Reversible thermosensitive recording medium and image processing method using the same

Abstract

A reversible thermosensitive recording medium comprising at least a reversible thermosensitive recording layer provided on a supporting substrate and, a protective layer provided on the recording layer, wherein the recording layer is arranged so as to develop a first color therein when it is heated to a specific temperature level between a second temperature and a third temperature which is higher than the second temperature and then cooled to a first temperature level between normal temperature and the second temperature which is higher than the normal temperature, while so as to develop a second color therein when it is heated to another temperature level more than a fourth temperature which is higher than the third temperature and then cooled to a particular temperature which is lower than the first temperature, and the protective layer contains at least a lubricant showing the melting point ranging from higher than or equal to the first temperature to lower than or equal to the second temperature and has a surface roughness (Rz) (where Rz represents an average rise on the surface by ten measurements) of 1.2 &mgr;m or more. The recording medium eliminates the gap of air formed between the thermal printing head and the surface, thus heat conductivity is elevated allowing uniform application of thermal energy during the erasing action thereby its erasing property is improved, while the surface smoothness is improved as for as during the heating action at high temperatures, resulting an excellent thermal head matching, and the storage capability therefor is improved.