Image forming apparatus, temperature detection method, and storage medium

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of image forming, in particular to an image forming device, a temperature detection method and a storage medium. The method is applied to an image forming device without an ambient temperature sensor, and comprises the following steps: determining a starting state of the image forming device when an image forming task is received, wherein the starting state comprises cold start or hot start; determining a temperature detection strategy corresponding to the starting state of the image forming device; and calculating an ambient detection temperature of the image forming device according to the temperature detection strategy. According to the embodiment of the application, the ambient detection temperature in the image forming device can be calculated according to the starting state of the image forming device when the image forming device is not provided with an ambient temperature sensor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of image forming technology, and more specifically to an image forming apparatus, a temperature detection method, and a storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] During the operation of an image forming apparatus, the internal ambient temperature significantly affects the job control parameters. If the job control parameters do not match the internal ambient temperature, quality defects in the image forming process can easily occur. To avoid such defects, an ambient temperature sensor could be installed inside the image forming apparatus. However, installing such a sensor requires consideration of limited internal space, increased manufacturing costs, and higher maintenance costs. If an ambient temperature sensor is not installed inside the image forming apparatus, the job quality requirements can only be lowered. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, this application provides an image forming apparatus, a temperature detection method, and a storage medium, which can achieve the technical effect of calculating the internal ambient temperature of the image forming apparatus based on its startup state without the need for an ambient temperature sensor inside the apparatus.

[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a temperature detection method, the method being applied to an image forming apparatus, wherein the image forming apparatus does not have an ambient temperature sensor, the method comprising: Determine the startup status of the image forming equipment when an image forming job is received, the startup status including cold start or hot start; Determine a temperature detection strategy corresponding to the startup state of the image forming device; The ambient temperature of the image forming device is calculated based on the temperature detection strategy.

[0005] In some embodiments, determining the temperature detection strategy corresponding to the startup state of the image forming apparatus includes: When the image forming device is in a cold start state, the temperature detection strategy is as follows: Determine the time deviation between the actual time it takes for the fixing unit to heat up to the target temperature and the pre-stored reference preheating time; The ambient detection temperature of the image forming device is calculated based on the time deviation.

[0006] In some embodiments, determining the temperature detection strategy corresponding to the startup state of the image forming apparatus includes: When the image forming device is in a hot-start state, the temperature detection strategy is as follows: Determine the ambient temperature during the most recent cold start-up; The current ambient temperature of the image forming device is calculated based on the ambient temperature detected during the most recent cold start-up.

[0007] In some embodiments, when the image forming apparatus is in a cold start state, calculating the ambient detection temperature of the image forming apparatus according to the temperature detection strategy includes: Determine the first duration for heating the fixing unit to the target temperature; Based on the pre-stored reference preheating times of the fixing unit at different room temperatures, determine the first reference preheating time corresponding to the first time, and the first room temperature corresponding to the first reference preheating time; Determine the first time deviation between the first duration and the first reference preheating duration; The first temperature deviation is determined based on the first time deviation; The first room temperature is corrected based on the first temperature deviation to obtain the ambient detection temperature of the image forming device.

[0008] In some embodiments, when the image forming apparatus is in a hot-start state, calculating the ambient detection temperature of the image forming apparatus according to the temperature detection strategy includes: Acquire component operating data that affects the internal ambient temperature of the image forming apparatus; The second temperature deviation is determined based on the component's operating data; The ambient temperature detected during the most recent cold start-up is corrected based on the second temperature deviation to obtain the current ambient temperature detected by the image forming device.

[0009] In some embodiments, the component operating data affecting the internal ambient temperature of the image forming apparatus includes one or more combinations of the following: Accumulated time for fixing lamp on, accumulated time for fixing lamp off, accumulated time for fan rotation, accumulated time for fan stop, and accumulated printing time.

[0010] In some embodiments, determining the startup state of the image forming apparatus when an image forming job is received includes: The startup state of the image forming device is determined based on the sleep duration, power-off state, or temperature of the fixing unit when the image forming job is received.

[0011] In some embodiments, determining the startup state of the image forming apparatus when an image forming job is received includes: If the image forming device's sleep duration exceeds a first threshold or its power state is off when the image forming job is received, then the image forming device's startup state is determined to be a cold start. Otherwise, the startup state of the image forming device is determined to be a hot start.

[0012] In some embodiments, the method further includes: The print configuration interface includes: a configuration option for automatically detecting ambient temperature using firmware, a configuration option for manually inputting ambient temperature, and a configuration option for not referencing ambient temperature control. In response to the user's selection of the configuration option to automatically detect the ambient temperature using firmware, the ambient temperature of the image forming device is detected. In response to the user's selection of the configuration option to manually input the ambient temperature, the temperature currently input by the user or previously input is used as the ambient temperature detected by the image forming device; In response to the user's selection of a configuration option that does not reference ambient temperature control, the image forming job is executed using the default job control parameters.

[0013] In some embodiments, after calculating the ambient detection temperature of the image forming device according to the temperature detection strategy, the method further includes: Based on the ambient temperature, determine whether the image forming device is currently in a low-temperature environment, a normal-temperature environment, or a high-temperature environment; The corresponding image forming operation mode is executed based on the ambient temperature result, and the operation mode prompt information is displayed on the panel.

[0014] In a second aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide an image forming apparatus, comprising: At least one processor; and at least one memory communicatively connected to the processor, wherein the memory stores program instructions executable by the processor, the processor invoking the program instructions to perform the method described in the first aspect or any one of the first aspects based on the operation instructions.

