Image-forming method and image-forming apparatus using the same

Abstract

The present invention provides an image-forming method, including pseudo-halftone-processing an input signal corresponding to image information to generate an output signal; irradiating a radiation beam corresponding to the output signal onto a latent image-holding member to form a latent image; developing the latent image with a developer including a toner containing a binder resin and a colorant to form a toner image on the latent image-holding member; transferring the toner image onto a recording medium; and fixing the toner image on the recording medium to form an image, wherein: when a halftone image is formed as the image, the toner image formed on the latent image-holding member is composed of plural toner aggregates scattered like dots on the latent image-holding member; the diameter of the radiation beam irradiated onto the latent image-holding member is 35 μm or more; the pseudo-halftone processing results in the toner aggregates, which have been transferred onto the recording medium, having uneven sizes; and the toner satisfies the following Formulae (1) and (2):2.0×10'(60)≦4.0×10  Formula (1)′(60)/′(80)≦40  Formula (2) wherein G′(60) represents the storage modulus (Pa) of the toner as determined under conditions of a temperature of 60° C., a vibration frequency of 6.28 rad/sec, and a distortion factor of 0.1%; and G′(80) represents the storage modulus (Pa) of the toner as determined under conditions of a temperature of 80° C., a vibration frequency of 6.28 rad/sec, and a distortion factor of 0.1%.