Dynamic Toner Limiting for Richer Hue Expression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toner amount control methods in image forming apparatuses unnecessarily restrict the range of hues that can be expressed, leading to toner fixing failures and reduced image quality, as they set limiting toner values based on printer engine performance and fixing device temperature rather than specific color combinations.
Innovation Solution
An electrophotographic image forming apparatus that dynamically sets a limiting toner amount for each pixel based on color component values, using threshold values and a color count threshold to adjust toner usage, allowing for more toner to be used without causing fixing failures, thereby enabling richer hue expression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed limiting value is set for toner amount based on printer engine performance or fixing device temperature, then toner fixing failure is prevented, but the range of hues that can be expressed is unnecessarily restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a fixed limiting value to a dynamic limiting value that changes based on the specific color combination (CMYK component values). The limiting value is calculated in real-time during image processing, allowing the system to adapt to different toner deposition scenarios. This resolves the contradiction by enabling higher toner amounts for color combinations that are less prone to fixing failure, thereby expanding hue expression range while maintaining reliability through data-driven limitation setting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of limiting value from a static constant to a dynamic variable that depends on color component values. By calculating the limiting value based on the specific CMYK component values for each pixel, the system optimizes toner amount control for different color combinations. This parameter change allows the system to express richer hues by allowing higher toner amounts when the color combination indicates lower fixing failure risk, while still preventing fixing failures when necessary.
2Reliability
If the toner amount is reduced to a fixed limiting value to prevent toner fixing failure, then fixing reliability is improved, but image quality and hue depth are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by setting different limiting values for different local regions (pixels) based on their specific color combinations. Instead of applying a uniform limiting value across the entire image, the system calculates individual limiting values for each pixel based on its CMYK component values. This allows high-quality image reproduction in regions where fixing is reliable, while preventing fixing failures in regions where toner amount control is critical, thus maintaining both fixing reliability and image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using historical data on toner fixing outcomes to dynamically adjust limiting values. The system references past fixing results to determine the appropriate limiting value for current toner deposition scenarios. This feedback mechanism allows the system to learn from previous experiences and optimize limiting values for different color combinations, ensuring both fixing reliability and high image quality by avoiding unnecessary toner reduction.
3Manufacturing precision
If a systematic dither method is used to arrange dots at certain intervals, then halftone reproduction is achieved, but dot overlap increases as toner amount increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by calculating the limiting value before actual toner deposition occurs. By determining the appropriate limiting value in advance based on the color component values and referencing historical fixing data, the system prevents dot overlap and fixing failures before they occur. This preliminary calculation allows the systematic dither method to proceed with optimized toner amounts, maintaining halftone reproduction quality while preventing excessive dot overlap through proactive control.
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
This approach allows for the formation of images with richer hues while preventing toner fixing failures by optimizing toner usage based on specific color combinations, rather than relying on fixed limiting values.
Implementation Method 1
an electrophotographic image forming apparatus that forms an image onto a print medium based on input image data
Implementation Method 2
thermally fixes the formed toner image to the print medium
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an electrophotographic image forming apparatus that forms an image onto a print medium based on input image data. The image forming apparatus includes a setting unit configured to set, based on component values of multiple colors acquired for each pixel of the image data, a limiting value on a toner amount to use in the image formation for each pixel, and an image forming unit configured to form an image onto the print medium with an amount of toner less than or equal to the set limiting value.