JP2021018530A - Inspection method and inspection system - Google Patents

Abstract

To inspect unit components more appropriately.SOLUTION: An inspection method of a unit component 104 for a printing device uses an electrical unit 102 which is an input/output unit that communicates with an external control device 14. The inspection method includes: an inspection instruction command output stage of inputting and outputting signals to/from the unit component 104 and causing an inspection instruction command to be transmitted from the external control device 14 to the electrical unit 102, based on a command received by the electrical unit 102 from the external control device 14; an inspection signal output stage of causing an inspection signal corresponding to the inspection instruction command to be output from the electrical unit 102 to the unit component 104; an operation detection stage of causing the electrical unit 102 to detect an operation performed by the unit component 104 according to the inspection signal; an inspection result transmission stage of causing the electrical unit 102 to transmit result data indicating the detected operation to the external control device 14; and an inspection result determination stage of causing the external control device 14 to make a determination for the result data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to an inspection method and an inspection system.

Conventionally, an inkjet printer or the like, which is a printing device that prints by an inkjet method, is widely used (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Further, in recent years, with the expansion of applications of printing devices such as inkjet printers, it is required to further improve the maintainability of the printing device.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2018-065307

In order to realize a configuration of a printing device with high maintainability, for example, it is conceivable to manufacture a printing device using replaceable unit parts modularized in functional units. With such a configuration, it is possible to replace each unit component, so that even if the printing apparatus fails, the unit component can be replaced to perform repair more easily and appropriately.

On the other hand, when manufacturing a printing apparatus using unit parts, it may be necessary to inspect each unit part. In this case, it may take a lot of man-hours and time to prepare for inspecting the unit parts. More specifically, when inspecting a unit part, for example, it is conceivable to perform the inspection using an inspection jig or the like, which is a device to which the unit part to be inspected is attached. Further, in this case, for example, for changing (correcting) the firmware (F / W program) which is a program for controlling the operation of the inspection jig or the main body of the printing device, and executing the inspection for each unit board. It is necessary to create an inspection menu, etc.

Further, in this case, for example, after confirming the initial operation of the unit parts with each printing device or the like, a new inspection menu or the like is newly created by using the program used for confirming the operation. Then, in this case, in order to create a program or an inspection jig for performing the inspection, it is necessary to wait for the development of the printing apparatus to proceed to a certain extent. Further, in this case, for example, when the inspection process is changed, it is necessary to modify the firmware or the like each time. Therefore, conventionally, a method for more appropriately inspecting unit parts has been desired. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an inspection method and an inspection system capable of solving the above problems.

The inventor of the present application has conducted diligent research on a method for making it easier to inspect unit parts. Then, it was considered to execute the inspection process for the unit parts by outputting the instruction (command command) by the command from the control device (output device) installed on the upper side of the unit parts. With such a configuration, by freely combining various commands, for example, various inspections can be executed without modifying the configuration, firmware, or the like of the lower device.

In addition, the inventor of the present application has found the features necessary for obtaining such an effect through further diligent research, and has reached the present invention. In order to solve the above problems, the present invention is an inspection method for inspecting a unit part for a printing device, which is a part that plays a part of a function of the printing device when attached to the printing device. An input / output unit that communicates with an external control device, which is a control device installed outside the device to which the unit component is attached, is used, and the input / output unit refers to the unit component based on a command received from the external control device. When an inspection instruction command, which is a command indicating that a signal is input / output and a predetermined inspection is performed on the unit component, is received from the external control device, it is associated with the inspection instruction command in advance. An inspection instruction command output stage in which an inspection signal, which is a signal, is output to the unit component and the inspection instruction command is transmitted from the external control device to the input / output unit, and the inspection signal corresponding to the inspection instruction command. In the inspection signal output stage in which the input / output unit outputs the signal to the unit component, the operation detection stage in which the input / output unit detects the operation performed by the unit component in response to the inspection signal, and the operation detection stage. The external control determines the inspection result transmission step of transmitting the result data, which is the data indicating the operation detected by the input / output unit, from the input / output unit to the external control device, and the determination of the result data received from the input / output unit. It is provided with an inspection result determination stage to be performed by the device.

