JP2021120193A - Liquid discharge device and liquid discharge method - Google Patents

Abstract

To properly execute an operation corresponding to consumption amount of liquid.SOLUTION: A liquid discharge device according to one aspect of the present invention includes: a storage section which stores a first drive waveform; a drive waveform information analysis section which selects a first drive waveform or a second drive waveform designated on the basis of printing data on the basis of the printing data input from the outside; a liquid discharge section which discharges liquid on the basis of the drive waveform selected by the drive waveform information analysis section; and an analysis section which calculates ink consumption amount on the basis of the number of times of use of the selected drive waveform, the analysis section which calculates ink consumption amount on the basis of the number of times of use of the first drive waveform when the first drive waveform is selected, calculates ink consumption amount on the basis of the number of times of use of the second drive waveform when the second drive waveform is selected, and corrects the ink consumption amount when the number of times of use of the second drive waveform exceeds a prescribed number of times.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

The present invention relates to a liquid discharge device and a liquid discharge method.

A liquid ejection device such as an inkjet printer is known in which a liquid is ejected by a liquid ejection unit using a first drive waveform to form an image on a recording medium.

In such a liquid discharge device, the print mode and temperature are selected from a plurality of pre-adjusted drive waveforms in order to ensure image quality without being affected by environmental factors such as humidity and non-environmental factors such as product variation. A technique for discharging a liquid using a second drive waveform selected according to such conditions is disclosed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Further, a technique is disclosed in which information on the amount of liquid consumed by discharge is calculated and acquired based on the number of times the liquid is discharged, and an operation corresponding to the amount of liquid consumed is executed (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

However, in the conventional technique, assuming that the first drive waveform is used, the liquid consumption information is acquired from the number of times the liquid is discharged. Further, the first drive waveform and the second drive waveform may have different discharge amounts in one discharge.

Therefore, when the liquid is discharged using the second drive waveform, a difference occurs between the acquired liquid consumption amount and the actual liquid consumption amount, so that the operation corresponding to the liquid consumption amount cannot be appropriately executed. In some cases.

An object of the present invention is to appropriately execute an operation corresponding to a consumption amount of a liquid.

The liquid discharge device according to one aspect of the present invention has a storage unit that stores a first drive waveform and a first designated drive waveform or print data based on print data input from the outside. Based on the drive waveform information analysis unit that selects the drive waveform of 2, the liquid discharge unit that discharges the liquid based on the drive waveform selected by the drive waveform information analysis unit, and the number of times the selected drive waveform is used. In the analysis unit that calculates the ink consumption, when the first drive waveform is selected, the ink consumption is calculated based on the number of times the first drive waveform is used, and the second drive waveform is calculated. When is selected, the ink consumption amount is calculated based on the number of times the second drive waveform is used, and when the number of times the second drive waveform is used exceeds a predetermined number of times, the ink consumption amount is calculated. The analysis unit for correction is provided.

According to the present invention, the operation corresponding to the consumption of the liquid can be appropriately executed.

It is a figure which shows the structural example of the printing system which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the image forming apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a block diagram of the hardware configuration example of the control part which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the print data received by an image forming apparatus. It is a figure which shows the description example of print data. It is a figure which shows the driving waveform example. It is a figure which shows the numerical data example of a drive waveform. It is a figure which shows the example of the data for mask processing. It is a sequence diagram which shows the operation example of the printing system which concerns on embodiment. It is a block diagram of the functional structure example of the control part which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart of the operation example of the image forming apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram of the functional structure example of the control part which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart of the operation example of the image forming apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment.

Hereinafter, modes for carrying out the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same components may be designated by the same reference numerals and duplicate description may be omitted.

The drive waveform in the terminology of the embodiment refers to a time change of the drive voltage for driving the liquid discharge unit. Further, the numerical data of the drive waveform means data such as time and drive voltage for expressing the drive waveform.

Further, in the embodiment, the drive waveform previously held by the liquid discharge device is referred to as an original drive waveform. This original drive waveform is an example of the first drive waveform.

A drive waveform other than the original drive waveform is called a custom drive waveform. The custom drive waveform includes a drive waveform included in the print data received by the liquid discharge device. Here, the custom drive waveform is an example of the second drive waveform.

In the following, an ink is used as an example of a liquid, an ink ejection head is used as an example of a liquid ejection unit, and an image forming apparatus that forms an image by an ink ejection (inkprint) method is used as an example of a liquid ejection device. An embodiment will be described by taking a printing system including the above as an example.

It should be noted that image formation, printing, and printing in the terms of the embodiment are synonymous.

