higher discharge characteristics than the one with a lower maximum discharge amount.

[0111] In Figure 7, the "High Viscosity" and "Low Viscosity" columns in the second column from the left represent the viscosity indicated by the second output information D1b, with "High Viscosity" indicating a higher viscosity than "Low Viscosity." Here, "Low Viscosity" is an example of "First Viscosity," and "High Viscosity" is an example of "Second Viscosity." Furthermore, whether the viscosity is high or low can be determined specifically by whether the viscosity is above or below a predetermined threshold. Also, the classification does not have to be limited to just two stages, "High Viscosity" and "Low Viscosity," but can be further subdivided into three or more stages.

[0112] In Figure 7, the "High Temperature" and "Low Temperature" columns in the third column from the left represent the temperatures indicated by the third output information D1c, with "High Temperature" indicating a higher temperature than "Low Temperature." Here, "Low Temperature" is an example of the "First Temperature," and "High Temperature" is an example of the "Second Temperature." Specifically, whether a temperature is high or low can be determined by whether it is above or below a predetermined threshold. Furthermore, the classification does not have to be limited to just two stages, "High Temperature" and "Low Temperature," but can be further subdivided into three or more stages.

[0113] In Figure 7, the numbers "-3" to "+3" in the fourth column from the left represent the drive timing [0.1 seconds] indicated by the first input information D2a. In the example shown in Figure 7, the reference timing is set to "0", "+" indicates a timing later than the reference timing, and "-" indicates a timing earlier than the reference timing. For example, "+3" indicates a timing 0.3 seconds later than the reference timing.

[0114] In step S104 described above, the arithmetic unit 353 of the server 300 generates the first input information D2a by using the information D4a shown in Figure 7 and selecting one of "-3" to "+3" as the driving timing for the driving element 111f, based on the first output information D1a, second output information D1b, and third output information D1c from the second input unit 352.

[0115] Specifically, if the discharge characteristics indicated by the first output information D1a are "high discharge performance", the viscosity indicated by the second output information D1b is "low viscosity", and the temperature indicated by the third output information D1c is "high temperature", then "+3" is selected as the first input information D2a. If the discharge characteristics indicated by the first output information D1a are "high discharge performance", the viscosity indicated by the second output information D1b is "low viscosity", and the temperature indicated by the third output information D1c is "low temperature", then "+1" is selected as the first input information D2a. If the discharge characteristics indicated by the first output information D1a are "high discharge performance", the viscosity indicated by the second output information D1b is "high viscosity", and the temperature indicated by the third output information D1c is "high temperature", then "+2" is selected as the first input information D2a. If the discharge characteristics indicated by the first output information D1a are "high discharge performance", the viscosity indicated by the second output information D1b is "high viscosity", and the temperature indicated by the third output information D1c is "low temperature", then "±0" is selected as the first input information D2a. If the discharge characteristics indicated by the first output information D1a are "low discharge performance", the viscosity indicated by the second output information D1b is "low viscosity", and the temperature indicated by the third output information D1c is "high temperature", then "±0" is selected as the first input information D2a. If the discharge characteristics indicated by the first output information D1a are "low discharge performance", the viscosity indicated by the second output information D1b is "low viscosity", and the temperature indicated by the third output information D1c is "low temperature", then "-2" is selected as the first input information D2a. If the discharge characteristics indicated by the first output information D1a are "low discharge performance", the viscosity indicated by the second output information D1b is "high viscosity", and the temperature indicated by the third output information D1c is "high temperature", then "-1" is selected as the first input information D2a. If the discharge characteristics indicated by the first output information D1a are "low discharge performance", the viscosity indicated by the second output information D1b is "high viscosity", and the temperature indicated by the third output information D1c is "low temperature", then "-3" is selected as the first input information D2a.

[0119] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the drive timing t based on the first input information D2a. In Figure 8, the ideal position P0, a position P1 that is shifted from the ideal position P0, and a corrected position P1a based on the first input information D2a are shown for the ink landing position from the head unit 110 to the media M.

[0120] To explain in more detail, as shown in the upper part of Figure 8, with the drive timing t set to a reference value of 0, the ink ejection speed from the head unit 110 when the ink ejected from the head unit 110 lands at the ideal position P0 on the media M is speed VD0. Here, if the scanning speed of the head unit 110 is speed VS0, the ink lands on the media M at the intersection of the combined vector VC0 of speeds VS0 and speed VD0 or its extension with the media M. This intersection is the ideal position P0. The distance between the head unit 110 and the media M is the gap 0.

[0121] As shown in the middle section of Figure 8, when the ink ejection speed from the head unit 110 is speed VD1, which is different from speed VD0, and other conditions are the same as those in the upper section of Figure 8, the ink from the head unit 110 lands at position P1, which is a distance ΔL1 away from the ideal position P0 on the media M. In the example shown in Figure 8, speed VD1 is slower than speed VD0. Therefore, position P1 is further from the head unit 110 than the ideal position P0.

[0122] Therefore, if the ink ejection speed VD1 from the head unit 110 is different from speed VD0, the calculation unit 353 generates first input information D2a that adjusts the ink ejection timing from the head unit 110 so that the ink from the head unit 110 lands at the ideal position P0 on the media M. If the head unit 110 uses multiple types of ink, this adjustment may be performed for each type of ink.

[0123] In the example shown in Figure 8, the timing of ink ejection from the head unit 110 is adjusted to be earlier. That is, as shown in the lower part of Figure 8, the drive timing t is set so that the position P1a, which is the intersection point of the combined vector VC1 of speeds VS0 and VD1 or its extension with the media M, becomes the ideal position P0. In Figure 8, the case where t = -3 is illustrated. First input information D2a indicating such a drive timing t is generated by the calculation unit 353.

[0124] 1-5b. Generation of the second input information D2b (Example 2) As an embodiment 2 of the first embodiment, the case in which the scanning speed is varied according to the first output information D1a, the second output information D1b, and the third output information D1c is described below.

[0125] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating information D4b, which shows the correspondence between output information D1 and second input information D2b, among the information contained in correspondence information D4. Information D4b is used when generating second input information D2b based on output information D1 in step S104 described above. Figure 9 illustrates the correspondence between first output information D1a, second output information D1b, third output information D1c, and second input information D2b. Note that for the sake of explanation, information D4b is shown in a simplified form in Figure 9, and in reality, information D4b will differ from the example shown in Figure 9 depending on the situation of the assumed printer manufacturer, etc.

[0126] In Figure 9, the numbers "35" to "50" in the fourth column from the left represent the scanning speed [inches / second] indicated by the second input information D2b.

[0127] In step S104 described above, the arithmetic unit 353 of the server 300 generates second input information D2b by selecting one of "35" to "50" as the scanning speed of the head unit 110, based on the first output information D1a, second output information D1b, and third output information D1c from the second input unit 352, using the information D4b as shown in Figure 9.

[0128] Specifically, if the discharge characteristics indicated by the first output information D1a are "high discharge performance", the viscosity indicated by the second output information D1b is "low viscosity", and the temperature indicated by the third output information D1c is "high temperature", then "50" is selected as the second input information D2b. If the discharge characteristics indicated by the first output information D1a are "high discharge performance", the viscosity indicated by the second output information D1b is "low viscosity", and the temperature indicated by the third output information D1c is "low temperature", then "45" is selected as the second input information D2b. If the discharge characteristics indicated by the first output information D1a are "high discharge performance", the viscosity indicated by the second output information D1b is "high viscosity", and the temperature indicated by the third output information D1c is "high temperature", then "48" is selected as the second input information D2b. If the discharge characteristics indicated by the first output information D1a are "high discharge performance", the viscosity indicated by the second output information D1b is "high viscosity", and the temperature indicated by the third output information D1c is "low temperature", then "43" is selected as the second input information D2b. If the discharge characteristics indicated by the first output information D1a are "low discharge performance", the viscosity indicated by the second output information D1b is "low viscosity", and the temperature indicated by the third output information D1c is "high temperature", then "42" is selected as the second input information D2b. If the discharge characteristics indicated by the first output information D1a are "low discharge performance", the viscosity indicated by the second output information D1b is "low viscosity", and the temperature indicated by the third output information D1c is "low temperature", then "37" is selected as the second input information D2b. If the discharge characteristics indicated by the first output information D1a are "low discharge performance", the viscosity indicated by the second output information D1b is "high viscosity", and the temperature indicated by the third output information D1c is "high temperature", then "40" is selected as the second input information D2b. If the discharge characteristics indicated by the first output information D1a are "low discharge performance", the viscosity indicated by the second output information D1b is "high viscosity", and the temperature indicated by the third output information D1c is "low temperature", then "35" is selected as the second input information D2b.

