Image processing apparatus and method for painting a memory with plural

Abstract

An apparatus and method for editing an entire image, including closed areas surrounded by other closed areas, contained within a framed area is disclosed. Image data obtained through a prescan is first written into a bit map memory, in the form of first data, e.g., 5. A closed area containing a point designated by a user is then painted with data of 3, for example. The entire area outside the closed area is painted with third data of 1, for example, using a start point that is a point outside the area of the original. Further, the bit map memory is painted with fourth data, e.g., a function number N corresponding to the type of the preset image edit processing, with the designated point as a start point of the painting and the third data as a pattern delineating the area painted with the fourth data. Through the above steps of processing, the framed area is entirely painted with the number N. Then, the number N is set to the value corresponding to the type of image edit processing. The contents of the bit map memory are then read in synchronism with the reading of the image on the original by a regular scan. The read image data of the original is processed in a predetermined manner on the basis of the number N as read.