<Overall configuration example of printing system 1>
First, the overall configuration of the printing system 1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of the printing system 1.

As shown in FIG. 1, the printing system 1 includes a client PC 2 and an image forming apparatus 3, which are communicably connected via a network 300 such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet.

The client PC 2 generates print data (print job) to be executed by the image forming apparatus 3, and outputs the print data (printing job) to the image forming apparatus 3. The image forming apparatus 3 prints on a recording medium such as paper by an ink ejection method based on the print data input from the client PC 2.

In the embodiment, an example in which the client PC 2 and the image forming apparatus 3 are connected via the network 300 is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. The client PC 2 and the image forming apparatus 3 may be directly connected to each other so as to be able to communicate by wire or wirelessly, or a management server for managing printing by the printing system 1 or a DFE (Digital Front End) as an image processing apparatus. Devices such as cloud servers can also be added to the configuration. Further, the printing system 1 may include a plurality of client PCs 2 or a plurality of image forming devices 3.

<Structure example of image forming apparatus 3>
Next, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 3 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the image forming apparatus 3. The embodiment is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 2, and includes other embodiments such as a multifunction device and a printing device for a recording medium other than paper (metal, plastic, cloth, etc.).

The image forming apparatus 3 holds the carriage 100 by a slide rail 104 integrated with the sheet metal, and the main scanning direction (FIG. 3) is performed by the main scanning motor 105 via the timing belt 102 passed between the drive pulley 106 and the driven pulley 107. Move and scan in the X direction indicated by the arrow in 2. In the carriage 100, the recording head 118 is arranged in a direction (secondary scanning direction) perpendicular to the main scanning direction by arranging nozzle rows on the nozzle surface on which a plurality of ink ejection ports (nozzles) are formed, and the ink ejection port direction is downward. It is attached toward. The recording head 118 includes, for example, an ink ejection head 118y that ejects yellow (Y) ink droplets, an ink ejection head 118c that ejects cyan (C) ink droplets, and an ink that ejects magenta (M) ink droplets. It includes an ejection head 118m and an ink ejection head 118k that ejects black (K) ink droplets.

Although independent ink ejection heads 118y, 118c, 118m and 118k are used here, one or a plurality of ink ejection heads having a plurality of nozzle rows for ejecting droplets of ink of each color shall be used. You can also. Moreover, the number of colors and the arrangement order are not limited to this.

The ink ejection head constituting the recording head 118 includes a piezoelectric actuator such as a piezoelectric element, a thermal actuator that utilizes a phase change due to boiling of a liquid film using an electrothermal conversion element such as a heat generating resistor, and a metal phase change due to a temperature change. A shape memory alloy actuator using the above, an electrostatic actuator using an electrostatic force, or the like provided as a pressure generating means for generating a pressure for ejecting droplets can be used.

Further, the carriage 100 is provided with an encoder scale 103 having a slit formed along the main scanning direction, and the carriage 100 is provided with an encoder sensor 117 for detecting the slit of the encoder scale 103, whereby the main scanning direction of the carriage 100 is provided. A linear encoder for detecting the position is configured.

On the other hand, in order to convey the recording medium 108, a transfer belt 101 is provided as a transfer means for transporting the recording medium 108 at a position facing the recording head 118. The transfer belt 101 is driven by a sub-scanning motor 111 that rotationally drives the transfer roller 109 via a timing belt 114 passed between the transfer drive pulley 112 and the transfer roller pulley 113.

The transfer belt 101 is provided with an encoder wheel 115 having a slit formed coaxially with the transfer roller 109, and a side plate (not shown) is provided with an encoder sensor 116 for detecting the slit of the encoder wheel 115. It constitutes a wheel encoder for detecting the directional position. The transport belt 101 is of a flatbed type, and is horizontally transported in the sub-scanning direction (Y direction indicated by an arrow in FIG. 2) via a timing belt 119 hung between the transfer roller 109 and the tension roller 110. Will be done.

<Hardware configuration example of control unit 200>
Next, the hardware configuration of the control unit 200 included in the image forming apparatus 3 will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the control unit 200.

As shown in FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus 3 includes a control unit 200, an operation unit 209, and a temperature sensor 214. Of these, the control unit 200 includes an input / output buffer 201, a program ROM (Read Only Memory) 202, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 203, an NVRAM (Non-Volatile Random Access Memory) 204, and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). ) 205, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 206, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) I / F 210 as an external I / F (Interface), a Network I / F 211, a memory I / F 212, and a sensor I / F 213. I have. These are electrically connected to each other by a bus 213.

