Image Rotation Control for Power Optimization in Printers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses in the related art require additional time for printing due to the need to calculate and determine image rotation for power consumption optimization after decompressing print data, which delays the printing process.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus generates and compares energization data for different image orientations, determining whether rotating the second image by a predetermined degree will reduce power consumption, and controls the rotation of the image data accordingly before printing, allowing for efficient power management during the printing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the image forming apparatus calculates expected power consumption after decompressing print data to determine image rotation, then power consumption optimization is achieved, but printing time increases due to additional processing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by generating and storing energization data in compressed format before actual printing occurs. The control circuit generates first and second energization data corresponding to different image orientations while the print data is still compressed, stores this data in advance, and then quickly retrieves it during printing to determine rotation without needing to decompress the print data first. This eliminates the time-consuming decompression and recalculation steps while maintaining power consumption optimization.
2Measurement precision
If the image forming apparatus decompresses print data before determining rotation, then accurate power consumption calculation is possible, but the overall printing process becomes slower
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies copying by creating energization data that represents power consumption characteristics without needing to decompress the actual print data. The control circuit generates energization data in compressed form that captures the essential information needed for power consumption calculation. This copied representation allows accurate power consumption determination while avoiding the time-consuming decompression process, thus maintaining both measurement precision and productivity.
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 time required for printing by determining the necessity of image rotation before decompressing the print data, thereby optimizing power consumption and enhancing printing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a heating unit including a plurality of heater elements 53-1 to 53-N arranged in a main scanning direction... the sheet is heated by the heater elements 53-1 to 53-N of the heating unit 52, thereby fixing the image on the sheet
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming device, a heater, and a control circuit. The control circuit is configured to generate first energization data based on at least part of first raster image data representing a first image to be formed on a first page, and then compress the first raster image data into first compressed image data. The control circuit is also configured to generate second energization data based on at least part of second raster image data representing a second image to be formed on a second page, and then compress the second raster image data into second compressed image data. The control circuit is configured to further determine whether rotation of the second image by a predetermined degree will lower power consumption based on a comparison of the first energization data to the second energization data.