Abstract: A transfer sheet, for an adhesive layer, for use in the formation of an image by a thermal transfer process, an image forming method using the transfer sheet for an adhesive layer, and an object with an image formed thereon are disclosed. A transfer sheet 1 for an adhesive layer comprises: a substrate sheet 2; and an adhesive layer 3 and an interposing layer 4 laminated in that order on the substrate sheet 2. The substrate sheet 2 and the adhesive layer 3 are separable from each other. The use of the transfer sheet for an adhesive layer in combination with an intermediate transfer medium enables a desired image having a high quality to be efficiently formed on a particular article.

Abstract: An image forming method for forming an image on an optical disk includes forming the image on an intermediate transfer medium or on an image receptive layer separably formed on one surface of the intermediate transfer medium. The intermediate transfer medium and the optical disk are laid so that the surface of the intermediate transfer medium carrying the image and the surface of the optical disk are in close contact with each other. Heat and/or pressure is applied to the intermediate transfer medium to transfer the image or the image receptive layer carrying the image to the optical disk to form a label on the optical disk.

Abstract: For thermal transfer printing, a coloring material image is thermally migrated from a thermal transfer printing sheet having a coloring material layer thereon onto an image forming area of an image-receiving layer of an intermediate transfer recording medium. The image on the recording medium is then thermally transfer-printed under pressure on a printing sheet in an image transfer section. A detection mark is provided on the intermediate transfer recording medium. This detection mark is detected for positioning an image forming area of the recording medium relative to a thermal head of the printer. In a case where the image forming section and the image transfer section are arranged in a line, a buffer unit is provided in which the recording medium being fed continuously between the two sections is caused to take a detouring path whereby mutual influence of the two sections is prevented. A line heater can be used as heating means in the image transfer section.