JP7516925B2 - LIQUID EJECTION SYSTEM, LIQUID EJECTION METHOD, AND PROGRAM - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a liquid ejection system, a liquid ejection method, and a program.

In order to accurately eject the liquid required to achieve a goal such as image formation, a liquid ejection device has been developed that performs preliminary ejection, which ejects dried liquid near the nozzle in advance.

For example, a recording device is disclosed that includes a calculation means for calculating the length from the position on the sheet where ink was last ejected before the completion of recording of a first image to the position on the sheet where ink is first ejected when recording a second image, and a determination means for determining whether or not preliminary ejection by a line-type recording head is necessary between the first and second images based on the calculation result by the calculation means.

In conventional technology, data for preliminary ejection is generated after the sheet that will receive the ejected liquid is transported to a position close to the ejection point, which creates the problem that there is not enough processing time to improve the accuracy of preliminary ejection depending on the situation.

The disclosed technology aims to improve the accuracy of preliminary ejection depending on the situation.

The disclosed technology is a liquid ejection system including a liquid ejection device and a control device connected to be able to communicate with the liquid ejection device, the control device including an image data generation unit that generates image data including print data and preliminary ejection data, and an image data transmission unit that transmits the image data to the liquid ejection device, the liquid ejection device including a transport unit that transports a recording medium in a rotation direction of a drum, an image data receiving unit that receives the image data from the control device, a liquid ejection unit having nozzles that eject liquid onto the recording medium, an ejection control unit that causes the liquid ejection unit to execute preliminary ejection based on the preliminary ejection data included in the image data, and a preliminary ejection receiver that is formed on an outer peripheral surface of the drum and receives the liquid ejected by the preliminary ejection, the image data generation unit being configured to generate image data including print data and preliminary ejection data, and an image data transmission unit that transmits the image data to the liquid ejection device, the liquid ejection device including a transport unit that transports a recording medium in a rotation direction of a drum, an image data receiving unit that receives the image data from the control device, a liquid ejection unit having nozzles that eject liquid onto the recording medium, an ejection control unit that causes the liquid ejection unit to execute preliminary ejection based on the preliminary ejection data included in the image data, and a preliminary ejection receiver that is formed on an outer peripheral surface of the drum and receives the liquid ejected by the preliminary ejection, and a nozzle shift unit that does not adjust the position of the nozzle for ejecting the liquid for the first preliminary ejection data, and adjusts the position of the nozzle for ejecting the liquid based on the detection result of the conveyance deviation detection unit only for data whose data class is the second preliminary ejection data, and the image data generation unit generates the image data including a data class indicating any one of the print data, the first preliminary ejection data, and the second preliminary ejection data, and the liquid ejection device further includes a conveyance deviation detection unit that detects a conveyance deviation of the recording medium, and a nozzle shift unit that does not adjust the position of the nozzle for ejecting the liquid for the first preliminary ejection data, and adjusts the position of the nozzle for ejecting the liquid based on the detection result of the conveyance deviation detection unit only for data whose data class is the second preliminary ejection data .

The accuracy of preliminary ejection can be improved depending on the situation.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an overall configuration of a liquid ejection system. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a liquid ejection device. 2A and 2B are diagrams illustrating an internal structure of the liquid ejection device. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a control device. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of functions of the liquid ejection system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a flow of a liquid ejection section control process according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of image data. 11A and 11B are diagrams for explaining a nozzle shift process. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a mask process. 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining nozzle position information; FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of functions of a liquid ejection system according to a second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a flow of a liquid ejection section control process according to the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of functions of a liquid ejection system according to a third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a flow of a liquid ejection section control process according to the third embodiment.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

Figure 1 shows an example of the overall configuration of a liquid ejection system.

The liquid ejection system 1 according to this embodiment includes a control device 10 and a liquid ejection device 30. The control device 10 and the liquid ejection device 30 are connected to each other via a communication network 20 so that they can communicate with each other.

The control device 10 generates image data and transmits the generated image data to the liquid ejection device 30.

The liquid ejection device 30 receives image data from the control device 10 and ejects liquid onto a sheet based on the received image data. The liquid ejection device 30 is, for example, an image forming device that forms an image, such as an inkjet printer.

Figure 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of a liquid ejection device.

The liquid ejection device 30 includes a computer, specifically a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 301, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 302, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 303, a NVRAM (Non-Volatile Random Access Memory) 304, an external device connection I/F 308, a network I/F 309, and a bus line 310.

The liquid ejection device 30 also includes a sheet transport unit 311, a sub-scanning driver 312, a main-scanning driver 313, a carriage 320, and an operation panel 330. The carriage 320 also includes a liquid ejection head 321, and a liquid ejection head driver 322.

