Printer Terminal Device Early Conveyance Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional printers waste time waiting for the heating section to reach a certain temperature before starting to convey printing sheets, which delays the printing process.
Innovation Solution
A terminal device with a communication interface is programmed to determine if side area images on a printing medium are minimal, allowing it to send a command to start conveying the medium earlier than usual, reducing the heating time needed for the fixing roller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the printer waits for the heating section to reach a certain temperature before conveying printing sheets, then the image quality is ensured, but the printing time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the heating requirements for different areas of the printing sheet. When side area images are not present or are minimal, the printer reduces the heating period for the fixing roller, as the central area (which requires heating for image quality) can be heated sufficiently without heating the entire roller for extended periods. This allows selective optimization of heating based on the actual image distribution on the sheet.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the heating period variable rather than fixed. The control section dynamically adjusts the heating period of the fixing roller based on the detected presence and amount of side area images. When side area images are minimal, the heating period is shortened; when side area images are substantial, the heating period is extended to ensure proper image fixation and quality.
2Manufacturing precision
If the printer uses a fixed heating period regardless of image content, then the image quality is maintained, but the operational efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback by having the control section detect the image data on the printing sheet and use this information to adjust the heating period. The detection section identifies whether side area images are present and calculates their amount, then feeds this information back to the control section, which adjusts the fixing roller heating period accordingly. This closed-loop control optimizes both image quality and operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the heating period parameter based on image content characteristics. Instead of using a constant heating period, the system changes the heating period parameter dynamically according to the detected side area image amount, thereby optimizing the balance between image quality and productivity.
3Speed
If the printer shortens the heating period, then the printing speed is improved, but the image fixation quality may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses local quality to determine heating requirements based on where images are actually present. When side area images are minimal, the system infers that the central area images can be properly fixed with reduced heating time. This allows speed improvement without sacrificing fixation quality in the areas where images are actually located.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting the image content before the printing process begins. The control section analyzes the image data to determine the presence and amount of side area images, and pre-determines the appropriate heating period before actual printing starts. This preliminary analysis enables optimized heating that maintains quality while improving speed.
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 shortens the time required for the printing process by allowing the printer to start conveying sheets sooner, optimizing the heating period and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a printer configured such that images are printed on conveyed printing sheets by transferring toner onto the conveyed printing sheets and applying heat by a heating section
Data Source
AI summary
Whether there exists a side area image within side areas of the recording medium is determined. When it is determined that there exists no image within the side areas, a command is transmitted to a printer. The command causes a printer to start conveying of the recording medium at an earlier timing. The side areas of the recording medium are difficult to be heated by a heater arranged at a central portion of a fixing roller. Therefore, in order to heat the side areas, a long time for heating by the heater is necessary. When there is no image within the side areas, the heating time is shortened. Thereby, it is possible to start conveying the recording medium at an early timing, and a time period for completing a printing operation can be shortened.