With this configuration, for example, a command command can be used to easily and appropriately inspect the unit parts. Further, in this case, for example, if a program (firmware) for controlling the operation of the input / output unit is created, the unit parts can be appropriately inspected without waiting for the progress of the development of the printing apparatus. Further, for example, even if a change occurs in the inspection process, it can be appropriately dealt with by, for example, changing the combination of commands to be used.

In this configuration, for example, a programmable logic controller (PLC) or the like can be preferably used as the external control device. Further, as the external control device, a computer or the like that operates according to a predetermined program may be used. Further, as the command, for example, the MDL command, which is a command created by using the MDL command SDK distributed by Mimaki Engineering Co., Ltd., can be preferably used. With this configuration, for example, bidirectional communication using commands can be appropriately performed between the external control device and the input / output unit. Further, in this case, as an MDL command corresponding to the inspection instruction command, a command corresponding to the unit component can be easily and appropriately created. Further, by using various MDL commands, various controls can be appropriately performed on the input / output unit.

Further, in this configuration, the unit component is a replaceable functional component. Further, in the printing apparatus, for example, it is conceivable to use a plurality of unit parts having different functions. In this case, it is conceivable to use commands and signals prepared for each unit component as inspection instruction commands and inspection signals. Further, in this configuration, the inspection signal is associated with the inspection instruction command in advance, for example, in the operation according to the firmware that controls the operation of the input / output unit. Further, the association in the operation according to the firmware means that, for example, the input / output unit outputs an inspection signal in response to the inspection instruction command by the operation according to the firmware.

Further, in the motion detection stage, the input / output unit detects the motion of the unit component based on the output of the sensor that detects the motion of the unit component, for example. With this configuration, for example, the operation of unit parts can be appropriately detected. As such a sensor, for example, a sensor installed outside the unit component can be considered. Further, as the sensor, for example, a sensor built in the unit component may be used.

In addition, when a sensor built in the unit component is used, or when the unit component has a self-test function and the unit component receives an inspection signal, the unit component is subjected to the inspection corresponding to the received inspection signal. The result signal, which is a signal indicating the result, may be output to the input / output unit. In this case, as the result signal, for example, a signal indicating the output of the sensor or a signal indicating the result of the self-test can be considered. Further, in this case, in the motion detection stage, the input / output unit detects the motion of the unit component based on, for example, the result signal received from the unit component. With this configuration, for example, the operation of unit parts can be appropriately detected.

Further, in this configuration, the input / output unit is arranged in, for example, an inspection jig which is an inspection device manufactured in accordance with a printing device using unit parts. With such a configuration, for example, during the development of the printing apparatus, the unit parts can be appropriately inspected even before the main body of the printing apparatus is completed. The inspection jig can be considered, for example, an apparatus in which parts not necessary for inspection are omitted or simplified in the configuration and functions of the printing apparatus.

In addition, after the development of the printing device progresses and the main body of the printing device is manufactured, or after the development of the printing device is completed, the unit parts are inspected directly using the printing device without using the inspection jig. May be done. In this case, the input / output unit is arranged in the printing apparatus, for example. With such a configuration, for example, inspection of unit parts can be performed more easily and appropriately. Further, in this case, the input / output unit can be considered as a configuration in which input / output is performed to the unit components in the printing apparatus.

In addition, when inspecting unit parts using the input / output unit installed in the printing device, the inspection of the unit parts is performed not only at the time of manufacturing the printing device but also at the time of maintenance after the printing device is shipped. It is also possible. With such a configuration, for example, the unit parts can be appropriately inspected while the unit parts are incorporated in the printing apparatus. Further, in this case, for example, it is conceivable to inspect the unit parts by operating from a remote location. More specifically, in this case, the external control device communicates with the input / output unit from a remote location of the base where the printing device is installed, for example, via a communication network such as the Internet. More specifically, in this case, the external control device performs bidirectional communication with the input / output unit by using the MDL command, for example, via the Internet. Further, in this case, in the inspection instruction command output stage, for example, the inspection instruction command is transmitted from the external control device to the input / output unit via the Internet. Then, in the inspection result transmission stage, the result data is transmitted from the input / output unit to the external control device via the Internet. With this configuration, for example, the unit parts can be appropriately inspected by a command command from a remote location. Further, as a result, for example, maintenance of the printing apparatus can be appropriately performed without dispatching an engineer or the like of a printing apparatus manufacturer (maker) to a base where the printing apparatus is installed.

