Patent ID: 6493015
Filing Date: 2002-12-10
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
A thermal imaging method comprising(a) bringing a surface of a thermal imaging medium comprising a thermal image-forming material into contact with the surface of a thermal printhead and applying an imagewise pattern of thermal energy to said thermal imaging medium, wherein, in the areas of said thermal imaging medium receiving said imagewise pattern of energy, the surface of said thermal imaging medium remote from said surface in contact with said thermal printhead is in contact only with air during application of said imagewise pattern of thermal energy, wherein said thermal printhead includes a heating element having a surface of length, l, in the print direction, and (b) transferring at least said imagewise-heated areas of said thermal image-forming material to a receiver material whereby an image is formed on said receiver material, wherein the distance, D, from the imagewise application of thermal energy to said thermal imaging medium to the transfer of said imagewise heated areas of said thermal image-forming material is from about 2 l to about 6 l, measured from the center, Â½ l, of said heating element.