[0132] Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating the scanning speed based on the second input information D2b. In Figure 10, the ideal position P0, a position P2 that is shifted from the ideal position P0, and a corrected position P2a based on the second input information D2b are shown for the ink landing position from the head unit 110 onto the media M.

[0133] To explain in more detail, the upper part of Figure 10, similar to the upper part of Figure 8 mentioned above, shows that the drive timing t is set to a reference value of 0, and the ink ejected from the head unit 110 lands at the ideal position P0 on the media M, with speed VD0 being the ejection speed of the ink from the head unit 110.

[0134] As shown in the middle section of Figure 10, when the ink ejection speed from the head unit 110 is speed VD2, which is different from speed VD0, and other conditions are the same as those in the upper section of Figure 10, the ink from the head unit 110 lands at position P2, which is shifted by a distance ΔL2 from the ideal position P0 on the media M. In the example shown in Figure 10, speed VD2 is faster than speed VD0. Therefore, position P2 is closer to the head unit 110 than the ideal position P0.

[0135] Therefore, if the ink ejection speed from the head unit 110 is a different speed VD2 from speed VD0, the calculation unit 353 generates second input information D2b which adjusts the scanning speed of the head unit 110 so that the ink from the head unit 110 lands at the ideal position P0 on the media M.

[0136] In the example shown in Figure 10, the scanning speed of the head unit 110 is adjusted to be faster. That is, as shown in the lower part of Figure 10, the speed VD2 is set so that the position P2a, which is the intersection point of the composite vector VC2 of speeds VS0 and VD2 or its extension with the media M, becomes the ideal position P0. Second input information D2b indicating this scanning speed is generated by the calculation unit 353.

[0137] 1-5c. Generation of the third input information D2c (Example 3) As an embodiment 3 of the first embodiment, the case in which the distance between the head unit 110 and the media M is varied according to the first output information D1a, the second output information D1b, and the third output information D1c is described below.

[0138] Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating information D4c, which shows the correspondence between output information D1 and third input information D2c, among the information contained in correspondence information D4. Information D4c is used when generating third input information D2c based on output information D1 in step S104 described above. Figure 11 illustrates the correspondence between first output information D1a, second output information D1b, third output information D1c, and third input information D2c. Note that for the sake of explanation, information D4c is shown in a simplified form in Figure 11, and in reality, information D4c will differ from the example shown in Figure 11 depending on the situation of the assumed printer manufacturer, etc.

[0139] In Figure 11, the numbers "19" to "30" in the fourth column from the left represent the interval [mm] indicated by the third input information D2c.

[0140] In step S104 described above, the arithmetic unit 353 of the server 300 generates third input information D2c by selecting one of "19" to "30" as the interval between the head unit 110 and the media M, based on the first output information D1a, second output information D1b, and third output information D1c from the second input unit 352, using the information D4c as shown in Figure 11.

[0141] Specifically, if the discharge characteristics indicated by the first output information D1a are "high discharge performance", the viscosity indicated by the second output information D1b is "low viscosity", and the temperature indicated by the third output information D1c is "high temperature", then "30" is selected as the third input information D2c. If the discharge characteristics indicated by the first output information D1a are "high discharge performance", the viscosity indicated by the second output information D1b is "low viscosity", and the temperature indicated by the third output information D1c is "low temperature", then "27" is selected as the third input information D2c. If the discharge characteristics indicated by the first output information D1a are "high discharge performance", the viscosity indicated by the second output information D1b is "high viscosity", and the temperature indicated by the third output information D1c is "high temperature", then "29" is selected as the third input information D2c. If the discharge characteristics indicated by the first output information D1a are "high discharge performance", the viscosity indicated by the second output information D1b is "high viscosity", and the temperature indicated by the third output information D1c is "low temperature", then "24" is selected as the third input information D2c. If the discharge characteristics indicated by the first output information D1a are "low discharge performance", the viscosity indicated by the second output information D1b is "low viscosity", and the temperature indicated by the third output information D1c is "high temperature", then "25" is selected as the third input information D2c. If the discharge characteristics indicated by the first output information D1a are "low discharge performance", the viscosity indicated by the second output information D1b is "low viscosity", and the temperature indicated by the third output information D1c is "low temperature", then "22" is selected as the third input information D2c. If the discharge characteristics indicated by the first output information D1a are "low discharge performance", the viscosity indicated by the second output information D1b is "high viscosity", and the temperature indicated by the third output information D1c is "high temperature", then "24" is selected as the third input information D2c. If the discharge characteristics indicated by the first output information D1a are "low discharge performance", the viscosity indicated by the second output information D1b is "high viscosity", and the temperature indicated by the third output information D1c is "low temperature", then "19" is selected as the third input information D2c.

[0145] Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating the interval based on the third input information D2c. In Figure 12, the ideal position P0, a position P3 that is shifted from the ideal position P0, and a position P3a corrected based on the third input information D2c are shown for the ink landing position from the head unit 110 to the media M.

[0146] To explain in more detail, the upper part of Figure 12, similar to the upper part of Figure 8 mentioned above, shows that the drive timing t is set to a reference value of 0, and the ink ejected from the head unit 110 lands at the ideal position P0 on the media M, with speed VD0 being the ejection speed of the ink from the head unit 110.

[0147] As shown in the middle section of Figure 12, when the ink ejection speed from the head unit 110 is speed VD3, which is different from speed VD0, and other conditions are the same as in the upper section of Figure 12, the ink from the head unit 110 lands at position P3, which is a distance ΔL3 away from the ideal position P0 on the media M. In the example shown in Figure 12, speed VD3 is faster than speed VD0. Therefore, position P3 is closer to the head unit 110 than the ideal position P0.

[0148] Therefore, if the ink ejection speed from the head unit 110 is a speed VD3 which is different from speed VD0, the calculation unit 353 generates a third input information D2c which adjusts the distance between the head unit 110 and the media M so that the ink from the head unit 110 lands at the ideal position P0 on the media M.

[0149] In the example shown in Figure 12, the distance between the head unit 110 and the media M is adjusted to be longer. That is, as shown in the lower part of Figure 12, the distance between the head unit 110 and the media M is set to a gap 1 such that position P3a, which is the intersection point of the composite vector VC3 of speeds VS0 and VD3 or its extension with the media M, becomes the ideal position P0. A third input information D2c indicating this gap 1 is generated by the calculation unit 353.

[0150] 1-6. Summary of the First Embodiment As described above, the inkjet system 10 includes a head unit 110, an acquisition unit 251, a first output unit 252, a first input unit 253, and a determination unit 254. The head unit 110 includes a nozzle N for ejecting ink, a pressure chamber C communicating with the nozzle N, and a drive element 111f that provides pressure fluctuations to the ink in the pressure chamber C by supplying a drive pulse PD. The acquisition unit 251 acquires output information D1 which includes one or both of the first output information D1a related to the head unit 110 and the second output information D1b related to the ink used in the head unit 110. The first connection unit 231 is network-connected to enable communication with the server 300. The first output unit 252 outputs the output information D1 to the server 300 via the first connection unit 231. Input information D2 is input to the first input unit 253 from the server 300 via the first connection unit 231. The determination unit 254 determines the recording conditions for the printing process based on the input information D2. Here, the recording conditions include at least one of the following: the drive timing of the drive element 111f, the scanning speed of the head unit 110, and the distance between the head unit 110 and the media.

[0151] In the inkjet system 10 described above, the first output unit 252 outputs output information D1 to the server 300 via the first connection unit 231, so that the output information D1 can be provided to the head manufacturer. Therefore, by utilizing the head manufacturer's expertise in addition to the output information D1, input information D2 can be efficiently obtained as information necessary to determine the recording conditions for the printing process. Then, the determination unit 254 determines the recording conditions for the printing process based on the input information D2 input from the server 300 to the first input unit 253 via the first connection unit 231, so that the recording conditions for the printing process can be determined while reducing the burden on the printer manufacturer.

