Process for recording images, system therefor and method making it

The present invention provides an image-recording process wherein the voltage applied between a photosensitive member 2 and electrostatic information recording medium 1 is put off after the lapse of a given time from the closing of an exposure shutter 13. It is thus possible to move all the generated carriers onto electrostatic information recording medium 1 and accumulate them as charges in an amount corresponding to the quantity of exposure irrespective of a voltage shutter time. It is also possible to electrically charge electrostatic information recording medium 1 or the photosensitive member 2 in advance and put on-off an electrical connection between the electrodes of the photosensitive member 2 and electrostatic information recording medium to control image exposure, thereby dispensing with any external high-voltage power source and obtaining a positive image. In addition, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of inverse discharge and prevent the resulting image from falling into disorder by separating the photosensitive member 2 and electrostatic information recording mudium 1 from each other, while voltage remains applied between the electrodes thereof, after an electrostatic image has been formed on the electrostatic information recording medium 1, and putting off the voltage impressed. A discharge gap can be easily kept constant by making a spacer 3 integral with the photosensitive member or electrostatic information recording medium;it is possible to achieve high-speed image pickup and prevent discharge breakdown which may otherwise be induced through the spacer. The spacer region is formed by removing the electrode of at least one of the photosensitive member and electrostatic information recording medium; it is possible to eliminate the cause of discharge breakdown occurring through the space. A decrease in the electrode area can result in a decrease in the capacitance of the overall system, making it possible to relieve the amount of load born by an external circuit.