JP2006330893A - Apparatus and method for analyzing particle behavior, and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform particle calculations through parallel computations based on the distinct element method by applying a distributed computer constructed by the coordination of a plurality of computers on a network. <P>SOLUTION: An apparatus for analyzing particle behavior calculates a time-step variation (ts) on the basis of the longest distance traveled by particles in a previous step; determines (n) different candidates ts'<SB>n</SB>(n = 1-N) for the time-step variation by increasing or decreasing the variation at predetermined intervals; and sets each of the candidates to the time step of each node (number of nodes N + 1) to calculate particle behavior. The result of node calculation that maximizes the longest distance traveled is set as the result of particle analysis of the current step, and the set time-step value of that node is set as the time-step value of the current step. Thereafter, similar calculations are repeated. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a particle behavior analysis apparatus, a particle behavior analysis method, and a computer program for analyzing the behavior of a large number of particles moving in a predetermined space by simulation, and in particular, an electron including each process such as development and transfer. The present invention relates to a particle behavior analysis apparatus, a particle behavior analysis method, and a computer program for analyzing the behavior of a developer in a photographic process.

  More specifically, the present invention relates to a particle behavior analysis apparatus, a particle behavior analysis method, and a computer program based on an individual element method for establishing a motion equation based on various forces acting on particles and analyzing the behavior of each particle. In particular, the present invention relates to a particle behavior analysis apparatus, a particle behavior analysis method, and a computer program, which apply a distributed computer constructed by linking a plurality of computers on a network and perform parallel processing of particle calculations by the individual element method.

  In the field of handling particles such as powder and granules, it is an important issue to grasp the behavior of the particles. Conventionally, the behavior of such particles has often been grasped by trial and error experiments. In such a case, the behavior analysis of the particles cannot be performed unless the composition of the particles actually used and the experimental apparatus and experimental environment close to the actual machine are prepared. In addition, every time these specifications are changed, a new experiment has to be performed, which is problematic in terms of time and cost.

  Therefore, recently, the behavior of particles such as powders and granules is expressed or modeled, and the behavior of a system governed by almost the same law is simulated on a computer, that is, simulation is widely used. By using simulation technology, it is possible to predict the behavior of particles before actually experiencing them. In addition, by changing the input conditions and parameters and repeatedly performing the same simulation calculation, it is possible to evaluate the performance of various particle compositions and apparatus design / control systems. According to the simulation, a more optimal solution can be obtained at a lower cost than in the case where an experiment is performed. Further, the system can be controlled based on the parameters obtained by the simulation, and system errors can be avoided.

  As a typical example of an apparatus for handling powder, an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer using an electrophotographic technique can be cited. In this case, a developer composed of two components, that is, a toner as an image forming agent and a carrier made of a magnetic material for conveying the toner is handled as an object of powder behavior analysis. The electrophotographic process includes a plurality of steps of charging the electrophotographic photosensitive member, exposing a scanned original image, developing, that is, superimposing toner on the photosensitive member, transferring toner to a sheet and fixing the toner, and cleaning the photosensitive member. In such an electrophotographic process, for example, by applying a powder behavior analysis simulation in each process such as development and transfer, an image to be formed can be predicted and evaluated without actually performing an image formation experiment. .

  As a main method of particle behavior analysis, an individual element method (for example, see Non-Patent Document 1) for analyzing the behavior of each particle and a fluid model having equivalent physical property values are used for analysis. Examples include fluid analysis methods.

  According to the former discrete element method, various forces acting on all particles (for example, acting force by contact such as elastic force and viscous force, external force such as van der Worth force, mirror image force, and liquid bridge force) are used. Since the equation of motion is set up and the behavior of each particle is analyzed, a more realistic evaluation can be performed.

  For example, particle behavior analysis that simulates developer behavior by calculating the force applied to particles in a magnetic or electric field to solve issues such as optimizing ear cutting, countermeasures against toner scattering, and cleaning in electrophotographic developers An apparatus has been developed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this device, the dipole moment of each particle is obtained based on the electromagnetic field caused by other than the particles at the first calculation, and the electromagnetic field caused by other particles obtained at the previous processing and the particle at the subsequent calculation. The dipole moment of each particle is obtained on the basis of the electromagnetic field caused by other than the above.

  According to the individual element method, more accurate particle behavior can be obtained by calculation. However, there is a problem that the calculation time becomes long because of the large amount of calculation of particle contact determination and magnetic interaction (or other acting force that the particle receives).

  Therefore, it is conceivable to solve the problem of calculation time in the individual element method by a method of speeding up the calculation by changing the time step. In this method, it is necessary to increase the time step within a range where the phenomenon that the contact distance between particles becomes large and the calculation becomes unstable does not occur. For example, a method is used in which the movement distance per step is close to a predetermined value, and when the movement distance exceeds a predetermined value, the calculation is speeded up by reducing the step and calculating again (for example, (See Patent Document 1).

  However, in such a solution method, when the changed time step is inappropriate and the time step is reduced, the particle behavior calculation is performed again, so that the calculation time may become longer.

  On the other hand, recently, research and development on distributed computing technology that promotes high computing performance by coordinating a plurality of computers on a network and achieving a high computing performance through the cooperative operation has been advanced. Therefore, it is considered to apply a distributed computer to the particle behavior calculation by the individual element method. However, in this case, it seems that a time step changing method suitable for parallel computation is necessary.

JP-A-7-140059 Japan Society for Powder Technology "Introduction to Powder Simulation-Creating Powder Technology with Computers" (Sangyo Tosho Co., Ltd., March 30, 1998), Chapter 3 "Particle Element Method Simulation"

  An object of the present invention is to provide an excellent particle behavior analysis device, a particle behavior analysis method, and a computer program capable of analyzing the behavior of a large number of particles moving in a predetermined space with high accuracy by simulation. It is in.

  A further object of the present invention is to provide an excellent particle behavior analyzer and particle capable of analyzing the behavior of each particle with higher accuracy based on the individual element method that establishes a motion equation based on various forces acting on the particle. To provide a behavior analysis method and a computer program.