[0015] Thirdly, embodiments of the present invention provide a computer-readable storage medium comprising a stored program, wherein, when the program is executed, it controls the device where the computer-readable storage medium is located to perform the method described in the first aspect or any one of the first aspects.

[0016] The image forming apparatus, temperature detection method, and storage medium of the present invention have at least the following beneficial effects: In embodiments of the present invention, when the image forming apparatus lacks an ambient temperature sensor, a temperature detection strategy can be determined based on the start-up state of the image forming apparatus upon receiving an image forming job. Then, based on the corresponding temperature detection strategy, the ambient temperature of the image forming apparatus can be calculated. It can be understood that embodiments of the present invention can calculate the internal ambient temperature of the image forming apparatus even when no ambient temperature sensor is installed inside, providing temperature data support for matching the appropriate job mode to the execution of the image forming job, thus ensuring the quality of the image forming job. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 A flowchart of a temperature detection method provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 A flowchart of another temperature detection method provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a printing configuration interface provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating yet another temperature detection method provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a flowchart of a method for determining the ambient detection temperature during cold start-up provided by an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a flowchart of a method for determining the ambient detection temperature during a hot engine start-up, provided by an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an image forming apparatus provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a temperature correction mode correspondence table provided for an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 A schematic diagram of a fixing unit with different baseline preheating times at different room temperatures provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10 A schematic diagram of an environmental temperature calibration table for cold start-up provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 11 A schematic diagram of another environmental temperature calibration table under cold start-up conditions provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of a comparison table between component operating data and temperature deviation provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To better understand the technical solution of this application, the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0019] It should be understood that the described embodiments are merely some, not all, of the embodiments in this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments in this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0020] The terminology used in the embodiments of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this application. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” used in the embodiments of this application and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0021] Image forming equipment is a device having at least one function related to image forming. These functions may include, but are not limited to, printing, scanning, copying, and faxing. For example: a single-function printer: an image forming device with only printing capabilities; a multifunction printer: an image forming device with printing, copying, scanning, and / or faxing capabilities, and the option to selectively set the number of paper trays; a digital multifunction printer: based on copying capabilities, with standard or optional printing, scanning, and faxing functions, using digital principles and laser printing for document output, allowing for image and text editing as needed, possessing a large-capacity paper tray, high memory, large hard drive, strong network support, and multitasking capabilities.

[0022] During the operation of an image forming apparatus, the internal ambient temperature significantly affects the operation control parameters. If the configured operation control parameters do not match the internal ambient temperature, quality defects can easily occur in the image forming process. These defects include: dirt on the image forming medium (such as paper), insufficient toner adhesion leading to poor image adhesion, and horizontal black stripes and irregular white spots on the formed image. To address these quality defects, an ambient temperature sensor can be installed inside the image forming apparatus. However, installing an ambient temperature sensor requires dedicated installation space within the apparatus and precise positioning design to ensure the accuracy of the data detected. Improper installation can also lead to inaccurate temperature readings, further affecting image quality. Furthermore, installing an ambient temperature sensor inside the image forming apparatus increases manufacturing and maintenance costs. Therefore, installing an ambient temperature sensor inside the image forming apparatus facilitates the acquisition of the internal ambient temperature, enabling the adaptation of operation control parameters based on this temperature and ultimately improving image forming quality. However, it's important to note that incorporating an ambient temperature sensor within the image forming apparatus also introduces design complexity and increases hardware costs. For example, in small-sized image forming apparatuses, there's often insufficient space within the casing to accommodate the sensor; forcibly adding it would compress the space available for other hardware. Conversely, omitting the sensor to save on hardware costs can lead to image quality defects, as mentioned earlier. Therefore, a better approach is to leverage the inherent characteristics of the image forming apparatus itself to infer the internal ambient temperature, without increasing hardware costs. This deduced temperature can then be used to determine the image forming operation mode, allowing the control parameters for that mode to better match the machine's internal temperature, thus improving image quality without increasing hardware costs.

[0023] For the above considerations, embodiments of the present invention provide a temperature detection method. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the processing steps of this temperature detection method include: 101. Determine the startup status of the image forming equipment when an image forming job is received, including cold start or hot start.

[0024] 102. Determine the temperature detection strategy corresponding to the startup state of the image forming device.

[0025] 103. Calculate the ambient temperature of the image forming device based on the temperature detection strategy.

[0026] In this embodiment of the invention, temperature detection strategies are set for the cold start-up state and the hot start-up state of the image forming equipment, respectively. When the image forming equipment receives an image forming job, the corresponding temperature detection strategy can be determined according to the start-up state of the image forming equipment, and then the ambient temperature of the image forming equipment can be calculated. The aforementioned ambient temperature is a calculated value used to feed back the internal ambient temperature of the image forming equipment. The internal ambient temperature of the image forming equipment can refer to the actual air temperature reached inside the printer housing, mechanical components, and around the imaging components. Its internal ambient temperature can be affected by factors such as machine running time, fixing heating device, and ambient air temperature, achieving the technical effect of obtaining the internal ambient temperature of the equipment even without the participation of an ambient temperature sensor.

[0027] In this embodiment of the invention, the temperature detection strategy corresponding to the start-up state of the image forming apparatus is mainly: based on the heating characteristics of the fixing unit inside the image forming apparatus, the relationship between its heating time and the internal ambient temperature is used to infer the ambient temperature inside the image forming apparatus.

