U.S. patent application number 09/730829 was filed with the patent office on 2001-05-10 for direct heat-sensitive recording method and device.
Invention is credited to Sawano, Mitsuru, Usami, Toshimasa.
Application Number | 20010000966 09/730829 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26563948 |
Filed Date | 2001-05-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010000966 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sawano, Mitsuru ; et
al. |
May 10, 2001 |
Direct heat-sensitive recording method and device
Abstract
A direct heat-sensitive recording method and device using a
light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording material in which are
layered on a support a heat-sensitive recording layer and at least
one light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording layer, which have
heat recording sensitivities higher than a heat recording
sensitivity of the heat-sensitive recording layer and which are
fixed by electromagnetic waves of respectively different
wavelengths, each layer of the light-fixing-type heat-sensitive
recording material developing to a respectively different color,
including: an exposing device for deactivating imagewise each of
the light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording layers corresponding
to respective colors by modulating light amounts of electromagnetic
waves having respectively different wavelengths and illuminating
the electromagnetic waves onto the light-fixing-type heat-sensitive
recording layer; and a heat recording device for developing the
heat-sensitive recording layer imagewise and developing
undeactivated portions of the light-fixing-type heat-sensitive
recording layer by applying to the light-fixing-type heat-sensitive
recording material heat energy needed to develop the heat-sensitive
recording layer. High-speed recording of images onto a recording
material is made possible, and the device can be made compact and
inexpensive.
Inventors: |
Sawano, Mitsuru; (Shizuoka,
JP) ; Usami, Toshimasa; (Shizuoka, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SUGHRUE, MION, ZINN, MACPEAK & SEAS, PLLC
2100 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE, N. W.
WASHINGTON
DC
20037-3213
US
|
Family ID: |
26563948 |
Appl. No.: |
09/730829 |
Filed: |
December 7, 2000 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
09730829 |
Dec 7, 2000 |
|
|
|
08998194 |
Dec 24, 1997 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
346/46 ;
347/212 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 428/31525 20150401;
Y10T 428/31609 20150401; G01D 15/10 20130101; Y10T 428/2984
20150115; B41M 5/30 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
346/46 ;
347/212 |
International
Class: |
G01D 009/28 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 26, 1996 |
JP |
8-348523 |
Nov 6, 1997 |
JP |
9-304545 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A direct heat-sensitive recording method using a
light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording material in which are
layered on a support a heat-sensitive recording layer and at least
one light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording layer, which have
heat recording sensitivities higher than a heat recording
sensitivity of said heat-sensitive recording layer and which are
fixed by electromagnetic waves of respectively different
wavelengths, each layer of said light-fixing-type heat-sensitive
recording material developing to a respectively different color,
comprising: a step of deactivating imagewise each of said
light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording layers corresponding to
respective colors by modulating light amounts of electromagnetic
waves having respectively different wavelengths and illuminating
the electromagnetic waves onto said light-fixing-type
heat-sensitive recording layer; and a step of developing said
heat-sensitive recording layer imagewise and developing
undeactivated portions of said light-fixing-type heat-sensitive
recording layer by applying to said light-fixing-type
heat-sensitive recording material heat energy needed to develop
said heat-sensitive recording layer.
2. A direct heat-sensitive recording method according to claim 1,
wherein the heat amount of the heat energy applied to said
light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording material is modulated on
the basis of heat energy which is less than the minimum heat energy
needed to develop said heat-sensitive recording layer and which can
develop said light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording layer.
3. A direct heat-sensitive recording device using a
light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording material in which are
layered on a support a heat-sensitive recording layer and at least
one light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording layer, which have
heat recording sensitivities higher than a heat recording
sensitivity of said heat-sensitive recording layer and which are
fixed by electromagnetic waves of respectively different
wavelengths, each layer of said light-fixing-type heat-sensitive
recording material developing to a respectively different color,
comprising: exposing means for deactivating imagewise each of said
light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording layers corresponding to
respective colors by modulating light amounts of electromagnetic
waves having respectively different wavelengths and illuminating
the electromagnetic waves onto said light-fixing-type
heat-sensitive recording layer; and heat recording means for
developing said heat-sensitive recording layer imagewise and
developing undeactivated portions of said light-fixing-type
heat-sensitive recording layer by applying to said
light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording material heat energy
needed to develop said heat-sensitive recording layer.
4. A direct heat-sensitive recording device according to claim 3,
wherein the heat amount of the heat energy applied to said
light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording material is modulated on
the basis of heat energy which is less than the minimum heat energy
needed to develop said heat-sensitive recording layer and which can
develop said light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording layer.
5. A direct heat-sensitive recording device according to claim 3,
wherein said exposing means comprises: a fluorescent tube; filters
separating light from said fluorescent tube into the
electromagnetic waves having respectively different wavelengths;
and a plurality of light-emitting portions which are arranged
linearly in a main scanning direction for each of said filters.
6. A direct heat-sensitive recording device according to claim 3,
wherein said exposing means comprises a plurality of fluorescent
substance light-emitting elements which are arranged linearly in a
main scanning direction for each of the electromagnetic waves
having respectively different wavelengths.
7. A direct heat-sensitive recording device according to claim 3,
wherein said exposing means comprises a plurality of LED
light-emitting elements which are arranged linearly in a main
scanning direction for each of the electromagnetic waves having
respectively different wavelengths.
8. A direct heat-sensitive recording device according to claim 3,
wherein said exposing means comprises: laser light-emitting
elements which modulate a laser beam in accordance with recording
information; and an optical system which scans a modulated laser
beam onto said light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording
material.
9. A direct heat-sensitive recording device according to claim 3,
wherein said exposing means comprises a linear-light-emitting means
and a line control element.
10. A direct heat-sensitive recording device according to claim 9,
wherein said line control element is a liquid crystal matrix.
11. A direct heat-sensitive recording device according to claim 9,
wherein said line control element is an active semiconductor device
having a plurality of mirrors which are arranged linearly in a main
scanning direction and which can vary reflection of electromagnetic
waves by one of deflecting the electromagnetic waves and
displacement of the plurality of mirrors.
12. A direct heat-sensitive recording device according to claim 4,
wherein said heat recording means is a thermal head whose
energization time is controllable and which has a plurality of
heat-emitting elements arranged linearly in a main scanning
direction. recording of images onto a recording material is made
possible, and the device can be made compact and inexpensive.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. 1. Field of the Invention
2. The present invention relates to a direct heat-sensitive
recording method and device using a light-fixing-type
heat-sensitive recording material.
