Fixing Temperature Control via Regional Image Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses require high-cost configurations with large memory and high-processing-speed CPUs to control fixing temperatures based on image data, leading to increased costs and potential delays in print output times.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a conversion unit that divides image data into areas with different resolutions in the main and sub-scanning directions, an analysis unit that calculates printing ratios, and a temperature control unit that adjusts the fixing temperature based on the type of image, using a PID control method to optimize temperature control without the need for extensive memory or high-processing-speed CPUs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the conventional method analyzes the entire region of image data to control fixing temperature, then the fixing temperature can be controlled according to the printing ratio, but the configuration requires huge memory and high-processing-speed CPU leading to increased cost
Solution Approach 1:
The image data is divided into multiple regions, and the analysis is performed region by region rather than analyzing the entire image at once. This segmentation allows the system to process smaller data portions sequentially, reducing the memory requirement and processing burden on the CPU while still achieving comprehensive temperature control based on printing ratio distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary analysis by dividing the image into regions and calculating printing ratios for each region before determining the final fixing temperature. This preliminary processing of image data into manageable regional statistics reduces the complexity of the main processing task, allowing standard hardware to handle the analysis without requiring huge memory or high-speed CPU.
2Temperature
If the conventional method analyzes the entire region of image data to control fixing temperature, then the fixing temperature can be controlled according to the printing ratio, but the processing time may delay the first print output
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the image analysis into regional portions that can be processed sequentially or in parallel, the system reduces the total processing time compared to analyzing the entire image as a single unit. This allows the first print output to occur sooner while still maintaining accurate temperature control based on comprehensive printing ratio analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary calculations of printing ratios for each region in advance, storing these intermediate results for later use. This preliminary action reduces the computational burden during the critical path to first print output, enabling faster processing while maintaining the accuracy of temperature control decisions.
3Reliability
If a high fixing temperature is used for all images, then all image types can be fixed properly, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system determines the fixing temperature based on the local characteristics of each image region's printing ratio rather than applying a uniform high temperature to the entire image. By analyzing the distribution of toner in different regions and adjusting the temperature accordingly, the system maintains reliable fixing quality for all image types while avoiding unnecessary high power consumption for images that do not require high temperatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing temperature is dynamically adjusted based on the analyzed printing ratio characteristics of the specific image being processed. Rather than using a static high temperature for all images, the system adapts the temperature setting to match the actual fixing requirements of each image type, ensuring reliable fixing while optimizing power consumption by using lower temperatures when sufficient.
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 precise control of fixing temperatures according to image types, ensuring fixability and reducing power consumption while preventing the degradation of first print output times and minimizing the cost of the required configuration.
Implementation Method 1
a fixing unit configured to fix the image formed by the image forming unit on a recording material
Implementation Method 2
a temperature control unit configured to control a fixing temperature of the fixing unit according to a result of the analysis performed by the analysis unit
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit configured to form an image based on image data, a fixing unit configured to fix the image formed by the image forming unit on a recording material, a conversion unit configured to convert image data into conversion data including a plurality of areas having a first resolution in a main scanning direction perpendicular to a conveyance direction of the recording material, and a second resolution higher than the first resolution in a sub-scanning direction, which is the conveyance direction of the recording material, an analysis unit configured to analyze values related to the areas of the plurality of areas of the conversion data obtained by the conversion unit, and a temperature control unit configured to control a fixing temperature of the fixing unit according to a result of the analysis performed by the analysis unit.