Of these, CPU 301 controls the operation of the entire liquid ejection device 30. ROM 302 stores programs used to drive CPU 301, such as IPL. RAM 303 is used as a work area for CPU 301. NVRAM 304 stores various data such as programs, and retains the various data even when the power to liquid ejection device 30 is cut off.

The external device connection I/F 308 is connected to a PC (Personal Computer) via a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable or the like, and communicates control signals and data to be printed with the PC. The network I/F 309 is an interface for communicating data with the control device 10 and the like using the communication network 20. The bus line 310 is an address bus, data bus, or the like for electrically connecting each component such as the CPU 301.

The sheet transport unit 311 is, for example, a roller and a motor that drives the roller, and transports a sheet in the sub-scanning direction along a transport path within the liquid ejection device 30. The sub-scanning driver 312 controls the movement of the sheet transport unit 311 in the sub-scanning direction. The main-scanning driver 313 controls the movement of the carriage 320 in the main-scanning direction. The sheet is an example of a recording medium such as printing paper.

The liquid ejection head 321 of the carriage 320 has multiple nozzles for ejecting liquid such as ink, and is mounted on the carriage 320 with its ejection surface (nozzle surface) facing the sheet. The liquid ejection head 321 ejects liquid onto a sheet that is intermittently transported in the sub-scanning direction while moving in the main scanning direction, thereby ejecting liquid onto a predetermined position on the sheet to form an image. The liquid ejection head driver 322 is a driver for controlling the driving of the liquid ejection head 321.

The operation panel 330 displays the current settings and selection screens, and is composed of a touch panel that accepts input from the operator, an alarm lamp, etc.

The liquid ejection head driver 322 may be configured not to be mounted on the carriage 320, but to be connected to a bus line outside the carriage 320. Also, the main scanning driver 313, the sub-scanning driver 312, and the liquid ejection head driver 322 may each be a function realized by an instruction from the CPU 301 according to a program.

Figure 3 is a diagram to explain the internal structure of the liquid ejection device.

There are as many carriages 320 as the number of plates that the liquid ejection device 30 supports. For example, in the case of four color plates of C/M/Y/K, there are four carriages: carriage 320-1 for ejecting cyan liquid, carriage 320-2 for ejecting magenta liquid, carriage 320-3 for ejecting yellow liquid, and carriage 320-4 for ejecting black liquid.

The sheet conveying unit 311 also includes a drum 3111, a preliminary ejection receiver 3112, a sensor 3113, and a paper feed roller 3114.

The sheet 4 is transported from the feed tray by the rotation of the feed roller 3114. The sheet 4 is then transported along the surface of the drum 3111 in the direction of rotation of the drum 3111.

The sensor 3113 detects the position of the sheet 4 and transmits data indicating the detected position to the CPU 301. Specifically, the sensor 3113 detects the position of the leading edge of the sheet 4. This allows the CPU 301 to determine the timing at which the sheet 4 has been conveyed.

The sensor 3113 also detects the size of the sheet 4. This allows the CPU 301 to obtain information indicating the size of the sheet 4.

Furthermore, the sensor 3113 detects the amount of actual deviation of the sheet 4 from the specified transport path. This allows the CPU 301 to determine the actual position of the sheet 4.

Then, liquid ejected from the liquid ejection head 321 mounted on the carriage 320 adheres to the sheet 4. This forms an image on the sheet 4.

The preliminary ejection receiver 3112 is a recess for receiving the liquid ejected by the preliminary ejection. The preliminary ejection data described below includes first preliminary ejection data that is ejected toward the preliminary ejection receiver 3112, and second preliminary ejection data that is ejected onto the margins of the sheet 4, etc. Therefore, the preliminary ejection receiver 3112 is the part that receives the ejection defined by the second preliminary ejection data.

Figure 4 shows an example of the hardware configuration of a control device.

The control device 10 is constructed by a computer and includes a CPU 101, a ROM 102, a RAM 103, a HD 104, a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) controller 105, a display 106, an external device connection I/F (Interface) 107, a network I/F 108, a bus line 109, a keyboard 110, a pointing device 111, a DVD-RW (Digital Versatile Disk Rewritable) drive 113, and a media I/F 115.

Of these, the CPU 101 controls the operation of the entire control device 10. The ROM 102 stores programs used to drive the CPU 101, such as an IPL (Initial Program Loader). The RAM 103 is used as a work area for the CPU 101. The HD 104 stores programs such as a guest network creation application and various other data. The HDD controller 105 controls the reading and writing of various data from the HD 104 under the control of the CPU 101. The display 106 displays various information such as a cursor, menu, window, text, or image.

