Abstract: A thermal transfer recording apparatus permitting detachable disposition therein of an inked film cassette provided with a takeup reel holding part and a supply reel holding part. In the inked film cassette, the takeup reel holding part disposed at one end thereof and the supply reel holding part disposed at the other end thereof protrude in mutually opposite directions from the cassette casing.

Abstract: A thermal transfer recording apparatus for carrying out recording by driving a thermal head to transfer ink of an ink film in transportation. This apparatus includes a separating device disposed downstream of the thermal head with respect to a direction of ink film movement and spaced from a platen roller. The separating device has an uneven surface.

Abstract: A thermal transfer recording technique for printing a multiple tone image by applying energy to a recording head for a period of time corresponding to digital tone data which represents the levels of tones as binary digits.In this technique, a least significant digit of the digital tone data is output as a first signal and second signals are output repeatedly the number of times being equal to the digital tone data of binary form except the least significant digit data. The recording head is driven in response to the first and second signals so as to electrify the recording head for the unit time according to the first signal and for a period of twice as long as the unit time according to the second signal.