[0152] In this embodiment, output information D1 includes first output information D1a, which is information relating to the ejection characteristics of the head unit 110; second output information D1b, which is information relating to the viscosity of the ink; and third output information D1c, which is information relating to the temperature of the ink used in the head unit 110. Note that output information D1 may include one or both of the first output information D1a and the second output information D1b, and may not include the third output information D1c.

[0153] In this embodiment, each of Examples 1 to 3 describes a case where the drive timing, scanning speed, or interval is different depending on the first output information D1a, second output information D1b, or third output information D1c. However, multiple examples from Examples 1 to 3 may be combined. For example, the combination of drive timing and scanning speed may be different depending on the first output information D1a, second output information D1b, or third output information D1c. Alternatively, the combination of drive timing, scanning speed, and interval may be different depending on the first output information D1a, second output information D1b, or third output information D1c.

[0154] As described above, when the determination unit 254 determines the drive timing of the drive element 111f as a recording condition for the printing process based on the input information D2, if the drive timing when the ejection characteristic indicated by the first output information D1a is the first ejection characteristic is defined as the first drive timing, then if the ejection characteristic indicated by the first output information D1a is the second ejection characteristic which is higher than the first ejection characteristic, then the drive timing when the ejection characteristic is the second ejection characteristic which is higher than the first drive timing is the second drive timing which is later than the first drive timing. Therefore, the impact position from the head unit 110 onto the media M can be brought closer to the ideal position.

[0155] Furthermore, as described above, when the determination unit 254 determines the drive timing of the drive element 111f as a recording condition for the printing process based on the input information D2, if the drive timing when the viscosity indicated by the second output information D1b is the first viscosity is set as the third drive timing, then the drive timing when the viscosity indicated by the second output information D1b is the second viscosity, which is higher than the first viscosity, is the fourth drive timing, which is earlier than the third drive timing. As a result, the impact position from the head unit 110 onto the media M can be brought closer to the ideal position.

[0156] Furthermore, as described above, when the determination unit 254 determines the drive timing of the drive element 111f as a recording condition for the printing process based on the input information D2, if the drive timing when the temperature indicated by the third output information D1c is the first temperature is set as the fifth drive timing, then the drive timing when the temperature indicated by the third output information D1c is the second temperature, which is higher than the first temperature, is the sixth drive timing, which is later than the fifth drive timing. Therefore, the impact position from the head unit 110 onto the media M can be brought closer to the ideal position.

[0157] As described above, when the determination unit 254 determines the scanning speed of the head unit 110 as a recording condition for the printing process based on the input information D2, if the scanning speed when the ejection characteristic indicated by the first output information D1a is the first ejection characteristic is defined as the first scanning speed, then if the ejection characteristic indicated by the first output information D1a is a second ejection characteristic which is higher than the first ejection characteristic, then the scanning speed when the ejection characteristic indicated by the first output information D1a is a second ejection characteristic which is faster than the first scanning speed is defined as the second scanning speed which is faster than the first scanning speed. In this case, the point of impact from the head unit 110 onto the media M can be brought closer to the ideal position.

[0158] Furthermore, as described above, when the determination unit 254 determines the scanning speed of the head unit 110 as a recording condition for the printing process based on the input information D2, if the scanning speed when the viscosity indicated by the second output information D1b is the first viscosity is set as the third scanning speed, then the scanning speed when the viscosity indicated by the second output information D1b is the second viscosity, which is higher than the first viscosity, is the fourth scanning speed, which is faster than the third scanning speed. Therefore, the point of impact from the head unit 110 onto the media M can be brought closer to the ideal position.

[0159] Furthermore, as described above, when the determination unit 254 determines the scanning speed of the head unit 110 as a recording condition for the printing process based on the input information D2, if the scanning speed when the temperature indicated by the third output information D1c is the first temperature is set as the fifth scanning speed, then the scanning speed when the temperature indicated by the third output information D1c is a second temperature higher than the first temperature is a sixth scanning speed that is faster than the fifth scanning speed. Therefore, the point of impact from the head unit 110 onto the media M can be brought closer to the ideal position.

[0160] As described above, when the determination unit 254 determines the distance between the head unit 110 and the media as a recording condition for the printing process based on the input information D2, if the distance when the ejection characteristic indicated by the first output information D1a is the first ejection characteristic is defined as the first distance, then if the ejection characteristic indicated by the first output information D1a is the second ejection characteristic which is higher than the first ejection characteristic, then the distance when the ejection characteristic is the second ejection characteristic which is higher than the first distance is defined as the second distance which is longer than the first distance. Therefore, the point of impact from the head unit 110 onto the media M can be brought closer to the ideal position.

[0161] Furthermore, as described above, when the determination unit 254 determines the distance between the head unit 110 and the media as a recording condition for the printing process based on the input information D2, if the distance when the viscosity indicated by the second output information D1b is the first viscosity is set as the third distance, then the distance when the viscosity indicated by the second output information D1b is the second viscosity, which is higher than the first viscosity, is the fourth distance, which is shorter than the third distance. Therefore, the point of impact from the head unit 110 onto the media M can be brought closer to the ideal position.

[0162] Furthermore, as described above, when the determination unit 254 determines the distance between the head unit 110 and the media as a recording condition for the printing process based on the input information D2, if the distance when the temperature indicated by the third output information D1c is the first temperature is set as the fifth distance, then the distance when the temperature indicated by the third output information D1c is a second temperature higher than the first temperature is set as the sixth distance, which is longer than the fifth distance. Therefore, the point of impact from the head unit 110 onto the media M can be brought closer to the ideal position.

[0163] As described above, the inkjet system 10 further includes a reception unit 255 that receives instructions from the user regarding whether or not to perform printing under the recording conditions indicated by input information D2. If the reception unit 255 receives an instruction to perform printing under the recording conditions indicated by input information D2, the decision unit 254 decides to perform printing under the recording conditions indicated by input information D2. On the other hand, if the reception unit 255 receives an instruction not to perform printing under the recording conditions indicated by input information D2, the decision unit 254 decides to perform printing under different recording conditions entered by the user. In this way, by having the decision unit 254 make a decision based on the instructions received by the reception unit 255, the convenience of the printer manufacturer can be enhanced.

[0164] As mentioned above, the inkjet system 10 includes an ink ejector 100, a first processing unit 200, and a server 300. The ink ejector 100 includes a head unit 110. The first processing unit 200 is connected to the ink ejector 100 and includes a display device 210, which is an example of a "display unit" that displays information related to the ink ejector 100. Therefore, the ink ejector 100 can perform printing based on recorded data DP from the first processing unit 200. In addition, various types of information can be communicated between the ink ejector 100 and the first processing unit 200. Furthermore, various types of information necessary for the user of the ink ejector 100 can be notified via the display device 210.

[0165] As mentioned above, the server 300 includes a memory circuit 340, which is an example of a "storage unit," and an arithmetic unit 353. The memory circuit 340 stores in advance correspondence information D4, which relates to the correspondence between output information D1 and the recording conditions for the printing process to be executed. The arithmetic unit 353 performs calculations to generate input information D2 based on the output information D1 and the correspondence information D4. In this configuration, where input information D2 is generated using the correspondence information D4, input information D2 can be generated quickly.

[0166] 2. Second Embodiment The following describes a second embodiment of this disclosure. For elements whose operation or function is the same as in the first embodiment in the embodiments described below, the reference numerals used in the description of the first embodiment will be reused, and detailed descriptions of each will be omitted as appropriate.

[0167] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example configuration of the inkjet system 10A according to the second embodiment. The inkjet system 10A is configured in the same way as the first embodiment described above, except that it has ink ejectors 100A_1 to 100A_3 and first processing units 200A_1 to 200A_3 instead of ink ejectors 100_1 to 100_3 and first processing units 200_1 to 200_3.

