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

An image-forming method, comprising:

• 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 the surface of 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 surface of 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 surface of the latent image-holding member by the pseudo-halftone processing is composed of a plurality of toner aggregates scattered like dots on the surface of the latent image-holding member;
• the diameter of the radiation beam irradiated onto the surface of 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):
• 2.0×105≦G′(60)≦4.0×106 Formula (1)
• G′(60)/G′(80)≦40 Formula (2)
• wherein in Formulae (1) and (2), 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%.