Further, in this configuration, for example, it is conceivable to further use a measuring instrument connected to a unit component. In this case, for example, a known oscilloscope, various testers, or the like may be used as the measuring instrument. Further, in this case, the external control device further communicates with, for example, the measuring instrument. Further, for example, in the inspection result transmission stage, the output value of the measuring instrument is transmitted from the measuring instrument to the external control device. With this configuration, for example, the operation of the unit parts can be confirmed in more detail, if necessary. Further, in this case, it is conceivable that the measuring instrument is also controlled by transmitting an MDL command from the external control device.

Further, in this case, the external control device communicates with the measuring instrument without going through the input / output unit, for example. With this configuration, for example, various measuring instruments can be appropriately used without changing the firmware or hardware configuration of the input / output unit.

Further, as the configuration of the present invention, it is conceivable to use an inspection system or the like having the same characteristics as described above. In this case as well, for example, the same effect as described above can be obtained.

According to the present invention, the inspection of the unit parts can be performed more appropriately.

It is a figure which shows an example of the structure of the inspection system 10 which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the modification of the structure of the inspection system 10. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the operation of inspection in this example.

Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of the inspection system 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention. In this example, the inspection system 10 is a system for inspecting unit parts for a printing device, and includes an inspection jig 12, an external control device 14, and a measuring instrument 16. In this case, the unit component for the printing device is a component that is attached to the printing device and plays a part of the function of the printing device. Further, the printing device is, for example, a device that draws an image on a medium to be printed. More specifically, in this example, the unit component is a component for an inkjet printer, which is a printing device that prints by an inkjet method. Further, in the modified example of the configuration of the inspection system 10, parts of a printing device other than the inkjet printer may be used as the unit parts. Further, as a unit component, for example, a component for a 3D printer may be used. In this case, the 3D printer can be thought of as, for example, a three-dimensional printing device that forms a three-dimensional modeled object.

Further, in the configuration of the inspection system 10, the inspection jig 12 is a device to which unit parts are attached at the time of inspection performed in this example. Further, in this example, a plurality of unit parts 104 are attached to the inspection jig 12, as shown as units A to C in the drawing. Further, as these plurality of unit parts 104, parts having different functions are used.

Further, in this example, the unit component 104 is a replaceable functional component. In this case, each unit component 104 can be considered, for example, a module (printer module) that is attached to the printing device to form a part of the printing device. Further, the unit component 104 can be considered as, for example, a component on which a plurality of electronic components are mounted and designed in advance as a unit for replacement. Further, the functions of the plurality of unit parts 104 attached to the inspection jig 12 are different from each other, for example, the functions exhibited when they are attached to the printing apparatus are different. More specifically, the unit component 104 to be inspected in the inspection jig 12 includes, for example, at least one of a head unit component having an inkjet head, a slider substrate unit component having a slider substrate, and an electrical component in a printing device. Use electrical unit parts that function as parts, optional unit parts that provide optional functions to the printing device, ink supply unit parts that play at least part of the ink supply function, and NCU unit parts that play the network control function. Can be considered. Further, as the unit component 104, a component having a function other than the above may be used. Further, a part of the above unit parts 104 may be attached to the printing apparatus, if necessary.

Further, in this example, the inspection jig 12 has an electrical component 102. The electrical component 102 is configured to input / output signals to a plurality of unit components 104, and when inspecting each unit component 104, input / output of a signal required for inspection to each unit component 104. Output. As the electrical component 102, for example, an electrical box having a housing to which a plurality of unit components 104 can be mounted can be preferably used.

Further, in this example, the electrical component unit 102 is an example of an input / output unit that communicates with the external control device 14, and performs bidirectional communication with the external control device 14. More specifically, in this example, the electrical component 102 communicates with the external control device 14 by using the MDL command. In this case, the MDL command can be considered as, for example, a command created by using the MDL command SDK (Software Development Kit) distributed by Mimaki Engineering Co., Ltd. Further, the MDL command can be considered as, for example, a command that enables the printing device corresponding to the MDL command to be controlled by the user's production system or peripheral device. Further, as the MDL command, for example, an MDL command (MDL command Ver.3) created by using the version 3 MDL command SDK or the like can be preferably used.

