Printer Fixing Mode Switching for Recovery and Productivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image processing apparatuses face inefficiencies in switching between temperature-focused and productivity-focused fixing modes during power recovery and job execution, leading to suboptimal performance in terms of processing time and energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus with a power supply controller, a mode switching section, and a processing controller that selects the fixing mode based on the total processing volume of a job, initially using a temperature-focused mode for rapid recovery and potentially switching to a productivity-focused mode for continued processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the fixing device uses a temperature-focused mode during initial processing after power recovery, then the recovery time is minimized, but the processing productivity for continued processing is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing mode is dynamically switched between temperature-focused mode and productivity-focused mode based on the processing stage. The mode switching section changes the fixing mode from temperature-focused in initial processing to productivity-focused in continued processing, optimizing performance for each stage.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature-focused mode is applied in advance during initial processing to rapidly heat the fixing device to operational temperature. This preliminary action ensures the device is ready for subsequent processing, after which the mode switches to productivity-focused for continued processing.
2Productivity
If the fixing device switches to productivity-focused mode for continued processing, then the processing finish time is optimized, but the temperature control precision during initial processing is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing mode is dynamically adjusted based on processing needs. The mode switching section enables the system to use temperature-focused mode when temperature precision is critical (initial processing) and productivity-focused mode when throughput is more important (continued processing).
3Productivity
If the fixing device remains in power supply state continuously, then the processing productivity is maintained, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply controller implements periodic power management by switching the fixing device between power supply state and power shut-off state based on processing requirements. Power is supplied during initial processing and continued processing, and shut off during idle periods, creating a periodic on-off pattern that balances productivity and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary heating in temperature-focused mode when power is supplied, preparing the fixing device for processing. After the heating is complete and processing begins, the power can be shut off, reducing energy consumption while maintaining productivity through the previously established thermal state.
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 minimizes recovery time and optimizes processing finish time by selecting the appropriate fixing mode based on the job's requirements, balancing temperature rapidity and productivity.
Implementation Method 1
a fixing device (64), and a power supply controller (202)... controls the fixing device (64) to a power supply state or a power shut-off state
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus includes an image forming section that includes a fixing device, a power supply controller that controls the fixing device to a power supply state in which power is supplied or a power shut-off state, a switching section that switches a fixing mode to one of a first mode that focuses on temperature, and a second mode that focuses on productivity, and a processing controller that controls an image forming process, by selecting the first mode as initial processing when the fixing device recovers from the power shut-off state to the power supply state upon an instruction to execute a job, and selecting, as continued processing after the initial processing, the first mode or the second mode on a basis of a total processing volume of the job acquired after the instruction to execute the job is made.