PRINTING IMPROVED TACTILE IMAGES USING INTERMEDIATE TRANSFER MEMBER

摘要

A method of forming an electrophotographic image having raised information providing a distinct tactile feel. One or more layers of marking particles are formed on an intermediate transfer member using an electrophotographic process responsive to visible image data. A layer of non-marking particles is then formed over the layers of marking particles responsive to tactile image data, wherein a volume average diameter of the non-marking particles is between 150% and 200% of the volume average diameter of the marking particles. The formed layers of marking particles and non-marking particles are then transferred onto a receiver medium so that the non-marking particles are in direct contact with the receiver medium. The transferred layers of non-marking particles and marking particles are then fused onto the receiver medium, wherein the layer of fused non-marking particles has a maximum thickness of at least 20 μm to provide the distinct tactile feel.

主权项

1. A method of forming an electrophotographic image on a receiver medium having raised information providing a distinct tactile feel, comprising:
forming one or more layers of marking particles on a surface of an intermediate transfer member using an electrophotographic process responsive to visible image data, forming a layer of non-marking particles over the one or more layers of marking particles on the surface of the intermediate transfer member using an electrophotographic process responsive to tactile image data, wherein a volume average diameter of the non-marking particles is at least 150% of a volume average diameter of the marking particles and is no more than 200% of the volume average diameter of the marking particles; transferring the formed layers of marking particles and non-marking particles from the intermediate transfer member onto the receiver medium so that the non-marking particles are in direct contact with the receiver medium; and fusing the transferred layers of marking particles and non-marking particles onto the receiver medium, wherein the fused layer of non-marking particles has a maximum thickness of at least 20 μm to provide the distinct tactile feel.