[0168] Ink ejector 100A_1 is communicatively connected to the first processing unit 200A_1 and also communicatively connected to the server 300 via the communication network NW. Ink ejector 100A_2 is communicatively connected to the first processing unit 200A_2 and also communicatively connected to the server 300 via the communication network NW. Ink ejector 100A_3 is communicatively connected to the first processing unit 200A_3 and also communicatively connected to the server 300 via the communication network NW. Thus, ink ejector 100A_1 to 100A_3 correspond to the first processing units 200A_1 to 200A_3 respectively, and are communicatively connected to the first processing units 200A_1 to 200A_3 and also communicatively connected to the server 300 via the communication network NW. Hereafter, ink ejector 100A_1 to 100A_3 may be referred to simply as ink ejector 100A without distinction. Sometimes, the first processing units 200A_1 to 200A_3 are referred to simply as the first processing unit 200A without distinction.

[0169] In the example shown in Figure 13, the inkjet system 10A has three ink ejectors 100A and three first processing units 200A, but this number is not limited to these three and may be one, two, or four or more. In other words, the number of sets of ink ejectors 100A and first processing units 200A is not limited to three sets, but may be one, two, or four or more sets.

[0170] The ink ejection device 100A is configured similarly to the ink ejection device 100 of the first embodiment described above, except that it has a head unit 110A instead of the head unit 110. The head unit 110 is the same as the head unit 110 except that it has an added function for determining the recording conditions of the printing process. Details of the ink ejection device 100A will be described later with reference to Figure 14.

[0171] The ink ejector 100A outputs output information D1 to the server 300 and receives input information D2 from the server 300. Based on the input information D2, the ink ejector 100A determines the recording conditions for the printing process.

[0172] The first processing unit 200A is configured in the same manner as the first processing unit 200 of the first embodiment described above, except that the function for determining the recording conditions for the printing process is omitted.

[0173] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of an ink ejection device 100A used in an inkjet system 10A according to the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 14, the head unit 110A of the ink ejection device 100A is configured in the same way as the head unit 110 of the first embodiment, except that it has a control module 110c instead of a control module 110b. The control module 110c is configured in the same way as the control module 110b, except that it has a communication device 115, a memory circuit 116, and a processing circuit 117 added to it.

[0174] The communication device 115 is a circuit capable of communicating with the server 300. For example, the communication device 115 is a wireless or wired LAN, USB, or other interface. The communication device 115 transmits output information D1 and receives input information D2 through communication with the server 300. That is, the communication device 115 functions as a first connection part 115a that is connected to the server 300 in a manner that enables communication, similar to the first connection part 231 in the first embodiment.

[0175] The memory circuit 116 is a device that stores various programs executed by the processing circuit 117 and various data processed by the processing circuit 117. The memory circuit 116 has, for example, a semiconductor memory.

[0176] The memory circuit 116 stores the same information DG as shown in Figure 4 above. Specifically, the memory circuit 116 stores the program PG1, output information D1, and input information D2.

[0177] The processing circuit 117 is a device that has the function of controlling each part of the control module 110c and processing various data. The processing circuit 117 has one or more processors, such as a CPU. The processing circuit 117 may be configured together with the memory circuit 116, or it may be composed of hardware such as a DSP, ASIC, PLD, FPGA, etc.

[0178] The processing circuit 117 functions as an acquisition unit 117a, a first output unit 117b, a first input unit 117c, and a determination unit 117d by reading and executing the program PG1 from the memory circuit 116.

[0179] The acquisition unit 117a acquires output information D1, similar to the acquisition unit 251 in the first embodiment. The first output unit 117b outputs output information D1 via the first connection unit 115a, similar to the first output unit 252 in the first embodiment. Input information D2 is input to the first input unit 117c via the first connection unit 115a, similar to the first input unit 253 in the first embodiment. The determination unit 117d determines the recording conditions for the printing process based on the input information D2, similar to the determination unit 254 in the first embodiment.

[0180] Figure 15 is a flowchart showing the processing of the inkjet system 10A according to the second embodiment. In the inkjet system 10A, first, as shown in Figure 15, in step S201, the ink ejector 100A acquires output information D1. Then, in step S202, the ink ejector 100A outputs the output information D1 to the server 300.

[0181] Next, in step S203, the server 300 receives output information D1. Then, in step S204, the server 300 generates input information D2 based on the output information D1. After that, in step S205, the server 300 outputs the input information D2 to the ink ejector 100A.

[0182] Next, in step S206, the ink ejector 100A inputs input information D2. Then, in step S207, the ink ejector 100A determines the recording conditions for the printing process based on the input information D2.

[0183] Similar to the first embodiment, the second embodiment also allows for the determination of printing process recording conditions while reducing the burden on the printer manufacturer. In this embodiment, as described above, the first input unit 117c and the first connection unit 115a are provided on the ink ejector 100A. Therefore, input information D2 from the server 300 can be input to the ink ejector 100A. Accordingly, by providing a determination unit 117d on the ink ejector 100A, the information regarding the printing process recording conditions determined by the determination unit 117d can be used by the ink ejector 100A. Furthermore, since it is not necessary to incorporate a program for determining the printing process recording conditions into the first processing unit 200A, the burden on the printer manufacturer or user can also be reduced in this respect.

[0184] 3. Third Embodiment A third embodiment of this disclosure will be described below. For elements whose operation or function is the same as in the first embodiment in the embodiments described below, the reference numerals used in the description of the first embodiment will be reused, and detailed descriptions of each will be omitted as appropriate.

[0185] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram showing an example configuration of the inkjet system 10B according to the third embodiment. The inkjet system 10B is configured in the same way as the first embodiment described above, except that it has first processing units 200B_1 to 200B_3 instead of first processing units 200_1 to 200_3, and second processing units 500_1 to 500_3 are added.

[0186] The second processing unit 500_1 is connected to the first processing unit 200B_1 in a communicative manner, and is also connected to the server 300 in a communicative manner via the communication network NW. The second processing unit 500_2 is connected to the first processing unit 200B_2 in a communicative manner, and is also connected to the server 300 in a communicative manner via the communication network NW. The second processing unit 500_3 is connected to the first processing unit 200B_3 in a communicative manner, and is also connected to the server 300 in a communicative manner via the communication network NW. Thus, the second processing units 500_1 to 500_3 correspond to the first processing units 200B_1 to 200B_3 respectively, and are connected to the first processing units 200B_1 to 200B_3 in a communicative manner, and are also connected to the server 300 in a communicative manner via the communication network NW. Hereafter, the second processing units 500_1 to 500_3 may be referred to simply as the second processing unit 500 without distinction. Sometimes, the first processing units 200B_1 to 200B_3 are referred to simply as the first processing unit 200B without distinction.

[0187] In the example shown in Figure 16, the inkjet system 10B has three second processing units 500, three ink ejectors 100, and three first processing units 200B. However, the number is not limited to these three units; it may be one, two, or four or more. In other words, the number of sets of the second processing unit 500, the ink ejectors 100, and the first processing unit 200B is not limited to three sets; it may be one, two, or four or more sets.

[0188] The first processing unit 200B is configured similarly to the first processing unit 200 of the first embodiment, except that it is connected to the second processing unit 500 and the ink ejection unit 100 in a communicative manner.

[0189] The second processing unit 500 is a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet, and is configured to communicate with both the server 300 and the first processing unit 200B. The second processing unit 500 acquires output information D1, outputs output information D1 to the server 300, and receives input information D2 from the server 300.

[0190] The first processing unit 200B is configured in the same way as the first processing unit 200 of the first embodiment. However, the first processing unit 200B uses the determination unit 254 instead of the acquisition unit 251, the first output unit 252, the first input unit 253, and the determination unit 254. Therefore, in the first processing unit 200B, at least one of the acquisition unit 251, the first output unit 252, and the first input unit 253 may be omitted.

[0191] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram showing an example configuration of a second processing unit 500 used in the inkjet system 10B according to the third embodiment. The second processing unit 500 includes a display device 510, an input device 520, a communication device 530, a storage circuit 540, and a processing circuit 550. These are connected to each other in a way that allows them to communicate with one another.

[0192] The display device 510 displays various images under the control of the processing circuit 550. Here, the display device 510 has various display panels, such as a liquid crystal display panel or an organic EL (electro-luminescence) display panel.

[0193] The input device 520 is a device that accepts operations from the user. For example, the input device 520 has a pointing device such as a touch panel. In this case, if the input device 520 has a touch panel, it is configured integrally with the display device 510.