The external device connection I/F 107 is an interface for connecting various external devices. In this case, the external device is, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory or other device. The network I/F 108 is an interface for data communication with other devices such as the liquid ejection device 30. The bus line 109 is an address bus, data bus, etc. for electrically connecting each component such as the CPU 101 shown in FIG. 4.

The keyboard 110 is a type of input means equipped with multiple keys for inputting characters, numbers, various instructions, etc. The pointing device 111 is a type of input means for selecting and executing various instructions, selecting a processing target, moving a cursor, etc. The DVD-RW drive 113 controls the reading and writing of various data from the DVD-RW 112, which is an example of a removable recording medium. Note that this is not limited to a DVD-RW, and may be a DVD-R, etc. The media I/F 115 controls the reading and writing (storing) of data from the media 114, such as a flash memory.

Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of the functions of the liquid ejection system according to the first embodiment.

The control device 10 includes an image data generation unit 11 and an image data transmission unit 12.

The image data generating unit 11 generates image data including data for printing and data for preliminary ejection. The data for printing is data generated by operation by a user. The control device 10 may receive the data for printing from a device used by the user, etc.

The preliminary ejection data is data to be used for preliminary ejection of the liquid ejection device 30. Note that preliminary ejection is the ejection of droplets unrelated to image formation from infrequently used or unused nozzles onto the sheet 4 being printed or onto other locations (such as the above-mentioned preliminary ejection receiver 3112) as a measure to prevent ejection defects, which may occur when ink in infrequently used or unused nozzles thickens and causes ejection defects.

Specifically, the preliminary ejection data includes first preliminary ejection data for ejection into the preliminary ejection receiver 3112, and second preliminary ejection data for ejection into an area of the sheet 4 other than the area for the printing data. The area of the sheet 4 other than the area for the printing data is, for example, the area of the leading or trailing end portion of the sheet 4 in the transport direction.

The image data also includes data segments for each line that indicate either print data (P), first preliminary ejection data (F1), or second preliminary ejection data (P1). A line is a unit that indicates each data group obtained by dividing the image data by a straight line perpendicular to the transport direction of the sheet 4.

Note that the amount of data required for a data division is 2 bits, and one line has a data amount of, for example, about 50,000 bits, so the proportion that the data division occupies is very small, and the amount of data does not change significantly even if a data division is added.

The data section of the second preliminary ejection data (P1) may also include data (P1a) for preliminary ejection to the leading edge portion of the sheet 4 and data (P1b) for preliminary ejection to the trailing edge portion of the sheet 4. Furthermore, the data section may include values indicating other data.

The image data generation unit 11 is realized by the CPU 101 executing the processing defined in the program stored in the ROM 102.

The image data transmission unit 12 transmits the generated image data to the liquid ejection device 30. The image data transmission unit 12 is realized by the network I/F 108.

The liquid ejection device 30 includes an image data receiving unit 31, a leading edge detection unit 32, a conveyance deviation detection unit 33, a sheet size detection unit 34, an ejection control unit 35, and a liquid ejection unit 36.

The image data receiving unit 31 receives image data from the control device 10. The image data receiving unit 31 is realized by the network I/F 309.

The leading edge detection unit 32 detects the position of the leading edge of the sheet 4 in the conveying direction. The leading edge detection unit 32 is realized by a sensor 3113, etc.

The conveying deviation detection unit 33 detects the conveying deviation of the sheet 4. The conveying deviation detection unit 33 is realized by the sensor 3113, etc.

The sheet size detection unit 34 detects the size of the sheet 4. The conveyance deviation detection unit 33 is realized by a sensor 3113, etc.

The ejection control unit 35 controls the liquid ejection unit 36. Specifically, the ejection control unit 35 includes a memory unit 351, an ejection control data generation unit 352, a nozzle shift unit 353, a mask processing unit 354, a nozzle delay adjustment unit 355, and a drive waveform selection unit 356.

The storage unit 351 stores various data, information, etc. Specifically, the storage unit 351 stores image data 91 and nozzle position information 92. The image data 91 is data received by the image data receiving unit 31. The nozzle position information 92 is information indicating the positions of the nozzles provided in the liquid ejection unit 36. The storage unit 351 is realized by the ROM 302, the NVRAM 304, etc.

When the leading edge detection unit 32 detects the leading edge of the sheet 4, the ejection control data generation unit 352 generates an ejection start signal. The ejection start signal is a signal that indicates the start of ejection control. Then, when the ejection control starts, the ejection control data generation unit 352 generates ejection control data based on the image data 91 received by the image data receiving unit 31. The ejection control data is data that specifies the control content of the liquid ejection unit 36.

