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US4684602A
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Multicolor laser recording method and element
Assignee: Eastman Kodak Co
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Filing: 1986-06-30
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Granted: 1987-08-04
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Expires: 2006-06-30
Abstract
Abstract A method of generating visible multicolor images using a single wavelength laser beam is disclosed.
Inventors
- 👤 Mark Lelental
- 👤 James K. Lee
- 👤 Alan P. VanKerkhove
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 21:39
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03C; G03C7/00; G03C7/46; G03C1/00; G03C1/67; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S430/00; Y10S430/146
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
126 words
A method of generating visible multicolor images comprising the steps of (A) providing an image printing device comprising a single wavelength laser beam modulated with image information for generating at least two different colors; (B) providing a multilayer color photographic imaging element which contains at least two different color imaging layers; wherein each layer (i) forms a developable latent image; (ii) has a short exposure latitude; (iii) has a well defined sensitivity threshold; and (iv) has a pronounced low intensity reciprocity failure; and (v) sensitive to the laser radiation. (C) exposing each image layer to the laser by focusing the laser beam in and raster scanning each imaging layer separately to form a latent color image in each layer; and (D) developing a visible color image.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
126 words
A method of generating visible multicolor images comprising the steps of (A) providing an image printing device comprising a single wavelength laser beam modulated with image information for generating at least two different colors; (B) providing a multilayer color photographic imaging element which contains at least two different color imaging layers; wherein each layer (i) forms a developable latent image; (ii) has a short exposure latitude; (iii) has a well defined sensitivity threshold; and (iv) has a pronounced low intensity reciprocity failure; and (v) sensitive to the laser radiation. (C) exposing each image layer to the laser by focusing the laser beam in and raster scanning each imaging layer separately to form a latent color image in each layer; and (D) developing a visible color image.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the imaging element comprises separate magenta, cyan and yellow imaging layers in any order and the laser beam is modulated with magenta, cyan and yellow image information.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 1 wherein each imaging layer is exposed sequentially by focusing the laser beam in and raster scanning each imaging layer one at a time.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
52 words
The method of claim 1 wherein (a) the laser beam is optically split into two or more sub-beams; (b) each sub-beam is individually modulated with different color image information; and (c) concurrently focusing each sub-beam on a different imaging layer thereby exposing all layers of the imaging element at the same time.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 1 wherein each imaging layer of the element is separated by a barrier layer (a) which is transparent to the laser beam and (b) has a thickness of up to 30 microns.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
23 words
The method of claims 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 wherein the color imaging element is a multilayer silver halide color imaging element.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
21 words
The method of claims 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 wherein the color imaging element is a multilayer color photothermographic element.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
61 words
The method of claim 7 wherein the multilayer color photothermographic element comprises a support bearing at least two different colored image forming layers which are sensitive to radiation of the same wavelength; wherein each layer comprises a binder having dissolved or dispersed therein (a) a color developer; (b) a color coupler; (c) a photoreductant; and (d) a cobalt(III) Lewis base complex.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
61 words
The method of claim 7 wherein the multilayer color photothermographic element comprises a support bearing at least two different colored image forming layers which are sensitive to radiation of the same wavelength; wherein each layer comprises a binder having dissolved or dispersed therein (a) a leuco dye; (b) a reducing agent; (c) a photoreductant; and (d) a cobalt(III) Lewis base complex.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 8 wherein the photothermographic element comprises separate yellow, magenta and cyan dye-forming layers.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 8 wherein the photothermographic element comprises in each layer (a) a photoreductant; (b) a sulfonamidophenol, aminophenol or a hydrozone color developer; (c) a cobalt(III) hexammine complex; and (d) a different dye-forming coupler selected from ##STR9## or combinations thereof.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 7 wherein the multilayer color imaging element is a photothermographic element and development is carried out by heating the element.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 8 or 9 which also includes barrier layers between two adjacent image-forming layers.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1990-08-03 | 1991-02-02 | 1991-08-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-08-03 | 1995-02-02 | 1995-08-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-08-03 | 1999-02-02 | 1999-08-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |