Glossiness Control in Image Forming Apparatus via Transparent Toner Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in achieving a desired glossiness level for images due to the variability in how transparent toner melts on different recording media types and the amount of color toner present, making it difficult to consistently control image glossiness after thermal fixation.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus equipped with toner image forming means, fixing means, glossiness detecting means, and control means to detect and control the amount of transparent toner per unit area based on the detected glossiness, ensuring accurate glossiness control by adjusting the amount of transparent toner in conjunction with non-transparent toner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the amount of transparent toner is controlled based on the total amount of color toner deposited, then the glossiness level can be adjusted, but the glossiness cannot be precisely controlled to a desired level due to variability in transparent toner melting behavior on different recording media
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a feedback control mechanism where the glossiness detection unit measures the actual glossiness of the fixed image, and the control unit adjusts the transparent toner amount based on this feedback to achieve the desired glossiness level. This closed-loop control system compensates for variations in transparent toner melting behavior across different recording media types, enabling precise and consistent glossiness control that was not achievable with open-loop control based solely on toner amount ratios.
2Illumination intensity
If transparent toner amount is increased to achieve higher glossiness, then glossiness level improves, but the control becomes unreliable due to differences in how transparent toner melts on different recording media types
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback control mechanism allows the system to measure the actual glossiness achieved and adjust the transparent toner amount accordingly. This enables the system to achieve the desired glossiness level with high precision, regardless of how much transparent toner is initially applied, by compensating for variations in melting behavior through iterative adjustment based on detection results.
3Ease of operation
If the image forming apparatus uses a fixed ratio of transparent toner to color toner, then the process is simple, but it cannot achieve desired glossiness levels consistently across different recording media types
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback control system maintains operational simplicity by automatically adjusting the transparent toner amount based on detected glossiness levels. The control unit receives detection results and autonomously modifies deposition parameters, eliminating the need for manual intervention or complex multi-step processes while achieving consistent glossiness results across different recording media types.
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 effectively achieves a consistent and desired glossiness level for images by precisely controlling the amount of transparent toner, addressing the variability issues with different recording media types and ensuring uniformity across the entire density gradation range.
Implementation Method 1
fixing means for heating and fixing the non-transparent toner image and the transparent toner image on recording material
Implementation Method 2
the manner in which transparent toner melts as it is heated for fixation
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus including toner image forming means for forming a having chromatic toner image a transparent toner image; fixing means for heating and fixing the non-transparent toner image and the transparent toner image on recording material; glossiness detecting means for detecting a glossiness of an area in which the non-transparent toner image and the transparent toner image are overlaid and fixed; control means for controlling an amount of the transparent toner, per unit area, on the recording material on the basis of a result of detection by the detecting means.