  A further object of the present invention is to apply a distributed computer constructed by coordinating a plurality of computers on a network, and to perform an excellent particle behavior analysis apparatus and particle behavior analysis capable of performing parallel computation of particle computations by an individual element method. It is to provide a method and a computer program.

  A further object of the present invention is to increase the speed of particle behavior calculation by suppressing occurrence of particle behavior recalculation by providing a time step suitable for parallel computation when particle computation by the discrete element method is performed in parallel. An object of the present invention is to provide an excellent particle behavior analysis apparatus, particle behavior analysis method, and computer program.

  The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and a first aspect of the present invention is that processing for calculating the behavior of a large number of particles existing in an analysis region by an individual element method is performed from a plurality of nodes. A particle behavior analysis apparatus that performs parallel processing using a distributed computer, wherein the particle behavior analysis calculation by the individual element method is distributed to each of the nodes, and the particle behavior calculation is performed at a predetermined time step for each node. A particle behavior analysis apparatus comprising: a dispersion processing unit for generating a time step; and a time step changing unit for adaptively changing a time step of each node according to a moving distance of the particle.

  For example, in electrophotographic technology, by applying a powder behavior analysis simulation in each process such as development and transfer, an image to be formed can be predicted and evaluated without actually performing an image formation experiment. As a main method of particle behavior analysis, there is an individual element method for analyzing the behavior of each particle.

  According to the individual element method, more accurate particle behavior can be obtained by calculation. However, since the amount of calculation such as particle contact determination and magnetic interaction is large, the calculation time becomes long. Although a method of speeding up the calculation by changing the time step can be considered, it is necessary to increase the time step within a range in which the phenomenon that the contact distance between particles becomes large and the calculation becomes unstable does not occur.

  In addition, it is considered that a process that performs a large amount of repetitive calculation such as simulation has a high return on investment if a distributed computer technology composed of a plurality of nodes is applied. However, in this case, a time step changing method suitable for parallel computation is required.

  Therefore, in the particle behavior analysis apparatus according to the present invention, when processing is distributed in parallel to each node of the distributed computer and particle behavior analysis by the individual element method is calculated in parallel, each particle behavior analysis device is based on the moving distance of the particles in the analysis region. By adaptively changing the time step of the node, the calculation speed was increased while suppressing the recalculation of particle behavior.

  For example, the time step setting means calculates a time step change value from the maximum movement distance of the particles calculated in the previous step, and gives a different time step for each node based on the time step change value in the current step. To do. At this time, the dispersion processing means adopts the calculation result of the node in which the maximum movement distance of the particle in the current step becomes the maximum within a predetermined range as the particle behavior analysis result in the step, and the time step setting means The time step set for the node for which the calculation result is adopted in the current step is set as the time step value of the current step.

  In this way, when applying the method of changing the time step to the particle behavior analysis by the individual element method using a parallel computer, the time step re-change performed when the maximum moving distance of the particle exceeds a predetermined value Since the occurrence of particle behavior recalculation is suppressed, the particle behavior analysis can be speeded up.

  Further, when the analysis target region is parallelized by region division, the time step setting means sequentially changes the time step based on the maximum moving distance of the particles in the assigned region for each node, and the dispersion The processing means may assist the calculation of a node having a fine time step with respect to a node having a larger time step.

Specifically, the time step setting means calculates the time step change value ts _{n for} each node from the maximum moving distance of the particles in the region of each node n (where N is the number of nodes and n = 1 to N). was calculated to obtain the minimum value ts _{_min} time steps change value of each node n, 2 n-th power of ts' _n or a maximum of ts _{_min} the time step change value ts _n of each node n in the following ts _n Set to an integer multiple of _{ts_min} . Further, the distributed processing means to perform the particle behavior calculations to _{_max} 'maximum value ts of _n' time step ts of each node n. Until all the nodes have completed the calculation up to _{ts′_max,} the node in charge of the area where the calculation has been completed first is allowed to assist the calculation of another node having a large calculation load or perform other processing. To do. For example, the distributed processing means may divide the particles in the area handled by the node with a large calculation load, and assign the node and the area for which the calculation has been completed to the assigned node to be calculated. .

  In this way, in particle behavior analysis by region division using a parallel computer, the time step of the node in charge of the region where the particle movement speed is small compared to other regions is increased to speed up the calculation, before the other nodes Since the node that has completed the calculation is configured to assist the calculation of other nodes having a large calculation load, the particle behavior analysis in the entire region can be speeded up. The effect is particularly high when the moving speed of the particles in the analysis region is biased toward a large portion and a small portion.

  The distributed processing means may divide the analysis area and assign it to each node, and may combine or re-divide the divided areas according to the processing load gap between the nodes. Alternatively, the distributed processing means may divide the analysis region and assign it to each node, and change the number of particles according to the time step of the region in charge of each node.

Specifically, the time step setting means, time step of each node n to (provided that the number of nodes is N, and N～1～N) each node from the maximum travel distance of the particles in each region A _n The change value ts _n is calculated. Then, the distributed processing means compares the time step change values ts _a and ts _b of the nodes a and _b which are in charge of the adjacent areas A _a and A _b respectively (provided that both a and b are 1). to N), ts _a and ts _b are both in the case the difference and greater than a predetermined change value ts _{_max} ts _a and ts _b is less than a predetermined value ts _{_Df,} the area a _a and a _b one region a _{As a} ', the node a that was in charge of the area A _a is in charge of the calculation of the area A _a ', and at the same time, the node b that was in charge of the area A _b assists in the calculation of the node having a large calculation load Alternatively, other processing is performed. The time step setting means sets the time step ts _a ′ in the combined area A _a ′ to the smaller one of ts _a and ts _b .

Thus, in particle behavior analysis by region segmentation using a parallel computer, by comparing the time step change values of adjacent areas, both larger and the difference than the predetermined value ts _{_max} is less than a predetermined value ts _{_Df} In some cases, the areas can be combined, the combined area can be assigned to the node that was in charge of one area, and the other node can be configured to assist the calculation of a node with a large calculation load.

