Thermal transfer color printer and a method relating thereto

Abstract

According to the invention, a printer includes an elongated thermal printhead and a carrier drive means for transporting a multi-color ink carrier in a first direction and a medium drive means for transporting a record medium, in the same direction and rate, contiguously over the head. The printhead has a row of thermal elements, each of which may be energized to transfer a particular color ink onto the medium as the carrier sheet moves over the head. Various transferable color inks form areas which are arranged in equal color lengths along the length of the carrier sheet. Each respective color area extends transversely along the width of the sheet and are alternately and successively arranged along the length of the carrier sheet. The printhead is selectively forced into contact with the carrier sheet and record medium as they advance at the same rate by means of the carrier and record drive means. The record drive means also transports the record medium sheet in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, one color length while the printhead is disengaged from the carrier and record medium. This permits superimposing of color patterns for creating greater color hues and color ranges. The movement of the record medium in the second direction occurs at a higher rate than the transportation of the record medium in the first direction.