A reference developing image is formed on a photoreceptor drum under an
image forming condition measured in advance, and the density of this
reference developing image is detected. A development bias voltage is
corrected based on the detection result, and when a correction value of
the development bias voltage exceeds a predetermined range, a reference
output voltage of an ATC sensor for detecting the density of toner in a
developing device is corrected based on the detected value of humidity
around the developing device, the frequency of use of the apparatus, and
the agitation stress of developer.