Further, the control unit 200 includes a print control unit 208 as a module for controlling the print function. The external I / F unit (USB I / F210, Network I / F211) exchanges data with other devices via a communication medium such as USB or a network via the printer driver 230.

The external I / F unit (memory I / F212) detects the connection of the external memory (removable media such as an SD card) and performs data communication. The external memory 240 is used as a memory for storing print data, setting data of main device information of the image forming apparatus 3, update data, each data of the image forming apparatus 3, and externally input data.

The input / output buffer 201 transmits / receives a control code and various data related to printing input from another device, a control code related to a communication medium, and each data of the image forming apparatus 3. The CPU 206 controls the entire image forming apparatus 3 such as arithmetic processing of various data. The program ROM 202 stores a program for controlling the operation of the CPU 206 and managing and controlling data of each module.

The program stored in the program ROM 202 is read into the RAM 203 and executed by the CPU 206. The RAM 203 is used as a work memory of the CPU 206, a buffer for storing image data, and a bitmap memory for storing conversion data for printing. The NVRAM 204 is a memory for storing data to be retained even when the power supply of the main body is cut off. The HDD 205 is a memory for storing a large amount of data such as image data. The panel I / F unit 207 exchanges data between the control unit 200 and the operation unit 209.

The sensor I / F 213 is provided in the image forming apparatus 3 and is an interface for communicating the detected value by the temperature sensor 214 for detecting the temperature inside or outside the image forming apparatus 3.

The operation unit 209 includes a display panel that accepts the user's operation on the image forming apparatus 3 and displays the ink remaining amount, various selection screens, and the like.

<Example of print data>
Next, the print data transmitted by the client PC 2 and received by the image forming apparatus 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 9.

First, FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of print data. The client PC 2 includes application software and printer driver software. The application software generates digital data that is the source of the print target, and the printer driver software converts the digital data generated by the application software into print data 220 that can be processed by the control unit 200 of the image forming apparatus 3.

As shown in FIG. 4, the print data 220 includes a print header 221 including print settings and print job information, print image data 222 to be printed, drive waveform setting information 223, and a custom drive waveform group 224. It is configured to include a print footer 225 that includes print settings and print job information.

The drive waveform setting information 223 includes information indicating a predetermined classification of the drive waveform, and is information for instructing the image forming apparatus 3 to switch from the original drive waveform to the custom drive waveform. The custom drive waveform group 224 is information including one or more custom drive waveforms. The custom drive waveform specified as the switching target in the drive waveform setting information 223 is used for ink ejection.

The control unit 200 of the image forming apparatus 3 analyzes the print data 220 received from the client PC 2, acquires information such as the drive waveform setting information 223 and the custom drive waveform group 224, and includes the print data in a memory such as the HDD 205. Holds the information to be printed. Further, the control unit 200 may temporarily hold the custom drive waveform group 224 extracted from the print data 220 in a memory such as HDD 205 in preparation for the case where printing is continuously performed using the same drive waveform.

Next, FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the description of the print data 220. Descriptions 51 to 53 in FIG. 5 are descriptions corresponding to the drive waveform setting information 223 in FIG. 4, and description 54 is a description corresponding to the custom drive waveform group 224. As shown in FIG. 5, each of the descriptions 51 to 54 is composed of a command and a parameter.

More specifically, the description 51 is information indicating whether or not to switch the custom drive waveform, and when it is "ON", it indicates switching to the custom drive waveform. Description 52 shows the classification of the custom drive waveform and description 53 shows the data size of the custom drive waveform.

The control unit 200 of the image forming apparatus 3 acquires information on whether or not to switch from the original drive waveform to the custom drive waveform based on the descriptions 51 to 53 in the print data 220, and from the description 54, the custom drive waveform group 224. Can be obtained.

<Example of drive waveform>
Next, FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a drive waveform for ejecting each of the ink ejection heads 118y, 118c, 118m and 118k included in the recording head 118. The horizontal axis of FIG. 6 shows the number of microseconds (μs), and the vertical axis shows the voltage (V). As shown in FIG. 6, the drive waveform is composed of a drive voltage for one cycle that changes with time t.

By applying the drive waveform to the ink ejection head, the pressure applied to the ink filled in the ink ejection head changes according to the driving voltage, and the ink is ejected from the ink ejection head. Further, since the drive waveform is continuously applied to the ink ejection head at a predetermined cycle, the ink is ejected from the ink ejection head at a predetermined cycle.

The size of the ink droplet can be adjusted by turning the voltage on / off every second. Examples of the size of ink droplets include large droplets, medium droplets, and small droplets. By adjusting the size of the ink droplets, it is possible to generate high-quality print data.