Further, in this example, the MDL command can be considered as an example of a command used for communication between the external control device 14 and the inspection jig 12. Further, the command can be considered as, for example, a command created by using the SDK based on the same predetermined specifications. In this case, the SDK based on the same specifications is, for example, an SDK that provides a development environment with the same specifications. Further, an SDK based on the same specifications can be considered as an SDK or the like distributed by the same distributor as having a predetermined compatibility. Further, in this case, by using various MDL commands, for example, various controls can be appropriately performed on the electrical component 102.

Further, in this example, the command (MDL command) used for communication between the external control device 14 and the inspection jig 12 is, for example, a command indicating that a predetermined inspection is performed on the unit component 104. Use inspection instruction commands, etc. Further, in this case, as the inspection instruction command, for example, a command prepared for each unit component 104 having different functions is used. In this case, by using the MDL command as a command, for example, an inspection instruction command corresponding to various types of unit parts 104 can be easily and appropriately created.

Further, in this example, when the inspection instruction command is received from the external control device 14, the electrical equipment unit 102 outputs an inspection signal, which is a signal associated with the inspection instruction command in advance, to the unit component 104. In this case, the inspection signal is associated with the inspection instruction command in advance, for example, in the operation according to the firmware that controls the operation of the electrical component 102. Further, the association in the operation according to the firmware means that, for example, the electrical unit 102 outputs an inspection signal in response to the inspection instruction command by the operation according to the firmware. Further, as described above, as the inspection instruction command, for example, a command prepared for each unit component 104 having different functions is used. In this case, it is conceivable to use signals prepared for each unit component 104 having different functions as the inspection signals corresponding to the respective inspection instruction commands.

Further, in this case, the electrical component 102 outputs an inspection signal to the unit component 104, so that the electrical component 102 executes a predetermined operation. Then, the electrical component 102 detects the operation performed by the unit component 104 in response to the inspection signal, and notifies the external control device 14 of the result. More specifically, in this example, the electrical component 102 uses an MDL command to notify the external control device 14. With this configuration, for example, the unit component 104 can be appropriately inspected based on a command sent from the external control device 14 to the electrical component 102. The operation of inspecting the unit component 104 will be described in more detail later.

Further, the external control device 14 is a control device installed outside the inspection jig 12. In this example, the external control device 14 is installed in the same local network (LAN) as the inspection jig 12 and the measuring instrument 16, for example, and communicates with the inspection jig 12 and the measuring instrument 16. Further, as the external control device 14, a control device capable of transmitting and receiving MDL commands is used. As such an external control device 14, for example, various known control devices can be preferably used. More specifically, as the external control device 14, for example, a programmable logic controller (PLC) or the like can be preferably used. In this case, for example, it is conceivable to perform input / output between the user and the external control device 14 by using an input / output device such as a touch panel. Further, as such input / output, for example, it is conceivable to give an instruction from the user to start the inspection, display the inspection result, or the like. Further, as the external control device 14, for example, a computer such as a PC may be used. In this case, it can be considered that the computer functions as the external control device 14 by operating according to a predetermined program, for example.

Further, the measuring instrument 16 is a measuring device connected to any unit component 104 outside the inspection jig 12. Further, in this example, the measuring instrument 16 can communicate with the external control device 14 by transmitting and receiving MDL commands. For example, when inspecting the unit component 104, the measuring instrument 16 is externally controlled in response to an instruction from the external control device 14. Notify the device 14 of the measurement result. With this configuration, for example, the measuring instrument 16 can be appropriately controlled by transmitting an MDL command from the external control device 14. Further, this makes it possible to confirm the operation and state of the unit component 104 in more detail, if necessary, at the time of inspection of the unit component 104, for example. As the measuring instrument 16, for example, a known oscilloscope, various testers, or the like can be considered. Further, in this example, the measuring instrument 16 communicates with the external control device 14 without going through the electrical component 102. With this configuration, for example, various measuring instruments 16 can be appropriately used without changing the firmware for controlling the operation of the electrical component 102, the hardware configuration of the electrical component 102, or the like. Further, in this case, it can be considered that the inspection jig 12 and the electrical component 102 operate regardless of the output value of the measuring instrument 16.