[0194] The communication device 530 is a circuit capable of communicating with both the first processing unit 200B and the server 300. The communication device 530 is an interface such as NFC (Near Field Communication), BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, wireless or wired LAN, or USB. Note that NFC, BLE, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth are registered trademarks.

[0195] The communication device 530 transmits output information D1 and receives input information D2 through communication with the server 300. In other words, the communication device 530 functions as a first connection unit 531 that is communicatively connected to the server 300. The communication device 530 also functions as a short-range connection unit 532 that is communicatively connected to the first processing unit 200B via short-range wireless communication, and transmits input information D2 to the first processing unit 200B through this function. The communication device 530 may be integrated with the processing circuit 550.

[0196] The memory circuit 540 is a device that stores various programs executed by the processing circuit 550 and various data processed by the processing circuit 550. The memory circuit 540 includes, for example, a semiconductor memory.

[0197] The memory circuit 540 of this embodiment stores the program PG1, output information D1, and input information D2.

[0198] The processing circuit 550 is a device that has the function of controlling each part of the second processing unit 500 and the function of processing various data. The processing circuit 550 has one or more processors, such as a CPU. Some or all of the functions of the processing circuit 550 may be implemented in hardware such as a DSP, ASIC, PLD, FPGA, etc.

[0199] The processing circuit 550 functions as an acquisition unit 551, a first output unit 552, and a first input unit 553 by reading and executing the program PG1 from the storage circuit 540. In this embodiment, the program PG1 stored in the storage circuit 540 does not implement the function equivalent to the determination unit 254 of the first embodiment in the processing circuit 550, but the processing circuit 550 may implement the function equivalent to the determination unit 254. If the processing circuit 550 implements the function equivalent to the determination unit 254, the determination of the recording conditions for the printing process may be performed by the second processing unit 500 instead of the first processing unit 200B.

[0200] The acquisition unit 551 acquires output information D1, similar to the acquisition unit 251 in the first embodiment. In this embodiment, as will be explained later with reference to Figures 19 and 20, an image for the GUI for acquiring output information D1 is displayed on the display device 510, and based on the input result to the input device 520, the acquisition unit 251 acquires the first output information D1a, the second output information D1b, and the third output information D1c.

[0201] The first output unit 552 outputs output information D1 via the first connection unit 531. For example, the first output unit 552 triggers an instruction from a user using the input device 520 to output output information D1 to the first connection unit 531 toward the server 300.

[0202] Input information D2 is input to the first input unit 553 via the first connection unit 531. For example, input information D2 is input to the first input unit 553 via the first connection unit 531 from the server 300, triggered by user instructions using the input device 520.

[0203] Figure 18 is a flowchart showing the processing of the inkjet system 10B according to the third embodiment. In the inkjet system 10B, first, as shown in Figure 19, in step S301, the second processing unit 500 acquires output information D1. Then, in step S302, the second processing unit 500 outputs the output information D1 to the server 300.

[0204] Next, in step S303, the server 300 receives output information D1. Then, in step S304, the server 300 generates input information D2 based on the output information D1. After that, in step S305, the server 300 outputs the input information D2 to the second processing unit 500.

[0205] Next, in step S306, the second processing unit 500 receives input information D2. Then, in step S307, the second processing unit 500 outputs input information D2 to the first processing unit 200B.

[0206] Next, in step S308, the first processing unit 200B inputs input information D2. Then, in step S309, the first processing unit 200B determines the recording conditions for the printing process based on the input information D2.

[0207] The following describes the display transitions of the second processing unit 500 in the process shown in Figure 18, based on Figures 19 and 20. Figures 19 and 20 are diagrams illustrating the display transitions of the second processing unit 500. In the example shown in Figures 19 and 20, the input device 520 has a touch panel 521, a selection button 522, and a confirmation button 523. The touch panel 521 is stacked on the display device 510 and accepts input from, for example, the user's finger or a stylus. The selection button 522 is, for example, a directional pad and accepts the operation of selecting an item displayed on the display device 510. The confirmation button 523 accepts the operation of confirming the input content.

[0208] In step S301 described above, first, as shown in the upper left of Figure 19, images G1 to G3 are displayed on the display device 510. Image G1 displays a message asking whether or not to execute the process for determining the recording conditions of the print process. Image G2 is an image to accept that the process for determining the recording conditions of the print process will not be executed. Image G3 is an image to accept that the process for determining the recording conditions of the print process will be executed.

[0209] After image G2 is selected by operating the selection button 522, if the confirm button 523 is pressed while image G2 is selected, images G4 to G7 are displayed on the display device 510, as shown in the upper right of Figure 19. Image G4 displays information that prompts the operator of the second processing unit 500 to input data, etc., as necessary for determining the recording conditions of the print process. Image G5 is an image for receiving input of a data file used to determine the scanning speed of the head unit 110. Image G6 is an image for receiving input of a data file used to determine the gap between the head unit 110 and the media. Image G7 is an image for receiving input of a data file used to determine the drive timing of the drive element 111f. By operating on images G5 to G7, the data files necessary for determining the recording conditions of the print process are input. This makes it possible to determine the recording conditions of the print process using data, etc., held by the operator of the second processing unit 500.

[0210] On the other hand, after image G3 is selected by operating the selection button 522, if the confirm button 523 is pressed while image G3 is selected, images G9 to G11 are displayed on the display device 510, as shown in the lower left of Figure 19. Image G9 displays content prompting the input of identification information for the head unit 110. In the example shown in Figure 19, the user is prompted to input the product name as the identification information. Image G10 is an image for accepting the selection of one of several pieces of identification information. In the example shown in Figure 19, the product names, which are the multiple pieces of identification information, are displayed as "A head", "B head", "C head", and "other". Image G11 is an image for accepting the operation to confirm the input of the identification information selected in image G10.

[0211] After selecting one of the multiple identification information shown in image G10 and image G11 by operating the selection button 522, if the confirm button 523 is pressed while the selection is made, the selected identification information is acquired by the second processing unit 500 as the first output information D1a. If "Other" shown in image G10 is selected and the operation on image G11 is performed, the process of changing the multiple product names shown in image G10 to multiple product names other than "A head", "B head", and "C head" may be performed. In this case, it becomes possible to select one of the multiple product names.

[0212] Next, as shown in the lower center of Figure 19, images G12 to G14 are displayed on the display device 510. Image G12 displays a prompt to enter the name of the ink manufacturer. Image G13 is an image for accepting the selection of one of several ink manufacturers. In the example shown in Figure 19, the several ink manufacturers displayed are "Company A," "Company B," "Company C," and "Other." Here, one of "Company A," "Company B," and "Company C," for example, "Company A," is the manufacturer of the head unit 110. Image G14 is an image for accepting the operation to confirm the input of the manufacturer name selected in image G13.

[0213] After selecting one of the multiple manufacturers shown in image G13 and image G14 by operating the selection button 522, and then pressing the confirm button 523 while in that selected state, images G15 to G17 will be displayed on the display device 510, as shown in the lower right of Figure 19. If the operation of image G14 is performed while "Other" shown in image G13 is selected, the process of changing the multiple manufacturer names shown in image G13 to multiple manufacturer names other than "Company A", "Company B", and "Company C" may be performed. In this case, it becomes possible to select one of the multiple manufacturer names.

[0214] Image G15 displays a prompt to enter the ink product name. Image G16 is an image for accepting the selection of one of several product names from a manufacturer selected from the multiple manufacturers shown in Image G13. In the example shown in Figure 19, the multiple product names displayed are "Ink A," "Ink B," "Ink C," and "Other." Image G17 is an image for accepting the operation to confirm the input of the product name selected in Image G16.

[0215] After selecting one of the multiple product names shown in image G16 and image G17 by operating the selection button 522, if the OK button 523 is pressed while the selection is made, the information of the selected product name is acquired by the second processing unit 500 as second output information D1b. If the operation of image G17 is performed while "Other" shown in image G16 is selected, the process of changing the multiple product names shown in image G16 to multiple product names other than "A Ink", "B Ink", and "C Ink" may be performed. In this case, it becomes possible to select one of the multiple product names.