Here, the appropriate ink ejection amount and ejection method differ depending on the type of ink or recording medium used. Therefore, in order to ensure print quality and prevent performance deterioration of the ink ejection head, a plurality of drive waveforms are prepared in advance, and among the plurality of drive waveforms depending on the type of ink or recording medium used. It is preferable to select an appropriate one of the above and use it for printing.

In this case, it is conceivable to store a plurality of drive waveforms in the memory of the image forming apparatus 3 in advance, and select and use an appropriate one according to the type of ink or recording medium to be used. However, the drive waveform corresponding to the unknown ink or the unknown recording medium to be developed in the future cannot be held in the image forming apparatus 3 in advance.

In the printing system 1 according to the embodiment, one or more custom drive waveforms are transmitted from the client PC 2 to the image forming apparatus 3. Then, the image forming apparatus 3 selects one of a plurality of driving waveforms composed of one or more received custom driving waveforms and an original driving waveform that the image forming apparatus 3 holds in advance in the NVRAM 204 or the like, and uses this. Printing is performed by ejecting ink. By doing so, the drive waveform for the ink or the recording medium unknown at the present time and the drive waveform optimized after being developed in the future can also be provided to the image forming apparatus 3 from the client PC 2 as a custom drive waveform. Becomes possible. Here, NVRAM 204 is an example of a storage unit.

Further, when the client PC 2 holds a plurality of drive waveforms, the holding capacity is less limited than when the image forming apparatus 3 holds the drive waveforms. Therefore, the drive waveforms corresponding to more types of inks or recording media are supported. There is also the advantage of being able to retain. In addition to the client PC 2, an external server may hold the drive waveform, and the external server may provide the drive waveform to the image forming apparatus 3.

FIG. 6 shows three drive waveforms, an original drive waveform 61, a custom drive waveform 62, and a custom drive waveform 63. One of these is selected and used for ejection during printing.

Next, FIG. 7 shows an example of numerical data of the drive waveform. In the numerical data table 71, the "WAVE" column indicates the number of each waveform included in the drive waveform, the "T (μs)" column indicates the time, and the "Volt (V)" column indicates the drive voltage.

The drive waveform can be adjusted by changing the numerical values of the time and the drive voltage in the numerical data table 71. The drive waveform may be adjusted by the manufacturer of the image forming apparatus 3 or by the user of the image forming apparatus 3.

Further, the size of the ink droplets (droplets) to be ejected can be switched by masking (invalidating) the data of each waveform included in the drive waveform by the image forming apparatus 3.

Specifically, when mask processing is performed on the negative pressure waveform (waveform lower than the reference voltage) included in the drive waveform, the negative pressure waveform is invalidated and the ink ejection head ejects even if the drive waveform is applied. It disappears.

For example, when the drive waveform includes three negative pressure waveforms, if mask processing is not performed, three ink droplets ejected with the three negative pressure waveforms are merged to obtain a large droplet. Further, when one of the three negative pressure waveforms is masked, two ink droplets ejected in the two negative pressure waveforms are merged to obtain a medium droplet. Furthermore, when two of the three negative pressure waveforms are masked, small droplets are obtained with one ink droplet ejected with one negative pressure waveform, and when all three negative pressure waveforms are masked, ejection occurs. I can't.

Here, FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of data for mask processing. In the mask table 80, "On" indicates an instruction to enable the waveform, and "Off" indicates an instruction to disable (mask) the waveform. In addition to the drive waveform, print data can be configured by including data instructing such mask processing.

<Operation example of printing system 1>
Next, the operation of the printing system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the printing system 1.

First, in step S91, the client PC 2 displays the print setting screen, which is a user interface, on a display such as a liquid crystal monitor included in the client PC 2.

Subsequently, in step S92, the client PC 2 receives from the user the designation of whether or not to use the custom drive waveform.

When the custom drive waveform is used, in step S93, the client PC 2 generates print data including one or more custom drive waveforms. The print data includes, in addition to one or more custom drive waveforms, image data to be printed, print conditions such as the number of copies to be printed and print colors input by the print setting screen, and the like.

Subsequently, in step S94, the client PC 2 outputs the print data to the image forming apparatus 3.

Subsequently, in step S95, the image forming apparatus 3 extracts one or more custom drive waveforms from the print data input from the client PC 2.

Subsequently, in step S96, the image forming apparatus 3 is used based on one or more custom drive waveforms and the ambient temperature of the image forming apparatus 3 detected by the temperature sensor 214 provided in the image forming apparatus 3. Determine the drive waveform.

Subsequently, in step S97, the image forming apparatus 3 ejects ink to the recording head 118 according to the determined drive waveform, and executes printing.