[0028] Specifically, when the image forming apparatus is in a cold start state, the temperature detection strategy is as follows: determine the actual time it takes for the fixing unit to heat up to the target temperature, determine the time deviation between this actual time and a pre-stored reference preheating time, and calculate the ambient detection temperature of the image forming apparatus based on this time deviation. It can be understood that when the image forming apparatus is cold started, the temperature of the fixing unit is close to room temperature. By using the actual time it takes for the fixing unit to heat up to the target temperature and the pre-stored reference preheating time, the ambient detection temperature of the image forming apparatus can be deduced, thereby achieving the effect of using the heating characteristics of the fixing unit to infer the internal temperature of the image forming apparatus.

[0029] When the image forming apparatus is in a hot start state, the temperature of the fixing unit may differ significantly from its internal ambient temperature. In this state, the ambient temperature of the image forming apparatus during its most recent cold start can be determined, and the ambient temperature of the image forming apparatus can be calculated based on the ambient temperature of the most recent cold start.

[0030] See Figure 2 This is a flowchart of another temperature detection method provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 As shown, the temperature detection method of this invention is applied in an image forming apparatus where no ambient temperature sensor is provided. The temperature detection method includes: 201. Determine the startup status of the image forming equipment when an image forming job is received. This startup status includes either a cold start status or a hot start status. Specifically, if the startup status of the image forming equipment is a cold start status, proceed to steps 202-206; if the startup status of the image forming equipment is a hot start status, proceed to steps 207-208.

[0031] 202. When the image forming apparatus is in a cold start state, a first duration for heating the fixing unit to the target temperature is determined. It can be understood that in the cold start state, the temperature of the fixing unit is close to room temperature.

[0032] 203. Based on the pre-stored reference preheating times of the fixing unit at different room temperatures, determine the first reference preheating time corresponding to the first time and the first room temperature corresponding to the first reference preheating time.

[0033] 204, determine the first time deviation between the first duration and the first reference preheating duration.

[0034] 205. Determine the first temperature deviation based on the first time deviation.

[0035] 206. Correct the first room temperature according to the first temperature deviation to obtain the ambient detection temperature of the image forming device, and then execute step 209.

[0036] 207. Determine the ambient temperature during the most recent cold start-up.

[0037] 208. Calculate the current ambient temperature of the image forming device based on the ambient temperature during the most recent cold start.

[0038] 209. The image forming operation mode is determined based on the calculated ambient temperature of the image forming equipment.

[0039] 210. Execute an image forming job according to the image forming job mode.

[0040] In this embodiment of the invention, the operating states of the image forming apparatus are divided into a cold start state and a hot start state. In the cold start state, the fixing unit in the image forming apparatus is close to room temperature. Other start states of the image forming apparatus besides the cold start state are referred to as hot start states.

[0041] When the image forming apparatus receives an image forming job, it first determines whether the image forming apparatus is in a cold start or a warm start state. The methods for determining the image forming apparatus's startup state include: determining the image forming apparatus's sleep time, power-off status, or the temperature of the fixing unit when the image forming apparatus receives the image forming job.

[0042] In some embodiments, if the image forming device's sleep duration exceeds a first threshold or its power state is off when an image forming job is received, the image forming device's startup state is determined to be a cold start. In practical applications, the aforementioned off state is defined as the image forming device being powered off for a certain period of time. It can be understood that the image forming device's sleep state is the engine chip's power-off state, i.e., the fixing unit's power-off state. When the image forming device's sleep duration exceeds the first threshold, i.e., the engine chip's power-off time exceeds the first threshold, the fixing unit's temperature is close to room temperature. For example, if the image forming device has been in deep sleep for more than 2 hours before starting, the image forming device's operating state is a cold start. Similarly, if the image forming device is transitioning from a power-off to a power-on state when an image forming job is received, the fixing unit's temperature is close to room temperature, and the image forming device's operating state is a cold start. In some embodiments, if the image forming device is not in a cold start state when an image forming job is received, the image forming device is determined to be in a warm start state.

[0043] In an image forming apparatus, the fixing unit needs to be heated to a certain temperature before performing an image forming operation. In this embodiment of the invention, this certain temperature is referred to as the target temperature. When the image forming apparatus receives an image forming operation, if it is in a cold start state, the temperature of the fixing unit is close to room temperature; that is, the fixing unit needs to be heated from room temperature to the target temperature before performing the image forming operation. The time required for the fixing unit to heat to the target temperature will vary depending on the room temperature. Therefore, this embodiment of the invention pre-stores different baseline preheating times for the fixing unit at different room temperatures. When the image forming apparatus receives an image forming operation, it heats the fixing unit and detects the actual time it takes for the fixing unit to heat to the target temperature. In this embodiment of the invention, this actual time is referred to as the first duration. The image forming apparatus can use the first page printing time as the first duration by detecting the first page printing time. Then, based on the pre-set baseline preheating times corresponding to the fixing unit at different room temperatures, a first baseline preheating time corresponding to the first duration is determined. For example, this first baseline preheating time can be the baseline preheating time with the smallest difference from the first duration among all baseline preheating times. Once the first baseline preheating time is determined, the first room temperature corresponding to the first baseline preheating time can be further determined.

