Multicolor thermal imaging method and thermal imaging member for use therein

A multicolor thermal imaging method comprising:

• (a) providing a thermal imaging member comprising at least a first image-forming composition forming a first color when heated, a second image-forming composition forming a second color when heated, and a third image-forming composition forming a third color when heated, said first, second and third colors being different from each other;
• (b) using heat to form an image in said first color at a first speed of travel of said thermal imaging member with respect to the source of said heat;
• (c) using heat to form an image in said second color at a second speed of travel of said thermal imaging member with respect to said source of said heat;
• and
• (d) using heat to form an image in said third color at a third speed of travel of said thermal imaging member with respect to said source of said heat;
• wherein at least two of said first, second and third speeds of travel are substantially different speeds of travel;
• whereby a multicolor image is formed in said thermal imaging member.

A thermal imaging member comprising:

• (a) a substrate comprising first and second opposed surfaces;
• (b) a first oxygen barrier layer carried by one of said first and second surfaces;
• (c) a first color-forming layer having an activating temperature of at least about 70° C. overlying said oxygen barrier layer;
• (d) a first spacer layer or layers overlying said first color-forming layer;
• (e) a second color-forming layer overlying said first spacer layer or layers, having an activating temperature at least about 30° C. above the activating temperature of said first color-forming layer;
• (f) a second spacer layer or layers overlying said second color-forming layer;
• (g) a third color-forming layer overlying said second spacer layer or layers, said third color-forming layer having an activating temperature at least about 30° C. above the activating temperature of said second color-forming layer;
• (h) a second oxygen barrier layer overlying said third color-forming layer;
• and
• (i) an overcoat layer overlying said second oxygen barrier layer.