Drying Temperature Control for Interrupted Image Forming Jobs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in efficiently managing temperature adjustments and job interruptions during ink drying processes, leading to increased waiting times and potential quality issues due to mismatched target temperatures.

Innovation Solution

An image formation control method that includes setting target temperatures for each job, executing test print processes or interrupt jobs by adjusting heater power through feedback control, and implementing insertion and interrupt controls to minimize waiting times and maintain image quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the printing device executes a test print process or interrupt job while a target job is being executed, then the responsiveness and versatility of the system is improved, but the waiting time and operational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAbility to handle insert jobs and interrupt jobsVSAvoidWaiting time for job execution
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the target temperature based on the type of job being executed. When an insert job or interrupt job is received during target job execution, the control device determines whether to maintain the current target temperature or switch to a new target temperature corresponding to the inserted job, enabling flexible response to changing operational requirements without fixed temperature constraints

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control device performs preliminary determination of the target temperature before executing the insert job or interrupt job. By determining the appropriate target temperature in advance based on the job type and current system state, the system prepares the drying device appropriately, reducing execution waiting time while maintaining temperature control accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If the target temperature is changed to accommodate interrupt jobs, then the adaptability to different job requirements is improved, but the temperature control complexity and energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveTemperature adjustment for different jobsVSAvoidEnergy consumption of heater
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback control where the control device continuously monitors the drying device temperature and compares it with the target temperature. Based on this feedback, the control device adjusts the heater power output to maintain the appropriate temperature, optimizing energy consumption while ensuring proper ink drying for both target jobs and interrupt jobs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the target temperature parameter based on the job type being executed. When an interrupt job requires different drying conditions, the control device updates the target temperature parameter accordingly, allowing the heater to operate at optimal temperatures for each specific job type rather than maintaining a fixed temperature, thus reducing overall energy consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 method effectively reduces waiting times and ensures consistent ink drying performance by dynamically adjusting temperatures and prioritizing test print processes or interrupt jobs, thereby enhancing overall printing efficiency and quality.

Implementation Method 1

a drying device including a temperature detection device and a heater, and dries the ink on the sheet by means of the heater

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentEP4663420A1Image formation control method and image forming apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.12.17 KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC
  • EP4663420A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4663420A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4663420A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

When an insertion event occurs while a printing device (4) is executing a job, a control device (8) causes the printing device (4) to interrupt a target job which is the job being executed, causes the printing device (4) to execute a test print process without changing a target temperature of a drying device (5), and then causing the printing device (4) to execute a remaining process of the target job. When an interrupt event occurs while the target job is being executed, the control device (8) causes the printing device (4) to interrupt the target job, changes the target temperature to a temperature corresponding to the interrupt job, and causes the printing device (4) to execute the interrupt job, and then returning the target temperature to the temperature corresponding to the target job, and causes the printing device (4) to execute the remaining process of the target job.