Patent ID: 6064412
Filing Date: 2000-05-16
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
An image forming method performed in an image forming apparatus comprising an electrostatic latent image carrier, said method comprising the steps of:providing a plurality of irradiation patterns for forming an electrostatic latent image on said electrostatic latent image carrier, each of the irradiation patterns defining an irradiation energy amount and positions for irradiation, said irradiation patterns including at least a first pattern and a second pattern, said second pattern being identical to said first pattern in irradiation energy amount but different from said first pattern in position of irradiation, thus the first pattern and the second pattern are adapted to produce differing tonalities;irradiating light in accordance with certain patterns of said plurality of irradiation patterns; anddeveloping said electrostatic latent image formed by said irradiating step with a developing device of the image forming apparatus, said developing device having a toner carrying member which includes a thin film developing sleeve confronting said electrostatic latent image carrier and carrying toner.