[0216] Next, as shown in the upper left of Figure 20, images G18 to G20 are displayed on the display device 510. Image G18 displays a prompt to input the operating environment temperature of the head unit 110. Image G19 is an image for accepting the selection of one of several temperature ranges. In the example shown in Figure 20, the multiple temperature ranges displayed are "less than 0°C", "0°C to 15°C", "15°C to 30°C", and "30°C or higher". Image G20 is an image for accepting the operation to confirm the input of the temperature range selected in image G19.

[0217] After selecting one of the multiple temperature ranges shown in image G19 and image G20 by operating the selection button 522, if the confirm button 523 is pressed while the selection is made, the information of the selected temperature range is acquired by the second processing unit 500 as third output information D1c. Note that image G19 may be a display that allows selection of a more finely divided temperature range than the example shown in Figure 20, or it may be a display for inputting the operating ambient temperature of the head unit 110 as a numerical value.

[0218] As described above, in step S301, output information D1, including the first output information D1a, the second output information D1b, and the third output information D1c, is acquired. Note that the order in which the first output information D1a, the second output information D1b, and the third output information D1c are acquired is not limited to the examples shown in Figures 19 and 20, but is arbitrary.

[0219] After obtaining output information D1, images G24 to G26 are displayed on the display device 510, as shown in the upper right of Figure 20. Image G24 displays a message asking whether or not to allow the transmission of output information D1 to the server 300. Image G25 is an image to accept that the transmission of output information D1 to the server 300 is not permitted. Image G26 is an image to accept that the transmission of output information D1 to the server 300 is permitted.

[0220] After image G25 is selected by operating the selection button 522, if the confirm button 523 is pressed while the image is selected, the display device 510 returns to the display state shown in the upper left of Figure 19 above.

[0221] On the other hand, after image G26 is selected by operating the selection button 522, if the confirm button 523 is pressed while the image is selected, output information D1 is sent to the server 300. This executes step S302 described above. Subsequently, as shown in the middle of Figure 20, image G27 is displayed on the display device 510. Image G27 indicates that the server 300 is currently processing input information D2.

[0222] If the server 300 is able to generate input information D2, images G28 to G32 will be displayed on the display device 510, as shown in the lower left of Figure 20. Image G28 is an image indicating that input information D2 has been input to the second processing unit 500. Image G29 is an image showing an overview of the contents of input information D2 input to the second processing unit 500. Image G30 is an image for receiving instructions to display details (preview, predicted evaluation value, etc.) of the contents of input information D2 input to the second processing unit 500. Image G31 is an image for receiving instructions to change the contents of image G29 to the contents of other input information D2. Image G32 is an image for receiving instructions to adopt the input information D2 input to the second processing unit 500 as information to be used to determine the recording conditions for the printing process.

[0223] After image G32 is selected by operating the selection button 522, if the confirm button 523 is pressed while image G32 is selected, the input information D2 displayed on image G29 is transmitted to the first processing unit 200B. This triggers the execution of step S307 described above.

[0224] On the other hand, if the server 300 is unable to generate input information D2, images G33 to G36 will be displayed on the display device 510, as shown in the lower right of Figure 20. Image G33 indicates that input information D2 cannot be input to the second processing device 500. Image G34 is a display asking whether or not to request the owner of the server 300 to generate input information D2. Image G35 is an image to accept the request from the owner of the server 300 to generate input information D2. Image G36 is an image to accept the decision not to request the owner of the server 300 to generate input information D2 again.

[0225] After image G35 is selected by operating the selection button 522, if the confirm button 523 is pressed while image G35 is selected, the display on the display device 510 transitions to a display for entering various information (email address, name, etc.) necessary for requesting the generation of input information D2 from the owner of the server 300. On the other hand, after image G36 is selected by operating the selection button 522, if the confirm button 523 is pressed while image G36 is selected, the display device 510 returns to the display state shown in the upper left of Figure 19 above.

[0226] The third embodiment described above, like the first or second embodiment, can determine the recording conditions for the printing process while reducing the burden on the printer manufacturer. In this embodiment, as described above, the inkjet system 10B has a second processing unit 500. The second processing unit 500 is communicably connected to the first processing unit 200. The first input unit 553 and the first connection unit 531 are provided in the second processing unit 500. Therefore, input information D2 from the server 300 can be input to the second processing unit 500. A determination unit 254 can also be provided in the first processing unit 200B. The recording conditions for the printing process determined by the determination unit 254 can then be set in the first processing unit 200B. Note that a functional unit equivalent to the determination unit 254 may be provided in the second processing unit 500, in which case information regarding the recording conditions for the printing process determined by the functional unit can be input from the second processing unit 500 to the first processing unit 200.

[0227] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the first processing unit 200 and the second processing unit 500 are connected to each other via short-range wireless communication. Therefore, input information D2 can be input from the second processing unit 500 to the first processing unit 200B in a simple communication environment. If the second processing unit 500 is provided with a functional unit corresponding to the determination unit 254, information regarding the recording conditions of the printing process determined by that functional unit can also be input from the second processing unit 500 to the first processing unit 200B.

[0228] 4. Fourth Embodiment A fourth embodiment of this disclosure will now be described. For elements whose operation or function is the same as in the first embodiment in the embodiments described below, the reference numerals used in the description of the first embodiment will be reused, and detailed descriptions of each will be omitted as appropriate.

[0229] Figure 21 is a schematic diagram showing an example configuration of the inkjet system 10C according to the fourth embodiment. The inkjet system 10C is configured similarly to the first embodiment described above, except that it has ink ejectors 100C_1 to 100C_3 and first processing units 200A_1 to 200A_3 instead of ink ejectors 100_1 to 100_3 and first processing units 200_1 to 200_3, and also has second processing units 500_1 to 500_3 added. That is, the inkjet system 10C is configured similarly to the third embodiment described above, except that it has ink ejectors 100C_1 to 100C_3 and first processing units 200A_1 to 200A_3 instead of ink ejectors 100_1 to 100_3 and first processing units 200B_1 to 200B_3. The first processing unit 200A is configured similarly to the first processing unit 200A of the second embodiment.

[0230] In this embodiment, the second processing unit 500_1 is communicatively connected to the ink ejector 100C_1 and is also communicatively connected to the server 300 via the communication network NW. The second processing unit 500_2 is communicatively connected to the ink ejector 100C_2 and is also communicatively connected to the server 300 via the communication network NW. The second processing unit 500_3 is communicatively connected to the ink ejector 100C_3 and is also communicatively connected to the server 300 via the communication network NW. Thus, the second processing units 500_1 to 500_3 correspond to the ink ejector 100C_1 to 100C_3, respectively, and are communicatively connected to the ink ejector 100C_1 to 100C_3 and are also communicatively connected to the server 300 via the communication network NW. Hereinafter, the ink ejector 100C_1 to 100C_3 may be referred to simply as the ink ejector 100C without distinction.

[0231] In the example shown in Figure 21, the inkjet system 10C has three second processing units 500, three ink ejectors 100C, and three first processing units 200A. However, the number is not limited to these three units; it may be one, two, or four or more. In other words, the number of sets of the second processing unit 500, the ink ejectors 100C, and the first processing unit 200A is not limited to three sets; it may be one, two, or four or more sets.

[0232] The ink ejection device 100C is configured similarly to the ink ejection device 100A of the second embodiment, except that it is capable of communicating with the server 300 and the first processing unit 200A, respectively.

[0233] Figure 22 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of an ink ejection device 100C used in the inkjet system 10C according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in Figure 22, the ink ejection device 100C is configured similarly to the ink ejection device 100A of the second embodiment, except that it has a head unit 110C instead of a head unit 110A. The head unit 110C is configured similarly to the head unit 110A, except that it has a control module 110d instead of a control module 110c. The control module 110d is the same as the control module 110c, except that the communication device 115 functions as a short-range connection unit 115b and the processing circuit 117 functions as an acquisition unit 117a and a determination unit 117d.

[0234] In this embodiment, the communication device 115 is a circuit capable of communicating with the second processing unit 500. For example, the communication device 115 is an interface such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth for short-range wireless communication. That is, the communication device 115 functions as a short-range connection unit 115b that is capable of communicating with the short-range connection unit 532 of the second processing unit 500 via short-range wireless communication, and through this function, outputs output information D1 to the second processing unit 500 and receives input information D2 from the second processing unit 500.