  As a result, the number of particles in the region where the moving distance is small and the time step can be increased is increased, and since the moving distance is large, the time step can be reduced and a large number of nodes can be assigned to the calculation of the region where the calculation load is large. Particle behavior analysis can be speeded up. When parallel computation is performed by area division, the effect is particularly high when the movement speed of particles in the analysis area is biased toward a large part and a small part.

  The second aspect of the present invention provides a process for calculating the behavior of a large number of particles existing in the analysis region by the individual element method in parallel using a distributed computer composed of a plurality of nodes. A computer program written in a computer-readable format so as to be executed on a computer system, the particle behavior analysis calculation by the individual element method being distributed to each of the nodes for the computer program. A distributed processing procedure for performing particle behavior calculation at a predetermined time step for each node, and a time step setting procedure for adaptively setting / changing the time step of each node according to the moving distance of the particles. It is a featured computer program.

  The computer program according to the second aspect of the present invention defines a computer program described in a computer-readable format so as to realize predetermined processing on a computer system. In other words, by installing the computer program according to the second aspect of the present invention in the computer system, a cooperative action is exhibited on the computer system, and the particle behavior according to the first aspect of the present invention. The same effects as the analysis device can be obtained.

  According to the present invention, an excellent particle behavior analysis apparatus and particle behavior that can analyze the behavior of each particle with higher accuracy based on the individual element method that establishes an equation of motion based on various forces acting on the particle. An analysis method and a computer program can be provided.

  In addition, according to the present invention, an excellent particle behavior analysis apparatus and particle behavior that can be applied to a distributed computer constructed by linking a plurality of nodes on a network and can perform parallel computation of particle computation by the individual element method. An analysis method and a computer program can be provided.

  According to the present invention, in the case of applying the method of changing the time step to the particle behavior analysis by the individual element method using the parallel computer, the time step re-change performed when the maximum moving distance of the particles exceeds a predetermined value. Since the occurrence of particle behavior recalculation is suppressed, the particle behavior analysis can be speeded up.

  Further, according to the present invention, in the particle behavior analysis by region division using a parallel computer, the time step of the node in charge of the region in which the particle moving speed is small compared to other regions is increased to speed up the calculation. Since the node that has completed the calculation prior to the other node is configured to assist the calculation of other nodes having a large calculation load, the particle behavior analysis in the entire region can be speeded up. The effect is particularly high when the moving speed of the particles in the analysis region is biased toward a large portion and a small portion. Further, the node whose calculation has been completed does not assist the calculation of the node having a large calculation load, but the node whose calculation has been completed may perform another work such as creation of a result output image.

Further, according to the present invention, the particle behavior analysis by region segmentation using a parallel computer, by comparing the time step change values of adjacent areas, both predetermined value ts _{_max} large and the difference is the predetermined value ts _{_Df} than If the number of the nodes is less than the limit, the areas are combined, the combined area is assigned to the node that was in charge of one area, and the other node is configured to assist the calculation of the node having a large calculation load. As a result, the number of particles in the region where the moving distance is small and the time step can be increased is increased, and because the moving distance is large, the time step is reduced and a large number of nodes can be assigned to the calculation of the region where the calculation load is large. Particle behavior analysis can be speeded up. The effect is particularly high when the moving speed of the particles in the analysis region is biased toward a large portion and a small portion. In addition, a node that does not perform calculation after region combination does not assist calculation of a node with a large calculation load, but a node for which calculation has been completed may perform another operation such as creation of a result output image. .

  Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from more detailed description based on embodiments of the present invention described later and the accompanying drawings.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  The present invention relates to powder behavior analysis in an electrophotographic process type image forming apparatus. This type of image forming apparatus uses a two-component developer of toner as an image forming agent and a carrier made of a magnetic material for conveying the toner, charges the electrophotographic photosensitive member, exposes a scanned original image, It consists of a plurality of processes such as development, that is, toner superimposition on the photosensitive member, toner transfer and fixing on the paper, and cleaning of the photosensitive member.

  First, the electrophotographic process will be described. FIG. 8 schematically shows a functional configuration of the electrophotographic process.

  After charging the surface of the photoconductor to a uniform surface potential with a charger, the surface of the photoconductor is exposed by scanning a laser beam in accordance with image data obtained by scanning a document, and a desired latent image potential is obtained. Forming an electrostatic latent image. Subsequently, while adjusting the toner density and toner charge amount in the developing unit, the toner is superimposed on the electrostatic latent image to form a toner image, and the transfer unit transfers the toner image onto the printing paper conveyed from the outside. . Then, the toner image is fixed on the printing paper by the heat melting and pressure-bonding action by the fixing device, and then discharged out of the image forming apparatus. Residual toner is removed from the surface of the photoreceptor after the transfer by a cleaner. Although the residual potential remains on the photosensitive surface after cleaning, it is used for the next electrophotographic process after the initial potential is applied.

  FIG. 9 illustrates an apparatus configuration centering on the development process.

  Around the photosensitive member 13, an intermediate transfer belt 14, a brush roller 34, a charging roller 36, and a developing unit are sequentially provided along the rotation direction b. The intermediate transfer belt 14, the brush roller 34, and the charging roller 36 are all in contact with the photosensitive surface of the photoreceptor 13. In addition, an LED array head 40 that performs line exposure on the photosensitive surface is disposed between the charging roller 36 and the developing unit.

  The developing unit includes a developing roller 38 disposed so as to face the photosensitive member 13, screw feeders 39 </ b> A and 39 </ b> B that are positioned below the developing roller 38 and supply a two-component developer to the developing roller 38, A developing roller 38 and a housing 37 for accommodating the screw feeders 39A and 39B are provided. The two-component developer contains toner and magnetic carrier particles as main components. An opening 37 </ b> A is provided in a portion of the housing 37 that faces the photoreceptor 13.