With the above configuration, according to this example, various unit parts 104 can be easily and appropriately inspected by, for example, a command command using an MDL command. Further, in this case, for example, even if the inspection process is changed, it can be appropriately dealt with by changing the combination of commands to be used. Further, in this example, the electrical component 102 arranged in the inspection jig 12 is used to input / output a signal to the unit component 104. In this case, for example, if a program (firmware) for controlling the operation of the electrical component 102 is created, the unit component 104 can be appropriately inspected without waiting for the progress of the development of the printing apparatus. Therefore, according to this example, for example, during the development of the printing apparatus, the unit component 104 can be appropriately inspected even before the main body of the printing apparatus is completed.

Here, the inspection jig 12 used in this example can be considered as, for example, an inspection device manufactured in accordance with a printing device using the unit component 104. As the inspection jig 12, for example, an apparatus in which parts not necessary for inspection are omitted or simplified in the configuration and functions of the printing apparatus can be preferably used. More specifically, as the inspection jig 12, for example, a configuration in which the Y bar of the corresponding printing apparatus is shortened can be preferably used. In this case, the Y bar is a configuration in which a guide rail or the like for guiding the movement of the inkjet head during the main scanning operation is arranged.

Further, the inspection jig 12 may have, for example, the same or the same configuration as a known printing apparatus, in addition to the configuration shown in the figure. For example, the inspection jig 12 further includes a control unit and the like that control each part of the inspection jig 12. In this case, the operation of the electrical component 102 and the like described above and below can be considered as an operation performed in response to the control of the control unit. Further, in this case, the control unit controls the operation of the electrical component 102 according to, for example, the firmware for the electrical component 102.

Further, as the electrical component 102 of the inspection jig 12, for example, the same hardware configuration as the electrical component (eg, electrical box) of the printing device (for example, a printing device for mass production) corresponding to the inspection jig 12 is used. Can be considered. With such a configuration, for example, it is possible to more appropriately inspect the unit component 104 under conditions close to those used in a printing apparatus. Further, it is preferable that the electrical component 102 uses a common hardware configuration for a plurality of models of printing devices. With this configuration, the inspection jig 12 can be manufactured at a lower cost, for example, by standardizing parts. Further, in this case, the firmware for controlling the operation of the electrical component 102 (for example, the firmware for inspection) may be created for each model of the corresponding printing device.

Further, the specific configuration of the inspection system 10 is not limited to the configuration described above, and various modifications can be made. FIG. 2 shows a modified example of the configuration of the inspection system 10. Except for the points described below, the configurations with the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 in FIG. 2 may have the same or similar characteristics as the configurations in FIG.

In this modification, the inspection of the plurality of unit parts 104 is performed in a state where the unit parts 104 are attached to the printing apparatus 18. In this case, the printing device 18 can be considered as a device to which the unit component 104 is attached at the time of inspection. Further, regarding the configuration of this modification, it can be considered that the printing device 18 is used instead of the inspection jig 12 (see FIG. 1) in the configuration shown in FIG.

Further, in this modification, the printing apparatus 18 has an electrical component 102, similarly to the inspection jig 12. With this configuration, the unit component 104 can be appropriately inspected, for example, as in the case of using the inspection jig 12. Further, in this case, by attaching the plurality of unit components 104 to the printing device 18, for example, in the printing device 18, various functions required for printing can be appropriately realized. According to this modification, for example, by using the printing device 18 that executes the printing operation, the unit component 104 can be appropriately inspected.

In addition to the configurations shown in the figure, the printing apparatus 18 may further have various configurations necessary for printing operations. For example, the printing apparatus 18 may further have the same or similar configuration as a known printing apparatus, in addition to the configuration shown in the figure. More specifically, the printing device 18 further includes, for example, a control unit that controls each unit of the printing device 18. In this case, the operation of the electrical component 102 in the printing device 18 can be considered to be an operation performed in response to the control of the control unit. Further, in this case, the control unit controls the operation of the electrical component 102 according to, for example, the firmware for the electrical component 102.

Further, in the present modification, the electrical component 102 can be considered, for example, a configuration in which input / output is performed to the unit component 104 inside the printing device 18. Further, the configuration of this modification can be considered, for example, a configuration in which an input / output unit for input / output to the unit component 104 is arranged in the printing device 18. Further, the inspection of the unit component 104 according to this modification can be considered as, for example, an inspection performed directly by using the printing device 18 without using the inspection jig 12 or the like. Further, such an inspection can be preferably performed, for example, after the development of the printing apparatus 18 has progressed and the main body of the printing apparatus 18 has been manufactured, or after the development of the printing apparatus 18 has been completed.