The nozzle shift unit 353 adjusts the nozzle position based on the detection result by the conveyance deviation detection unit 33. Specifically, the nozzle shift unit 353 adjusts the nozzle position for data whose data categories are printing data (P) and second preliminary ejection data (P1). The nozzle position is adjusted for the printing data (P) and the second preliminary ejection data (P1) in order to match the actual position of the sheet 4. Therefore, the nozzle shift unit 353 does not adjust the nozzle position for the first preliminary ejection data (F1).

The mask processing unit 354 masks a portion of the data whose data category is printing data (P) or second preliminary ejection data (P1) based on the detection result of the sheet size detection unit 34.

The reason why part of the data whose data category is printing data (P) or second preliminary ejection data (P1) is masked is that the size of the sheet 4 may differ from the specified value due to the sheet 4 expanding or contracting depending on the environment such as temperature and humidity, and liquid is ejected according to the actual size of the sheet 4. Therefore, the mask processing unit 354 does not mask data whose data category is the first preliminary ejection data (F1).

The nozzle delay adjustment unit 355 adjusts the timing of nozzle ejection based on the nozzle position information 92. Since the positions of the multiple nozzles included in the liquid ejection head 321 are predetermined positions, the nozzle delay adjustment unit 355 can adjust the timing based on the predetermined nozzle position information 92.

The drive waveform selection unit 356 selects the electromagnetic wave waveform for driving the liquid ejection unit 36 from either the waveform for printing or the waveform for preliminary ejection based on the data category.

The ejection control data generation unit 352, nozzle shift unit 353, mask processing unit 354, nozzle delay adjustment unit 355 and drive waveform selection unit 356 are realized by the CPU 301 or the liquid ejection head driver 322 working together to execute the processing defined in the program stored in the ROM 302.

The liquid ejection unit 36 ejects liquid onto the sheet 4 under the control of the ejection control unit 35. The liquid ejection unit 36 is realized by the liquid ejection head 321.

Next, the operation of the liquid ejection system 1 will be described.

The image data generating unit 11 of the control device 10 generates image data 91 in response to a user operation, and when the image data transmitting unit 12 transmits the image data 91, the image data receiving unit 31 of the liquid ejection device 30 receives the image data 91 and stores the received image data 91 in the memory unit 351.

Then, the sheet conveying unit 311 of the liquid ejection device 30 starts the process of conveying the sheet 4. Next, the ejection control unit 35 executes a liquid ejection unit control process to control the liquid ejection unit 36.

Figure 6 shows an example of the flow of the liquid ejection unit control process according to the first embodiment.

The ejection control data generating unit 352 generates an ejection start signal based on the detection result of the tip detection unit 32 (step S101). Then, the ejection control data generating unit 352 generates ejection control data based on the image data 91 stored in the memory unit 351 (step S102). The ejection control data is data that indicates the control content of the liquid ejection unit 36 for forming the image shown in the image data 91 on the sheet 4.

The image data 91 includes printing data (P), first preliminary ejection data (F1), and second preliminary ejection data (P1). The second preliminary ejection data (P1) includes preliminary ejection data (P1a) for the leading edge of the sheet 4, and preliminary ejection data (P1b) for the trailing edge of the sheet 4.

Figure 7 shows an example of image data.

The image data 91 includes preliminary ejection data (P1a) from line L1, counting from the leading edge of the sheet 4 in the transport direction, to the leading edge of the sheet 4, preliminary ejection data (P1b) from line L2, counting from the leading edge, to the trailing edge of the sheet 4, and first preliminary ejection data (F1) from line L3, counting from the leading edge.

In addition, each line of image data 91 includes data indicating one of the data categories P, F1, P1a, and P1b.

Returning to FIG. 6, the nozzle shift unit 353 then updates the ejection control data by performing nozzle shift processing based on the detection result of the conveyance deviation of the sheet 4 by the conveyance deviation detection unit 33 (step S103).

Figure 8 is a diagram explaining the nozzle shift process.

The nozzle shift unit 353 shifts the ejection control data (P1a, P, P1b) to be ejected onto the sheet 4 by an amount (nozzle shift amount) that corresponds to the amount of the conveyance deviation, based on the amount of the conveyance deviation in the direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the sheet 4 detected by the conveyance deviation detection unit 33.

Specifically, the amount of conveyance deviation is converted to 1200 dpi and input to the nozzle shift unit 353. The nozzles are arranged at intervals of 1200 nozzles/inch in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the sheet 4. Therefore, if the resolution of the image data 91 is, for example, 1200 dpi, the nozzle shift unit 353 shifts the ejection control data by one dot at a time in accordance with the nozzle shift amount converted to 1200 dpi.