  The developing roller 38 is disposed so that a gap, that is, a developing gap is formed between the photosensitive roller 13 and the photosensitive surface. The developing roller 38 includes a cylindrical magnet roll 38B and a sleeve 38A that covers the magnet roll 38B. The magnet roll 38B has a cylindrical shape and is fixed to the main body of the image forming apparatus. The sleeve 38A has the same counterclockwise direction as the rotation direction b of the photoconductor 13 around the axis of the magnet roll 38B, that is, the sleeve 38A. It rotates in the opposite direction relative to the photoconductor 13 at the portion facing the photoconductor 13. Thereby, the transfer efficiency of the toner from the developing roller 38 to the photosensitive member 13 is enhanced.

  The magnet roll 38B is a mag roller in which magnetic material powder such as ferrite or rare earth magnet alloy is formed into a columnar shape or a cylindrical shape, and is magnetized so that the N pole and the S pole are arranged in a predetermined pattern. It is formed by sintering while. As the magnetized pattern, a portion facing the photosensitive member 13 is the developing pole S1, and a pick-off pole N1 is located next to the developing pole S1 along the rotation direction of the sleeve 38A, and a pickup pole N2 and a trimming pole are adjacent to the pick-up pole N1. Examples include a pattern in which magnetic poles are arranged in the order of S2 and the transport pole N3. The development pole S1 and the trimming pole S2 are all S poles, and the pickoff pole N1, the pickup pole N2, and the transport pole N3 are all N poles.

  The portion corresponding to the developing nip in the developing pole S1 is magnetized so that the change in the normal direction magnetic flux density Br becomes ± 5 [mT]. Here, assuming that the boundary between the transport pole N3 and the trimming pole S2 is 0 degree and the clockwise direction is a positive angle, the development nip is located at a part of 240 to 270 degrees and includes the development nip part. Thus, the development pole S1 is formed. The change in the normal magnetic flux density Br is ± 5 [mT] at the angle of 240 to 270 degrees in the magnet roll 38B. This indicates that the change in the normal magnetic flux density Br at the developing nip portion of the magnet roll 38B is magnetized so as to be ± 5 [mT]. The magnet roll 38B is further magnetized so that the maximum value of the normal magnetic restraining force Fr is located in the developing nip.

  A trimming blade 41 that aligns the height of the magnetic brush in cooperation with the trimming pole S <b> 2 extends toward the developing roller 38 at the opposing portion of the trimming pole S <b> 2. A negative developing bias voltage is applied to the developing roller 38.

  In the developing mode, the photosensitive member 13 rotates counterclockwise at a constant speed, so that the photosensitive surface is negatively charged by the charging roller 36. Next, the charged surface of the photosensitive surface is exposed by the LED array head 40, whereby the potential of the exposed portion of the charged surface is lowered to form an electrostatic latent image. In the developing unit, the developing roller 38 causes the toner charged to a negative voltage to be electrically attached to the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive surface, that is, the potential lowering portion of the charging surface, similarly to the photosensitive member 13 and developed. As a result, a toner image is formed. The toner adhering to the photosensitive surface is electrically drawn toward the intermediate transfer belt 14 by the transfer roller 32 to which a positive transfer voltage having a polarity opposite to that of the toner is applied. As a result, the toner image on the photosensitive surface 13A is transferred from the photosensitive member 13 to the intermediate transfer belt.

  Toner is consumed each time it is transferred, and new toner is supplied to the auger, mixed and stirred with the carrier, and charged with frictional charging while maintaining an appropriate toner concentration (see FIG. 10). .

  When the sleeve 38A rotates, the developer supplied into the housing 37 by the screw feeders 39A and 39B is adsorbed on the surface of the sleeve 38A by the pickup pole N2. Here, on the surface of the sleeve 38A, there are a magnetic field from the transport pole N3 toward the development pole S1, a magnetic field from the pick-off pole N1 toward the development pole S1, a magnetic field in the direction from the pickup pole N2 toward the trimming pole S2, and from the transport pole N3. A magnetic field directed to the trimming pole S2 is formed, and the developer has a structure in which toner adheres to the surface of the magnetic carrier particles. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 11, the developer adsorbed on the surface of the sleeve 38A is arranged in the direction of the lines of magnetic force on the surface of the sleeve 38A and rises to form a magnetic brush.

  As shown by the arrow in FIG. 11, the magnetic brush formed on the surface of the sleeve 38A in the vicinity of the pickup pole N2 is trimming pole S2, transport pole N3, developing pole S1, and pick-off as the sleeve 38A rotates. It is conveyed from the right side to the left side of the page toward the pole N1. Then, the height of the magnetic brush is adjusted when passing through the trimming pole S2, and the toner on the magnetic brush is transferred to the photosensitive member 13 in the vicinity of the developing pole S1, so that the surface of the sleeve 38A is almost only a magnetic carrier. The magnetic brush remains. As the sleeve 38A rotates, the magnetic brush that has almost only the magnetic carrier drops off from the surface of the sleeve 38A at the pick-off pole N1 and returns to the inside of the housing 37.

  In the developing mode, the sleeve 38A rotates in this manner, so that fresh developer is always replenished at the pickup pole N2 and conveyed to the developing pole S1, and the toner is transferred to the photosensitive member 13 at the developing pole S1 to be photosensitive. The latent image on the surface 13A is developed.

  In such an electrophotographic technique, for example, by applying a powder behavior analysis simulation in each process such as development and transfer, an image to be formed can be predicted and evaluated without actually performing an image formation experiment. .

  Moreover, it is necessary to repeatedly execute the particle behavior analysis calculation while changing the condition parameters. The present inventors consider that parallel processing using distributed computing technology is appropriate for such arithmetic processing. According to the distributed computing system, it is possible to link a plurality of computers on the network and realize high calculation performance through the cooperative operation, and increase the return on investment.