Further, when the unit component 104 is inspected by directly using the printing device 18 as in this modification, the unit component is not limited to the inspection at the time of manufacturing the printing device 18 but also at the time of maintenance after the printing device 18 is shipped. It is also conceivable to perform 104 inspections. Further, as such an inspection, for example, it is conceivable to inspect the unit component 104 by operating from a remote location. In this case, the remote location is, for example, a base different from the base (building, etc.) in which the printing device 18 is installed. Further, a remote place can be considered as a place where manual operation by the same person cannot be performed at the same time. More specifically, in this example, it can be considered that the external control device 14 is installed in a building different from the printing device 18, for example.

Further, when the unit component 104 is inspected at the time of maintenance of the printing apparatus 18, it is conceivable that the printing apparatus 18 is installed at various bases that are far apart from each other. In this case, for example, if an engineer of the manufacturer (manufacturer) of the printing apparatus 18 is dispatched to inspect the unit component 104, the inspection will cost a lot of money.

On the other hand, in the present modification, it is conceivable that the communication between the external control device 14 and the electrical component 102 is performed via the Internet, for example, as shown in the figure. In this case, the Internet is an example of a public communication line. Further, in this case, it is conceivable that the communication between the external control device 14 and the measuring instrument 16 is also performed via the Internet. More specifically, in the present modification, for example, the external control device 14 connects the Internet to the electrical component 102 installed in the printing device 18 from a remote location of the base where the printing device 18 is installed. Through the MDL command, bidirectional communication is performed. With this configuration, for example, the unit component 104 can be appropriately inspected by a command command from a remote location. Further, as a result, for example, maintenance of the printing apparatus 18 can be appropriately performed without dispatching an engineer or the like to a base where the printing apparatus 18 is installed. Further, in this case, it is possible to confirm the detailed state of the printing device 18 from a remote location by performing bidirectional communication between the external control device 14 and the printing device 18 using a command.

Subsequently, the operation of inspecting the unit component 104 will be described in more detail. Further, in the following, for convenience of explanation, the inspection of the unit component 104 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) performed in the inspection system 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 will be collectively referred to as this example.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the inspection operation in this example. In the inspection operation of this example, first, the inspection instruction command is transmitted from the external control device 14 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) to the electrical component 102 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) (S102). In this case, the electrical component 102 is the electrical component 102 in the inspection jig 12 (see FIG. 1) or the printing apparatus 18 (see FIG. 2). Further, the inspection instruction command is a command indicating that a predetermined inspection is performed on the unit component 104, as described above. When a plurality of unit parts 104 are attached to the inspection jig 12 or the printing device 18, the inspection instruction command may be a command indicating that a predetermined inspection is performed on any of the unit parts 104. Further, in this example, an MDL command is used as a command used for communication between the external control device 14 and the electrical component 102. Further, the operation of step S102 is an example of the operation of the inspection instruction command output stage.

Further, for example, as in the configuration shown in FIG. 2, when the external control device 14 and the electrical component 102 are connected via the Internet, in step S102, the inspection instruction command is sent to the external control device 14 via the Internet. Is transmitted to the electrical unit 102. Further, when the measuring instrument 16 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) is further used as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a command (for example, MDL command) is also transmitted to the measuring instrument 16 in step S102. Can be considered. In this case, it is conceivable to send a command to the measuring instrument 16 indicating that the measuring instrument 16 is to perform a predetermined measurement.

Further, following the operation in step S102, the inspection signal corresponding to the inspection instruction command is output from the electrical component 102 to the unit component 104 (S104). In this case, the inspection signal is a signal associated with the inspection instruction command in advance, as described above. Further, in this case, the electrical component 102 outputs an inspection signal to the unit component 104, so that the unit component 104 performs an operation necessary for performing a predetermined inspection. Further, in this case, the unit component 104 that has received the inspection signal performs a predetermined operation (response operation) in response to the inspection signal. Further, in this example, the operation of step S104 is an example of the operation of the inspection signal output stage.