The nozzle shift unit 353 does not shift the first preliminary ejection data (F1) to be ejected into the preliminary ejection receiver 3112. This is because the ejection of the first preliminary ejection data (F1) is not related to the conveyance deviation of the sheet 4.

Returning to FIG. 6, the mask processing unit 354 then updates the ejection control data by mask processing based on the sheet size detection results (step S104).

Figure 9 is a diagram explaining the masking process.

The mask processing unit 354 masks a portion of P1a (P1a-b) and a portion of P1b (P1b-b) for the ejection control data updated by the nozzle shift unit 353, taking into account the shrinkage of the sheet 4 in the transport direction.

In addition, the mask processing unit 354 masks a portion of P1a (P1a-a, P1a-c) and a portion of P1b (P1b-a, P1b-c) from the data after the nozzle shift, taking into account the shrinkage of the sheet 4 in the direction perpendicular to the transport direction.

The mask processing unit 354 determines the area to be masked using the detection results (M1, M2, and M3 in FIG. 9) by the sheet size detection unit 34. For example, the mask processing unit 354 calculates the reduction ratio of the sheet 4 based on the length of the sheet 4 in the transport direction contained in the image data 91 and the detection results (M3) by the sheet size detection unit 34, and determines the range to be masked.

Similarly, the mask processing unit 354 may also perform mask processing on the printing data (P) so that liquid is not ejected anywhere other than on the sheet 4.

The mask processing unit 354 does not mask the first preliminary ejection data (F1) to be ejected into the preliminary ejection receiver 3112. This is because the ejection of the first preliminary ejection data (F1) is not related to the size of the sheet 4.

Returning to FIG. 6, next, the nozzle delay adjustment unit 355 updates the ejection control data by performing nozzle adjustment processing based on the nozzle position information 92 (step S105).

Figure 10 is a diagram explaining nozzle position information.

The nozzle position information 92 is information that indicates the position of the nozzles 323 included in the liquid ejection heads 321. Specifically, the nozzle position information 92 is information that indicates the position (T1-T10 in FIG. 10) of each nozzle 323 included in the multiple liquid ejection heads 321 in the sheet transport direction, based on the positional relationship of the multiple liquid ejection heads 321 in the sheet transport direction and the positional relationship of the multiple nozzles 323 included in each liquid ejection head 321 in the sheet transport direction.

The nozzle delay adjustment unit 355 adjusts the timing to allow preliminary ejection to occur in line, taking into account the physical positional relationship of the nozzles 323 for each liquid ejection head 321. Specifically, the nozzle delay adjustment unit 355 divides the ejection control data for each row of nozzles 323 arranged in a direction perpendicular to the sheet transport direction of each liquid ejection head 321, and adjusts the liquid ejection timing for each divided data.

Returning to FIG. 6, next, the drive waveform selection unit 356 selects a drive waveform based on the data classification (step S106). Specifically, the drive waveform selection unit 356 selects the electromagnetic wave waveform for driving the liquid ejection unit 36 from either a printing waveform or a preliminary ejection waveform. For example, the drive waveform selection unit 356 selects from either a predefined printing waveform or a preliminary ejection waveform based on the data classification for each data divided for each row of the nozzles 323.

Then, the ejection control unit 35 controls the liquid ejection unit 36 based on the ejection control data generated and updated by the processes from step S102 to step S105 and the drive waveform selected in step S106 (step S107).

According to the liquid ejection system 1 of this embodiment, the control device 10 generates data for preliminary ejection. The liquid ejection device 30 then uses the generated data for preliminary ejection to execute control for preliminary ejection. This allows the liquid ejection device 30 to secure time for control processing for preliminary ejection, and can improve the accuracy of preliminary ejection depending on the situation.

In addition, the image data generating unit 11 of the control device 10 generates, as preliminary ejection data, first preliminary ejection data for ejection into the preliminary ejection receiver 3112 and second preliminary ejection data for ejection into an area of the sheet 4 other than the area for the print data. This can further improve the accuracy of the preliminary ejection of the liquid ejection device 30.

The image data generating unit 11 of the control device 10 generates image data including a data section indicating either the printing data (P), the first preliminary ejection data (F1), or the second preliminary ejection data (P1). The drive waveform selecting unit 356 of the liquid ejection device 30 then selects the electromagnetic wave waveform for driving the liquid ejection unit 36 from either the printing waveform or the preliminary ejection waveform based on the data section. This makes it possible to secure more time for the control process for the preliminary ejection of the liquid ejection device 30.