In this way, the printing system 1 can select one of a plurality of driving waveforms including one or more custom driving waveforms and the original driving waveform, eject ink using the driving waveforms, and execute printing. can.

[First Embodiment]
<Example of functional configuration of control unit 200>
Next, the functional configuration of the control unit 200 according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the control unit 200.

As shown in FIG. 10, the control unit 200 includes a print job receiving unit 21, a drive waveform determination unit 22, a drive waveform determination unit 23, a discharge control unit 24, a drive waveform information analysis unit 25, and an analysis unit 26. And. All of these functions are realized by the CPU 206 of FIG. 3 executing a predetermined program or the like.

The control unit 200 receives the print data 220 including the drive waveform setting information 223 and the custom drive waveform group 224 from the client PC 2 via the print job reception unit 21. Then, one of a plurality of drive waveforms including the custom drive waveform included in the custom drive waveform group 224 and the original drive waveform previously held in the liquid discharge device is selected, and the recording head 118 is inked by using this. Is ejected and printed on a recording medium.

Further, the analysis unit 26 controls operations corresponding to the ink consumption such as calculation of the ink consumption amount, display of the remaining amount of ink, and ink filling, based on the number of times the custom drive waveform is used among the plurality of drive waveforms.

The drive waveform determination unit 22 determines whether or not to switch the drive waveform used for ejection from the original drive waveform to the custom drive waveform based on the drive waveform setting information 223 included in the print data 220.

When it is determined that the drive waveform is switched to the custom drive waveform, the drive waveform determination unit 23 determines the custom drive waveform as the drive waveform. When a plurality of custom drive waveforms are included in the custom drive waveform group 224, an appropriate custom drive waveform with respect to the ambient temperature of the image forming apparatus 3 is determined as the drive waveform based on the value detected by the temperature sensor 214. On the other hand, if it is determined not to switch to the custom drive waveform, the original drive waveform is determined as the drive waveform.

The discharge control unit 24 discharges the drive waveform to the recording head 118 using a drive waveform determined based on the print image data 222 included in the print data 220.

The drive waveform information analysis unit 25 acquires the number of times the custom drive waveform has been used. As an example, the drive waveform information analysis unit 25 stores the count value in the NVRAM 204, and overwrites and updates the count value stored in the NVRAM 204 every time the custom drive waveform is used. The drive waveform information analysis unit 25 can acquire the number of times the custom drive waveform has been used by referring to the count value stored in the NVRAM 204.

The analysis unit 26 includes a consumption amount acquisition unit 261, a remaining amount display unit 262, and a consumption amount information correction unit 281. The consumption amount acquisition unit 261 calculates and acquires the ink consumption amount for each of the ink ejection heads 118y, 118c, 118m and 118k.

The remaining amount display unit 262 acquires the ink remaining amount by subtracting the ink consumption amount from the known amount of ink stored in the storage unit such as the ink tank, and displays the ink remaining amount on the display panel of the operation unit 209.

In addition to the consumption amount acquisition unit 261 and the remaining amount display unit 262, the analysis unit 26 can also be provided with an operation execution function according to the ink consumption amount such as an operation of filling the ink tank with ink.

Further, the analysis unit 26 determines whether or not the number of times the custom drive waveform has been used exceeds a predetermined threshold value, and when it exceeds the predetermined threshold value, the calculated value of the ink consumption amount and the actual ink consumption amount It is judged that there is a divergence between them. In response to the determination of the analysis unit 26 that the deviation has occurred, the consumption amount information correction unit 281 performs a process of correcting the consumption amount information acquired by the consumption amount acquisition unit 261.

As an example, this correction process can be performed by multiplying the consumption amount acquired by the consumption amount acquisition unit 261 by a correction coefficient of 1 or less, which is determined in advance in an experiment or the like. If the difference between the ink consumption per ejection by the original drive waveform and the ink consumption per ejection by the custom drive waveform is known, multiply this difference by the number of times the custom drive waveform is used. It is also possible to correct by subtracting the obtained value from the consumption amount acquired by the consumption amount acquisition unit 261. In this way, the corresponding control unit 28 can make the analysis unit 26 acquire the ink consumption amount information corrected based on the number of times the custom drive waveform is used.

<Processing example by control unit 200>
Next, the processing by the control unit 200 will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the control unit 200.

First, in step S111, the print job receiving unit 21 receives the print data 220 including the drive waveform setting information 223 and the custom drive waveform group 224 from the client PC 2.

Subsequently, in step S112, the drive waveform determination unit 22 determines whether or not to switch the drive waveform used for ejection from the original drive waveform to the custom drive waveform based on the drive waveform setting information 223 included in the print data 220. do.

