Image forming method, image forming apparatus and image forming member

Abstract

According to the present invention, a gradation image such as photographs and a non-gradation image read by an image processing means 13 of FIG. 2 are edited and laid out. Based on the data file, a dye receiving layer 21 is formed on a gradation image forming area on a paper mount 26 of FIG. 3 by image generating means 18, and a gradation image 22 is formed by thermal transfer method on said dye receiving layer. A non-gradation image 23 such as character combined with the gradation image is printed before and after the formation of the gradation image. Further, a protective layer 24 is formed on the gradation image 22 or the non-gradation image 23 when necessary, by protective layer transfer means incorporated in the image forming means 18. Thus, a card such as a visiting card 20 with a photograph or a booklet such as a passport can be prepared. The gradation image and the non-gradation image can be transferred on plain paper, and by limiting the receiving layer area to the gradation image area, it is possible to form the images without impairing texture feeling and writability as plain paper. When the image is formed using a thermal transfer image receiving sheet with an arbitrary pattern (such as ground pattern), such pattern forms a background for the image, and this makes it possible to prevent falsification or alteration.