Second Embodiment
The second embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the liquid ejection device 30 generates ejection control data including a data section indicating any one of the print data (P), the first preliminary ejection data (F1), and the second preliminary ejection data (P1). Therefore, in the following description of the second embodiment, only the differences from the first embodiment will be described, and the same reference numerals as those used in the description of the first embodiment will be given to components having the same functional configuration as the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

Figure 11 is a diagram showing an example of the functions of a liquid ejection system according to the second embodiment.

The image data generating unit 11 according to this embodiment generates image data 91 that does not include a data section. Therefore, the ejection control data generating unit 352 generates ejection control data that includes a data section that indicates either the printing data (P), the first preliminary ejection data (F1), or the second preliminary ejection data (P1) based on the detection result by the sheet size detecting unit 34.

Figure 12 shows an example of the flow of liquid ejection unit control processing according to the second embodiment.

Step S201 of the liquid ejection unit control process according to this embodiment is similar to step S101 of the liquid ejection unit control process according to the first embodiment.

Following the processing of step S201, the ejection control data generation unit 352 generates ejection control data with a data classification based on the image data 91 and the detection results of the sheet size (step S202).

Specifically, for each line of data included in the image data 91, the ejection control data generating unit 352 determines whether the data for each line is print data (P), first preliminary ejection data (F1), or second preliminary ejection data (P1) based on the number of lines from the leading edge of the sheet 4 and the detection result by the sheet size detection unit 34. Then, the ejection control data generating unit 352 generates ejection control data with a data classification based on the determination result.

The following steps S203 to S207 of the liquid ejection unit control process according to this embodiment are the same as steps S103 to S107 of the liquid ejection unit control process according to the first embodiment. Among these, the processes that use the data classification use the data classification assigned in step S202.

According to the liquid ejection system 1 of this embodiment, the ejection control data generation unit 352 generates ejection control data including a data category indicating either the printing data (P), the first preliminary ejection data (F1), or the second preliminary ejection data (P1) based on the detection result by the sheet size detection unit 34. This eliminates the need for the control device 10 to assign a data category, reducing the processing load for generating the image data 91.

Third Embodiment
A third embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. The third embodiment differs from the second embodiment in that the third embodiment further includes a preliminary ejection data generating unit that generates first preliminary ejection data. Therefore, in the following description of the third embodiment, only the differences from the second embodiment will be described, and the same reference numerals as those used in the description of the second embodiment will be given to components having the same functional configuration as the second embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

Figure 13 is a diagram showing an example of the functions of a liquid ejection system according to the third embodiment.

The image data generating unit 11 according to this embodiment generates image data 91 including print data (P) and second preliminary ejection data (P1). In other words, the generated image data 91 does not include the first preliminary ejection data (F1).

Therefore, the liquid ejection device 30 according to this embodiment further includes a preliminary ejection data generation unit 357. The preliminary ejection data generation unit 357 generates the first preliminary ejection data (F1).

Figure 14 shows an example of the flow of liquid ejection unit control processing according to the third embodiment.

Steps S301 and S302 of the liquid ejection unit control process according to this embodiment are similar to steps S201 and S202 of the liquid ejection unit control process according to the second embodiment.

Following the processing of step S202, the preliminary ejection data generation unit 357 generates first preliminary ejection data (F1) (step S303).

The following steps S304 to S308 of the liquid ejection unit control process according to this embodiment are the same as steps S203 to S207 of the liquid ejection unit control process according to the second embodiment.

According to the liquid ejection system 1 of this embodiment, the liquid ejection device 30 generates the first preliminary ejection data (F1). This eliminates the need for the control device 10 to generate the first preliminary ejection data (F1), reducing the processing load for generating image data 91. In addition, since the print data (P) and the second preliminary ejection data (P1), which affect the nozzle shift processing, mask processing, etc., performed by the liquid ejection device 30, are generated by the control device 10, it is possible to ensure processing time for the nozzle shift processing, mask processing, etc., of the liquid ejection device 30.

Each function of the embodiments described above can be realized by one or more processing circuits. In this specification, the term "processing circuit" includes a processor programmed to execute each function by software, such as a processor implemented by an electronic circuit, and devices such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and conventional circuit modules designed to execute each function described above.