3. 2. Description of the Related Art
4. In heat recording, there is a heat transfer recording method and
a heat-sensitive recording method. As compared with the heat
transfer recording method, the heat-sensitive recording method is
advantageous in that waste matter is not generated and the running
costs are low. In order to carry out full color recording by using
the heat-sensitive recording method, the three colors of yellow,
magenta and cyan must be recorded independently. For example, there
is a method in which heat-sensitive recording layers, which develop
to different colors and have different heat recording
sensitivities, are layered one upon the other, and the colors
thereof are respectively formed by the magnitudes of the heat.
However, in this case, when the second color is recorded, the first
color is formed. Therefore, a drawback arises in that it is not
possible to form only the second color, and only the third
color.
5. In order to overcome this drawback, a heat-sensitive recording
method has been proposed which makes independent recording of the
three colors possible by the introduction of a fixing process which
is such that, when the second color is recorded, the first color is
not formed, and when the third color is recorded, the second color
is not formed.
6. As illustrated in FIG. 18, an image recording device 1 which
effects full color recording in accordance with this method
includes guide rollers 5 for guiding a color heat-sensitive
recording material ("recording material") 3 to a recording section,
a thermal head 7 and a platen roller 9 which are provided at the
recording section, a pinch roller 11 and a capstan roller 13 which
convey the recording material 3 in forward and reverse directions,
and two fluorescent lamps 15a, 15b for exposure at different
wavelengths (420 nm, 365 nm).
7. The processes of the full color recording carried out by the
image recording device 1 are described hereinafter with reference
to FIGS. 19 and 20. First, a yellow layer 17 of the supplied
recording material 3 is developed (the color thereof is formed) by
a low-energy amount of heat corresponding to recording information
for the yellow layer 17. Thereafter, while the recording material 3
is conveyed in the reverse direction, the yellow layer 17 is
light-fixed by ultraviolet light of 420 nm.
8. Next, while the recording material 3 is being conveyed in the
forward direction again, the magenta layer 19 is developed by a
medium-energy amount of heat corresponding to recording information
for the magenta layer 19. Thereafter, while the recording material
3 is again conveyed in the reverse direction, the magenta layer 19
is light-fixed by ultraviolet light of 365 nm.
9. Finally, while the recording material 3 is again being conveyed
in the forward direction, the cyan layer 21 is developed by a
high-energy amount of heat corresponding to recording information
for the cyan layer 21. The recording of three independent colors,
i.e., full color recording, is thus completed.
10. FIG. 21 illustrates another image recording device 23. In this
structure, three thermal heads 25a, 25b, 25c, which supply
low-energy, medium-energy, and high-energy amounts of heat
respectively, are disposed in order along the feeding direction of
the recording material 3. A fluorescent lamp 27a of 420 nm is
disposed between the low-temperature thermal head 25a and the
medium-temperature thermal head 25b. A fluorescent lamp 27b of 365
nm is disposed between the medium-temperature thermal head 25b and
the high-temperature thermal head 25c.
11. The processes of the full color recording carried out by this
image recording device 23 are as follows, as illustrated in FIG.
22. First, the yellow layer 17 of the supplied recording material 3
is developed by the low-temperature thermal head 25a. Immediately
thereafter, the yellow layer 17 is light-fixed by the ultraviolet
light of 420 nm. Next, the magenta layer 19 is developed by the
medium-temperature thermal head 25b. Immediately thereafter, the
magenta layer 19 is light-fixed by the ultraviolet light of 365 nm.
Finally, the cyan layer 21 is developed by the high-temperature
thermal head 25c. Thus, the full color recording of the recording
material 3 is completed by conveying the recording material 3 one
time in the feeding direction thereof.
12. However, in the image recording device 1 illustrated in FIG.
18, the recording material 3 which has been conveyed once must be
conveyed in the reverse direction, so as to pass by the thermal
head 7 three times. Therefore, a drawback arises in that an image
cannot be recorded on the recording material at high speed.
Further, in the image recording device 1, because the number of
times the recording material 3 contacts the thermal head 7 is
large, it is easy for the recording material 3 to be damaged or for
portions of the recording material to not develop due to dirt or
the like adhering thereto. Further, because the recording material
3 is conveyed plural times, there is also the problem of the
registration shifting greatly.
13. Moreover, in the image recording device 23 illustrated in FIG.
21, although recording is completed by the recording material 3
being conveyed one time in the feeding direction, it is necessary
to provide the three thermal heads 25a, 25b, 25c. Drawbacks arise
in that the cost of the device increases, and the device becomes
large. Further, in the image recording device 23, another drawback
arises in that, because color formation by the low-temperature
thermal head 25a is started after the leading end of the recording
material 3 has reached the pinch roller 11, the blank space before
recording begins is large.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
14. In view of the aforementioned, an object of the present
invention is to provide a direct heat-sensitive recording method
and device using a light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording
material, which device and method enable high-speed recording of an
image onto a recording material, and in which the structure of the
device is compact and inexpensive.
15. In order to achieve the above-described object, the present
invention provides a direct heat-sensitive recording method using a
light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording material-in which are
layered on a support a heat-sensitive recording layer and at least
one light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording layer, which have
heat recording sensitivities higher than a heat recording
sensitivity of the heat-sensitive recording layer and which are
fixed by electromagnetic waves of respectively different
wavelengths, each layer of the light-fixing-type heat-sensitive
recording material developing to a respectively different color,
comprising: a step of deactivating imagewise each of the
light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording layers corresponding to
respective colors by modulating light amounts of electromagnetic
waves having respectively different wavelengths and illuminating
the electromagnetic waves onto the light-fixing-type heat-sensitive
recording layer; and a step of developing the heat-sensitive
recording layer imagewise and developing undeactivated portions of
the light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording layer by applying to
the light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording material heat energy
needed to develop the heat-sensitive recording layer.
16. The heat amount of the heat energy applied to the
light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording material may be
modulated on the basis of heat energy which is less than the
minimum heat energy needed to develop the heat-sensitive recording
layer and which can develop the light-fixing-type heat-sensitive
recording layer.
