Patent ID: 7403214

Claim:
A method of adjusting the dynamic range of laser power in an electrophotographic device comprising: calibrating a laser power of a laser source during a laser power adjustment cycle of operation such that a beam output by said laser source has a power level within a first dynamic range of power levels, wherein: the power level of said beam is adjustable within said first dynamic range of power levels by controlling a value of a laser power control signal; and a limited control range of values of said laser power control signal correspondingly limits the operating range of said beam to said first dynamic range of power levels; modifying at least one laser control parameter other than said laser power control signal after calibrating said laser power of said laser source so as to shift the operating range of said laser source from said first dynamic range to a second dynamic range that is different from said first dynamic range, wherein said limited control range of values of said laser power control signal correspondingly limits the operating range of said beam to said second dynamic range of power levels; and controlling the power level of said beam emitted by said laser source within said second dynamic range of power levels by setting said laser power control signal to a predetermined value when said beam is directed towards an image area of a photoconductive surface.