Further, following the operation in step S104, the response operation of the unit component 104 is detected (S106). In this case, detecting the response operation means, for example, causing the electrical component 102 to detect the operation performed by the unit component 104 in response to the inspection signal. Further, in this example, the operation of step S106 is an example of the operation of the operation detection stage.

More specifically, in step S106, the electrical component 102 detects the operation of the unit component 104, for example, based on the output of the sensor that detects the operation of the unit component 104. With this configuration, for example, the operation of the unit component 104 can be appropriately detected. As such a sensor, for example, a sensor installed outside the unit component 104 can be considered. In this case, the sensor can be considered as, for example, a sensor included in the inspection jig 12 or the printing device 18. Further, as the sensor, for example, it is conceivable to use a sensor built in the unit component 104.

Further, when the sensor built in the unit component 104 is used, or when the unit component 104 has a self-test function and the unit component 104 receives an inspection signal, the unit component 104 receives the inspection signal. A result signal, which is a signal indicating the result of the corresponding inspection, may be output to the input / output unit. In this case, as the result signal, for example, a signal indicating the output of the sensor or a signal indicating the result of the self-test can be considered. Further, in this case, in step S106, the electrical component 102 detects the operation of the unit component 104 based on, for example, the result signal received from the unit component 104. With this configuration, for example, the operation of the unit component 104 can be detected more reliably.

Further, following the operation in step S106, the result data, which is the data indicating the detected operation, is transmitted from the electrical equipment unit 102 to the external control device 14 (S108). In this example, the operation of step S108 is an example of the operation of the inspection result transmission stage. Further, for example, as in the configuration shown in FIG. 2, when the external control device 14 and the electrical component 102 are connected via the Internet, in step S106, the result data is externally transmitted from the electrical component 102 via the Internet. It is transmitted to the control device 14. Further, when the measuring instrument 16 is further used, for example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, for example, in step S108, the output value of the measuring instrument 16 is transmitted from the measuring instrument 16 to the external control device 14.

Further, following the operation in step S108, the external control device 14 is made to determine the received result data (S110). In this case, having the external control device 14 determine the result data means, for example, having the external control device 14 determine the inspection result for the unit component 104. Further, the result of the inspection on the unit component 104 is, for example, a result indicating whether or not the operation of the unit component 104 is normal. Further, as the determination of the inspection result, for example, not only whether or not it is normal, but also various states of the unit component 104 may be determined. Further, in this example, the operation of step S110 is an example of the operation of the inspection result determination stage.

Further, when the measuring instrument 16 is further used, for example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in step S108, the external control device 14 further inspects the unit component 104 based on, for example, the output value of the measuring instrument 16. You may judge the result of. With such a configuration, for example, the inspection of the unit component 104 can be appropriately performed with higher accuracy based on more diverse data. Further, in this case, by using various measuring instruments 16 as needed, the state of the unit component 104 can be more appropriately grasped even when the unit component 104 is inspected from a remote location, for example.

By the above operation, the operation of the inspection of this example is completed. According to this example, for example, the unit component 104 can be appropriately inspected. Further, in this case, various inspections can be performed more easily and appropriately by performing bidirectional communication between the external control device 14 and the electrical component 102 using a command such as an MDL command. More specifically, in this case, for example, regarding the firmware that controls the operation of the electrical component 102 (inspection firmware), bidirectional communication with the external control device 14 and a response to a command (for example, inspection). By creating the operation so as to perform the operation (such as the operation instruction and the response of the state of the unit component 104), various inspections on the unit component 104 can be appropriately performed. Further, in the inspection jig 12 and the printing device 18, according to a command received from the external control device 14, the inspection operation is executed, the operation detection result of the unit component 104 (for example, the output value of the sensor) is returned, and the like. Can be done properly.

Further, in this case, it is conceivable that the inspection firmware does not correspond to the specific inspection jig 12 or the printing device 18, but the operation is executed by the combination of single-function operations by the combination of various commands. Be done. With this configuration, for example, various inspection contents for the unit component 104 can be set by a program that controls the operation of the external control device 14. In this case, the program that controls the operation of the external control device 14 is, for example, a program that specifies a command to be output from the external control device 14 to the electrical component 102.

