Patent ID: 6297841
Filing Date: 2001-10-02
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
A method of operating a printer including a recording device operable to print an image on a thermosensitive recording medium, a feed mechanism for the recording medium and a controller, the method comprising:establishing first, second and third printer speed-print energy combinations for the feed mechanism and the recording device;generating a start signal indicating the beginning of a printing operation;determining the temperature of the recording device in response to the start signal;operating the controller in response to the determined temperature being equal to or higher than a first temperature to activate the feed mechanism to move the recording medium from a wait position to a print start position, and thereafter operating the recording device and the feed mechanism to print an image on the recording medium using the first printer speed-print energy combination;operating the controller in response to the determined temperature being below the first temperature, but equal to or higher than a second temperature to preheat the recording device while activating the feed mechanism to move the recording medium from the wait position to the print start position using the third printer speed-print energy combination, and thereafter operating the recording device and the feed mechanism to print an image on the recording medium using the first printer speed-print energy combination; andoperating the controller in response to the determined temperature being lower than the second temperature to preheat the recording device while activating the feed mechanism to move the recording medium from the wait position to the print start position using the third printer speed-print energy combination, and thereafter operating the recording device and the feed mechanism to print an image on the recording medium using the second printer speed-print energy combination.