Regarding tactile digitization, it has been studied that it can be digitized in the same way as the three primary colors, but no probabilistic and good method was found. For this reason, during tactile product development, various tactile samples are created and selected based on human sensitivity.

Ideally, the required haptics should be quantified based on physical properties from an efficiency and persuasive perspective. We have been trying to quantify the feel of coating materials. In this paper, we describe the tactile quantification technology we are currently working on. In addition, we explain the “texture guide” tools that uses this technology to efficiently propose tactile sensations.

In order to achieve high image quality in the development of an inkjet imaging system, it is necessary to arrange the ink dots at the target position and size. When neighboring dots interfere with each other and the position and size of the dots change from the target, image quality defects, such as beading, occur. To avoid this, the ink droplets should be spread and solidified quickly. Understanding the solidification states of the ink droplets and the time it takes to reach them are important to optimize the inkjet imaging process. In this report, a measuring method of the time change in viscosity of an ink droplet after landing on media using dynamic light scattering was developed. The relationship between the wetting and the increasing viscosity in the ink droplets has been understood, and it has been possible to directly confirm that the ink droplets are behaving as intended in the imaging process.

The framework and features of MBD (model based development) in electrophotographic technology were introduced based on the understanding of SE (systems engineering) and the framework of MBD in automobiles. In electrophotographic technology, in addition to examining each basic processes using its framework and functional models, it is necessary to consider the influence between functions due to the technical feature that functions are connected in a complicated manner. In order to aim at overall optimization in the system using electrophotographic technology, it is important to study and understand the influence between functions using functional models.

In recent years, strengthening embedded software development capabilities and securing engineering resources have become issues for Japanese industry. Under such circumstances, the application of Model-Based Design to solve the problems of traditional embedded system development is expanding in various industries. In this paper, we first show what kind of development workflow is Model-Based Design, and what advantages it has compared with traditional development workflow. Next we explain the trend of Model-Based Design in the automotive industry where it is most widely used, the prevalence of Model-Based Design in embedded system development, and the case studies of Model-Based Design in the Multi-function Peripheral (MFP) industry.

Applying MBD to the development means utilizing models to cascading targets in the left Vee model, responding to complexity problems with Systems Engineering. In order to do it, the methodology for “What kind of, how to make and how to utilize models” is very important. This is necessary to prove MBD's merits. This article introduces Functional Property Cascading method for the methodology and shows examples.

The behavior of the toner in the mono-component non-contact development was analyzed using the measuring device originally developed by us. As a result, it was clarified that the toner movement in the development gap is based on the space charge limited current, and a development equilibrium model was constructed. Specifically, it has been shown that in the mono-component non-contact development, there are two equilibrium states of the toner transfer amount, and the development amount is determined. One is determined in an equilibrium state where the potential is zero. The other is determined in an equilibrium state where the electric potential does not become zero due to the effect of toner adhesion. It was confirmed that the former occurred in the high contrast region and the latter occurred in the low contrast region.

In this paper, we report our efforts from the results of basic experiments to model creation and formulation.

This article describes the introduction of the Model-Based Development (MBD) method in Ricoh. MBD method has been used at the early stage of a design process for making flexible and effective choices. Five examples for developing an electrophotographic machine with the MBD method are shown and those common points are that coupling simulation for multiphysics (also known as “Co-Simulation”) is the key technology. We have developed a comprehensive coupling simulation environment named “FRONTIA”. On the environment, the analysis of laser-beam spot displacing with gear mesh vibration was achieved. The analysis was constructed by three simulation modules (Mechanism, Vibration, and Raytracing) and coupling modules, and we also have developed an easy-to-use coupling method between mechanism analysis and vibration one.

In our company, we calculated the resonance frequency of drive systems arising from the torsional rigidity using MATLAB^® or Scilab to confirm that the frequency did not coincide with the resonance frequency of excitation. This method requires to set up the equation of motion about each mechanical component, which leads to the risk of the error in the model.

In this work, 1D models of drive systems in multifunction printer systems have been constructed using Dymola^® to confirm that the tool can be applied to the resonance problem. The resonance frequency obtained from Dymola^® simulation agrees with that obtained from MATLAB^® simulation and experiments, indicating that the 1D model of driving systems has the potential to apply the design of drive systems in multifunction printer systems.