BILDERZEUGUNGSVERFAHREN UND UEBERTRAGUNGSAUFZEICHNUNGSMATERIAL ZUR DURCHFUEHRUNG DIESES VERFAHRENS

摘要

A dye transfer imaging method uses a transfer sheet provided with a sublimable dye whose vapourisability changes when placed under the simultaneous influence of two different forms of energy input. Subsequent transfer of dye to an image receiving substrate is therefore modulated by whether or not selected areas have been so influenced. The influences may be both heat and light, and in a multi colour embodiment each dye is selectively sensitive to a respective light source colour. In a three colour apparatus (Fig. 2) the transfer sheet 1 is passed via imaging (3) and transfer (4) stations. At the imaging station a thermal recording head 3b (of known kind) acts in coordination with three light sources (3c, 3d, 3e) to differentially selectively inhibit the vapourisability of three sublimable dyes. At a subsequent transfer with hot roller 4a, a three colour image is transferred in one step. At the transfer station the transfer sheet and imaging substrate may be in contact or slightly separated. The formulations of various examples of transfer sheet are given. <IMAGE>