In addition, when configured in this way, for example, it is possible to appropriately prevent the firmware for inspection from becoming too complicated. Further, for example, when the firmware for inspection needs to be changed or modified, the change or modification can be made more easily. Further, for example, when the content of the inspection performed on the unit component 104 is changed and the operation of the inspection jig 12 or the printing device 18 needs to be changed, the firmware for the electrical component 102 is changed. It is possible to respond appropriately only by doing that.

The present invention can be suitably used, for example, in a method for inspecting unit parts for a printing apparatus.

10 ... Inspection system, 12 ... Inspection jig, 14 ... External control device, 16 ... Measuring instrument, 18 ... Printing device, 102 ... Electrical parts, 104 ... Unit parts

Claims (11)

It is an inspection method for inspecting a unit part for a printing device, which is a part that plays a part of the function of the printing device when attached to the printing device.
An input / output unit that communicates with an external control device, which is a control device installed outside the device to which the unit component is attached, is used.
The input / output unit is an inspection, which is a command indicating that a signal is input / output to / from the unit component and a predetermined inspection is performed on the unit component based on a command received from the external control device. When the instruction command is received from the external control device, an inspection signal, which is a signal associated with the inspection instruction command in advance, is output to the unit component.
An inspection instruction command output stage for transmitting the inspection instruction command from the external control device to the input / output unit, and
An inspection signal output step of outputting the inspection signal corresponding to the inspection instruction command from the input / output unit to the unit component, and
An operation detection stage in which the input / output unit detects an operation performed by the unit component in response to the inspection signal.
An inspection result transmission step of transmitting result data, which is data indicating the operation detected by the input / output unit in the operation detection stage, from the input / output unit to the external control device.
An inspection method comprising an inspection result determination step of causing the external control device to make a determination on the result data received from the input / output unit. The inspection method according to claim 1, wherein in the motion detection stage, the input / output unit detects the motion of the unit component based on the output of the sensor that detects the motion of the unit component. When the inspection signal is received, the unit component outputs a result signal, which is a signal indicating the inspection result corresponding to the inspection signal, to the input / output unit.
The inspection method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in the motion detection stage, the input / output unit detects the motion of the unit component based on the result signal received from the unit component. The input / output unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the input / output unit is arranged in an inspection jig which is an inspection device manufactured in accordance with the printing device using the unit component. Inspection method. The inspection method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the input / output unit is arranged in the printing apparatus. The inspection method according to claim 5, wherein the external control device communicates with the input / output unit via a communication network from a remote location where the printing device is installed. The inspection method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the MDL command, which is a command created by using the MDL command SDK distributed by Mimaki Engineering Co., Ltd., is used as the command. The external control device performs bidirectional communication with the input / output unit using the MDL command via the Internet.
In the inspection instruction command output stage, the inspection instruction command is transmitted from the external control device to the input / output unit via the Internet.
The inspection method according to claim 7, wherein in the inspection result transmission stage, the result data is transmitted from the input / output unit to the external control device via the Internet. Further using the measuring instrument connected to the unit component,
The external control device further communicates with the measuring instrument and
The inspection method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein an output value of the measuring instrument is transmitted from the measuring instrument to the external control device in the inspection result transmission stage. The inspection method according to claim 9, wherein the external control device communicates with the measuring instrument without going through the input / output unit. It is an inspection system that inspects unit parts for a printing device, which is a component that plays a part of the function of the printing device when attached to the printing device.
An external control device, which is a control device installed outside the device to which the unit parts are attached,
It is provided with an input / output unit that inputs / outputs signals inside the device to which the unit component is attached and communicates with the external control device.
The input / output unit is an inspection, which is a command indicating that a signal is input / output to / from the unit component and a predetermined inspection is performed on the unit component based on a command received from the external control device. When the instruction command is received from the external control device, an inspection signal, which is a signal associated with the inspection instruction command in advance, is output to the unit component.
In the operation of inspecting the unit parts,
The external control device transmits the inspection instruction command to the input / output unit.
The input / output unit outputs the inspection signal corresponding to the inspection instruction command to the unit component, detects an operation performed by the unit component in response to the inspection signal, and further detects the detected operation. The result data, which is the data indicating the above, is transmitted to the external control device.
The external control device is an inspection system characterized in that it makes a determination on the result data received from the input / output unit.

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