17. The present invention also provides a direct heat-sensitive
recording device using a light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording
material in which are layered on a support a heat-sensitive
recording layer and at least one light-fixing-type heat-sensitive
recording layer, which have heat recording sensitivities higher
than a heat recording sensitivity of the heat-sensitive recording
layer and which are fixed by electromagnetic waves of respectively
different wavelengths, each layer of the light-fixing-type
heat-sensitive recording material developing to a respectively
different color, comprising: exposing means for deactivating
imagewise each of the light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording
layers corresponding to respective colors by modulating light
amounts of electromagnetic waves having respectively different
wavelengths and illuminating the electromagnetic waves onto the
light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording layer; and heat
recording means for developing the heat-sensitive recording layer
imagewise and developing undeactivated portions of the
light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording layer by applying to the
light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording material heat energy
needed to develop the heat-sensitive recording layer.
18. The heat amount of the heat energy applied to the
light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording material may be
modulated on the basis of heat energy which is less than the
minimum heat energy needed to develop the heat-sensitive recording
layer and which can develop the light-fixing-type heat-sensitive
recording layer.
19. The exposing means may comprise: a fluorescent tube; filters
separating light from the fluorescent tube into the electromagnetic
waves having respectively different wavelengths; and a plurality of
light-emitting portions which are arranged linearly in a main
scanning direction for each of the filters.
20. The exposing means may comprise a plurality of fluorescent
substance light-emitting elements which are arranged linearly in a
main scanning direction for each of the electromagnetic waves
having respectively different wavelengths.
21. The exposing means may comprise a plurality of LED
light-emitting elements which are arranged linearly in a main
scanning direction for each of the electromagnetic waves having
respectively different wavelengths. The exposing means may
comprise: laser light-emitting elements which modulate a laser beam
in accordance with recording information; and an optical system
which scans a modulated laser beam onto the light-fixing-type
heat-sensitive recording material.
22. The exposing means may comprise a linear-light-emitting means
and a line control element. The line control element may be a
liquid crystal matrix. Or, the line control element may be an
active semiconductor device having a plurality of mirrors which can
be displaced or can deflect electromagnetic waves and which are
arranged linearly in a main scanning direction.
23. In the direct heat-sensitive recording method, first, each of
the light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording layers is
deactivated imagewise, in accordance with the recording
information, by the amounts of light of the electromagnetic waves
having respectively different wavelengths being modulated and the
electromagnetic waves being illuminated onto the light-fixing-type
heat-sensitive recording material. Thereafter, an amount of heat
needed to develop the heat-sensitive recording layer is applied.
Here, if necessary, the amount of heat may be modulated on the
basis of heat energy, which is less than the minimum heat energy
needed to develop the heat-sensitive recording layer and which is
able to develop the light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording
layers. The light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording layers and
the heat-sensitive recording layer can thereby be developed at one
time. As a result, there is no need to convey the recording
material reversely or provide a plurality of heat recording means.
High speed recording of an image onto a recording material is made
possible by a compact and inexpensive device.
24. Further, the direct heat-sensitive recording device includes
exposing means for deactivating imagewise each of the
light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording layers corresponding to
respective colors by modulating light amounts of electromagnetic
waves having respectively different wavelengths and illuminating
the electromagnetic waves onto the light-fixing-type heat-sensitive
recording material; and heat recording means for developing the
heat-sensitive recording layer imagewise and developing
undeactivated portions of the light-fixing-type heat-sensitive
recording layers by applying to the light-fixing-type
heat-sensitive recording material heat energy whose heat amount has
been modulated on the basis of heat energy, which is less than the
minimum heat energy needed to develop the heat-sensitive recording
layer and which can develop the light-fixing-type heat-sensitive
recording layers. Light-fixing of the light-fixing-type
heat-sensitive recording layers and color formation of the
light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording layers and the
heat-sensitive recording layer can be carried out by the
light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording material being conveyed
one time.
25. The structure of the direct heat-sensitive recording device,
whose exposing means is structured by a fluorescent tube, a filter,
and a plurality of light-emitting portions, is simple, and
expensive parts are not required. Therefore, the device is less
expensive.
26. In the direct heat-sensitive recording device whose exposing
means is fluorescent substance light-emitting elements, a light
source can be provided for each electromagnetic wave, and a
sufficient amount of emitted light can be obtained. Therefore, an
image can be recorded onto a recording material at an even higher
speed.
27. In the direct heat-sensitive recording device whose exposing
means is LED light-emitting elements, a sufficient amount of
emitted light can be obtained, an image can be recorded onto a
recording material at high speed, and the exposing means can be
made compact. Therefore, the device can be made more compact.
28. In the direct heat-sensitive recording device whose exposing
means is formed by a laser light-emitting element and an optical
system, it is possible to carry out scanning by a thin laser beam.
Therefore, a high resolution can be obtained.
29. In the direct heat-sensitive recording device whose exposing
means is formed by a linear-light-emitting means and a line control
element, the driving of the line control element is controlled in
accordance with recording information, so that the number of scans
is small. Therefore, the exposure time can be shortened.
30. Further, in the direct heat-sensitive recording device in which
the line control element is a liquid crystal matrix, the line
control element can be driven by a low voltage and low electric
power.
31. Moreover, in a direct-heat-sensitive recording device in which
the line control element is an active semiconductor device having a
plurality of mirrors, mirrors which are disposed at minute
intervals and which have high reflectivity and high aperture ratios
are driven. Therefore, the energy efficiency can be increased, and
a high resolution can be obtained.
32. In a direct heat-sensitive recording device whose heat
recording means is a thermal head whose energization time is
controllable and which has a plurality of heat-emitting elements
arranged linearly in a main scanning direction, by controlling the
energization time, the amount of heat is easily modulated so as to
develop the heat-sensitive recording layer and the undeactivated
portions of the light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording
layers.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
33. FIG. 1 is a schematic structural view of an image recording
device relating to a first embodiment of the present invention.
34. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of a layer
structure of a recording material.
35. FIG. 3 is a graph illustrating heat recording characteristics
of the recording material.
36. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining heat control at the device
of FIG. 1.
37. FIG. 5 is a plan view of a fluorescent tube print head portion
of FIG. 1.
38. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining light amount control of the
device of FIG. 1.
39. FIG. 7 is a time chart of recording processes using the device
of FIG. 1.
40. FIGS. 8A and 8B are diagrams for explaining recording processes
using the device of FIG. 1.
41. FIG. 9 is a schematic structural view of an image recording
device relating to a second embodiment of the present
invention.
42. FIG. 10 is a plan view of a fluorescent print head portion of
FIG. 9.
43. FIG. 11 is a time chart of recording processes using the device
of FIG. 9.
44. FIG. 12 is a schematic structural view of an image recording
device relating to a third embodiment of the present invention.
