Image Forming Apparatus Wireless Tag Heat Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses that heat print media for image fixation can cause wireless tags attached to the media to malfunction due to excessive heat.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus includes a fixing device with a heater and a controller that heats a first region of the print medium without a wireless tag at a higher temperature than a second region with a wireless tag, thereby preventing tag malfunction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the fixing device heats the entire print medium at a high temperature to ensure proper image fixation, then the image fixation quality is improved, but the wireless tag attached to the print medium may malfunction due to excessive heat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating heating temperatures across different regions of the print medium. The controller divides the medium into a first region (without wireless tag) and a second region (with wireless tag), then controls the heater to apply a first temperature to the first region and a second temperature (lower than the first) to the second region. This ensures proper image fixation in the first region while preventing wireless tag malfunction in the second region.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the print medium into distinct heating zones based on the presence or absence of wireless tags. The controller identifies the position of wireless tags and segments the medium accordingly, applying different temperature profiles to each segment. This segmentation allows simultaneous optimization of image fixation quality and wireless tag reliability.
2Device complexity
If the fixing device uses a single temperature setting for the entire print medium, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to prevent wireless tag malfunction is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic temperature control where the controller adjusts the heating temperature in real-time based on the detected position of wireless tags. The system transitions from a static single-temperature approach to a dynamic multi-temperature approach, continuously monitoring and adjusting heater output to match the specific needs of different regions on the print medium.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the controller receives information about wireless tag positions (through detection devices or pre-stored position data) and uses this feedback to adjust the heating parameters. The controller modulates the heater's temperature output based on this feedback, ensuring appropriate temperature application to regions with and without wireless tags.
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 solution effectively prevents wireless tag malfunction by maintaining a lower temperature on regions with attached tags, ensuring reliable operation and data integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a fixing device including a heater and configured to fix the image formed on the medium by heat
Implementation Method 2
control the fixing device to heat a first region of the medium to which the wireless tag is not attached at a first temperature, and control the fixing device to heat a second region of the medium to which the wireless tag is attached at a second temperature that is lower than the first temperature
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus configured to form an image on a medium and write data to a wireless tag attached to the medium, includes a fixing device including a heater and configured to fix the image formed on the medium by heat, and a controller configured to control the fixing device to heat a first region of the medium to which the wireless tag is not attached at a first temperature, and control the fixing device to heat a second region of the medium to which the wireless tag is attached at a second temperature that is lower than the first temperature.