[0044] It is understood that the fixing unit heats from room temperature to the target temperature during cold start-up. Based on the relationship between the actual heating time (first duration) and the first reference preheating time, the first room temperature can be determined. In some embodiments, this first room temperature can be directly determined as the ambient temperature detected inside the image forming apparatus. In other embodiments, a first time deviation between the first duration and the first reference preheating time can be used to determine a first temperature deviation, and then the first room temperature can be corrected based on this first temperature deviation. This allows the calculated ambient temperature to be closer to the actual ambient temperature inside the image forming apparatus, making the ambient temperature detection more accurate.

[0045] In some embodiments, determining the first temperature deviation based on the first time deviation includes: if the first duration is greater than the first reference preheating duration, then the first temperature deviation is negative. Alternatively, if the first duration is greater than the first reference preheating duration and the difference is greater than a first threshold, then the first temperature deviation is negative. It can be understood that when the actual time (first duration) for the fixing unit to heat to the target temperature is greater than the first reference preheating duration, it indicates that the internal ambient temperature of the image forming apparatus is likely lower than the first room temperature corresponding to the first reference preheating duration; therefore, the first temperature deviation is negative. Optionally, the larger the absolute value of the first time deviation, the larger the absolute value of the first temperature deviation.

[0046] In some embodiments, determining the first temperature deviation based on the first time deviation includes: if the first duration is less than the first reference duration, then the first temperature deviation is positive. Alternatively, if the first duration is less than the first reference duration and the difference is greater than a second threshold, then the first temperature deviation is positive. It can be understood that when the actual time (first duration) for the fixing unit to heat to the target temperature is less than the first reference preheating time, it indicates that the internal ambient temperature of the image forming apparatus is likely greater than the first room temperature corresponding to the first reference preheating time; therefore, the first temperature deviation is positive. Optionally, the larger the absolute value of the first time deviation, the larger the value of the first temperature deviation.

[0047] When an image forming apparatus receives an image forming job, if it is in a warm-up start-up state, the temperature of the fixing unit of the image forming apparatus is higher than room temperature. In this state, the method for determining the internal ambient temperature of the image forming apparatus includes: acquiring operating data of components affecting the internal ambient temperature of the image forming apparatus; determining a second temperature deviation based on the acquired component operating data; determining the ambient detection temperature corresponding to the most recent cold start-up before receiving the image forming job; correcting the ambient detection temperature at the most recent cold start-up based on the second temperature deviation to obtain the current ambient detection temperature of the image forming apparatus; determining the image forming job mode based on the current ambient detection temperature of the image forming apparatus; and executing the image forming job in the determined image forming job mode.

[0048] In some embodiments, component operating data affecting the internal ambient temperature of the image forming apparatus includes one or more combinations of the following: cumulative fixing lamp start time, cumulative fixing lamp stop time, cumulative fan rotation time, cumulative fan stop time, and cumulative printing time.

[0049] (1) Fixing lamp accumulation time: The image forming equipment has fixing lamp control in preheating / standby / printing modes. The fixing lamp accumulation time will affect the internal ambient temperature of the image forming equipment.

[0050] (2) Fixing lamp extinction cumulative time: The image forming equipment has fixing lamp extinction control in preheating / standby / printing / sleep / abnormal modes. The fixing lamp extinction cumulative time will affect the internal ambient temperature of the image forming equipment.

[0051] (3) Fan rotation cumulative time: Fan rotation affects the airflow inside the image forming device, accelerates the internal heat dissipation of the image forming device, and thus affects the internal ambient temperature of the image forming device.

[0052] (4) Cumulative time of fan stoppage: The stoppage of the fan will also affect the airflow inside the image forming device, slow down the internal heat dissipation of the image forming device, and thus affect the internal ambient temperature of the image forming device.

[0053] (5) Printing cumulative time: During printing, the operation of various components in the image forming equipment, such as paper feeding in the paper path and the evaporation of moisture from the paper itself, will affect the internal ambient temperature of the image forming equipment.

[0054] It can be understood that the warm-up state of an image forming apparatus transitions from a cold-up state. If the image forming apparatus receives an image forming job in a warm-up state, it determines the ambient temperature corresponding to the most recent cold-up start-up. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus acquires component operating data that affects the internal ambient temperature of the image forming apparatus. This acquired component operating data can be converted into a second temperature deviation, which can be a positive or negative integer. This second temperature deviation can be used to correct the ambient temperature detected during the most recent cold-up start-up (i.e., calculating the current ambient temperature detected by the image forming apparatus based on the ambient temperature detected during the most recent cold-up start-up, and adding the second temperature deviation to the ambient temperature detected during the most recent cold-up start-up), thus obtaining the current ambient temperature detected by the image forming apparatus. This ambient temperature can then be used to represent the internal ambient temperature of the image forming apparatus.

[0055] In this embodiment of the invention, after determining the ambient temperature inside the image forming apparatus according to the above method, the image forming operation mode can be determined based on the ambient temperature of the image forming apparatus. This ensures that the operation control parameters under the corresponding operation mode are more closely matched to the internal ambient temperature of the image forming apparatus, preventing poor fixing or image quality degradation. This embodiment of the invention determines the ambient temperature inside the image forming apparatus through calculation, eliminating the need for an additional ambient temperature sensor. This approach saves hardware costs while improving and ensuring image quality.

