Image Fixing Temperature Control via Toner Amount
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in accurately controlling the fixing temperature, leading to inconsistent picture quality due to reliance on sheet type, printing mode, or toner amount, resulting in either inappropriate temperature settings or prolonged printing times.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a controller that executes primary and secondary fixing temperature controls based on color information and toner use amount, using a processor to manage the fixing device and adjust temperatures accordingly, ensuring precise temperature settings for optimal image fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the fixing temperature is controlled according to sheet type, printing mode, or toner amount using a single control method, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision of the toner image fixation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature control is divided into two independent segments: a first temperature control that sets a base fixing temperature according to sheet type and printing mode, and a second temperature control that adjusts the temperature based on toner amount. This segmentation allows each control to operate independently with its own optimization criteria, achieving both simplified device architecture and high fixation precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The first temperature control performs preliminary temperature setting before the second temperature control adjusts based on toner amount. By pre-establishing a baseline temperature appropriate for the sheet and printing mode, the system prepares the fixing device in advance, allowing the subsequent toner-based adjustment to be more precise and efficient.
2Ease of operation
If a single temperature control method is used for all printing conditions, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of picture quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature control system transitions from a static single-method approach to a dynamic two-stage control system. The first control dynamically selects base temperatures based on sheet type and printing mode, while the second control dynamically adjusts according to detected toner amounts, ensuring reliable picture quality across varying printing conditions while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The second temperature control implements feedback based on toner amount detection. The system measures the actual toner quantity and uses this feedback to adjust the fixing temperature accordingly, ensuring consistent picture quality reliability while the overall system remains easy to operate through automated control.
3Manufacturing precision
If the fixing temperature is adjusted based on toner amount after image processing, then the manufacturing precision of toner image fixation is improved, but the loss of time in the printing process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first temperature control performs preliminary temperature setting based on sheet type and printing mode before the toner amount is fully processed. This preliminary action establishes a appropriate base temperature early in the process, reducing the adjustment burden on the second control and minimizing the time penalty associated with toner-based temperature adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The two temperature controls operate in continuous sequence rather than interrupting the printing process. The first control continuously maintains the base temperature while the second control continuously adjusts based on toner amount, ensuring uninterrupted printing operation and minimizing time loss while achieving precise fixation quality.
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 efficient and timely printing with appropriate fixing temperatures, improving picture quality and reducing printing time by integrating primary and secondary temperature controls based on color and toner usage.
Implementation Method 1
a fixing device that fixes a toner image transferred to a printing sheet, for example with a fixing device of a heat-pressing type
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a fixing device, and a controller. The controller acts as a print controller, a drawing controller, and an engine controller. The print controller receives a printing request. The drawing controller identifies an image to be drawn, through image processing of a page image designated by the printing request with respect to each page, and identifies a use amount of toner required for the image to be drawn. The engine controller executes a primary fixing temperature control including controlling the fixing temperature according to color information designated by the printing request with respect to each page, and executes, after executing the primary fixing temperature control, a secondary fixing temperature control including controlling the fixing temperature according to the use amount of toner identified by the drawing controller.