45. FIG. 13 is a schematic structural view of an image recording
device relating to a fourth embodiment of the present
invention.
46. FIG. 14 is a schematic structural view of an image recording
device relating to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
47. FIG. 15 is a plan view of a line control means of FIG. 14.
48. FIG. 16 is a schematic structural view of an image recording
device relating to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
49. FIG. 17 is a plan view of a line control means of FIG. 16.
50. FIG. 18 is a schematic structural view of a conventional image
recording device.
51. FIG. 19 is a time chart of recording processes using the device
of FIG. 18.
52. FIGS. 20A through 20E are diagrams for explaining recording
processes using the device of FIG. 18.
53. FIG. 21 is a schematic structural view of a conventional image
recording device.
54. FIG. 22 is a time chart of recording processes using the device
of FIG. 21.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
55. Preferred embodiments of the direct heat-sensitive recording
method and device relating to the present invention will be
described hereinafter with reference to the drawings.
56. FIG. 1 is a schematic structural view of a direct
heat-sensitive recording device relating to a first embodiment of
the present invention. The direct heat-sensitive recording device
("recording device") 31 includes, as main structural members, guide
rollers 35 for guiding to a recording section a light-fixing-type
heat-sensitive recording material ("recording material") 33, a heat
recording means (thermal head) 37 and a platen roller 39 provided
at the recording section, a pinch roller 41 and a capstan roller 43
which convey the recording material 33 in the forward direction,
and an exposing means (a fluorescent tube print head) 45 provided
between the thermal head 37 and the guide rollers 35.
57. Hereinafter, the recording material 33 used in the recording
device 31 will be described.
58. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of a layer
structure of the recording material 33. In the recording material
33, a cyan heat-sensitive recording layer 49, a magenta
heat-sensitive recording layer 51, a yellow heat-sensitive
recording layer 53, and a heat-resistant protective layer 55 are
successively layered on a support 47.
59. The cyan heat-sensitive recording layer 49 includes, as main
components thereof, an electron-donating dye precursor and an
electron-accepting compound. When heated, the cyan heat-sensitive
recording layer 49 is developed such that the cyan color thereof is
formed.
60. The magenta heat-sensitive recording layer 51 includes a
diazonium salt compound having a maximum absorption wavelength of
around 365 nm, and a coupler which thermally reacts with the
diazonium salt compound to form the magenta color. When ultraviolet
light in a vicinity of 365 nm is illuminated onto the magenta
heat-sensitive recording layer 51, the diazonium salt compound
photodissociates and the color forming ability is lost in
accordance with the amount of light.
61. The yellow heat-sensitive recording layer 53 includes a
diazonium salt compound having a maximum absorption wavelength of
around 420 nm, and a coupler which thermally reacts with the
diazonium salt compound to form the yellow color. When ultraviolet
light in a vicinity of 420 nm is illuminated onto the yellow
heat-sensitive recording layer 53, the diazonium salt compound
photodisassociates and the color forming ability is lost in
accordance with the amount of the light.
62. FIG. 3 is a graph illustrating the heat recording
characteristics of the recording material. Heat energy on the
horizontal axis expresses the heat energy generated from a
heat-generating element. The heat energy for color formation of the
yellow heat-sensitive recording layer 53 is set to be the lowest,
whereas the heat energy for color formation of the cyan
heat-sensitive recording layer 49 is set to be the highest. It is
preferable that the cyan heat-sensitive recording layer 49 does not
develop at the amount of heat at which the yellow heat-sensitive
recording layer 53 or the magenta heat-sensitive recording layer 51
develops. In the present embodiment, the amount of heat at which
the yellow heat-sensitive recording layer 53 develops and the
amount of heat at which the magenta heat-sensitive recording layer
51 develops may be near one another or may be the same.
63. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining heat control at the device
of FIG. 1. In the thermal head 37, a plurality of heat-emitting
elements such as are known are arrayed in a line in the main
scanning direction.
64. When the gradation of the image of the cyan heat-sensitive
recording layer 49 (the third color) is zero, in order for the
thermal head 37 to develop the image of the yellow heat-sensitive
recording layer 53 (the first color) and the image of the magenta
heat-sensitive recording layer 51 (the second color), the thermal
head 37 is controlled, by modulation of the energization time, to
supply to the recording material 33 an amount of heat which is less
than the minimum amount of heat required to form at least the third
color and which enables formation of the first color and the second
color.
65. Further, in cases in which the gradation of the third color is
other than zero, the thermal head 37 is controlled by modulation of
the energizing time in accordance with the recording information of
the third color. The degree of color formation is controlled from a
gradation of 1 to a gradation of 255 by supplying to the recording
material 33 an amount of heat, e.g., 80 mJ/mm.sup.2 to 120
mJ/mm.sup.2, which is more than the minimum amount of heat required
for formation of the third color and which is increased in a
stepwise manner.
66. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the fluorescent tube print head
portion of FIG. 1, and FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining light
amount control at the device of FIG. 1.
67. The fluorescent tube used in the fluorescent tube print head 45
emits light by illuminating an electron beam or ultraviolet light
onto a fluorescent substance. In the fluorescent tube, a plurality
of light-emitting portions 57 are arrayed in two lines in the main
scanning direction. The light-emitting portion 57 which is one
pixel of the fluorescent tube corresponds to one dot of the
fluorescent tube print head 45.
68. Examples of the electron beam emitting type fluorescent tube
include a CRT (cathode ray tube), an FED (field emission display)
(including an SED (surface-conduction electron emitters display)),
and a VFD (vacuum fluorescent device). Examples of the ultraviolet
light emitting type fluorescent tube include a fluorescent display
tube (thermoelectron emitting tube) and a PDP (plasma display
panel). An example of the FED is the structure disclosed in "Nikkei
Electronics", No. 678 (1996), page 14, FIG. 2. An example of the
fluorescent display tube is the structure disclosed in "Nikkei
Electronics", No. 675 (1996), pp. 21-22.
69. The light spot size of the light-emitting portion 57
corresponds to 150 dpi. The main scanning direction pitch is set to
about 170 .mu., and the subscanning direction length is set to
about 200 .mu.. The amount of light of the light-emitting portion
57 is controlled by controlling the light-emitting time. By varying
the light-emitting time to 256 different types within a range of 5
mJ/mm.sup.2 to 20 mJ/mm.sup.2, light recording at 256 gradations is
possible.
70. Further, the light-emitting portions 57 provided in two rows
are arranged so as to be staggered such that there are no blank
spaces between the dots. Filters 59a, 59b through which
electromagnetic waves (ultraviolet rays) of different wavelengths
(365 nm, 420 nm) pass are provided at the rows of the
light-emitting portions 57, respectively.