[0056] In some embodiments, the internal temperature environment of the image forming apparatus is categorized into a low-temperature environment, a normal-temperature environment, or a high-temperature environment. After calculating the internal environmental detection temperature of the image forming apparatus according to the method of this embodiment, it is determined whether it is a low-temperature environment, a normal-temperature environment, or a high-temperature environment, and the corresponding image forming operation mode is executed based on the environmental temperature result. The low-temperature environment, normal-temperature environment, and high-temperature environment each correspond to different image forming operation modes. For example, image forming operation modes may include a low-temperature operation mode, a normal-temperature operation mode, and a high-temperature operation mode, corresponding to low-temperature environments, normal-temperature environments, or high-temperature environments, respectively. Different image forming operation modes correspond to different operation control parameters, such as different fixing control parameters under different operation modes. Determining the image forming operation mode according to the internal environmental temperature of the image forming apparatus can make the fixing control parameters more suitable for the current environmental temperature, preventing poor fixing or image quality degradation. In some embodiments, if the internal environmental detection temperature of the image forming apparatus is extremely low, such as below 0°C, image forming operations may not be executed, avoiding forced execution of operations in extreme low-temperature environments, reducing invalid operations caused by abnormal internal environmental temperatures of the image forming apparatus, and improving user experience. In addition, once the image forming operation mode is determined, operation mode prompts can be displayed on the panel to remind the user of the current image forming operation mode, thereby improving equipment reliability and enhancing the user experience.

[0057] In some embodiments, a print configuration interface may be displayed on the panel of an electronic device or image forming apparatus. This interface includes: a configuration option for automatically detecting the ambient temperature using firmware, a configuration option for manually inputting the ambient temperature, and a configuration option for not referencing ambient temperature control. In response to the user's selection of the configuration option for automatically detecting the ambient temperature using firmware, the ambient temperature of the image forming apparatus is detected. In response to the user's selection of the configuration option for manually inputting the ambient temperature, the temperature currently input or historically input by the user is used as the ambient temperature detected by the image forming apparatus. In response to the user's selection of the configuration option for not referencing ambient temperature control, an image forming job is executed using default job control parameters. The ambient temperature described in the print configuration interface is the internal ambient temperature of the image forming apparatus, and the same applies below.

[0058] The following description uses an image forming device as a printer and an image forming job as a printing job as an example to illustrate the temperature detection method of this invention.

[0059] like Figure 3 As shown, the print driver includes a print configuration interface 200. This interface includes: a configuration option to automatically detect the ambient temperature using firmware; a configuration option to manually input the ambient temperature; and a configuration option to control the temperature without referencing the ambient temperature. When the user selects the "Automatically detect ambient temperature using firmware" configuration option in the print configuration interface 200 and issues a print job, the print job will include the job configuration for automatically detecting the ambient temperature using firmware.

[0060] In one possible embodiment, for scenarios where users configure the print configuration interface, the following scenario example can be referenced: 1. If no image quality issues occur when the fixing temperature is not referenced during printing, the user can select the "Do not reference ambient temperature control" option.

[0061] 2. If image quality issues arise when the fixing temperature control during printing is not referenced to ambient temperature, the user should consider selecting an ambient temperature reference for fixing temperature control during printing. Whether this ambient temperature is obtained through "automatic detection of ambient temperature using firmware" or "manual input of ambient temperature" depends on the specific circumstances, as detailed below: If there is a thermometer and hygrometer next to the machine, or an air conditioner (which can display the temperature of the current location where the machine is placed), selecting "Use manual input of ambient temperature" will allow the user to manually input the ambient temperature for greater accuracy.

[0062] If there is no thermometer or hygrometer next to the machine, no air conditioning equipment (which can display the temperature of the current machine location), or if the user is printing remotely via the network, then you can select "Use firmware to automatically detect ambient temperature".

[0063] In one possible embodiment, considering that the location of the image forming equipment is generally relatively fixed during actual use, and the ambient temperature of the machine at that location is also relatively fixed over a certain period of time, and considering that users often do not need to manually re-enter the ambient temperature every time a print job is sent, the previously manually entered ambient temperature is designed to be remembered and displayed in the print configuration interface. The user only needs to change the temperature when they feel it is necessary to re-enter it; otherwise, the previously manually entered ambient temperature value is retained in the print configuration interface.

[0064] like Figure 4As shown, when the printer receives a print job, and the print job contains a job configuration that uses firmware to automatically detect the ambient temperature, the printer performs the following methods: 301. When the printer receives a print job, it determines the printer's startup status. If the printer's startup status is cold start, proceed to step 302; if the printer's startup status is warm start, proceed to step 303.

[0065] 302. The printer is set to start cold and the internal ambient temperature is determined as the first ambient temperature.

[0066] 303. The printer is set to a warm-up state, and the internal ambient temperature of the printer is determined as the second ambient detection temperature.

[0067] 304. The printer determines the printing mode based on the temperature detected in the internal environment of the device.

[0068] 305. Execute the print job according to the determined print mode.

[0069] In this embodiment of the invention, the internal temperature of the printer can be divided into a low-temperature environment, a normal-temperature environment, or a high-temperature environment. Each of these environments corresponds to a different temperature correction mode, as detailed in the following documentation. Figure 8 As shown in Table 1.

[0070] like Figure 8 As shown in Table 1, the ambient temperature measured according to the method of this embodiment can be represented by E. When E_Temp ≤ 0℃, it is determined that the internal temperature of the printer is too low and does not meet the printing conditions. The actions taken in this case include: Printing is prohibited: the printing operation is not performed to avoid poor fixing or equipment damage caused by low temperature. User tip: Users are required to move the printer to a room temperature environment (such as above 10℃) before performing the printing operation.