  FIG. 12 schematically shows the configuration of the distributed computing system. On the network, a server that controls arithmetic processing such as simulation calculation and one or more client PCs (nodes) are connected. In addition to a single LAN segment, the network can be composed of a plurality of LAN segments interconnected via routers or gateways, or a broadband network such as the Internet.

  The following methods can be used as a particle behavior analysis method by a discrete element method using a parallel computer.

(1) Particle division in which the calculation area of each node is left as it is, and the particles in charge of behavior calculation are assigned to each node:
In general, a particle number is assigned to each particle, and a particle number corresponding to the number of particles assigned to each node is assigned. Each node performs a behavior calculation only for the particle with the assigned particle number. Usually, in order to equalize the load on each node, what is the number of particles assigned to each node? The value obtained by dividing the total number of particles by the number of nodes is used.

(2) Region division for dividing a calculation region and assigning it to each node, and calculating the behavior of particles in the region where each node is divided:
In this case, the information on the adjacent region is shared between the nodes in charge of the adjacent region, and the particle behavior at the boundary is calculated.

  Below, the Example regarding the particle behavior analysis by the discrete element method using a parallel computer is explained in detail.

  In this embodiment, the particle behavior analysis by the individual element method using a parallel computer is performed in the following procedure.

  In the previous step, it is assumed that each node having different time step values is performing particle behavior calculation in parallel. Then, the time step change value ts is calculated from the maximum movement distance of the particles in the previous step.

N time step change candidate values ts ′ _n (where n is an integer from 1 to N) obtained by increasing or decreasing the time step change value ts at a predetermined interval are obtained. Then, different time step values, ts and change candidate value ts ′ _n , are set for each node performing parallel calculation (here, the number of nodes is N + 1), and particle behavior calculation in the current step is performed.

  The calculation result of the node having the maximum movement distance of each node within a predetermined range is adopted as the behavior analysis result in the current step. Here, the calculation result of the node whose calculation has failed even if the maximum moving distance is obtained is discarded. Further, the time step setting value of the node that has obtained the maximum movement distance is set as the time step value in the current step. By repeating such calculation, particle behavior calculation is performed.

  As described above, the calculation result of the node having the maximum movement distance of each node within the predetermined range is adopted as the behavior analysis result in the current step, and the time step setting value of the node that has obtained the maximum movement distance is determined in the current step. The calculation of the time step value is repeatedly executed to calculate the particle behavior.

  According to such a parallel calculation method of particle behavior analysis, the occurrence of re-calculation of time step and particle behavior re-calculation performed when the maximum moving distance of particles exceeds a predetermined value is suppressed. The speed can be increased.

  FIG. 1 illustrates the behavior of particle behavior analysis by the discrete element method using the parallel computer according to the present embodiment. In the illustrated example, it is assumed that five nodes perform parallel calculation of particle behavior analysis.

  In the M-th step, each of the nodes # 1 to # 5 to which different time step values are given performs the particle behavior calculation in parallel. In node # 2, the maximum movement distance of the particles was obtained without causing the calculation to fail. Therefore, the maximum movement distance of the particle calculated at the node # 2 is set as the maximum movement distance in the M-th step, and the time step change value ts is calculated from the maximum movement distance.

Four time step change candidate values ts ′ _n (where n is an integer of 1 to 4) obtained by increasing or decreasing the time step change value ts at predetermined intervals are obtained. Then, for each node # 1 to # 5 for parallel computation, set to different time step value that ts and change candidate value ts' _n, to perform the particle behavior calculations in the next M + 1 th step.

  In the (M + 1) th step, the maximum moving distance of the particle was obtained at node # 4 without any calculation failure. Therefore, the maximum movement distance of the particle calculated at the node # 4 is set as the maximum movement distance in the M + 1th step, and the next M + 2 time step change value ts is further calculated from the maximum movement distance.

  FIG. 2 shows a processing procedure of particle behavior analysis by the individual element method using the parallel computer according to the present embodiment in the form of a flowchart.

After performing a predetermined initialization (S1), a time step change value ts is calculated from the maximum particle movement distance of the previous step (S2). Then, N time step change candidate values ts ′ _n (n = 1 to N) are calculated (S3).

  Next, the time step change value ts and the N time step change candidate values are given to N + 1 nodes operating in parallel as time step values of the next step, respectively. Then, each node set with a different time step value performs particle behavior analysis by the individual element method using the maximum particle movement distance obtained in the previous step (S4).

  Next, the maximum particle movement distance of each node is evaluated (step S5). Here, the calculation result of the node having the maximum particle movement distance at the predetermined distance is adopted as the calculation result in the step, and the time step calculated from the maximum movement distance is adopted as the time step change value.

  Until the predetermined time is reached (S6), the processes of S2 to S5 are repeated. When the predetermined time is reached, the calculation result is returned to the request source, and the entire processing routine is terminated.

  FIG. 3 shows a processing procedure for performing particle behavior calculation by the individual element method performed in S4 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 2 in the form of a flowchart.

  First, the contact force with respect to the particles is calculated, and the contact force is determined (step S11).

  Next, other acting forces on the particles such as electrostatic force, magnetic force, and gravity are calculated (step S12).

  Then, the total acting force on the particle (the sum of the contact force and the acting force) is calculated, and the particle state is calculated by obtaining the acceleration, velocity, and displacement of the particle from the equation of motion (step S13).

  According to this embodiment, in the case of applying the method of changing the time step to the particle behavior analysis by the individual element method using the parallel computer, the time step re-execution performed when the maximum moving distance of the particles exceeds a predetermined value. Since the occurrence of change and particle behavior recalculation is suppressed, the particle behavior analysis can be speeded up.

  In the above description, particle division or region division is not performed. However, the present invention can be similarly applied to cases where particle division or region division is performed and a calculation particle or calculation region is assigned to each node.

  In this embodiment, particle behavior analysis is performed by an individual element method using a parallel computer by region division. Since there is a bias in the number of particles and particle behavior for each region, time division is likely to occur between nodes that perform parallel calculation in region division. In the present embodiment, in view of such points, a node having a large time step has a low load, and therefore, a part of calculation of a node having a small time step is divided and burdened.

