Fixing Temperature Control via Continuous Toner Regions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses struggle to control fixing temperature with high precision, leading to potential over- or under-fixing of toner images due to the discrete or concentrated distribution of high-density pixels, resulting in issues like curling or failure to fix the image.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus that uses an input unit to process image data and a controlling unit to adjust the fixing temperature based on the area of continuous regions of pixels with a predetermined pixel value, ensuring precise temperature control by detecting the maximum area of continuous regions with sufficient toner application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the fixing temperature is determined according to the distribution ratio of image area value, then the fixing temperature can be controlled based on image characteristics, but the fixing temperature cannot be controlled with high precision due to discrete or concentrated pixel distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The image is segmented into continuous regions of pixels with high toner application amounts. By dividing the image into distinct continuous regions rather than treating all pixels uniformly, the system can accurately identify areas requiring high-temperature fixing versus areas where lower temperatures suffice, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from analyzing pixel distribution in one dimension (distribution ratio) to analyzing spatial continuity in two dimensions (continuous regions). This dimensional change allows the system to distinguish between scattered high-density pixels and concentrated toner areas, achieving both adaptability to different image types and precision in temperature control.
2Reliability
If high-density pixels are distributed discretely, then the image requires higher fixing temperature, but this causes over-fixing and curling of the transfer sheet
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different fixing temperatures to different regions of the image based on local toner distribution characteristics. By identifying continuous regions of high-density pixels, the system applies high temperature only where necessary (in concentrated regions) rather than uniformly across the entire sheet, preventing over-fixing and curling in areas with discrete pixel distribution while maintaining fixing reliability in areas that require it.
3Loss of energy
If high-density pixels are distributed in concentrated manner, then the image requires lower fixing temperature, but this causes under-fixing of the image
Solution Approach 1:
The system identifies continuous regions of concentrated high-density pixels and applies appropriate high temperatures specifically to these regions. This localized approach ensures that concentrated toner areas receive sufficient heat for reliable fixing while avoiding unnecessary energy consumption in areas with lower toner density, thus resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and fixing reliability.
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 allows for more accurate temperature control, preventing over- or under-fixing and enhancing the reliability of the image forming process by adjusting the fixing temperature according to the specific toner distribution patterns within the image.
Implementation Method 1
a fixing unit configured to fix color material on a printing medium
Implementation Method 2
fixing temperature of the fixing unit configured to fix color material
Data Source
AI summary
In an image forming apparatus having a fixing unit for fixing a toner image on a printing medium, it is necessary to control a fixing temperature with high precision according to the content of an image. An image forming apparatus of the present invention includes: an input unit configured to input image data; and a controlling unit configured to control the fixing temperature of the fixing unit based on a size of a continuous region of pixels whose pixel values are equal to or larger than a predetermined pixel value in the image data.