If it is determined in step S112 that switching is not performed (step S112, No), in step S113, the drive waveform determining unit 23 determines the original drive waveform as the drive waveform. The discharge control unit 24 discharges the original drive waveform to the recording head 118. After that, the process proceeds to step S116.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S112 to switch (step S112, Yes), in step S114, the drive waveform determining unit 23 determines the custom drive waveform as the drive waveform. The discharge control unit 24 discharges to the recording head 118 using a custom drive waveform.

Subsequently, in step S115, the drive waveform information analysis unit 25 acquires the number of times the custom drive waveform has been used.

Subsequently, in step S116, the analysis unit 26 determines whether or not the number of times the custom drive waveform has been used exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

When it is determined in step S116 that the threshold value is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value (step S116, Yes), in step S117, the consumption information correction unit 281 performs a process of correcting the consumption amount acquired by the consumption amount acquisition unit 261. conduct. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S116 that the threshold value is not equal to or higher than the predetermined threshold value (step S116, No), the process proceeds to step S118.

In step S117, the consumption information correction unit 281 performs a process of correcting the consumption amount acquired by the consumption amount acquisition unit 261.

Subsequently, in step S118, the ejection control unit 24 determines whether or not to end printing.

If it is determined in step S118 that printing is finished (step S118, Yes), the process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that printing is not completed (step S118, No), the process returns to step S114, and the processes after step S114 are performed again.

In this way, the control unit 200 can select one of the original drive waveform or the custom drive waveform based on the print data received from the client PC 2, eject ink using the original drive waveform, and print on the recording medium. .. Further, the operation of the analysis unit 26 can be controlled by correcting the ink consumption amount based on the number of times the custom drive waveform is used.

When each of the ink ejection heads 118y, 118c, 118m and 118k is replaced or filled with ink, the count value of the number of times the custom drive waveform is used for the replaced or filled ink ejection head is reset. ..

<Example of action and effect by control unit 200>
In an image forming apparatus that selects an appropriate drive waveform according to the type of ink or print medium used for printing, the drive waveform used may change from print to print. On the other hand, the ink consumption in the image forming apparatus is often obtained by multiplying the consumption amount per ejection by the original drive waveform held in advance by the image forming apparatus by the number of ejections.

Generally, the discharge amount differs between the discharge with the original drive waveform and the discharge with the custom drive waveform. Therefore, if the amount of ink ejected by the custom drive waveform increases, there may be a discrepancy between the calculated ink consumption amount and the actual ink consumption amount.

As a result, the image forming apparatus may determine that the ink consumption is larger than the actual amount, detect the ink end at an early stage, and wastefully replace the ink ejection head or fill the ink. The ink end refers to a state in which ink is emptied in a storage portion such as an ink tank.

In addition, the image forming apparatus determines that the amount of ink consumed is less than the actual amount, and when the ink is filled without ink, air may be mixed into the ink ejection head and extra maintenance may be required. be.

In the present embodiment, operations corresponding to the ink consumption such as acquisition of ink consumption, display of ink remaining amount, and ink filling are controlled based on the number of times the custom drive waveform is used.

Specifically, the analysis unit 26 controls to acquire the corrected ink consumption information based on the number of times the custom drive waveform is used.

As a result, even if the acquired value of the liquid consumption deviates from the actual consumption, it can be compensated based on the number of times the custom drive waveform is used, so the ink end is detected even though it is not actually the ink end. It is possible to prevent the ink from being filled or to fill the ink without ink, and to appropriately execute the operation corresponding to the ink consumption.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, the control unit 200a according to the second embodiment will be described.

In the present embodiment, the operation corresponding to the ink consumption is performed by stopping at least one of the operation of acquiring the ink consumption information and the operation of displaying the remaining amount of ink based on the number of times the custom drive waveform is used. Let it run properly. Alternatively, it is possible to prevent an erroneous operation by the user by notifying the user that the remaining amount of ink is not correctly displayed based on the second ejection number and making the user recognize it.

Here, FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the control unit 200a according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12, the control unit 200a includes an analysis unit 26a.

The analysis unit 26a includes a notification unit 263. The notification unit 263 creates a notification indicating that the ink remaining amount is not displayed correctly, and outputs this notification to the operation unit 209. By displaying the notification on the display panel, the operation unit 209 can notify the user of the image forming apparatus 3 that the ink remaining amount is not correctly displayed.

