Which step in the electrophotographic printing process involves creating a bitmap image?

The step in the electrophotographic printing process that involves creating a bitmap image is the processing stage. In this stage, the digital image data from the computer is converted into a format that can be printed. This typically involves generating a bitmap image, which is a grid of pixels where each pixel represents a specific color or value. The creation of the bitmap prepares the image for subsequent steps in the printing process, ensuring that the graphical representation is accurately rendered on the printed medium.

The other steps do not involve creating the bitmap image. For instance, the exposing step focuses on transferring the image from the bitmap to a photosensitive drum by exposing it to a laser or LED light. The developing step follows this and relates to applying toner to the charged areas of the drum as determined by the bitmap. Finally, the transferring step involves moving the toner from the drum onto the paper. Each of these stages is crucial to the overall printing process, but it is the processing step that specifically addresses the initial creation of the bitmap image necessary for high-quality printing.