Printer Fixing Temperature Control via Dither Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses, such as laser printers, consume excessive power during the fixing process due to a high temperature setting for toner images, regardless of the type of dither used, which is inefficient for toner images with wide areas.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus that analyzes print data in page description language to select the appropriate dither type and adjusts the fixing temperature based on a database correlation, reducing energy consumption by using lower temperatures for toner images with wide areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a high fixing temperature is set to prevent toner dots from coming off, then the reliability of the toner image is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the fixing temperature based on the local characteristics of the toner image. Specifically, it identifies whether dithering is used in the image data and adjusts the fixing temperature accordingly - using high temperature only when necessary (for small independent dots without dithering) and lower temperature when dithering is present. This resolves the contradiction by making the temperature setting spatially and contextually adaptive rather than uniformly high across all images.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the fixing temperature variable rather than fixed. The fixing control unit dynamically adjusts the target fixing temperature based on the analyzed drawing condition and dither type. The system transitions from a static high-temperature setting to a dynamic setting that responds to the actual image characteristics, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining reliability only when necessary.
2Reliability
If a high fixing temperature is used for all dither types, then the toner image fixation is ensured, but the energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the fixing temperature parameter based on the dither type detected in the image. The system changes the temperature parameter from a constant high value to a variable value that depends on the dither characteristics. This resolves the contradiction by making the parameter adaptive to the actual processing requirements, thereby reducing energy loss while maintaining fixation reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent differentiates the fixing approach based on local image characteristics - specifically whether dithering is used. By identifying the dither type through PDL analysis, the system applies appropriate temperature settings locally rather than globally, improving energy efficiency without compromising fixation where needed.
3Reliability
If the fixing temperature is set to a high value to adapt to small independent dots, then the fixation reliability is improved, but the energy consumption increases unnecessarily for wide area images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image processing based on the type of dithering used, as identified through PDL analysis. By dividing the fixing temperature setting into different segments (high temperature for non-dithered small dots, lower temperature for dithered wide area images), the system applies the appropriate temperature only where needed. This resolves the contradiction by eliminating unnecessary energy consumption for wide area images while maintaining high temperature for small dot fixation where required.
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 the fixing temperature based on the type of dither used, ensuring efficient energy use without compromising image quality.
Implementation Method 1
a fixing unit that fixes the image formed on the recording sheet to the recording sheet by heating the image to a fixing temperature
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes: a PDL analyzing unit that analyzes print data and obtains a drawing condition; a drawing unit that uses a type of dither selected from types of dither, prepared and associated with drawing conditions, according to the drawing condition analyzed, and generates output image data; an image forming unit; a fixing unit that fixes an image formed on a recording sheet by heating the image to a fixing temperature; a fixing control unit that controls the fixing temperature to a target value; and a database in which each of the types of dither is associated with the target value of fixing temperature for power saving. The fixing control unit obtains from the database the target value of fixing temperature corresponding to the type of dither used in the drawing unit and carries out control to conduct fixing at the target value thus obtained.