Decoloring Temperature Control for Image Processing Apparatus
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming and decoloring devices consume excessive power as they operate at a constant decoloring temperature, which is inefficient and can result in incomplete decoloration of images formed using decolorable recording agents.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that determines the decoloring temperature based on the printing rate, using a decoloring temperature information table that varies with the number of decoloring process executions, allowing for adaptive temperature adjustment to optimize power consumption and ensure complete decoloration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a constant decoloring temperature is used for all images, then the decoloring process is simple to control, but power consumption increases and decoloration completeness varies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the decoloring temperature variable rather than constant. The control unit dynamically adjusts the decoloring temperature based on the printing rate detected from the sheet, allowing the system to adapt to different imaging conditions and optimize power consumption while maintaining decoloration effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of decoloring temperature from a fixed value to a variable value that depends on the printing rate. By establishing a correspondence relationship between printing rates and decoloring temperatures, the system optimizes energy consumption based on the actual imaging conditions without compromising decoloration quality.
2Device complexity
If a constant decoloring temperature is used for all images, then the control system is simple, but decoloration completeness varies for different printing rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by detecting the printing rate from the sheet and using this information to determine the appropriate decoloring temperature. This closed-loop approach ensures that the decoloring process is optimized for each specific imaging condition, guaranteeing complete decoloration while keeping the control logic relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the decoloring temperature parameter based on the detected printing rate. By establishing a predetermined correspondence between printing rates and temperatures, the control unit can reliably determine the correct temperature for complete decoloration without complex control algorithms.
3Reliability
If high decoloring temperature is used to ensure complete decoloration, then decoloration effectiveness improves, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the decoloring temperature parameter based on the printing rate. Instead of using a uniformly high temperature for all images, the system selects appropriate temperatures from a range of 40°C to 100°C corresponding to different printing rates, thereby ensuring complete decoloration while minimizing unnecessary power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by tailoring the decoloring temperature to the specific characteristics of each image (printing rate). Different regions or types of images receive different temperature treatments, optimizing both decoloration effectiveness and energy efficiency for each specific case rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The apparatus reduces power consumption and enhances the reuse of sheets by ensuring complete decoloration of images, even after multiple decoloring cycles, by dynamically adjusting the decoloring temperature according to the printing rate and number of decoloring processes.
Implementation Method 1
The decoloring unit decolors the image by heating the image printed on the sheet at a decoloring temperature
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an image processing apparatus includes an image processing unit and a control unit. The image processing unit acquires information of a printing rate representing a ratio of an image printed on a sheet from the sheet. The control unit determines a decoloring temperature used for a decoloring process based on the acquired information of the printing rate.