71. Next, the processes of the direct heat-sensitive recording
method using the recording device 31 will be explained on the basis
of FIGS. 7 and 8. FIG. 7 is a time chart of the recording processes
using the device of FIG. 1, and FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining
the recording processes using the device of FIG. 1.
72. First, the recording material 33 is supplied toward the
fluorescent tube print head 45 from the guide roller 35 side. The
fluorescent tube print head 45 simultaneously emits ultraviolet
light of 365 nm and 420 nm to the recording material 33 in
accordance with the recording information. The reversal image
portions of the yellow heat-sensitive recording layer 53 and the
magenta heat-sensitive recording layer 51 are thus light-fixed
(deactivated) as non-developing portions 53a, 51a, and image
portions are deactivated in accordance with gradations of each
color. In this way, the yellow heat-sensitive recording layer 53
and the magenta heat-sensitive recording layer 51 remain as
undeveloped portions 53b, 51b whose image portions can be
heat-sensitive-developed in accordance with recording
information.
73. When the recording material 33, in which the undeveloped
portions 53b, 51b remain, reaches the thermal head 37, the
undeveloped portions 53b, 51b are this time
heat-sensitive-developed by the thermal head 37.
74. When the cyan heat-sensitive recording layer 49 is at a
zero-gradation portion, the thermal head 37 applies to the
recording material 33 an amount of heat which is less than the
minimum amount of heat needed to develop the cyan heat-sensitive
recording layer 49 and which can develop the yellow heat-sensitive
recording layer 53 and the magenta heat-sensitive recording layer
51. The undeveloped portions 53b, 51b of the yellow heat-sensitive
recording layer 53 and the magenta heat-sensitive recording layer
51 are thus developed.
75. When the cyan heat-sensitive recording layer 49 is at a portion
other than a zero-gradation portion, the amount of heat needed to
develop the cyan heat-sensitive recording layer 49 is supplied in
accordance with the recording information. The undeveloped portions
53b, 51b of the yellow heat-sensitive recording layer 53 and the
magenta heat-sensitive recording layer 51 are developed, and
simultaneously, a heat recording 60 is formed on the cyan
heat-sensitive recording layer 49.
76. Due to the above-described processes, recording of the
independent three colors, i.e., full color recording, is
completed.
77. In accordance with the image recording method using the
recording device 31, the non-developing portions 51a, 51b of the
yellow heat-sensitive recording layer 53 and the magenta
heat-sensitive recording layer 51 are first light-fixed by the
fluorescent tube print head 45. Therefore, the respective
heat-sensitive recording layers 53, 51, 49 can be
heat-sensitive-developed at one time. As a result, there is no need
to convey the recording material 33 reversely or provide a
plurality of thermal heads or the like. High-speed recording of
images onto a recording material is made possible by a compact and
inexpensive device.
78. Because the recording material 33 is conveyed one time, it is
difficult for the recording material 33 to be damaged or for
portions of the recording material 33 to not develop due to dirt or
the like adhering thereto. It is also difficult for shifts in
registration to occur.
79. Further, as compared with a case in which a plurality of
thermal heads are provided, the space between the pinch roller 41
and the recording head 45 can be made small. Therefore, the blank
space before the start of recording can be made small.
80. Next, an image recording device in accordance with another
embodiment whose exposing means is structured differently than that
of the above-described recording device 31 will be described.
Members which are the same as those illustrated in FIG. 1 are
denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is
omitted.
81. FIG. 9 is a schematic structural view of an image recording
device 61 relating to the second embodiment of the present
invention. FIG. 10 is a plan view of a fluorescent print head
portion of FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is a time chart of recording processes
using the device of FIG. 9.
82. In the exposing means of the image recording device 61,
fluorescent print heads 67a, 67b, in which a plurality of
fluorescent substance light-emitting elements 65 are disposed in a
line in the main scanning direction, are provided side by side for
ultraviolet light of wavelengths of 365 nm and 420 nm. The emission
of light from the respective fluorescent substance light-emitting
elements 65 is controlled in accordance with the recording
information.
83. In accordance with the image recording device 61, the
fluorescent print heads 67a, 67b directly emit light at ultraviolet
light wavelengths of 365 nm and 420 nm, and the fluorescent
substance light-emitting elements 65 are arranged in two rows at
each of the fluorescent print heads 67a, 67b. Therefore, a
sufficient amount of emitted light can be obtained. When actual
recording was carried out by using the same recording material 33,
as compared with the above-described recording device 31, the
recording time could be shortened from 70 seconds to 50 seconds.
Therefore, recording could be carried out at an even higher
speed.
84. FIG. 12 is a schematic structural view of an image recording
device 71 relating to a third embodiment of the present
invention.
85. In the exposing means of the image recording device 71, LED
line heads 73a, 73b, in which a plurality of LED light-emitting
elements are disposed in a line in the main scanning direction, are
provided side by side for ultraviolet light of wavelengths of 365
nm and 420 nm. The emission of light from the respective LED
light-emitting elements is controlled in accordance with the
recording information.
86. In accordance with the image recording device 71, because the
LED light-emitting elements directly emit light, a sufficient
amount of emitted light can be obtained. In the same way as the
image recording device 61 of the second embodiment, the exposure
time can be shortened, and high-speed recording is made possible.
Further, by using the LED line heads 73a, 73b, the device can be
made more compact.
87. FIG. 13 is a schematic structural view of an image recording
device 81 relating to the fourth embodiment of the present
invention. The exposing means of the image recording device 81 is
formed by two laser light-emitting elements 83a, 83b which emit
ultraviolet light of wavelengths of 365 nm and 420 nm, and an
optical system 85 which scans the laser beam onto the recording
material 33.
88. The intensity of the light emitted from the laser
light-emitting elements 83a, 83b can be modulated in accordance
with recording information by a modulating means (not shown). A
polygon mirror 85a, an f.theta. lens 85b, and a mirror 85c are
disposed in that order in the optical system 85, such that the
laser beam modulated in accordance with the recording information
can be scanned onto the recording material 33.
89. In accordance with the image recording device 81, image
formation can be carried out by using a thin laser beam. Therefore,
a high resolution can be obtained.
90. FIG. 14 is a schematic structural view of an image recording
device 91 relating to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a plan view of a line control means of FIG. 14.
