Image Forming Apparatus Fixing Control via Page-Level Feature Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrophotographic image forming apparatuses face challenges in increasing throughput (PPM) and efficiently controlling the fixing process to reduce First Print Output Time (FPOT) and improve speed, as existing methods separate image analysis and decompression processing, limiting the ability to enhance Paper Per Minute (PPM) significantly.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus decompresses compressed quantized raster image data in units of pages, derives image feature quantities, and transfers them to the printing unit for setting fixing process parameters, allowing for synchronized image analysis and printing processing, thereby controlling the fixing temperature and inter-sheet interval based on real-time image data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If image analysis and decompression processing are performed separately, then fixing temperature control can be implemented, but throughput (PPM) cannot be improved significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges image analysis processing and decompression processing into a single integrated processing path. The control unit performs both image analysis to derive feature quantities and decompression of raster image data sequentially, eliminating the need for separate processing paths. This integration allows the system to maintain reliable fixing temperature control based on image feature quantities while improving throughput by reducing redundant processing operations and enabling more efficient data flow to the printer engine.
2Reliability
If decompression processing is performed separately for image transfer and image analysis, then fixing process control is maintained, but First Print Output Time (FPOT) reduction is suppressed
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs image analysis and derives image feature quantities before transferring the decompressed raster image data to the printer engine. By completing the image analysis and determining the fixing temperature requirements in advance, the system can prepare the appropriate fixing parameters beforehand, enabling faster first page output without compromising fixing quality. This preliminary action eliminates waiting time during the printing process.
3Device complexity
If separate processing paths are used for image analysis and image transfer, then processing can be organized, but Paper Per Minute (PPM) improvement is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the image analysis function from the separate processing path and integrates it into the main decompression and transfer path. The control unit sequentially performs decompression and image analysis within a unified processing flow, then transfers the processed data to the printer engine. This extraction and integration of the image analysis function eliminates the bottleneck caused by separate processing paths, allowing for better processing organization while significantly improving PPM.
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 enables improved control over the fixing process, enhancing throughput by allowing earlier instruction of print parameters and accurate fixing temperature adjustment, leading to increased speed and efficiency in electrophotographic image forming.
Implementation Method 1
toner is melted by applying heat and a toner image is fixed onto a printing sheet by applying pressure
Data Source
AI summary
An object is to appropriately control a fixing process while making an attempt to increase speed by improving the PPM in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. In the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, the control unit decompresses compressed quantized raster image data in units of pages. Then, the control unit derives an image feature quantity from decompressed raster image data in units of pages and notifies the printing unit of the derived image feature quantity. Then, the control unit transfers the decompressed raster image data to the printing unit in units of pages in response to an image transfer request from the printing unit. The printing unit sets a parameter relating to a fixing process in the printing processing based on the notified image feature quantity. Then, the printing unit performs the printing processing in accordance with the set parameter for the decompressed raster image data received from the control unit.