[0071] When 15℃>E_Temp>0℃, it is a low-temperature environment, and the printer uses the low-temperature environment printing target temperature correction mode for printing.

[0072] When 30℃>E_Temp≥ 15℃, it is considered a normal temperature environment, and the printer uses the normal temperature environment printing target temperature correction mode for printing.

[0073] When E_Temp ≥ 30℃, it is considered a high-temperature environment, and the printer uses the high-temperature environment printing target temperature correction mode for printing.

[0074] In this embodiment of the invention, after receiving a print job, the printer performs refined control calculations to obtain the ambient temperature E. Then, based on the ambient temperature E, it determines the temperature correction mode to be used for fusing. Specifically, the low-temperature environment printing target temperature correction, the normal-temperature environment printing target temperature correction, and the high-temperature environment printing target temperature correction are the fusing control parameter modes for the fusing unit under low-temperature, normal-temperature, and high-temperature environments, respectively. This embodiment of the invention uses different fusing control parameters under different temperature environments, achieving refined control of the fusing control parameters and improving the image fusing effect.

[0075] In cold start scenarios, the internal ambient temperature of the printer is essentially the same as the temperature of the machine's placement area and the fuser unit. However, the time it takes for the fuser unit to heat to the target temperature differs significantly between low-temperature, normal-temperature, and high-temperature environments. This invention utilizes this characteristic of the fuser unit to infer the internal ambient temperature of the printer by analyzing the fuser unit's heating time during preheating. Figure 5 As shown, in a cold start scenario, step 302 performed by the printer includes: 3021, printer heating and fixing unit.

[0076] 3022, The printer determines the first duration t1 for heating the fuser unit to the target temperature.

[0077] 3023, The printer determines the first reference preheating time t2 corresponding to the first time t1 and the first room temperature corresponding to the first reference preheating time t2 based on the different reference preheating times corresponding to the fixing unit at different room temperatures.

[0078] 3024, the printer determines the first time deviation Δt between t1 and t2.

[0079] 3025, the printer determines the first temperature deviation based on the Δt conversion.

[0080] 3026, The printer uses the first temperature deviation to correct the first room temperature, and obtains the first ambient temperature inside the printer.

[0081] The printer internally has preset preheating times for the fusing unit at different room temperatures, one example being... Figure 9 As shown in Table 2.

[0082] In steps 3022 and 3023 above, when the fixing unit is heated to the target temperature in the cold state and the first duration t1 is obtained, the first reference preheating duration t2 that is closest to the first duration t1 and the first room temperature corresponding to the first reference duration t2 are determined from Table 2.

[0083] like Figure 10Table 3 and Figure 11 As shown in Table 4, once t1 and t2 are determined, the first room temperature (corresponding to the fixing temperature during cold start in Table 3 or Table 4) can be corrected according to Table 3 or Table 4 to obtain the first ambient detection temperature.

[0084] In a specific example, after the printer has been in deep sleep for 3 hours, the user sends a print job to wake it up. The printer calculates through a timer that the machine's sleep duration exceeds 2 hours, thus determining it to be a cold start. When the cold start preheating is complete, the printer calculates the actual heating time of the fuser unit to be 18.3 seconds. This heating time is closest to the baseline preheating time of 19 seconds in Table 2. Therefore, the temperature corresponding to the baseline preheating time of 19 seconds, 15°C, is taken as the ambient detection temperature to be corrected. Referring to Table 4, the actual heating time of the fuser unit, 18.3 seconds, is 0.7 seconds less than the baseline preheating time of 19 seconds. The ambient detection temperature is corrected by +1°C, and finally, 16°C is taken as the printer's ambient detection temperature.

[0085] An ambient temperature of 16°C falls within the normal temperature range (30°C > E_Temp ≥ 15°C). Print according to the normal temperature environment printing target temperature correction mode.

[0086] Printer hot start scenario: When a printer leaves the factory and is delivered to the user, the first time the machine is turned on, it must be a cold start. Therefore, it is perfectly valid to use cold start data as the basis for hot start data.

[0087] like Figure 6 As shown, in the case of a hot start, the printer performs the above step 303, including: 3031, the printer acquires operational data of components that affect the internal temperature of the printer. This includes: cumulative fuser lamp activation time, cumulative fuser lamp deactivation time, cumulative fan rotation time, cumulative fan stop time, and cumulative printing time.

[0088] 3032, the printer determines the second temperature deviation based on the acquired component operating data.

[0089] 3033, The printer determines the first ambient temperature corresponding to the most recent cold start state since the print job was received.

[0090] 3034, The printer corrects the first ambient temperature based on the second temperature deviation to obtain the second ambient temperature.

[0091] In some embodiments, the time difference between the printer being powered on and receiving a print job is determined, and component operation data within that time difference is collected to determine a second temperature deviation based on the component operation data within that time difference.

[0092] In some embodiments, the printer has a built-in lookup table of component operating data and temperature deviation. After obtaining the component operating data, the second temperature deviation can be determined by referring to the lookup table.

[0093] like Figure 12 Table 5 shows a comparison table of component operating data and temperature deviation provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, Table 5 is a comparison table of the operating parameters of each component and temperature deviation when the printer is powered on and the time difference ΔT = 60 minutes between receiving the print job. The component operating parameters include the cumulative time for fixing lamp activation, cumulative time for fixing lamp deactivation, cumulative time for fan rotation, cumulative time for fan stop, and cumulative printing time, as mentioned above.