91. The exposing means of the image recording device 91 is formed
by a linear-light-emitting means (a fluorescent lamp) 93, filters
95a, 95b through which ultraviolet light of wavelengths of 365 nm
and 420 nm passes, and a line control means (a liquid crystal
matrix) 97 disposed between the filters 95a, 95b and the recording
material 33.
92. The liquid crystal matrix 97 selectively transmits or blocks
the light from the fluorescent lamp 93, and the non-developing
portions 51a, 53a are light-fixed to the yellow heat-sensitive
recording layer 53 and the magenta heat-sensitive recording layer
51 in accordance with the recording information.
93. In accordance with the image recording device 91, the line
control means can be operated by low voltage and a low amount of
electrical power.
94. FIG. 16 is a schematic structural view of an image recording
device 101 relating to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 17 is a plan view of a line control means of FIG. 16.
95. The exposing means of the image recording device 101 is formed
by a linear-light-emitting means (a fluorescent lamp) 103, a
light-blocking plate 105 disposed between the fluorescent lamp 103
and the recording material 33, filters 107a, 107b which are
provided at the two slit openings in the light-blocking plate 105
and through which ultraviolet light of wavelengths of 365 nm and
420 nm is transmitted, a lens 109 disposed between the
light-blocking plate 105 and the fluorescent lamp 103, and a line
control means (a mirror device) 111 disposed between the lens 109
and the fluorescent lamp 103.
96. The mirror device 111 is an active semiconductor device having
a plurality of mirrors which can deflect light and which are
arranged linearly in the main scanning direction. A "deformable
mirror device (DMD)" manufactured by Texas Instruments Co. can be
used for the mirror device 111. Or, the mirror device may be a
structure in which the substantial amount of reflected light is
modulated by displacement and not by deflection such as by a DMD. A
plurality of mirrors 111a corresponding to one dot are arranged in
two rows at the mirror device 111. The angles of reflection of the
individual mirrors 111a can be changed in accordance with the
recording information.
97. In the image recording device 101, the individual mirrors 111a
of the mirror device 111 are driven on the basis of the recording
information. The light from the fluorescent lamp 103 passes through
the respective filters 107a, 107b and is illuminated onto the
recording material 33 so that the non-developing portions 51a, 53a
are light-fixed.
98. The image recording device 101 uses the mirror device 111 which
has a high reflectance and a high aperture ratio, and in which the
mirrors 111a are disposed with a minute gap therebetween.
Therefore, high energy efficiency can be obtained.
99. In the above-described embodiments, a TA-method color direct
heat-sensitive medium is used for the recording material 33.
However, the direct heat-sensitive recording method and device of
the present invention are not limited to color images. Namely,
monochrome recording is also possible by the same type of device
structure if a diazo photosensitive type heat-sensitive medium
(Copiart manufactured by Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.) is used.
100. By changing the hues formed from the respective layers, the
relationship between the colors of the layers which are light
fixable and those which are not can be changed.
101. More specifically, the following two recording materials may
be used in addition to the recording material (hereinafter, "first
recording material") having a layer structure in which a cyan
heat-sensitive recording layer (an ordinary heat-sensitive
recording layer), a magenta heat-sensitive recording layer (a
light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording layer), a yellow
heat-sensitive recording layer (a light-fixing-type heat-sensitive
recording layer), and a heat-resistant protective layer are layered
successively on a substrate: a recording material (hereinafter,
"second recording material") having a layer structure in which a
yellow heat-sensitive recording layer (an ordinary heat-sensitive
recording layer), a cyan heat-sensitive recording layer (a
light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording layer), a magenta
heat-sensitive recording layer (a light-fixing-type heat-sensitive
recording layer), and a heat-resistant protective layer are layered
successively on a substrate; and a recording material (hereinafter,
"third recording material") having a layer structure in which a
yellow heat-sensitive recording layer (an ordinary heat-sensitive
recording layer), a magenta heat-sensitive recording layer (a
light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording layer), a cyan
heat-sensitive recording layer (a light-fixing-type heat-sensitive
recording layer), and a heat-resistant protective layer are layered
successively on a substrate.
102. By layering the yellow heat-sensitive recording layer at the
bottom layer as in the second recording material and the third
recording material, images in which graininess is not conspicuous
in particular when highlights are recorded can be obtained.
103. The heat recording sensitivities of the respective layers
forming the recording materials are designed such that, at the heat
recording characteristic of the first recording material
illustrated in FIG. 3, in the second recording material, the
magenta heat-sensitive recording layer is recorded at low heat
energy, the cyan heat-sensitive recording layer is recorded at
medium heat energy, and the yellow heat-sensitive recording layer
is recorded at high heat energy. Further, in the third recording
material, the heat recording sensitivities are designed such that
the cyan heat-sensitive recording layer is recorded at low heat
energy, the magenta heat-sensitive recording layer is recorded at
medium heat energy, and the yellow heat-sensitive recording layer
is recorded at high heat energy.
104. Further, a material which is substantially insensitive to the
amount of exposure and the wavelength of the light used in the
image recording of the light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording
layers can be used for the material for color formation of the
heat-sensitive layer of the lowest sensitivity in the present
invention. The material may be light-fixable with respect to other
wavelengths or different amounts of exposure.
105. Hereinafter, preparation of light-fixing-type heat-sensitive
recording materials (the first, second and third recording
materials) which are applied to the present invention will be
described. The spectral fixing sensitivities of the
light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording layers forming the first
recording material are selected such that the main photosensitive
wavelength of the yellow heat-sensitive recording layer is 420 nm
and the main photosensitive wavelength of the magenta
heat-sensitive recording layer is 365 nm. The cyan heat-sensitive
recording layer is insensitive to light. The spectral fixing
sensitivities of the light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording
layers forming the second recording material are selected such that
the main photosensitive wavelength of the magenta heat-sensitive
recording layer is 420 nm and the main photosensitive wavelength of
the cyan heat-sensitive recording layer is 365 nm. The yellow
heat-sensitive recording layer is insensitive to light. The
spectral fixing sensitivities of the light-fixing-type
heat-sensitive recording layers forming the third recording
material are selected such that the main photosensitive wavelength
of the cyan heat-sensitive recording layer is 420 nm and the main
photosensitive wavelength of the magenta heat-sensitive recording
layer is 365 nm. The yellow heat-sensitive recording layer is
insensitive to light. The respective light-fixing-type
heat-sensitive recording materials are prepared as follows.