[0235] Figure 23 is a flowchart showing the processing of the inkjet system 10C according to the fourth embodiment. In the inkjet system 10C, first, as shown in Figure 23, in step S401, the ink ejector 100C acquires output information D1. Then, in step S402, the ink ejector 100C outputs the output information D1 to the second processing device 500.

[0236] Next, in step S403, the second processing unit 500 receives output information D1. Then, in step S404, the second processing unit 500 outputs output information D1 to the server 300.

[0237] Next, in step S405, the server 300 receives output information D1. Then, in step S406, the server 300 generates input information D2 based on the output information D1. After that, in step S407, the server 300 outputs the input information D2 to the second processing unit 500.

[0238] Next, in step S408, the second processing unit 500 receives input information D2. Then, in step S409, the second processing unit 500 outputs the input information D2 to the ink ejection device 100C.

[0239] Next, in step S410, the ink ejector 100C inputs input information D2. Then, in step S411, the ink ejector 100C determines the recording conditions for the printing process based on the input information D2.

[0240] The fourth embodiment described above, like the first to third embodiments, can determine the recording conditions for the printing process while reducing the burden on the printer manufacturer. In this embodiment, as described above, the inkjet system 10C has a second processing unit 500. The second processing unit 500 is communicably connected to the ink ejector 100. The first input unit 553 and the first connection unit 531 are provided in the second processing unit 500. Therefore, input information D2 from the server 300 can be input to the second processing unit 500. In addition, a determination unit 117d can be provided in the ink ejector 100C. The ink ejector 100 can then use the information regarding the recording conditions for the printing process determined by the determination unit 117d. Note that the second processing unit 500 may also be provided with a functional unit equivalent to the determination unit 117d, in which case the information regarding the recording conditions for the printing process determined by the functional unit can be input from the second processing unit 500 to the ink ejector 100.

[0241] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the ink ejection device 100 and the second processing device 500 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate via short-range wireless communication. Therefore, output information D1 can be output from the ink ejection device 100C to the second processing device 500, and input information D2 from the second processing device 500 can be input to the ink ejection device 100C in a simple communication environment. If the second processing device 500 is provided with a functional unit corresponding to the determination unit 254, information regarding the recording conditions of the printing process determined by that functional unit can also be input from the second processing device 500 to the ink ejection device 100C.

[0242] 5. Variations Although the inkjet system of this disclosure has been described above based on the illustrated embodiments, this disclosure is not limited to these. Furthermore, the configuration of each part of this disclosure can be replaced with any configuration that performs a similar function to the embodiments described above, and any configuration can also be added.

[0243] 5-1. Variation 1 The above-described configuration exemplifies a case where output information D1 includes both first output information D1a and second output information D1b, but is not limited to this. For example, one of the first output information D1a and second output information D1b may be omitted. Also, if the type of ink ejection head 110a or head unit 110 is known on the server side, first output information D1a may not be included in output information D1. Furthermore, output information D1 may not include third output information D1c. In this case, for example, the ink temperature may be estimated on the server side from the model of the head unit 110, etc.

[0244] 5-2. Variation 2 In the aforementioned configuration, an example is given in which input information D2 includes first input information D2a, second input information D2b, and third input information D2c, but the configuration is not limited to this example. For example, information among the first input information D2a, second input information D2b, and third input information D2c that is already shared by both the printer manufacturer and the head manufacturer may be omitted.

[0245] 5-3. Modification Example 3 In the aforementioned configuration, a configuration in which server 300 is a cloud server is given as an example, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, server 300 may be a server other than a cloud server, a virtual server, or an on-premises server.

[0246] 5-4. Modification 4 In the above-described embodiment, a configuration in which the driving element 111f is a piezoelectric element is exemplified, but the invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the driving element 111f may be a heater that heats the ink in the pressure chamber C. In other words, the driving method for the head chip 111 is not limited to the piezoelectric method, but may be a thermal method, for example. [Explanation of symbols]

[0247] 10...Inkjet system, 10A...Inkjet system, 10B...Inkjet system, 10C...Inkjet system, 100...Ink ejector, 100A...Ink ejector, 100A_1...Ink ejector, 100A_2...Ink ejector, 100A_3...Ink ejector, 100C...Ink ejector, 100C_1...Ink ejector, 100C_2...Ink ejector, 100C_3...Ink ejector, 100_1...Ink ejector, 100_2...Ink ejector, 100_3...Ink ejector, 110...Head unit, 110A ...Head unit, 110C...Head unit, 110a...Ink ejection head, 110b...Control module, 110c...Control module, 110d...Control module, 111...Head chip, 111a...Flow channel substrate, 111b...Pressure chamber substrate, 111c...Nozzle plate, 111d...Vibration absorber, 111e...Diaphragm, 111f...Drive element, 111g...Protective plate, 111h...Case, 111i...Wiring board, 112...Drive circuit, 113...Power supply circuit, 114...Drive signal generation circuit, 115...Communication device, 115a...First connection part, 115b...Short-range connection part, 116...Memory circuit, 117... Processing circuit, 117a... Acquisition unit, 117b... First output unit, 117c... First input unit, 117d... Determination unit, 120... Movement mechanism, 130... Communication device, 140... Memory circuit, 150... Processing circuit, 200... First processing unit, 200A... First processing unit, 200A_1... First processing unit, 200A_2... First processing unit, 200A_3... First processing unit, 200B... First processing unit, 200B_1... First processing unit, 200B_2... First processing unit, 200B_3... First processing unit, 200_1... First processing unit, 200_2... First processing unit, 200_3... First processing unit, 210... Display device, 2 20...Input device, 230...Communication device, 231...First connection unit, 240...Memory circuit, 250...Processing circuit, 251...Acquisition unit, 252...First output unit, 253...First input unit, 254...Decision unit, 255...Reception unit, 300...Server, 310...Display device, 320...Input device, 330...Communication device, 331...Second connection unit, 340...Memory circuit, 350...Processing circuit, 351...Second output unit, 352...Second input unit, 353...Calculation unit, 400...Third processing unit, 410...Update unit, 500...Second processing unit, 500_1...Second processing unit, 500_2...Second processing unit, 500_3...Second processing unit,510…Display device, 520…Input device, 521…Touch panel, 522…Selection button, 523…Confirm button, 530…Communication device, 531…First connection unit, 532…Short-range connection unit, 540…Memory circuit, 550…Processing circuit, 551…Acquisition unit, 552…First output unit, 553…First input unit, C…Pressure chamber, Com…Drive signal, D1…Output information, D1a…First output information, D1b…Second output information, D1c…Third output information, D2…Input information, D2a…First input information, D2b…Second input information, D2c…Third input information, D4…Correspondence information, D4a…Information, D4b…Information, D4c…Information Report, DG...Information, DI...Image data, DP...Recorded data, FN...Nozzle surface, G1...Image, G10...Image, G11...Image, G12...Image, G13...Image, G14...Image, G15...Image, G16...Image, G17...Image, G18...Image, G19...Image, G2...Image, G20...Image, G24...Image, G25...Image, G26...Image, G27...Image, G28...Image, G29...Image, G3...Image, G30...Image, G31...Image, G32...Image, G33...Image, G34...Image, G35...Image, G36...Image, G4...Image, G5...Image, G6...Image, G7...Image, G9...Image, Gap0...interval, Gap1...interval, IH...inlet, L1...first row, L2...second row, M...media, N...nozzle, NW...communication network, Na...communication channel, P0...ideal position, P1...position, P1a...position, P2...position, P2a...position, P3...position, P3a...position, PD...drive pulse, PG1...program, PG2...program, R...reservoir, R1...space, R2...space, Ra...supply channel, S101...step, S102...step, S103...step, S104...step, S105...step, S106...step, S107...step, S108...step, S109...Step, S201...Step, S202...Step, S203...Step, S204...Step, S205...Step, S206...Step, S207...Step, S301...Step, S302...Step, S303...Step, S304...Step, S305...Step, S306...Step, S307...Step, S308...Step, S309...Step, S401...Step, S402...Step, S403...Step, S404...Step, S405...Step, S406...Step, S407...Step, S408...Step,S409...Step, S410...Step, S411...Step, SI...Print data signal, Sk...Control signal, VBS...Offset potential, VC0...Composite vector, VC1...Composite vector, VC2...Composite vector, VC3...Composite vector, VD0...Speed, VD1...Speed, VD2...Speed, VD3...Speed, VHV...Power supply potential, VS0...Speed, dCom...Waveform specification signal, t...Drive timing, ΔL1...Distance, ΔL2...Distance, ΔL3...Distance.

