Image Forming Apparatus Temperature Control for Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses using electrophotographic systems face inefficiencies in power consumption due to excessive heat supply when determining the set temperature based on the sum value of image density, leading to unnecessary power usage, especially when printing with multiple colors.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus that determines a target temperature for the fixing portion by calculating the sum value of image density for each color and the number of colors with non-zero density values, adjusting the temperature control to reduce power consumption by lowering the set temperature when multiple colors are used.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the set temperature is determined based on the sum value of image density for each color, then the fixing quality is maintained, but the power consumption increases due to excessive heat supply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter used for temperature determination from the sum value of image density to the maximum value of image density among colors. This parameter change allows the temperature to be set appropriately without excessive heat supply, reducing power consumption while maintaining fixing quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent avoids excessive heat supply by using only the necessary temperature required for the color with the highest image density, rather than supplying heat based on the sum of all colors. This prevents unnecessary energy consumption while still achieving proper fixing
2Use of energy by moving object
If the set temperature is lowered to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency improves, but the fixing quality deteriorates when multiple colors are printed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new parameter determination method that identifies the maximum image density value among colors and uses this to set the temperature. This ensures the temperature is high enough to fix the most dense color while avoiding unnecessary heating for other colors with lower density values
3Device complexity
If the set temperature is determined based on maximum image density of a single area, then processing is simplified, but the actual toner amount across multiple areas is not accurately reflected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes from using the maximum image density of a single area to using the maximum image density value across all areas and all colors. This provides a more accurate representation of the actual toner amount while keeping the temperature control method relatively simple
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 power consumption by optimizing temperature control according to the number of colors, preventing excessive heat application and maintaining stable fixability, thereby enhancing energy efficiency in color image forming processes.
Implementation Method 1
a fixing portion configured to fix a toner image formed in accordance with image data to a recording material
Implementation Method 2
a technique for controlling a set temperature of a heating apparatus that heats and melts toner on a recording material
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus, including: a determining portion to acquire a density value for respective colors of toners, obtain a sum value of the density values of the colors of the toners, obtain a numerical value indicating the number of the density values being values larger than 0 out of the density values corresponding to the colors of the toners, and determine a target temperature on the basis of the sum value and the numerical value, wherein in a case the sum value is a first value and the numerical value is a first number, the determining portion determines a first temperature as the target temperature, in a case the sum value is the first value and the numerical value is a second number that is larger than the first number, the determining portion determines a second temperature that is lower than the first temperature as the target temperature.