Further, the analysis unit 26a includes a stop control unit 282 and a notification control unit 283. The analysis unit 26a determines whether or not the number of times the custom drive waveform has been used exceeds a predetermined threshold value, and when the number of times the custom drive waveform is used exceeds a predetermined threshold value, between the calculated value of the ink consumption amount and the actual ink consumption amount. Judge that a divergence has occurred.

In response to the determination of the analysis unit 26a that the deviation has occurred, the stop control unit 282 operates the consumption amount acquisition unit 261 to acquire the ink consumption amount information, or the remaining amount display unit 262 displays the remaining amount of ink. Stop at least one of the actions.

Alternatively, in response to the determination of the analysis unit 26a that the deviation has occurred, the notification control unit 283 controls the notification unit 263 to notify the user that the ink remaining amount is not correctly displayed.

Whether the analysis unit 26a operates the stop control unit 282 or the notification control unit 283 when the number of times the custom drive waveform is used exceeds a predetermined threshold value is determined in advance, and control setting information is stored in the NVRAM 204. It is stored as.

Further, when the analysis unit 26a is provided with a processing execution function according to the ink consumption amount in addition to the consumption amount acquisition unit 261 and the remaining amount display unit 262, the stop control unit 282 is in addition to the ink consumption amount. It is also possible to stop the execution of the processing of.

<Processing by control unit 200a>
Next, the flow of processing by the control unit 200a will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the control unit 200a. Since the processes of steps S131 to S136 are the same as the processes of steps S111 to S116 in FIG. 11, duplicate description will be omitted here.

In step S136, the analysis unit 26a determines whether or not the number of times the custom drive waveform has been used exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

If it is determined in step S136 that the threshold value is not equal to or higher than the predetermined threshold value (step S136, No), the process proceeds to step S140.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S136 that the threshold value is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value (step S136, Yes), in step S137, the analysis unit 26a refers to the control setting information and stops control unit 282 or notification control. It is determined which of the parts 283 is to be operated.

When it is determined in step S137 that the stop control is performed (step S137, Yes), in step S138, the stop control unit 282 is an operation in which the consumption amount acquisition unit 261 acquires the ink consumption amount information, or the remaining amount. The display unit 262 executes a stop control for stopping at least one of the operations for displaying the remaining amount of ink.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S137 that the stop control is not performed (step S137, No), the notification control unit 283 controls the notification unit 263 in step S139, and the ink remaining amount is not correctly displayed. The notification control for notifying the user of the fact is executed.

Subsequently, in step S140, the ejection control unit 24 determines whether or not to end printing.

If it is determined in step S140 that printing is finished (step S140, Yes), the process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that printing is not completed (step S140, No), the process returns to step S134, and the processes after step S134 are performed again.

In this way, the control unit 200a can perform either stop control or notification control based on the number of times the custom drive waveform has been used.

The process of step S135 in FIG. 13 may be executed after step S138.

When each of the ink ejection heads 118y, 118c, 118m and 118k is replaced or filled with ink, the count value of the number of times the custom drive waveform is used for the replaced or filled ink ejection head is reset. ..

<Action and effect of control unit 200a>
As described above, in the present embodiment, at least one of the operation of acquiring the ink consumption information and the operation of displaying the remaining amount of ink is controlled based on the number of times the custom drive waveform is used.

As a result, even if there is a difference between the acquired value of liquid consumption and the actual consumption of liquid, the ink end may be detected even though it is not actually the ink end, or there is no ink. It is possible to prevent an erroneous operation such as filling the ink in the state of the above, and to appropriately execute the operation corresponding to the ink consumption.

Further, in the present embodiment, it is controlled to notify the user that the ink remaining amount is not correctly displayed based on the number of times the custom drive waveform is used. As a result, the user is made aware that there is a difference from the actual consumption of the liquid, and the user can replace the cartridge including the recording head 118, the ink tank, etc., or fill the ink without ink. It is possible to prevent an erroneous operation by the user who has done so.

Although the embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments specifically disclosed, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of claims. ..

For example, in the above-described embodiment, an example of a network environment has been described, but a USB environment may be used.

The "liquid" in the embodiment may have a viscosity and surface tension that can be discharged from the head, and is not particularly limited, but has a viscosity of 30 mPa · s or less at room temperature, under normal pressure, or by heating or cooling. It is preferable that More specifically, solvents such as water and organic solvents, colorants such as dyes and pigments, polymerizable compounds, resins, functionalizing materials such as surfactants, biocompatible materials such as DNA, amino acids and proteins, and calcium. , Solvents, suspensions, emulsions, etc. containing edible materials such as natural pigments, etc. These are, for example, inks for inkjets, surface treatment liquids, constituent elements of electronic elements and light emitting elements, and formation of electronic circuit resist patterns. It can be used for applications such as a liquid for use and a material liquid for three-dimensional modeling.

