Electrophotographic copying process and apparatus having means for monitoring a fatigue recovery time

摘要

An electrophotographic copying process and apparatus fast in operation and capable of making reproduced images having substantially the same image density is provided. In accordance with the present invention, pre-exposure is carried out only when a photosensitive member is to be used for image formation after elapsing a predetermined time period during which the photosensitive member has been kept unused. The present invention is fast in operation and minimal in power consumption because the pre-exposure is skipped when unnecessary. However, since pre-exposure is effected when necessary, the image density may be maintained at constant.