Canon Kabushiki Kaisha

Kenjiro Chyo

Hiroshi Nonoshita

Yasuhisa Ishizawa

Seiji Saito

Yasuhisa Shigehara

Shigeki Miura

Yoshitsugu Yamanashi

Disclosed is a method of processing image data, including controlling to output multi-level value image data for reproducing a multi-level value image and bi-level value image data for reproducing a bi-level value image with respect to a predetermined area, thereby reproducing the multi-level and bi-level value images which constitute a single image. Also disclosed is an interface system including a multi-level converter for converting the multi-level value image data into bi-level value image data and vice versa, a resolution converter operated in synchronism with the multi-level converter to convert the resolution of the multi-level value image data, an area data memory for storing area data corresponding to an instruction input representing a multi-level or bi-level value image area, and an output device for selecting the multi-level value image data from the resolution converter or the multi-level value image data from the multi-level converter on the basis of the area data and for outputting selected data to the image output device.

Image data processing using bi-level and multi-level value data

An image processing apparatus makes it possible to efficiently use memories, and to output an image having a high picture quality and a high resolution. The apparatus also makes it possible to reproduce particularly edge portions of an image having a relatively low resolution wherein a plurality of bits are allocated per picture element, with a high resolution. The apparatus further makes it possible to reproduce an image having a high resolution represented by one bit per picture element as an image represented by a plurality of bits per picture element. The apparatus processes a color image obtained by synthesizing a photograph and another photograph, or a photograph and characters with a small memory capacity, and outputs an image having a high quality. That is, the apparatus comprises a memory for storing character/figure images having a high resolution and a small amount of information for one picture element, a memory for storing photographic images having a low resolution and a large amount of information per picture element, and a memory for storing control data for controlling the above-described two kinds of images. An image output having a high picture quality can be obtained with a small amount of information by effectively utilizing features of the above-described two kinds of images. It is thereby possible to reduce the number of devices required for storing information, and therefore to reduce cost. It is also possible to minimize deterioration in picture quality caused by reducing the amount of information.

Image processing method and apparatus suitable for both high-resolution

Disclosed is a method of processing image data, including controlling to output multi-level value image data for reproducing a multi-level value image and bi-level value image data for reproducing a bi-level value image with respect to a predetermined area, thereby reproducing the multi-level and bi-level value images which constitute a single image. Also disclosed is an interface system including a multi-level converter for converting multi-level value image data into bi-level value image data and vice versa, a resolution converter operated in synchronism with the multi-level converter to convert the resolution of the multi-level value image data, an area data memory for storing area data corresponding to an instruction input representing a multi-level or bi-level value image area, and an output device for selecting the multi-level value image data from the resolution converter or the multi-level value image data from the multi-level converter on the basis of the area data and for outputting selected data to the image output device.

Growing community of inventors

Tokyo, Japan

Kenjiro Chyo