First Recording Material
106. 1. Preparation and Application of Cyan Layer Suspension
107. 1-A. Preparation of Capsules for Cyan Layer
108. A mixed solution of 30 g of ethyl acetate, 8.0 g of the leuco
dye of following Formula (1), 8 g of Millionate MR-200 (trade name,
produced by Japan Polyurethane Co., Ltd.), and 15 g of Takenate
D110N (trade name, produced by Takeda Chemical Industries, Ltd.)
was added to a mixed aqueous solution of 60 g of phthalic
acid-treated gelatin (8%), 2 g of sodium dodecylbenzensulfonate
(10%), and 50 g of water. The resultant mixture was emulsified by a
homogenizer manufactured by Nippon Seiki Co., Ltd. Thereafter, 1 g
of diethylenetriamine was added, a reaction took place for 3 hours
at 50.degree. C., and a capsule suspension having an average
particle diameter of 1.2 .mu.m was obtained. 1
109. 1-B. Preparation of Developer Emulsion for Cyan Layer
110. A mixture of 15 g of the developer of following Formula (2),
11 g of phthalic acid-treated gelatin (8%) 30 g of water, and 2 g
of sodium dodecylbenzensulfonate (10%) was dispersed by a ball mill
for 10 hours. After dispersion, 15 g of lime-treated gelatin (15%)
was added, and an emulsion having an average particle diameter of
0.7 .mu.m was obtained. 2
111. 1-C. Preparation and Application of Application Suspension for
Cyan Layer
112. An application suspension was prepared by adding 25 g of the
capsule suspension for the cyan layer, 100 g of the developer
emulsion for the cyan layer, and 50 g of lime-treated gelatin
(15%). The application suspension was applied onto a
polyethylene-laminated support for photography which contained
TiO.sub.2, such that the dried layer thickness of the application
suspension was 7 .mu.m.
113. 2. Application of the Gelatin Intermediate Layer (Cyan-Magenta
Intermediate Layer)
114. 2-A. A mixture was prepared, was applied onto the support onto
which the cyan layer had already been applied, and was allowed to
dry, such that the lime-treated gelatin solid content was 3
g/M.sup.2, the sodium dodecylbenzensulfonate was 0.002 g/m.sup.2,
and the polyvinylpyrrolidone was 0.17 g/m.sup.2.
115. 3. Preparation and Application of Magenta Layer Suspension
116. 3-A. Preparation of Capsules for Magenta Layer
117. 3.5 g of the compound of following Formula (3), 5.3 g of
diphenyl phthalate, 8 g of Takenate D-110N (trade name,
manufactured by Takeda Chemical Industries, Ltd.), and 20 g of
ethyl acetate were mixed and dissolved. This mixture was added to a
mixed solution of 70 g of 8% phthalic acid-treated gelatin and 70 g
of water. The resultant mixture was homogenized and emulsified by
an ace homogenizer manufactured by Nippon Seiki Co., Ltd., and
thereafter was allowed to react for 3 hours at 40.degree. C. so
that 0.40 .mu.m capsules were prepared. 3
118. 3-B. Preparation of Coupler Emulsion for Magenta Layer
119. A solution, in which was dissolved 40 g of ethyl acetate, 10 g
of the compound of following Formula (4), 16 g of triphenyl
guanidine, 16 g of the compound of following Formula (5), 8 g of
the compound of following Formula (6), 3 g of tricresyl phosphate,
and 5 g of sodium dodecylbenzensulfonate, was added to a mixed
solution of 200 g of lime-treated, ion-exchange-treated gelatin
(15%) and 180 g of water. The resultant mixture was emulsified by a
mixer for household use, and an emulsion having an average particle
size of 0.6 .mu.m was obtained. 4
120. 3-C. Preparation and Application of Application Suspension for
Magenta Layer
121. 10 g of the capsules for the magenta layer and 30 g of the
coupler emulsion for the magenta layer were mixed together. This
mixture was applied, so as to become 6.0 g/m.sup.2 at the dried
layer thickness, onto a support to which the cyan layer and the
gelatin intermediate layer had already been applied.
122. 4. Application of Gelatin Intermediate Layer (Magenta-Yellow
Intermediate Layer)
123. The gelatin intermediate layer (cyan-magenta intermediate
layer), which was obtained in the above-described "Application of
Gelatin Intermediate Layer (Cyan-Magenta Intermediate Layer)", was
applied under the same conditions to the support to which the cyan
layer and the gelatin intermediate layer and the magenta layer had
already been applied.
124. 5. Preparation and Application of Yellow Layer Suspension
125. 5-A. Preparation of Capsules for Yellow Layer
126. A capsule suspension of an average particle size of 0.40 .mu.m
was obtained in the same way as the capsules for the magenta layer,
which were obtained by the above-described "Preparation of Capsules
for Magenta Layer", except that 4 g of following Formula (7) was
used in place of the 3.5 g of the compound of Formula (3). 5
127. 5-B. Preparation of Coupler Emulsion for Yellow Layer
128. An emulsion of an average particle size of 0.6 .mu.m was
obtained in the same way as the coupler emulsion for the magenta
layer, which was obtained by the above-described "Preparation of
Coupler Emulsion for Magenta Layer", except that 10 g of following
Formula (8) was used in place of the 10 g of the compound of
Formula (4). 6
129. 5-C. Preparation and Application of Application Suspension for
Yellow Layer
130. 10 g of the capsules for the yellow layer and 30 g of the
coupler emulsion for the yellow layer were mixed together. This
mixture was applied, so as to be 5.5 g/m.sup.2 at a dried layer
thickness, onto the support to which the cyan layer and the gelatin
intermediate layer and the magenta layer and the gelatin
intermediate layer had already been applied.
131. 6. Preparation and Application of Protective Layer
Suspension
132. A protective layer suspension, in which were mixed 800 g of
10% polyethylene denatured polyvinylalcohol (RS-106 manufactured by
Kuraray Co., Ltd.), 54 g of a 5% aqueous solution of perfluoroalkyl
carboxylate (Megafic F120 manufactured by Dainippon Ink), 70 g of
sodium (4-nonylphenoxytrioxyethylene)butylsulfonate (2 %), 40 g of
a zinc stearate dispersion (20%), and 60 g of a kaolin dispersion
(30%) of an average particle size of 5 .mu.m, was applied, such
that the dried solid content thereof was 1.5 g/m.sup.2, onto the
support onto which the cyan layer, the gelatin intermediate layer,
the magenta layer, the gelatin intermediate layer, and the yellow
layer had already been applied.