The "liquid discharge head" is a functional component that discharges and ejects liquid from a nozzle.

Piezoelectric actuators (laminated piezoelectric elements and thin-film piezoelectric elements), thermal actuators that use electrothermal conversion elements such as heat-generating resistors, and electrostatic actuators that consist of a vibrating plate and counter electrodes are used as energy sources for discharging liquid. Includes what to do.

The embodiment also includes a liquid discharge method. For example, in the liquid discharge method, a step of storing the first drive waveform and a second drive waveform designated based on the first drive waveform or the print data are selected based on the print data input from the outside. Ink consumption is calculated based on the number of times the selected drive waveform is used, the step of ejecting the liquid based on the selected drive waveform, and the first drive waveform is selected. If so, the ink consumption is calculated based on the number of times the first drive waveform is used, and if the second drive waveform is selected, the ink is ink based on the number of times the second drive waveform is used. In addition to calculating the consumption amount, when the number of times the second drive waveform is used exceeds a predetermined number of times, a step of correcting the ink consumption amount is performed. By such a liquid discharge method, the same effect as that of the liquid discharge device (image forming device) described above can be obtained.

Each function of the embodiment described above can be realized by one or more processing circuits. Here, the "processing circuit" in the present specification is a processor programmed to execute each function by software such as a processor implemented by an electronic circuit, or a processor designed to execute each function described above. It shall include devices such as ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), DSP (digital signal processor), FPGA (field programmable gate array) and conventional circuit modules.

1 Printing system 2 Client PC
3 Image forming device (example of liquid discharge device)
61 Original drive waveform (an example of the first drive waveform)
62, 63 Custom drive waveform (an example of the second drive waveform)
100 Carriage 118 Recording Head 118y Yellow Ink Discharge Head (Example of Liquid Discharge Unit)
118c Cyan ink ejection head (example of liquid ejection part)
118m magenta ink ejection head (example of liquid ejection part)
118k black ink ejection head (example of liquid ejection part)
200 Control unit 21 Print job reception unit 22 Drive waveform judgment unit 23 Drive waveform determination unit 24 Discharge control unit 25 Drive waveform information analysis unit 26 Analysis unit 261 Consumption amount acquisition unit 262 Remaining amount display unit 263 Notification unit 281 Consumption amount information correction unit 282 Stop control unit 283 Notification control unit 206 CPU
204 NVRAM (an example of storage unit)
209 Operation unit 214 Temperature sensor 220 Print data 223 Drive waveform setting information 224 Custom drive waveform group 300 Network

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2017-23696 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. H08-224891

Claims (6)

A storage unit that stores the first drive waveform,
A drive waveform information analysis unit that selects the first drive waveform or the second drive waveform specified based on the print data based on the print data input from the outside.
A liquid discharge unit that discharges a liquid based on the drive waveform selected by the drive waveform information analysis unit, and a liquid discharge unit.
An analysis unit that calculates ink consumption based on the number of times the selected drive waveform has been used. When the first drive waveform is selected, ink is used based on the number of times the first drive waveform has been used. When the consumption amount is calculated and the second drive waveform is selected, the ink consumption amount is calculated based on the number of times the second drive waveform is used, and the number of times the second drive waveform is used is predetermined. A liquid ejection device including the analysis unit that corrects the ink consumption when the number of times exceeds the above. According to claim 1, the analysis unit stops at least one of the operation of acquiring the consumption amount information of the liquid and the operation of displaying the remaining amount of the liquid based on the number of times the second drive waveform is used. The liquid discharge device according to the description. The liquid discharge device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the analysis notifies that the remaining amount of the liquid is not correctly displayed based on the number of times the second drive waveform is used. The liquid discharge device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a drive waveform determination unit that determines whether or not to use the second drive waveform. The liquid discharge device according to claim 4, wherein the drive waveform determination unit makes the determination based on information including a predetermined classification of the second drive waveform included in the print data. The process of storing the first drive waveform and
A step of selecting the first drive waveform or a second drive waveform designated based on the print data based on the print data input from the outside, and
The process of discharging the liquid based on the selected drive waveform, and
In the step of calculating the ink consumption amount based on the number of times the selected drive waveform is used, when the first drive waveform is selected, the ink consumption is based on the number of times the first drive waveform is used. When the amount is calculated and the second drive waveform is selected, the ink consumption is calculated based on the number of times the second drive waveform is used, and the number of times the second drive waveform is used is predetermined. A liquid ejection method for performing a step of correcting the ink consumption amount when the number of times is exceeded.

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