Patent ID: 6161971
Filing Date: 2000-12-19
Classification: B41J,B41M

Abstract:
An image-forming system comprising:an image-forming substrate that includes a base member, and a layer of microcapsules, coated over said base member, containing a plurality of at least one type of microcapsules filled with a dye, said one type of microcapsules exhibiting a temperature/pressure characteristic such that, when a local area of said layer of microcapsules is simultaneously subjected to a pressure in a predetermined pressure range and to a temperature in a predetermined temperature range, at least a portion of said plurality of at least one type of microcapsules, included in said local area, are squashed and broken, so that said dye discharges from said squashed and broken microcapsules; andan image-forming unit that includes a pressure applicator that exerts said pressure on said local area, a thermal heater that applies thermal energy to said local area to heat said local area to said temperature, and a regulator that regulates a degree of said application of said thermal energy to said local area, so that a variation in density of said discharged dye at said local area is obtainable.