Method and device for the development of a latent electrostatic image

Device for the development of a latent electrostatic image, apparatus for producing prints by electrophotographic means and method for developing a latent electrostatic image. A device is described for developing a latent electrostatic image which is present on a surface, for example a photoconductor surface. The device comprises one or more regions of a first type (9, 21, 22) having relatively large dimensions and one or more regions of a second type (6, 7, 15, 23, 27) having relatively small dimensions, both dimensions being measured parallel to the direction of relative movement of the device with respect to the image surface. The regions described may be separately and independently supplied with electric potentials. Also is described an apparatus comprising one or more of afore mentioned devices. Further a method is described for developing a latent electrostatic image with use of a device according to the invention whereby energizing of the first and second type regions (6, 7, 9, 15, 21-23, 27) is carried out in accordance with developer-density and/or contrast requirements.