Toner Image Forming Apparatus Gradation Control Warmup Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses, the shortened warmup time of the fixing device makes it challenging to execute the initial sequence, leading to longer first copy out times and potential image quality issues, especially for users requiring high image quality or delicate gradation reproduction.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with detecting and controlling means that allows for immediate renewal of image forming conditions based on pre-formed image density, enabling gradation control through two modes: one for high image quality and another for rapid output, allowing users to select between image quality priority and speed priority.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the initial sequence is executed during warmup of the fixing device, then image quality is improved through feedback control, but the warmup time must be extended which reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing the initial sequence (feedback control with patch detection) during the warmup period of the fixing device, before normal copying operations begin. This allows image quality optimization to be completed in advance, so that subsequent copying operations can proceed without delay. The system proactively uses the warmup time that would otherwise be idle to execute the time-consuming initial sequence.
2Productivity
If the initial sequence is postponed until after the copy button is depressed, then warmup time is shortened and productivity is improved, but first copy out time increases and image quality may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by performing the initial sequence in advance during warmup, rather than postponing it. This preliminary action ensures that the image forming conditions are optimized before the first copying operation, thereby preventing increase in first copy out time and avoiding image quality deterioration.
3Manufacturing precision
If feedback control is executed during warmup, then image forming conditions are optimized, but the process takes time which conflicts with shortened warmup requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by executing the feedback control-based initial sequence during the warmup period, utilizing time that would otherwise be idle. This allows the time-consuming density detection and image control parameter renewal to be completed in advance, optimizing image forming conditions before normal operations begin without adding to operational time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuity of useful action by ensuring that the warmup period is productively utilized for the initial sequence execution. Rather than having idle warmup time followed by operational time, the system continuously performs useful work (optimizing image conditions) during warmup, making the entire period productive.
4Manufacturing precision
If gradation control is performed immediately before image forming, then gradation reproducibility is improved, but first copy out time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing the gradation control (initial sequence with patch detection) during the warmup period before normal copying operations start. This ensures that the image control parameters are renewed and optimized in advance, so that when the first copying operation is initiated, the system is already ready with optimized settings, avoiding delay in first copy out time.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus in which an image quality priority mode in which image density adjustment or image gradation control is effected to thereby give priority to the quality of an output image, and a speed priority mode in which gradation control is partly effected or is not effected to thereby output the output image within a short time can be selected by a user. A mode selection screen for selecting an image forming mode is displayed on the operating panel of the image forming apparatus. The image quality priority mode giving priority to the quality of image and the speed priority mode giving priority to speed are selectively displayed. When the user selects the image quality priority mode, and image control parameter is renewed immediately before image forming by image control, and the image forming is effected by the use of the renewed image control parameter, and when the speed priority mode is selected, at least part of the image control is not effected, but the image forming is effected.