[0094] It should be noted that Table 5 only provides a simplified example using a typical scenario where the time difference between printer power-on and receiving the print job is ΔT = 60 minutes. In practical applications, a time difference table can be set up every n minutes to represent the time difference between printer power-on and receiving the print job. n minutes can be set according to actual needs, such as 1 minute, 2 minutes, 5 minutes, or other possible time intervals.

[0095] In Table 5, ① to ⑤ are dynamic factors. In actual use, due to some uncertain events (such as machine overheating during printing, toner shortage during printing, paper shortage during printing, paper jam during printing, etc.), these dynamic factors may have a slight deviation from the above benchmark model table. For ① to ⑤ in the above model table, as long as 3 or more items are matched, the machine ambient temperature can be determined.

[0096] In a specific example, the time difference ΔT between the printer powering on and receiving a print job is 60 minutes. During this period, the cumulative time for the fuser lamp to be on is 30 minutes, the cumulative time for the fuser lamp to be off is 30 minutes, the cumulative time for each fan to rotate is 32 minutes, the cumulative time for each fan to stop is 28 minutes, and the cumulative printing time is 25 minutes. By referring to the table, we can find that the printer's ambient temperature at this time is the final ambient temperature (i.e., the second ambient temperature mentioned above) obtained by adding 5°C to the ambient temperature detected during the most recent cold start. Based on the second ambient temperature, we can refer to Table 1 to determine which set of control parameters to use for fuser control.

[0097] like Figure 3 As shown, the print configuration interface 200 includes: a configuration option for automatically detecting the ambient temperature using firmware, a configuration option for manually inputting the ambient temperature, and a configuration option for not referencing ambient temperature control. The above describes the scenario where the job mode is determined by automatically detecting the ambient temperature using firmware. In some embodiments, when issuing a print job, the user may also select either the "manually input ambient temperature" configuration option or the "not referencing ambient temperature control" configuration option.

[0098] In some embodiments, if the user selects the "Do not refer to ambient temperature control" configuration option when issuing a print job, the printer can execute the print job without referring to the ambient temperature detected internally, and instead use the default fixed job mode. Optionally, in this printing method, if image quality problems occur during printing, the user can also reselect the "Use firmware to automatically detect ambient temperature" configuration option, or select the "Use manual input of ambient temperature" configuration option, thereby redetermining the job mode based on the ambient temperature detected.

[0099] If the user selects the "Automatically detect ambient temperature using firmware" configuration option, the ambient temperature inside the printer will be calculated according to the method of this embodiment of the invention.

[0100] If the user selects the "Use manual input of ambient temperature" configuration option, the user can input the ambient temperature in the print configuration interface 200, and the printer will redetermine the job mode based on the ambient temperature input by the user.

[0101] In some embodiments, the user can determine the manually input temperature based on a thermometer, hygrometer, or air conditioning unit located in the environment surrounding the printer. If there is no thermometer, hygrometer, or air conditioning unit in the environment surrounding the printer, or if the user is printing remotely via network, the option "Automatically detect ambient temperature using firmware" can be selected.

[0102] In some embodiments, the print configuration interface 200 may remember and display the ambient temperature manually entered by the user.

[0103] Considering that printers are typically placed in relatively fixed locations during actual use, and the internal temperature of the printer remains relatively constant over a certain period, the print configuration interface 200 can remember and display previously entered ambient temperatures. Users no longer need to manually input the ambient temperature for each print job; the interface can be modified when necessary.

[0104] In some embodiments, the print configuration interface 200 can remember and display the ambient temperature that the user previously manually entered, including storing the ambient temperature that the user previously manually entered in the ROM area of ​​the data board or engine board. Each time the user opens the print configuration interface 200, the ambient temperature stored in the ROM area of ​​the data board or engine board can be recalled and displayed on the print configuration interface 200.

[0105] Through the method of this invention, users can flexibly choose whether to refer to the internal ambient temperature of the printer when issuing print jobs, and it supports both firmware calculation and user manual input of the ambient temperature.

[0106] Corresponding to the above-described operating method, embodiments of the present invention also provide an image forming apparatus. For example... Figure 7 As shown, the image forming apparatus 400 includes a processor 401, a memory 402, and a communication unit 403. These components communicate via one or more buses. Those skilled in the art will understand that the structure of the image forming apparatus shown in the figures does not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of this application. It can be a bus-shaped structure or a star-shaped structure, and may include more or fewer components than shown, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0107] The communication unit 403 is used to establish a communication channel, enabling the image forming apparatus to communicate with other devices. It receives user data from other devices or sends user data to other devices.

[0108] The processor 401 serves as the control center of the image forming apparatus 400. It connects various parts of the fault handling device via various interfaces and lines. By running or executing software programs, instructions, and / or modules stored in the memory 402, and by calling data stored in the memory, it performs various functions of the image forming apparatus and / or processes data. The processor can be composed of integrated circuits (ICs), such as a single packaged IC or multiple packaged ICs with the same or different functions connected together. For example, the processor 401 may include a central processing unit (CPU), a microcontroller unit (MCU), etc.

[0109] The memory 402 is used to store the execution instructions of the processor 401. The memory 402 can be implemented by any type of volatile or non-volatile storage device or a combination thereof, such as static random access memory (SRAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), read-only memory (ROM), magnetic storage, flash memory, magnetic disk or optical disk.