Second Recording Material
133. 1. Preparation and Application of Yellow Layer Suspension
134. 1-A. Preparation of Capsules for Yellow Layer
135. A mixed solution of 30 g of ethyl acetate, 8.0 g of the
diazonium salt of following Formula (9), 14 g of diisopropyl
naphthalene, 2 g of dibutyl phthalate, and 15 g of Takenate D110N
(produced by Takeda Chemical Industries, Ltd.) was added to a mixed
aqueous solution of 120 g of phthalic acid-treated gelatin (8%), 1
g of sodium dodecylbenzensulfonate (10%), and 50 g of water. The
resultant mixture was emulsified by a homogenizer manufactured by
Nippon Seiki Co., Ltd. A reaction took place for 3 hours at
40.degree. C., and a capsule suspension having an average particle
diameter of 0.5 .mu.m was obtained. 7
136. 1-B. Preparation of Coupler Emulsion for Yellow Layer
137. A mixed solution of 50 g of ethyl acetate, 15 g of the coupler
of following Formula (10), 15 g of triphenyl guanidine, 10 g of the
compound of following Formula (11), 5 g of the compound of
following Formula (12), and 6 g of calcium dodecylbenzensulfonate
(70%) was added to a mixed aqueous solution of 300 g of
lime-treated gelatin (15%) and 150 g of water. The resultant
mixture was emulsified by a homogenizer manufactured by Nippon
Seiki Co., Ltd. The ethyl acetate was removed under reduced
pressure, and an emulsion having an average particle diameter of
0.3 .mu.m was obtained. 8
138. 1-C. Preparation and Application of Application Suspension for
Yellow Layer
139. 100 g of the capsule suspension for the yellow layer and 350 g
of the coupler emulsion for the yellow layer were mixed. This
mixture was applied onto a polyethylene-laminated support for
photography which contained TiO.sub.2, such that the dried layer
thickness was 5.0 .mu.m.
140. 2. Application of the Gelatin Intermediate Layer (Yellow-Cyan
Intermediate Layer)
141. 2-A. A mixture was prepared, was applied onto the support onto
which the yellow layer had already been applied, and was allowed to
dry, such that the lime-treated gelatin solid content was 3
g/m.sup.2, the sodium dodecylbenzensulfonate was 0.002 g/m.sup.2,
the compound of following Formula (13) was 0.15 g/m.sup.2, and the
polyvinylpyrrolidone was 0.17 g/m.sup.2. 9
142. 3. Preparation and Application of Cyan Layer Suspension
143. 3-A. Preparation of Capsules for Cyan Layer
144. A mixed solution of 20 g of ethyl acetate, 4 g of the compound
of Formula (13), 6 g of diphenyl phthalate, and 10 g of Takenate
D-110N was added to a mixed aqueous solution of 70 g of phthalic
acid-treated gelatin (8%) and 6.5 g of water. The resultant mixture
was emulsified, and a reaction took place for 3 hours at 40.degree.
C. so that a capsule suspension having an average particle size of
0.38 .mu.m was obtained.
145. 3-B. Preparation of Coupler Emulsion for Cyan Layer
146. A solution, in which was dissolved 45 g of ethyl acetate, 16 g
of the compound of following Formula (14), 16 g of the compound of
following Formula (15), 8 g of the compound of following Formula
(16), 8 g of the compound of following Formula (12), 2 g of
tricresyl phosphate, 1 g of diethyl maleate, and 5 g of calcium
dodecylbenzensulfonate, was added to a mixed aqueous solution of
200 g of lime-treated gelatin (15%) and 200 g of water. The
resultant mixture was emulsified by the aforementioned homogenizer,
the ethyl acetate was removed under reduced pressured, and an
emulsion of 0.3 .mu.m was obtained. 10
147. 3-C. Preparation and Application of Application Suspension for
Cyan Layer
148. 100 g of the capsule suspension for the cyan layer and 280 g
of the emulsion for the cyan layer were mixed together. This
mixture was applied, so as to become a dried layer thickness of 6.0
g/m.sup.2, onto a support to which the yellow layer and the gelatin
intermediate layer had already been applied.
149. 4. Application of Gelatin Intermediate Layer. (Cyan-Magenta
Intermediate Layer)
150. The same composition as the above-described "gelatin
intermediate layer (yellow-cyan intermediate layer)" was applied
under the same conditions to the support to which the yellow layer
and the gelatin intermediate layer and the cyan layer had already
been applied.
151. 5. Preparation and Application of Magenta Layer Suspension
152. 5-A. Preparation of Capsules for Magenta Layer
153. A capsule suspension of an average particle size of 0.36 .mu.m
was obtained in the same way as the formulation for the preparation
of capsules for the cyan layer of the above-described "Preparation
of Capsules for Cyan Layer", except that 4 g of the compound of
following Formula (16) was used in place of the 4 g of the compound
of Formula (13). 11
154. 5-B. Preparation of Coupler Emulsion for Magenta Layer
155. An emulsion of an average particle size of 0.3 .mu.m was
obtained in the same way as in the "Preparation of Coupler Emulsion
for Cyan Layer", except that 16 g of the compound of following
Formula (17) was used in place of the 16 g of the compound of
Formula (14).
156. Formula (17) 12
157. 5-C. Preparation and Application of Application Suspension for
Magenta Layer
158. 100 g of the capsule suspension for the magenta layer and 300
g of the emulsion for the magenta layer were mixed together. This
mixture was applied, so as to be a dried layer thickness of 5.5
g/m.sup.2, onto the support to which the yellow layer and the
gelatin intermediate layer and the cyan layer and the gelatin
intermediate layer had already been applied.
159. 6. Preparation and Application of Protective Layer
Suspension
160. A protective layer suspension, in which were mixed 800 g of
10% polyethylene denatured polyvinylalcohol (RS-6 manufactured by
Kuraray Co., Ltd.), 54 g of a 5% aqueous solution of perfluoroalkyl
carboxylate (Megafic F120 manufactured by Dainippon Ink), 70 g of
sodium (4-nonylphenoxytrioxyethylene)butylsulfonate (2%), 40 g of a
zinc stearate dispersion (20%), and 60 g of a kaolin dispersion
(30%) of an average particle size of 5 .mu.m, was applied, such
that the dried solid content thereof was 1.5 g/m.sup.2, onto the
support onto which the yellow layer, the gelatin intermediate
layer, the cyan layer, the gelatin intermediate layer, and the
magenta layer had already been applied.
Third Recording Material
161. The third recording material was prepared by inverting the
order in which the cyan layer and the magenta layer were disposed
in the preparation of the second recording material.
* * * * *