Claims

1. A head unit having a nozzle for ejecting ink, a pressure chamber communicating with the nozzle, and a drive element that applies pressure fluctuations to the ink in the pressure chamber by supplying drive pulses, An ink ejection device equipped with the aforementioned head unit, An inkjet system having a server managed by the manufacturer of the head unit, The ink ejection device is An acquisition unit that acquires output information from the ink ejection device or input device, including one or both of the following: first output information relating to the head unit and second output information relating to the ink used in the head unit. A first connection unit is network-connected to the aforementioned server in a manner that enables communication with it. A first output unit that outputs the output information to the server via the first connection unit, A first input unit receives input information regarding the scanning speed of the head unit from the server via the first connection unit, It includes a determination unit that determines the scanning speed based on the input information, The aforementioned server is A storage unit that stores correspondence information regarding the relationship between output information and input information in advance, A calculation unit that performs calculations to generate the input information based on the output information and the corresponding information has An inkjet system characterized by the following features.

2. A head unit having a nozzle for ejecting ink, a pressure chamber communicating with the nozzle, and a drive element that applies pressure fluctuations to the ink in the pressure chamber by supplying drive pulses, An ink ejection device equipped with the aforementioned head unit, A first processing apparatus connected to the ink ejection device and equipped with a display unit that displays information related to the ink ejection device, An inkjet system having a server managed by the manufacturer of the head unit, The first processing apparatus is An acquisition unit that acquires output information from the ink ejection device or input device, including one or both of the following: first output information relating to the head unit and second output information relating to the ink used in the head unit. A first connection unit is network-connected to the aforementioned server in a manner that enables communication with it. A first output unit that outputs the output information to the server via the first connection unit, A first input unit receives input information regarding the scanning speed of the head unit from the server via the first connection unit, It includes a determination unit that determines the scanning speed based on the input information, The aforementioned server is A storage unit that stores correspondence information regarding the relationship between output information and input information in advance, A calculation unit that performs calculations to generate the input information based on the output information and the corresponding information has An inkjet system characterized by the following features.

3. A head unit having a nozzle for ejecting ink, a pressure chamber communicating with the nozzle, and a drive element that applies pressure fluctuations to the ink in the pressure chamber by supplying drive pulses, An ink ejection device equipped with the aforementioned head unit, A first processing apparatus connected to the ink ejection device and equipped with a display unit that displays information related to the ink ejection device, A second processing unit connected to the first processing unit, An inkjet system having a server managed by the manufacturer of the head unit, The second processing apparatus is An acquisition unit that acquires output information from the ink ejection device or input device, including one or both of the following: first output information relating to the head unit and second output information relating to the ink used in the head unit. A first connection unit is network-connected to the aforementioned server in a manner that enables communication with it. A first output unit that outputs the output information to the server via the first connection unit, A first input unit receives input information regarding the scanning speed of the head unit from the server via the first connection unit, It includes a determination unit that determines the scanning speed based on the input information, The aforementioned server is A storage unit that stores correspondence information regarding the relationship between output information and input information in advance, A calculation unit that performs calculations to generate the input information based on the output information and the corresponding information has An inkjet system characterized by the following features.

4. The output information includes information regarding the discharge characteristics of the head unit as the first output information. The aforementioned determination unit, If the discharge characteristics indicated by the first output information are the first discharge characteristics, the scanning speed is determined as the first scanning speed. If the discharge characteristics indicated by the first output information are higher than the second discharge characteristics, the scanning speed is determined to be faster than the first scanning speed. The inkjet system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The output information includes information regarding the viscosity of the ink as the second output information. The aforementioned determination unit, If the viscosity indicated by the second output information is the first viscosity, the scanning speed is determined to be the third scanning speed. If the viscosity indicated by the second output information is a second viscosity that is higher than the first viscosity, the scanning speed is determined to be a fourth scanning speed that is faster than the third scanning speed. The inkjet system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The output information includes third output information relating to the temperature of the ink used in the head unit. The aforementioned determination unit, If the temperature indicated by the third output information is the first temperature, the scanning speed is determined to be the fifth scanning speed. If the temperature indicated by the third output information is a second temperature higher than the first temperature, the scanning speed is determined to be a sixth scanning speed, which is faster than the fifth scanning speed. The inkjet system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A head unit having a nozzle for ejecting ink, a pressure chamber communicating with the nozzle, and a drive element that applies pressure fluctuations to the ink in the pressure chamber by supplying drive pulses, An ink ejection device equipped with the aforementioned head unit, An inkjet system having a server managed by the manufacturer of the head unit, The ink ejection device is An acquisition unit that acquires output information from the ink ejection device or input device, including one or both of the following: first output information relating to the head unit and second output information relating to the ink used in the head unit. A first connection unit is network-connected to the aforementioned server in a manner that enables communication with it. A first output unit that outputs the output information to the server via the first connection unit, A first input unit receives input information regarding the distance between the head unit and the media from the server via the first connection unit, A determination unit that determines the interval based on the input information, An inkjet system characterized by the following features.

8. A head unit having a nozzle for ejecting ink, a pressure chamber communicating with the nozzle, and a drive element that applies pressure fluctuations to the ink in the pressure chamber by supplying drive pulses, An ink ejection device equipped with the aforementioned head unit, A first processing apparatus connected to the ink ejection device and equipped with a display unit that displays information related to the ink ejection device, An inkjet system having a server managed by the manufacturer of the head unit, The first processing apparatus is An acquisition unit that acquires output information from the ink ejection device or input device, including one or both of the following: first output information relating to the head unit and second output information relating to the ink used in the head unit. A first connection unit is network-connected to the aforementioned server in a manner that enables communication with it. A first output unit that outputs the output information to the server via the first connection unit, A first input unit receives input information regarding the distance between the head unit and the media from the server via the first connection unit, A determination unit that determines the interval based on the input information, An inkjet system characterized by the following features.

9. A head unit having a nozzle for ejecting ink, a pressure chamber communicating with the nozzle, and a drive element that applies pressure fluctuations to the ink in the pressure chamber by supplying drive pulses, An ink ejection device equipped with the aforementioned head unit, A first processing apparatus connected to the ink ejection device and equipped with a display unit that displays information related to the ink ejection device, A second processing unit connected to the first processing unit, An inkjet system having a server managed by the manufacturer of the head unit, The second processing apparatus is An acquisition unit that acquires output information from the ink ejection device or input device, including one or both of the following: first output information relating to the head unit and second output information relating to the ink used in the head unit. A first connection unit is network-connected to the aforementioned server in a manner that enables communication with it. A first output unit that outputs the output information to the server via the first connection unit, A first input unit receives input information regarding the distance between the head unit and the media from the server via the first connection unit, A determination unit that determines the interval based on the input information, An inkjet system characterized by the following features.

10. The output information includes information regarding the discharge characteristics of the head unit as the first output information. The aforementioned determination unit, If the discharge characteristics indicated by the first output information are the first discharge characteristics, the interval is determined to be the first interval. If the discharge characteristics indicated by the first output information are higher than the second discharge characteristics, the interval is determined to be longer than the first interval. The inkjet system according to any one of claims 7 to 9.

11. The output information includes information regarding the viscosity of the ink as the second output information. The aforementioned determination unit, If the viscosity indicated by the second output information is the first viscosity, the interval is determined to be the third interval. If the viscosity indicated by the second output information is a second viscosity that is higher than the first viscosity, the interval is determined to be a fourth interval that is shorter than the third interval. The inkjet system according to any one of claims 7 to 10.

12. The output information includes third output information relating to the temperature of the ink used in the head unit. The aforementioned determination unit, If the temperature indicated by the third output information is the first temperature, the interval is determined to be the fifth interval. If the temperature indicated by the third output information is a second temperature higher than the first temperature, the interval is determined to be a sixth interval longer than the fifth interval. The inkjet system according to any one of claims 7 to 11.

Images