The present invention has been described above based on each embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to the requirements shown in the above embodiments. These points can be changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and can be appropriately determined according to the application form.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Liquid ejection system 10 Control device 11 Image data generation section 12 Image data transmission section 20 Communication network 30 Liquid ejection device 31 Image data reception section 32 Leading edge detection section 33 Transport deviation detection section 34 Sheet size detection section 35 Ejection control section 36 Liquid ejection section 351 Storage section 352 Ejection control data generation section 353 Nozzle shift section 354 Mask processing section 355 Nozzle delay adjustment section 356 Drive waveform selection section 357 Preliminary ejection data generation section

Patent No. 6101038

Claims (10)

A liquid ejection system including a liquid ejection device and a control device communicatively connected to the liquid ejection device,
The control device includes:
an image data generating unit that generates image data including printing data and preliminary ejection data;
an image data transmission unit that transmits the image data to the liquid ejection device,
The liquid ejection device includes:
A conveying unit that conveys the recording medium in the direction of rotation of the drum;
an image data receiving unit that receives the image data from the control device;
a liquid ejection unit having a nozzle for ejecting liquid onto the recording medium;
an ejection control unit that causes the liquid ejection unit to execute preliminary ejection based on the preliminary ejection data included in the image data;
a preliminary ejection receiver formed on an outer peripheral surface of the drum for receiving the liquid ejected by the preliminary ejection,
the image data generating unit generates, as the preliminary ejection data, first preliminary ejection data for ejecting data to the preliminary ejection receiver, and second preliminary ejection data for ejecting data to an area of the recording medium other than an area for the print data;
the image data generating unit generates the image data including a data section indicating any one of the printing data, the first preliminary ejection data, and the second preliminary ejection data;
The liquid ejection device includes:
a conveyance deviation detection unit for detecting a conveyance deviation of the recording medium;
a nozzle shift unit that does not adjust a position of the nozzle for ejecting the liquid for the first preliminary ejection data, and adjusts a position of the nozzle for ejecting the liquid for only data whose data section is the second preliminary ejection data, based on a detection result of the conveyance deviation detection unit;
Liquid dispensing system. A liquid ejection system including a liquid ejection device and a control device communicatively connected to the liquid ejection device,
The control device includes:
an image data generating unit that generates image data including printing data and preliminary ejection data;
an image data transmission unit that transmits the image data to the liquid ejection device,
The liquid ejection device includes:
A conveying unit that conveys the recording medium in the direction of rotation of the drum;
an image data receiving unit that receives the image data from the control device;
a liquid ejection unit having a nozzle for ejecting liquid onto a recording medium;
an ejection control unit that causes the liquid ejection unit to execute preliminary ejection based on the preliminary ejection data included in the image data;
a preliminary ejection receiver formed on an outer peripheral surface of the drum for receiving the liquid ejected by the preliminary ejection,
the image data generating unit generates, as the preliminary ejection data, first preliminary ejection data for ejecting data to the preliminary ejection receiver, and second preliminary ejection data for ejecting data to an area of the recording medium other than an area for the print data;
the image data generating unit generates the image data including a data section indicating any one of the printing data, the first preliminary ejection data, and the second preliminary ejection data;
The liquid ejection device includes:
a sheet size detection unit for detecting the size of the recording medium;
a masking processing unit that does not mask the first preliminary ejection data, and masks a part of the data whose data category is the second preliminary ejection data, based on a detection result of the sheet size detection unit,
Liquid dispensing system. The liquid ejection device includes:
a sheet size detection unit for detecting the size of the recording medium;
a masking processing unit that does not mask the first preliminary ejection data, and masks a part of the data whose data category is the second preliminary ejection data, based on a detection result of the sheet size detection unit,
The liquid ejection system of claim 1 . The liquid ejection device includes:
a sheet size detection unit for detecting the size of the recording medium;
a discharge control data generating unit that generates discharge control data including a data section that indicates any one of the printing data, the first preliminary discharge data, and the second preliminary discharge data based on a detection result of the sheet size detecting unit;
The liquid ejection system according to claim 1 . The liquid ejection device includes:
a leading edge detection unit that detects the position of the leading edge of the recording medium in a transport direction,
the ejection control unit starts a process of controlling the liquid ejection unit based on a detection result of the leading end detection unit.
The liquid ejection system according to claim 1 . The liquid ejection device includes:
a storage unit for storing nozzle position information indicating the positions of the nozzles;
a nozzle delay adjustment unit that adjusts the ejection timing of the nozzle for ejecting liquid based on the nozzle position information,
The liquid ejection system according to claim 1 . A liquid ejection method executed by a liquid ejection device including a liquid ejection unit having a nozzle that ejects liquid onto a recording medium, and a control device that is communicatively connected to the liquid ejection device, comprising:
The control device includes:
generating image data including print data and prefire data;
transmitting the image data to the liquid ejection device;
The liquid ejection device includes:
