Printing tactile images with improved image quality

摘要

A method of forming an electrophotographic image having raised information providing a distinct tactile feel. A layer of non-marking particles is formed onto a receiver medium using an electrophotographic process responsive to tactile image data. One or more layers of marking particles are then formed over the layer of non-marking particles responsive to visible 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 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 a layer of non-marking particles onto the receiver medium using an electrophotographic process responsive to tactile image data, wherein the layer of non-marking particles is in direct contact with the receiver medium; forming one or more layers of marking particles over the layer of non-marking particles using an electrophotographic process responsive to visible 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; and fusing the formed layers of non-marking particles and marking particles 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; wherein a surface charge density of the non-marking particles is between 30% and 60% of a surface charge density of the marking particles.