Apparatus and method for recording thermal image

摘要

The improved thermal image recording apparatus and method have a cleaning mode in which after a specified number of image prints have been produced, the thermal head is cleaned by delivering the thermal recording material without applying energy to the thermal head or with low energy below a specified value being applied to the thermal head. The improved thermal image recording apparatus and method are capable of removing stain from the thermal head before it adheres tenaciously to the head. These offer also the advantage of eliminating the need on the part of the user to perform a special maintenance program, and the cleaning operation performed with the apparatus and the method of the invention is less noisy than in the case of using the lapping film.