Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
132 words
A method for forming an image, comprising the steps of imagewise exposing a heat-developable photosensitive material comprising at least (a) a photosensitive silver halide, (b) a reducing agent or a precursor thereof, (c) a dye-providing substance which forms or releases a diffusible dye in proportion or counter-proportion to the reduction of the silver halide into silver, and (d) a binder on a support, during or after the imagewise exposure of the photosensitive material, maintaining the photosensitive material in such conditions for a predetermined time that the reaction between the silver halide and the reducing agent preferentially takes place rather than the reaction of forming or releasing a diffusible dye, and thereafter heat developing the exposed material in the presence of a base and/or a base precursor to imagewise produce a diffusible dye.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
132 words
A method for forming an image, comprising the steps of imagewise exposing a heat-developable photosensitive material comprising at least (a) a photosensitive silver halide, (b) a reducing agent or a precursor thereof, (c) a dye-providing substance which forms or releases a diffusible dye in proportion or counter-proportion to the reduction of the silver halide into silver, and (d) a binder on a support, during or after the imagewise exposure of the photosensitive material, maintaining the photosensitive material in such conditions for a predetermined time that the reaction between the silver halide and the reducing agent preferentially takes place rather than the reaction of forming or releasing a diffusible dye, and thereafter heat developing the exposed material in the presence of a base and/or a base precursor to imagewise produce a diffusible dye.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
50 words
The image forming method of claim 1 wherein the photosensitive material is maintained at a temperature lower than the heat-developing temperature above which the reaction of forming or releasing a diffusible dye occurs and under conditions which allow reaction to take place between the silver halide and the reducing agent.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
31 words
The image forming method of claim 2 wherein the photosensitive material is maintained at a temperature sufficient to allow reaction to take place between the silver halide and the reducing agent.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
The image forming method of claim 2 wherein the photosensitive material is maintained at a temperature lower than the heat-developing temperature by at least 10° C.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
The image forming method of claim 1 wherein imageforming reaction is carried out in the presence of an auxiliary developing agent.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
32 words
The image forming method of claim 1 wherein an internal latent image type emulsion of the silver halide is combined with a nucleating agent or secondary exposure to carry out image-forming reaction.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
26 words
The image forming method of claim 1 wherein the exposed material is heat developed at a temperature of from about 50° C. to about 250° C.