conveying a recording medium in a direction of rotation of the drum;
receiving the image data from the controller;
causing the liquid ejection section to execute preliminary ejection based on the preliminary ejection data included in the image data;
a preliminary ejection receiver formed on the outer peripheral surface of the drum receives the liquid ejected by the preliminary ejection ;
In the step of generating the image data, first preliminary-ejection data for ejecting data to the preliminary-ejection receiver and second preliminary-ejection data for ejecting data to an area of the recording medium other than an area for the print data are generated as the preliminary-ejection data;
In the step of generating the image data, the image data is generated including a data section indicating any one of the printing data, the first preliminary ejection data, and the second preliminary ejection data;
The liquid ejection device includes:
a conveyance deviation detection step for detecting a conveyance deviation of the recording medium;
a nozzle shift step of adjusting a position of the nozzle for ejecting the liquid based on a detection result of the conveyance deviation detection step only for data whose data section is the second preliminary ejection data, without adjusting a position of the nozzle for ejecting the liquid based on the first preliminary ejection data.
Liquid dispensing method. A liquid ejection method executed by a liquid ejection device including a liquid ejection unit having a nozzle that ejects liquid onto a recording medium, and a control device that is communicatively connected to the liquid ejection device, comprising:
The control device includes:
generating image data including print data and prefire data;
transmitting the image data to the liquid ejection device;
The liquid ejection device includes:
conveying a recording medium in a direction of rotation of the drum;
receiving the image data from the controller;
causing the liquid ejection section to execute preliminary ejection based on the preliminary ejection data included in the image data;
a preliminary ejection receiver formed on the outer peripheral surface of the drum receives the liquid ejected by the preliminary ejection ;
In the step of generating the image data, first preliminary-ejection data for ejecting data to the preliminary-ejection receiver and second preliminary-ejection data for ejecting data to an area of the recording medium other than an area for the print data are generated as the preliminary-ejection data;
In the step of generating the image data, the image data is generated including a data section indicating any one of the printing data, the first preliminary ejection data, and the second preliminary ejection data;
The liquid ejection device includes:
a sheet size detection step for detecting the size of the recording medium;
a masking step of not masking the first preliminary ejection data and masking a part of the data whose data category is the second preliminary ejection data based on a detection result of the sheet size detection step, further executing the masking step.
Liquid dispensing method. A computer included in a control device that is communicatively connected to the liquid ejection device,
generating image data including print data and prefire data;
transmitting the image data to the liquid ejection device;
A computer provided in the liquid ejection device that includes a liquid ejection unit having a nozzle that ejects liquid onto a recording medium,
Controlling the operation of the transport unit to transport the recording medium in the rotation direction of the drum;
receiving the image data from the controller;
causing the liquid ejection section to execute preliminary ejection based on the preliminary ejection data included in the image data;
and controlling an operation of receiving the liquid ejected by the preliminary ejection in a preliminary ejection receiver formed on the outer circumferential surface of the drum,
In the step of generating the image data, first preliminary-ejection data for ejecting data to the preliminary-ejection receiver and second preliminary-ejection data for ejecting data to an area of the recording medium other than an area for the print data are generated as the preliminary-ejection data;
In the step of generating the image data, the image data is generated including a data section indicating any one of the printing data, the first preliminary ejection data, and the second preliminary ejection data;
A computer provided in the liquid ejection device,
a conveyance deviation detection step for detecting a conveyance deviation of the recording medium;
a nozzle shift step of adjusting the position of the nozzle for ejecting the liquid based on the detection result of the conveyance deviation detection step only for data whose data section is the second preliminary ejection data, without adjusting the position of the nozzle for ejecting the liquid based on the first preliminary ejection data.
program. A computer included in a control device that is communicatively connected to the liquid ejection device,
generating image data including print data and prefire data;
transmitting the image data to the liquid ejection device;
A computer provided in the liquid ejection device that includes a liquid ejection unit having a nozzle that ejects liquid onto a recording medium,
Controlling the operation of the transport unit to transport the recording medium in the rotation direction of the drum;
receiving the image data from the controller;
causing the liquid ejection section to execute preliminary ejection based on the preliminary ejection data included in the image data;
and controlling an operation of receiving the liquid ejected by the preliminary ejection in a preliminary ejection receiver formed on the outer circumferential surface of the drum,
In the step of generating the image data, first preliminary-ejection data for ejecting data to the preliminary-ejection receiver and second preliminary-ejection data for ejecting data to an area of the recording medium other than an area for the print data are generated as the preliminary-ejection data;
In the step of generating the image data, the image data is generated including a data section indicating any one of the printing data, the first preliminary ejection data, and the second preliminary ejection data;
A computer provided in the liquid ejection device,
a sheet size detection step for detecting the size of the recording medium;
a masking step of not masking the first preliminary ejection data and masking a part of the data whose data category is the second preliminary ejection data based on a detection result of the sheet size detection step;
program.

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