Key Technology > Platform Technologies > In-Process Visualization
Analyzing Device Operating Mechanisms for Technological Innovation
In-Process Visualization
In order to achieve better and faster imaging performance in products and also increase reliability, employing design procedures that rely on past experience alone is not enough; it is necessary to accurately grasp the phenomena actually occurring within the device, subjecting these mechanisms to thorough micro-analyses. But accurately observing such phenomena, which occur at high speeds and on a minute scale, can be extremely difficult. By creating observation samples and model devices that enable the observation of the processes that take place within the actual devices, in-process visualization technologies have enhanced the company's understanding of the underlying mechanisms. Observation phenomena were captured by ultrahigh-speed cameras, and the images were analyzed and converted into quantitative data. Canon currently uses this technology to visualize such processes as toner development and fixing in laser beam printers and copying machines, as well as ink droplet ejection in inkjet printers.
Visualizing the toner development process
Visualized Toner Particles Flying to the Photosensitive Drum
Canon has succeeded in visualizing toner particles as they fly from the developing roller to the photosensitive drum. By tracking particles individually and in groups as they cross the extremely narrow gap, engineers can analyze toner movement and regularity, enabling the clarification of mechanical positioning and optimal control voltages.
Visualizing the toner-fixing process
Using an observation device, Canon is able to observe the melting, expansion, and re-hardening of toner on the fixing component. The findings were integrated with physical data on temperature, pressure, and displacement to enable simulation-based analysis. These techniques have contributed not only to product development, but also to the development of fixing mechanism components, and to enhancing the understanding of the nature of toner itself.
Visualizing the ink droplet ejection process
Example of Visualized Ink Ejection Process
The diameter of ink nozzles in Canon's inkjet printer heads measure a mere 10 µm to 20 µm. Ink droplets ejected from the nozzles move at extremely high speeds, striking the paper in less than one-one thousandth of a second. To visualize this minute, high-speed ink-ejection process, Canon successfully combined spatial analysis capabilities at scales approaching the wavelength of light and time analysis capabilities at scales around one-millionth of a second. This approach enabled the company to accurately track the movement of droplets inside the nozzle, which has greatly benefited the company in the development of new breakthrough inkjet technologies.
