The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Nov. 25, 1997
Filed:
May. 02, 1995
Masafumi Kamei, Tokyo, JP;
Yoshiyuki Suzuki, Tokyo, JP;
Shizuo Hasegawa, Tokyo, JP;
Hiroyuki Ichikawa, Kawasaki, JP;
Yoshihiro Funamizu, Soka, JP;
Akio Itoh, Machida, JP;
Yoshinori Abe, Tama, JP;
Canon Kabushiki Kaisha, Tokyo, JP;
Abstract
An image processing apparatus for converting color images into monochromatic pattern images. The image processing apparatus includes: means for detecting the area of a color image; means for converting a color image into a monochromatic pattern image; and control means for varying such image processing in accordance with the result of detection made by the means for detecting the area. When a thin line is detected in a color area, the method of processing is determined based on the width of the detected thin line. For example, when the width of the thin line is smaller than a predetermined value, the area of such thin line may be outputted as a plain image instead of a pattern image so that it may easily be seen or recognized. The contour of a color area may be made conspicuous by combining a plain image and a pattern image.