Fuser Controller Segmentation for Faster First-Page Print
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image forming apparatuses require lengthy initialization times due to the main controller's complex booting process, which delays the heating of the fuser to the target temperature, impacting first-page print time.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a separate fuser controller that independently controls the fuser's temperature by managing power supply through a processor and memory, allowing it to initialize and heat up the fuser before the main controller completes its booting process, using a duty control method to adjust power supply based on temperature and usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the main controller controls the fuser during its booting process, then the system structure is simple, but the initialization time is long and the first-page print time is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into two independent controllers: a main controller for overall system management and a dedicated fuser controller for fuser temperature control. This segmentation allows the fuser controller to operate independently during the main controller's booting process, eliminating the waiting time and reducing initialization time without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuser controller performs preliminary action by starting to control the fuser temperature immediately when power is supplied, before the main controller completes its booting process. This preliminary action ensures the fuser is heated in advance, reducing the first-page print time while the main controller is still initializing.
2Ease of operation
If the main controller waits for complete booting before controlling the fuser, then the control sequence is simple, but the heating efficiency is reduced and first-page print time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control functions are segmented between the main controller and fuser controller. The fuser controller handles the time-critical heating function independently, while the main controller manages other system functions. This segmentation improves heating efficiency without complicating the overall control sequence, as each controller follows a simple, dedicated control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuser controller performs preliminary heating action before the main controller is ready, ensuring the fuser reaches the required temperature by the time printing starts. This preliminary action significantly improves heating efficiency and reduces first-page print time while maintaining a simple control sequence through the dedicated fuser controller.
3Loss of time
If a separate fuser controller is introduced to control the fuser independently, then the initialization time is reduced and heating efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is divided into two independent controllers with clearly defined responsibilities. The fuser controller is a simple, dedicated device that only manages fuser temperature, while the main controller handles overall system management. This segmentation reduces initialization time without significantly increasing overall system complexity, as each controller remains functionally simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuser controller acts as an intermediary between the power supply and the fuser, managing the heating process independently. This intermediary role allows the main controller to focus on higher-level system management while the fuser controller handles the time-critical heating function, reducing initialization time with minimal increase in overall system complexity.
4Measurement precision
If the fuser controller manages power supply independently, then the heating control precision is improved and first-page print time is reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature control function is segmented from the main controller and assigned to a dedicated fuser controller. This segmentation allows the fuser controller to focus exclusively on temperature control, improving precision through dedicated hardware and simplified control logic, while the overall system complexity remains manageable due to the modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuser controller is a self-contained unit that independently manages power supply and temperature control without requiring constant intervention from the main controller. This self-service capability improves temperature control precision and reduces first-page print time while keeping the system complexity low through autonomous operation.
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 reduces the overall initialization time of the image forming apparatus, enabling faster first-page print times by allowing the fuser controller to control the fuser's temperature independently of the main controller, optimizing heating efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the fuser controller controls power supplied to a fuser until the main controller completes initialization
Data Source
AI summary
A fuser controller includes a memory configured to store a program, a processor configured to read the program from the memory and to execute the program, a communication unit configured to transmit/receive data to/from the main controller, and an analog-to-digital converter configured to receive an analog signal representing the temperature of the fuser from a thermistor and to convert the analog signal into a digital signal, wherein the processor controls power supplied to a fuser until the main controller completes initialization.