  FIG. 4 illustrates the behavior of the particle behavior analysis by the individual element method using the parallel computer according to the present embodiment. In the illustrated example, it is assumed that five nodes perform parallel calculation of particle behavior analysis.

In the figure, the time step ts ₁ of the node # 1 is set to 4, whereas the time step ts ₄ of the node # 4 is set to 1. In such a case, the calculation load of node # 1 is lower than that of node # 4. Therefore, when node # 1 bears a part of the particle calculation shared by node # 4, the processing load between the nodes is reduced. Equalize.

  In this embodiment, the particle behavior analysis by the individual element method using a parallel computer is performed in the following procedure.

First, an area is allocated to each node n (where N is the number of nodes and n = 1 to N). Each node calculates the particle behavior of the first step at a predetermined time step for the in-region particles. Then, each node n calculates the time step change value ts _n of its own node from the maximum movement distance of the particles in each region.

Then, determining the minimum value ts _{_min} time steps change value of each node n, sets the time step change value ts _n of each node n to ts' _n of 2 n th power of the largest ts _{_min} below ts _n . Seeking _{_max} 'maximum ts of _n' time step ts of each node n, performs particle behavior calculated in each node to ts' _{_max,} synchronize particle information of the boundary of each region. Such behavior calculation is repeated.

Until all the nodes are completed the calculation of up ts'_ _max, compute large nodes of the node e is computational load in charge of the area previously calculated is completed m (the number of particles is large / time step fine) To assist. The calculation is aided by the following procedure. The area A _m of large nodes m computational load is assigned to the particle divided calculate assign a particle number to the node e. Such particle behavior calculation is repeated.

Time step change value ts' _n for each node facilitates synchronization of particle information by the second n th power of ts _{_min.} However, the gist of the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, ts ′ _n can be synchronized with the least common multiple of ts ′ _n by making ts ′ _n an integral multiple of _{ts_min} .

  FIG. 5 shows a processing procedure of particle behavior analysis by the individual element method using the parallel computer according to the present embodiment in the form of a flowchart.

First, after performing a predetermined initialization process (S21), areas A _{1 to} A _N are allocated to the parallel computer nodes 1 to N based on the area division (S22).

Next, the time step change value ts _n of each node is calculated based on the maximum movement distance of the particles in the region of each node (S23), and the time step change value ts' _n of each node is calculated, and ts The “ _n maximum value ts” _max calculation is calculated (S24). Here, ts' _n is less than 2 n-th power and ts _n of the minimum value ts _{_min} of ts _n. Then, each node n as a parallel computer repeatedly performs the particle behavior calculation by the individual element method in each region An at time step ts ′ _n until time ts ′ _max (S25). Since the processing procedure of the particle behavior calculation by the individual element method is the same as that in FIG. 3 (described above), the description is omitted here.

When the time ts ′ _max arrives, it is checked whether the particle behavior calculation for all regions is completed (S26).

Here, when the calculation is not completed in all the regions, the node in charge of the region for which the calculation has been completed is assisted in the particle behavior calculation in the other region x (S27). Specifically, the node for which the calculation has been completed first divides the calculation particle in the region x, and the particle behavior calculation by the individual element method is calculated up to ts ′ _max . The processing procedure of particle behavior calculation by the individual element method is the same as that in FIG. 3 (described above).

On the other hand, when the calculation is completed in all regions, the particle information of each node n is synchronized (S28). Time step change value ts' _n for each node facilitates synchronization of particle information by the second n th power of ts _{_min.}

  Until the predetermined time is reached (S29), the processes of S23 to S28 are repeated. When the predetermined time is reached, the calculation result is returned to the request source, and the entire processing routine is terminated.

  According to the present embodiment, in the particle behavior analysis by region division using a parallel computer, the time step of the node in charge of the region where the particle moving speed is small compared to other regions is increased to speed up the calculation. Since the configuration is such that the node that has completed the calculation before the node assists the calculation of other nodes having a large calculation load, it is possible to speed up the particle behavior analysis of the entire region. The effect is particularly high when the moving speed of the particles in the analysis region is biased toward a large portion and a small portion.

  Note that in S27 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 5, the node for which the calculation has been completed first does not assist the calculation of the node having a large calculation load, but the node for which the calculation has been completed first performs another operation such as creating a result output image. May be performed.

  In the present embodiment, the particle behavior analysis by the individual element method using a parallel computer is performed in the following procedure by area division.

  Within the analysis target area, there is a distribution of the degree of particle activity. For example, when a development process, that is, a space where toner is mixed and agitated and transported in the developing device, and the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive member is developed is an analysis target region, as shown in FIG. There is a region where the developer moves at a rotational speed and the developer moves at a high speed, and conversely, there is a region where the developer accumulates and is compressed behind the layer forming member and the developer moves at a slow speed. In the present embodiment, by dividing the region according to the activity level of the particle behavior, or by integrating the divided regions, the burden distributed to each node is made uniform (however, in the following, integration is performed). That is, only the case of region combination will be described).

First, an area is allocated to each node n (where N is the number of nodes and n = 1 to N). Each node n calculates the particle behavior of the first step at a predetermined time step for the particles in the region. Then, to calculate the time step change value ts _n of each node from the maximum moving distance of each node n particles in each region A _n.

Next, the time step change values ts _a and ts _b of the nodes a and _b which are in charge of the adjacent areas A _a and A _b are compared (where a and b are both 1 to N). Then, ts _a and ts _b are both greater than a predetermined change value ts _{_max,} and ts when the difference between _a and ts _b is less than a predetermined value ts _{_Df,} the area A _a and A _b one region A _a The node “a”, which is connected as “, and is in charge of the area A _a, is in charge of calculation, and the time step ts _a ” is set to the smaller one of ts _a and ts _b . Also, the node b that has been in charge of the area _Ab assists the calculation of a node having a large calculation load, as in the second embodiment. Such particle behavior calculation is repeated.

