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Abstract

An image forming apparatus uses an ink ribbon having ink layers of different colors, and a long, film-like intermediate transfer medium. A platen for holding the medium during transfer is driven by a motor via a synchronous reduction gear whose speed reducing ratio is an integer multiple. The ink ribbon is selectively heated by a thermal head having regular polygonal or circular heat-generating portions. Under the control of a controller, the thermal head is driven on the basis of image information, and a record image containing an area gradation image is formed on the medium. This area gradation image has a color set by stacking dots having different colors in the same spot. The medium on which the record image is formed is overlapped on a target body and heated and pressed by a heat roller, thereby transferring the record image from the medium onto the target body.

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First Claim