[0110] When the execution instructions in memory 402 are executed by processor 401, the image forming apparatus 400 is able to execute the temperature detection method in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0111] In a specific implementation, this application also provides a computer storage medium, wherein the computer storage medium may store a program, which, when executed, may include some or all of the steps of the temperature detection method provided in this application. The storage medium may be a magnetic disk, optical disk, read-only memory (ROM), or random access memory (RAM), etc.

[0112] In a specific implementation, this application also provides a computer program product, wherein the computer program product includes executable instructions, which, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform some or all of the steps of the temperature detection method provided in this application.

[0113] This application also provides a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium that stores computer instructions that cause the image forming apparatus to execute the temperature detection method provided in this application.

[0114] The aforementioned non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may be any combination of one or more computer-readable media. A computer-readable medium may be a computer-readable signal medium or a computer-readable storage medium. A computer-readable storage medium may be, for example—but not limited to—an electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any combination thereof. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of computer-readable storage media include: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer disk, a hard disk, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), or flash memory, optical fiber, portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage device, magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination thereof. In this document, a computer-readable storage medium may be any tangible medium containing or storing a program that may be used by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0115] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that the techniques in the embodiments of this application can be implemented using software plus necessary general-purpose hardware platforms. Based on this understanding, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, or the parts that contribute to the prior art, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product can be stored in a storage medium, such as ROM / RAM, magnetic disk, optical disk, etc., and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute the methods described in the various embodiments of this application or some parts of the embodiments.

[0116] The same or similar parts between the various embodiments in this specification can be referred to mutually. In particular, the device embodiments and terminal embodiments are basically similar to the method embodiments, so the description is relatively simple, and the relevant parts can be referred to the description in the method embodiments.

Claims

1. A temperature detection method, characterized in that, The method is applied to an image forming apparatus, wherein the image forming apparatus does not have an ambient temperature sensor, and the method includes: Determine the startup status of the image forming equipment when an image forming job is received, the startup status including cold start or hot start; Determine a temperature detection strategy corresponding to the startup state of the image forming device; The ambient detection temperature of the image forming device is calculated based on the temperature detection strategy described above. The temperature detection strategy corresponding to the startup state of the image forming device includes: When the image forming device is in a cold start state, the temperature detection strategy is as follows: A first duration for heating the fixing unit to the target temperature is determined; based on pre-stored reference preheating durations of the fixing unit at different room temperatures, a first reference preheating duration corresponding to the first duration and a first room temperature corresponding to the first reference preheating duration are determined; a first time deviation between the first duration and the first reference preheating duration are determined; a first temperature deviation is determined based on the first time deviation; wherein, when the first duration is greater than the first reference preheating duration, the first temperature deviation is negative; when the first duration is less than the first reference duration, the first temperature deviation is positive; the first room temperature is corrected based on the first temperature deviation to obtain the ambient detection temperature of the image forming apparatus; When the image forming device is in a hot-start state, the temperature detection strategy is as follows: The ambient temperature at the most recent cold start is determined; component operating data affecting the internal ambient temperature of the image forming equipment is acquired; a second temperature deviation is determined based on the component operating data; wherein a reference table between component operating data and temperature deviation is pre-set, and the second temperature deviation is determined based on the reference table; the ambient temperature at the most recent cold start is corrected based on the second temperature deviation to obtain the current ambient temperature of the image forming equipment.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The component operating data affecting the internal ambient temperature of the image forming apparatus includes one or more combinations of the following: Accumulated time for fixing lamp on, accumulated time for fixing lamp off, accumulated time for fan rotation, accumulated time for fan stop, and accumulated printing time.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Determining the startup state of the image forming device when an image forming job is received includes: The startup state of the image forming device is determined based on the sleep duration, power-off state, or temperature of the fixing unit when the image forming job is received.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, Determining the startup state of the image forming device when an image forming job is received includes: If the image forming device's sleep duration exceeds a first threshold or its power state is off when the image forming job is received, then the image forming device's startup state is determined to be a cold start. Otherwise, the startup state of the image forming device is determined to be a hot start.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The method further includes: The print configuration interface includes: a configuration option for automatically detecting ambient temperature using firmware, a configuration option for manually inputting ambient temperature, and a configuration option for not referencing ambient temperature control. In response to the user's selection of the configuration option to automatically detect the ambient temperature using firmware, the ambient temperature of the image forming device is detected. In response to the user's selection of the configuration option to manually input the ambient temperature, the temperature currently input by the user or previously input is used as the ambient temperature detected by the image forming device; In response to the user's selection of a configuration option that does not reference ambient temperature control, the image forming job is executed using the default job control parameters.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, After calculating the ambient detection temperature of the image forming device according to the temperature detection strategy, the method further includes: Based on the ambient temperature, determine whether the image forming device is currently in a low-temperature environment, a normal-temperature environment, or a high-temperature environment; The corresponding image forming operation mode is executed based on the ambient temperature result, and the operation mode prompt information is displayed on the panel.

7. An image forming apparatus, characterized in that, include: At least one processor; And at least one memory communicatively connected to the processor, wherein the memory stores program instructions executable by the processor, the processor invoking the program instructions to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 6 based on the operation instructions.

8. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium includes a stored program, wherein, when the program is executed, it controls the device on which the computer-readable storage medium is located to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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