Laser thermal printer with reversible imaging drum rotation for printing mirror images

摘要

The present invention is for an imaging processor for thermal print medium. The image processor comprises a vacuum imaging drum (110) for holding thermal print medium (40) and donor sheets (120) in registration on the imaging drum (110). A printhead (200) moves along a line parallel to a longitudinal axis (X) of the imaging drum (110) as the imaging drum (110) rotates. The printhead (200) receives information signals and produces radiation which is directed to the donor (120) which causes dye to transfer from the donor (120) to the thermal print medium (40). When the imaging drum (110) is rotated in a first direction, a direct image is produced. When the direction of the imaging drum (110) is reversed, a mirror image is produced.