Patent ID: 7378677

Claim:
An electrostatic latent image read-out method, comprising the steps of: i) obtaining an electrostatic recording material, on which image information has been recorded as an electrostatic latent image, and which is capable of outputting a signal in accordance with the electrostatic latent image by being subjected to exposure scanning with reading light having been produced by a reading light source, ii) performing electrostatic shielding between a moving member, which is capable of moving at the time of the exposure scanning of the electrostatic recording material with the reading light, and which has characteristics of undergoing capacity coupling with the electrostatic recording material, and the electrostatic recording material with electrostatic shielding means, iii) performing the exposure scanning of the electrostatic recording material with the reading light in a state in which the electrostatic shielding is performed between the moving member and the electrostatic recording material, and iv) detecting the signal, which has been outputted from the electrostatic recording material and in accordance with the electrostatic latent image having been recorded on the electrostatic recording material, wherein the electrostatic shielding means comprises an electrostatic shielding box, in which either one of the moving member and the electrostatic recording material is accommodated, the electrostatic shielding box being formed with an electrically conductive material, part of the electrostatic shielding box being connected to a predetermined electric potential source.