  FIG. 7 shows a processing procedure of particle behavior analysis by the individual element method using the parallel computer according to the present embodiment in the form of a flowchart.

First, after performing a predetermined initialization process (S31), areas A _{1 to} A _N are allocated to parallel computer nodes 1 to N based on area division (S32).

Next, the time step change value ts _n of each node is calculated based on the maximum movement distance of the particles in the area of each node (S33), and it is determined whether the calculation area allocated in S32 needs to be changed. (S34). The change determination calculation region, the time step change value ts _a and ts _b of the node a and node b in charge adjacent the region _{A a} and A _b each ts _a, ts _b ≧ ts _{_max} and | ts _a -ts _This is performed depending on whether _b | < _{ts_df} is satisfied.

If it is determined that the calculation area should be changed, the adjacent calculation areas _Aa and _Ab are combined (S35). Specifically, the areas A _a and A _b are combined to be set as a new calculation area A _a ′ so that one node a is in charge of calculation. In addition, the other node b is in charge of dividing the calculation particles of the other node.

Then, each node n as parallel machines, particle behavior calculation by DEM in the respective regions A _n, 'in _n, the time ts' time step ts repeatedly performed until _max (S36). Since the processing procedure of the particle behavior calculation by the individual element method is the same as that in FIG. 3 (described above), the description is omitted here.

When the time ts ′ _max arrives, the particle information of each node n is synchronized (S37). Then, the processes of S33 to S37 are repeatedly executed until the predetermined time is reached (S38). When the predetermined time is reached, the calculation result is returned to the request source, and the entire processing routine is terminated.

According to this embodiment, in the particle behavior analysis by region segmentation using a parallel computer, by comparing the time step change values of adjacent areas, both large and the difference is less than the predetermined value ts _{_Df} than the predetermined value ts _{_max} In such a case, the areas can be combined, the combined area can be assigned to the node that was in charge of one area, and the other node can be configured to assist the calculation of a node with a large calculation load.

  As a result, the number of particles in the region where the moving distance is small and the time step can be increased is increased, and since the moving distance is large, the time step can be reduced and a large number of nodes can be assigned to the calculation of the region where the calculation load is large. Particle behavior analysis can be speeded up. When parallel computation is performed by area division, the effect is particularly high when the movement speed of particles in the analysis area is biased toward a large part and a small part.

  In addition, a node that does not perform calculation after region combination does not assist calculation of a node with a large calculation load, but a node for which calculation has been completed may perform another operation such as creation of a result output image. .

  The present inventors calculated the particle behavior for 5 seconds when 8000 carrier particles having a diameter of 65 μm were arranged under a developing roller having a diameter of 16 mm using a parallel computer having 8 nodes. I tried this method. Moreover, as a comparative example for these, when only one node is used without performing parallel calculation and the time step is changed by a conventional method (Comparative Example 1), the time step is fixed by parallel calculation by particle division using all nodes. In the case (Comparative Example 2), particle behavior calculation was performed. These calculation times are shown in Table 1 below. As can be seen from the table, according to the present invention, the particle behavior calculation is speeded up as compared with the conventional method.

  The present invention has been described in detail above with reference to specific embodiments. However, it is obvious that those skilled in the art can make modifications and substitutions of the embodiment without departing from the gist of the present invention.

  In this specification, the implementation form of the particle behavior analysis using the parallel computer has been described by taking the simulation calculation in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus as an example, but the gist of the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can be similarly applied to other systems that need to analyze particle behavior using the discrete element method.

  In short, the present invention has been disclosed in the form of exemplification, and the description of the present specification should not be interpreted in a limited manner. In order to determine the gist of the present invention, the claims should be taken into consideration.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an operation state of particle behavior analysis by an individual element method using the parallel computer according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of particle behavior analysis by an individual element method using the parallel computer according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for performing particle behavior calculation by the individual element method. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the behavior of the particle behavior analysis by the individual element method using the parallel computer according to the second embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of particle behavior analysis by an individual element method using the parallel computer according to the third embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the moving speed of the developer. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of particle behavior analysis by an individual element method using the parallel computer according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing a functional configuration of the electrophotographic process. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an apparatus configuration example around the development process. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the toner and the carrier are mixed and stirred in the auger. FIG. 11 is a view showing a state in which the magnetic brush is formed by being arranged in the direction of the lines of magnetic force on the surface of the sleeve 38A. FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the distributed computing system.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 13 ... Photoconductor 14 ... Intermediate transfer belt 32 ... Transfer roller 34 ... Brush roller 36 ... Charging roller 37 ... Housing 38 ... Developing roller 39 ... Screw feeder 40 ... LED array head 41 ... Trimming blade

Claims (19)

