Drive Pulse Waveform Switching for Stable Liquid Discharge Heads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid discharge apparatuses, such as inkjet printers, face issues with adverse effects during the switching of drive pulse waveforms, leading to undesirable discharge characteristics.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus that includes a first reception unit for inputting first waveform information, a second reception unit for inputting second waveform information, and a third reception unit for adjusting portions of the second waveform to match the first waveform, to determine optimal drive pulse waveforms for liquid discharge heads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple drive pulse waveforms are independently determined and switched, then the discharge characteristics can be optimized for different conditions, but troubles such as adverse effects occur at the time of switching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-adjusting the second waveform to match the first waveform before switching occurs. The adjustment unit modifies the second waveform in advance based on the characteristics of the first waveform, ensuring that when switching happens, the waveforms are already aligned. This prevents adverse effects during switching while maintaining the ability to optimize discharge characteristics for different conditions.
2Reliability
If the waveform is adjusted to match the first waveform, then switching troubles are reduced, but the independence of waveform determination is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by adjusting only specific portions of the second waveform that need to match the first waveform, rather than making the entire waveform identical. The adjustment unit selectively modifies particular parameters or segments of the second waveform based on what is necessary to prevent switching troubles, while preserving the independent optimization capabilities for different discharge conditions.
3Productivity
If drive pulse waveforms are switched frequently, then the liquid discharge apparatus can adapt to different discharge requirements, but adverse effects occur during switching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by using the adjustment unit as a mediator between the first and second waveforms. Before switching from the first waveform to the second waveform, the adjustment unit creates an intermediate adjusted version of the second waveform that matches the characteristics of the first waveform. This intermediary adjustment eliminates abrupt transitions and prevents adverse effects during frequent switching while maintaining discharge flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus used to determine a waveform of a drive pulse applied to a drive element provided in a liquid discharge head for discharging a liquid includes a first reception unit that receives an input of first information for determining a first waveform as the waveform of the drive pulse, a second reception unit that receives an input of second information for determining a second waveform different from the first waveform, as the waveform of the drive pulse, and a third reception unit that receives an input of third information regarding whether or not to adjust at least a portion of the second waveform to be identical to an element of the first waveform, the third information being used when the second waveform is determined.