Image processing apparatus with flexible use of memory and variable

Abstract

An image processing apparatus is disclosed which inputs/outputs an image in which image data items having different quantities of information for each pixel are mixed with one another. The information quantity for each of the image data items and information about the I/O positions are stored in a corresponding manner. When data is input, data is converted into the proper information quantities in accordance with input position, for storage. When data is output, the stored image data is converted into output data in accordance with the respective information quantities. As a result, the memory capacity can be reduced, the flexibility can be improved at the time of use and the memory can be used efficiently.