Abstract: An image processing device includes an image processing part configured to perform image processing to an original image including a background and an object by adding a first texture component to at least the background.

Abstract: A thermal transfer ink sheet including a heat resistant support film, a first fusible ink layer disposed on the support film, an interlayer which will support the first ink layer in uniform layer condition during thermal printing and will still separate cleanly from the non-printed portion on the first ink layer and a second fusible ink layer on the interlayer. Several embodiments of the interlayer will maintain the first ink layer in uniform layer condition during thermal printing. The interlayer can be formed of: a material with a low melting point whose viscosity does not decrease substantially when its temperature is increased; a thin film of thermosetting resin; and a layer of material formed of minute grains or domains smaller than a pixel which will form a pixel sized layer support during thermal printing.

Abstract: A transfer medium for use in a printing apparatus wherein a magnetic ink layer containing magnetic particles is heat-melted and transferred to a material to be printed. The magnetic ink layer contains magnetic particles different from each other in size, which enables printing to be conducted with an excellent quality.

Abstract: A thermal transfer ink medium including a heat resistant support layer having an ink layer thereon and an ink transfer layer or film on the ink layer is provided. Printing is performed by applying thermal energy to selected portions of the thermal transfer ink medium in accordance with image signals. The ink transfer layer and selected portions of the ink layer are transferred to a transfer medium by selective activation of the ink layer. By providing the ink transfer layer, the ink is maintained as a cohesive body and transfer is not affected by the surface roughness of the transfer medium.

Abstract: A transfer medium for use in a printing apparatus wherein a magnetic ink layer containing magnetic particles is heat-melted and transferred to a material to be printed. The magnetic ink layer (12) contains magnetic particles (121) and (122) different from each other in size, which enables printing to be conducted with excellent quality.

Abstract: A thermal transfer ink medium including a heat resistant support layer having an ink layer thereon and an ink transfer layer or film on the ink layer is provided. Printing is performed by applying thermal energy to selected portions of the thermal transfer ink medium in accordance with image signals. The ink transfer layer and selected portions of the ink layer are transferred to a transfer medium by selective activation of the ink layer. By providing the ink transfer layer, the ink is maintained as a cohesive body and transfer is not affected by the surface roughness of the transfer medium.

Abstract: A thermal transfer magnetic ink, ink sheet and method of printing with the magnetic ink and apparatus which will print high quality images and characters. The heat-fusible magnetic ink transfer sheet includes a heat-fusible magnetic ink layer disposed on a heat resistant support film. The magnetic ink layer includes minute magnetic particles dispersed in a binder and has a surface tension lower than about 20 dynes/cm when melted. The magnetic properties of the ink combined with the melted ink's surface tension, permit avoiding contact between the ink transfer sheet and the recording medium. A magnetic field pulls the ink melted by a print head off of the support film so that the melted ink flies from the ink transfer sheet to the recording medium.

Abstract: A printing apparatus for printing on a transfer medium using an ink medium with a thermoplastic magnetic ink. A thermal head selectively heats and melts the magnetic ink. A magnetic head urges the melted magnetic ink from the ink medium to the transfer medium. Both the thermal head and the magnetic head are positioned on the same side of the transfer medium. The distance between the magnetic head and the platen can be adjusted depending upon the thickness of the transfer medium to maintain a constant speed of ink transfer from the ink medium to the transfer medium. Methods of printing by ejecting the ink from the ink medium onto the transfer paper and for adjusting the distance between the magnetic head and platen to adapt to varying thicknesses of transfer medium are presented.

Abstract: A printer and method of printing on a transfer medium utilizing thermoplastic magnetic ink. A thermal head selectively applies thermal energy to melt selected portions of the thermoplastic magnetic ink. A magnetic head substantially spatially fixed relative to the thermal head applies the magnetic force to the thermoplastic ink which causes the melted portions to be ejected onto the transfer medium. A strip of thermoplastic magnetic ink medium is positioned to slide between the thermal head and the transfer medium. The strip includes a base layer facing the thermal head and a magnetic thermoplastic ink layer facing the transfer medium. A first movement mechanism moves either the transfer medium or the thermal and magnetic heads relative to the other at a first speed. A second movement mechanism moves the magnetic thermoplastic ink medium strip relative to the magnetic and thermal heads at a second speed. The first and second speeds are unequal.