A particle behavior analysis device that performs parallel processing using a distributed computer composed of a plurality of nodes, for calculating the behavior of a large number of particles existing in an analysis region by an individual element method,
Dispersion processing means for distributing the particle behavior analysis calculation by the individual element method to each of the nodes, and performing the particle behavior calculation at a predetermined time step for each node;
A time step setting means for adaptively setting and changing the time step of each node according to the moving distance of the particles;
A particle behavior analysis apparatus comprising: The time step setting means calculates a time step change value from the maximum movement distance of the particles calculated in the previous step, and gives a different time step for each node based on the time step change value in the current step.
The particle behavior analysis apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The dispersion processing means adopts as a particle behavior analysis result in the step the calculation result of the node in which the maximum movement distance of the particle in the current step is the maximum within a predetermined range,
The time step setting means sets the time step set for the node for which the calculation result is adopted in the current step as the time step value of the current step.
The particle behavior analysis apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: The distributed processing means divides the analysis area and assigns it to each node,
The time step setting means sequentially changes the time step based on the maximum moving distance of the particles in the allocated region for each node,
The distributed processing means allows a node having a larger time step to assist calculation of a node having a smaller time step.
The particle behavior analysis apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The time step setting means calculates a time step change value ts _n for each node from the maximum movement distance of the particles in the region of each node n (where N is the number of nodes and n = 1 to N), determining the minimum value ts _{_min} time steps change value of node n, an integer multiple of ts' _n or ts _{_min} of 2 n th power of the largest ts _{_min} the time step change value ts _n of each node n in the following ts _n Set to
Said distributed processing means, the time step ts to perform the particle behavior calculations to _{_max} 'maximum value ts of _n' of each node n, until all nodes to compute complete until ts' _{_max,} the previously calculated ended Let the node in charge of the area assist the calculation of other nodes with a heavy calculation load or perform other processing.
The particle behavior analysis apparatus according to claim 4, wherein: The distributed processing means divides the particles in the region in charge of the node having a large calculation load, and assigns the region in which the calculation has been completed to the node in charge of the calculation.
The particle behavior analysis apparatus according to claim 5, wherein The distributed processing means divides the analysis area and assigns it to each node, and combines or re-divides the divided areas according to the difference in processing load between the nodes.
The particle behavior analysis apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The distributed processing means divides the analysis region and assigns it to each node, and changes the number of particles according to the time step of the region that each node is in charge of,
The particle behavior analysis apparatus according to claim 7, wherein: The time step setting means, each node n (where, the number of nodes is N, and N～1～N) the time step change value ts _n of each node from the maximum travel distance of the particles in each region A _n Calculate
The distributed processing means compares the time step change values ts _a and ts _b of the nodes a and _b that are in charge of the adjacent areas A _a and A _b , respectively (provided that both a and b are 1 to N). ), when the difference between ts _a and ts _b is and both greater than a predetermined change value ts _{_max} ts _a and ts _b is less than a predetermined value ts _{_Df,} the area a _a and a _b one region a _a ' bound as, it causes the charge of the calculations of the area a _a 'to node a which was in charge of the area a _a, the auxiliary or other computing large nodes of the computational load with respect to the node b, which was in charge of the area a _b Process
The time step setting means sets the time step ts _a ′ in the combined region A _a ′ to the smaller one of ts _a and ts _b .
The particle behavior analysis apparatus according to claim 8. A particle behavior analysis method in which processing for calculating the behavior of a large number of particles existing in an analysis region by a discrete element method is processed in parallel using a distributed computer composed of a plurality of nodes,
Dispersing the particle behavior analysis calculation by the individual element method to each of the nodes, a dispersion processing step for performing the particle behavior calculation at a predetermined time step for each node;
A time step setting step for adaptively setting and changing the time step of each node according to the moving distance of the particle;
A particle behavior analysis method comprising: In the time step setting step, a time step change value is calculated from the maximum movement distance of the particles calculated in the previous step, and a different time step is given to each node based on the time step change value in the current step.
The particle behavior analysis method according to claim 10. In the dispersion processing step, the calculation result of the node in which the maximum movement distance of the particle in the current step is the maximum within a predetermined range is adopted as the particle behavior analysis result in the step,
In the time step setting step, the time step set for the node for which the calculation result is adopted in the current step is set as the time step value of the current step.
The particle behavior analysis method according to claim 10. In the distributed processing step, the analysis area is divided and assigned to each node;
In the time step setting step, for each node, the time step is sequentially changed based on the maximum moving distance of the particles in the allocated region,
In the distributed processing step, for a node having a larger time step, the calculation of a node having a fine time step is assisted.
The particle behavior analysis method according to claim 10. In the time step setting step, a time step change value ts _n for each node is calculated from the maximum moving distance of the particles in the region of each node n (where N is the number of nodes and n = 1 to N), determining the minimum value ts _{_min} time steps change value of node n, an integer multiple of ts' _n or ts _{_min} of 2 n th power of the largest ts _{_min} the time step change value ts _n of each node n in the following ts _n Set to
In the distributed processing step, the time step ts to perform the particle behavior calculations to _{_max} 'maximum value ts of _n' of each node n, until all nodes to compute complete until ts' _{_max,} the previously calculated ended Let the node in charge of the area assist the calculation of other nodes with a heavy calculation load or perform other processing.
The particle behavior analysis method according to claim 13. In the distributed processing step, the particles in the region in charge of the node having a large calculation load are divided, and the region in which the calculation is completed is assigned to the node in charge of the calculation,
The particle behavior analysis method according to claim 14. In the distributed processing step, the analysis area is divided and assigned to each node, and the divided areas are combined or subdivided according to the difference in processing load between the nodes.
The particle behavior analysis method according to claim 10. In the distributed processing step, the analysis area is divided and assigned to each node, and the number of particles is changed according to the time step of the area in charge of each node.
The particle behavior analysis method according to claim 16. In the time step setting step, each node n (where, the number of nodes is N, and N～1～N) the time step change value ts _n of each node from the maximum travel distance of the particles in each region A _n Calculate
In the distributed processing step, the time step change values ts _a and ts _b of the nodes a and _b which are in charge of the adjacent areas A _a and A _b are compared (where both a and b are 1 to N). ), when the difference between ts _a and ts _b is and both greater than a predetermined change value ts _{_max} ts _a and ts _b is less than a predetermined value ts _{_Df,} the area a _a and a _b one region a _a ' bound as, it causes the charge of the calculations of the area a _a 'to node a which was in charge of the area a _a, the auxiliary or other computing large nodes of the computational load with respect to the node b, which was in charge of the area a _b Process
The time step setting means sets the time step ts _a ′ in the combined region A _a ′ to the smaller one of ts _a and ts _b .
The particle behavior analysis method according to claim 17. A computer that executes processing for calculating the behavior of a large number of particles in the analysis region by a discrete element method in parallel using a distributed computer including a plurality of nodes on a computer system. A computer program written in a readable format, for the computer program,
Dispersing the particle behavior analysis calculation by the individual element method to each of the nodes, a distributed processing procedure for performing the particle behavior calculation at a predetermined time step for each node;
A time step setting procedure that adaptively sets and changes the time step of each node according to the moving distance of the particle,
A computer program for executing

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