Drive Pulse Waveform Determination for Liquid Discharge Heads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid discharge apparatuses, such as ink jet printers, face challenges in determining the optimal waveform of drive pulses for liquid discharge, as current methods require complex evaluation and setting processes, which can be cumbersome and reduce usability, especially when multiple discharge characteristics need to be evaluated under the same conditions.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus that determines the waveform of a drive pulse for a liquid discharge head by using evaluation results of first and second discharge characteristics, incorporating a first reception unit for designating voltage based on evaluation results and a second reception unit for user-designated voltage inputs, allowing for efficient evaluation and improved usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If voltage value from evaluation result of first discharge characteristic is used to evaluate second discharge characteristic, then measurement can be performed in best condition, but usability deteriorates when user wants to perform evaluation multiple times under same conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two operational modes: automatic mode where voltage from first discharge characteristic evaluation is used, and manual mode where user-designated voltage is used. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to optimize for either measurement precision or ease of operation depending on user needs
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the voltage parameter source based on evaluation type. For first discharge characteristic evaluation, voltage is automatically determined from optimization results. For second discharge characteristic evaluation, voltage can be either automatically inherited or manually designated, allowing flexible parameter selection
2Manufacturing precision
If complex evaluation process is used to determine optimal drive pulse waveform, then discharge characteristics can be optimized, but setting process becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The evaluation process is segmented into two distinct types: first discharge characteristic evaluation (voltage optimization) and second discharge characteristic evaluation (performance assessment). This segmentation allows each evaluation type to be handled with appropriate complexity level, reducing overall process burden
Solution Approach 2:
The first discharge characteristic evaluation is performed as a preliminary action to determine optimal voltage parameters. These results are then stored and reused for subsequent second discharge characteristic evaluations, eliminating the need to repeat the complex voltage optimization process
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient evaluation of discharge characteristics by allowing voltage designation based on evaluation results or user input, enhancing the determination process and improving usability by simplifying the setting of waveforms for liquid discharge apparatuses.
Implementation Method 1
liquid such as an ink is discharged from a nozzle by applying a drive pulse to a drive element such as a piezoelectric element
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus is used to determine a waveform of a drive pulse applied to a drive element provided in a liquid discharge head for discharging a liquid, by using results obtained by evaluating a first discharge characteristic and a second discharge characteristic of the liquid discharge head. The information processing apparatus includes a first reception unit that receives an input of first information for designating a voltage based on the evaluation result of the first discharge characteristic as a voltage of the drive pulse used to evaluate the second discharge characteristic, and a second reception unit that receives an input of second information for designating a voltage freely designated by a user, as the voltage of the drive pulse used to evaluate the second discharge characteristic.