| 摘要 |
<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image quality estimating method for obtaining stable image quality by using a relation between the image quality and variation in the quantity of electrified toner in developer deteriorating with time, and to provide an image forming apparatus capable of applying such an image quality estimating method. <P>SOLUTION: Relational formula is obtained from at least a beam diameter ω, the average quantity of electrified toner in developer (average Q/M) and the actual measurement data of the distribution width of the quantity of electrified toner (ΔQ/M) and dot reflectivity variation width at the time. Based upon thus obtained formula, image quality is estimated. Here, the beam spot diameter ω is the average value of 1/e<SP>2</SP>diameters of beams with maximum intensity in the main and sub-scanning directions. The distribution width of the quantity of electrified toner ΔQ/M is the width of 1/e<SP>2</SP>of Q/M distribution maximum frequency. The dot reflectivity variation width is the width of the maximum frequency of 1/e<SP>2</SP>in the distribution of the measured reflectivities of at least 1000 dots. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI |
