Printer Toner Density and Fixation Control for Surface Finishing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image processing techniques using transparent toner fail to produce desired print results, particularly in terms of surface finishing and security features, due to variations in surface roughness and environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that includes a printer device capable of forming toner images using both regular and special toners, with adjustable density levels, fixation temperatures, and multiple fixation operations, allowing for sample image printing to determine optimal settings based on user-defined criteria.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the amount of transparent toner is determined according to surface roughness of medium, then the gloss level of printed product surface can be controlled, but the print result cannot be tailored to user specifications such as security features and surface finishing conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of transparent toner application amounts based on multiple variables including medium surface roughness, user-specified density levels, and fixation conditions. The system transitions from static, fixed toner application to dynamic, multi-parameter controlled toner application that adapts to different user requirements and medium characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes multiple parameters simultaneously including toner density level, fixation temperature, and number of fixation operations to achieve desired print results. This allows precise control over the final appearance and properties of printed materials, enabling customization for security features, surface finishing, and other user-specific requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If sample images are printed at various density levels to determine optimal settings, then user-specific print results can be achieved, but toner consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary sample printing at various density levels to determine optimal settings before actual production printing. This preliminary action allows the system to learn user preferences and medium characteristics, enabling precise toner application in subsequent printing operations without requiring continuous trial-and-error.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where users provide input on sample print results, and the system uses this feedback to automatically adjust toner density levels for subsequent printing operations. This feedback loop eliminates the need for repeated manual trial printing, reducing overall toner consumption while maintaining customization capability.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple fixation operations are performed to achieve desired surface finishing, then print quality improves, but processing time and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the number of fixation operations based on medium characteristics, toner density levels, and user requirements. Instead of using a fixed number of fixation passes, the system adapts the fixation process to achieve desired surface finishing with minimal necessary operations, reducing processing time and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes fixation temperature and number of fixation operations as variable parameters to optimize surface finishing quality. By adjusting these parameters based on medium roughness and toner application amount, the system achieves high-quality prints with reduced processing time and energy consumption compared to fixed-parameter approaches.
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
Enables the production of print results tailored to user specifications, including surface finishing and security features, while minimizing toner consumption by allowing precise control over UV toner density, fixation temperature, and fixation operations.
Implementation Method 1
a fixation unit that performs a predetermined number of fixation operations of fixing the toner image on the medium
Implementation Method 2
a transparent toner, which is a special toner
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus includes a printer device and an adjustment part. The printer device includes: an image formation unit that forms a toner image on a medium with toners including a regular toner and a special toner; and a fixation unit that performs a predetermined number of fixation operations of fusing the toner image on the medium. The adjustment part causes the printer device to print a first sample image using the special toner at various density levels, and receives a first setting for the density level of the special toner based on the printed first sample image. The printer device forms the toner image on the medium based on the first setting received, and fixes the toner image on the medium.