Patent ID: 6549657
Filing Date: 2003-04-15
Classification: G06K,H04N

Abstract:
An image processing apparatus comprising:a developer, arranged for developing entered image information described in a page description language and storing developed color image information in a first memory; a discriminator, arranged for discriminating a characteristic of the entered color image information and storing a discrimination code representing a discrimination result in a second memory; a readout portion, arranged for reading the color image information stored in the first memory and reading the discrimination code out of the second memory; and a plurality of processors, each for processing a respective one of a plurality of color components representing the color image information read out of the first memory in accordance with the discrimination code read out of the second memory, wherein the reading of the discrimination code is synchronized with the operation of said plurality of processors and is performed in correspondence with the processing operation performed by each of said processors, wherein said discriminator determines whether a pixel of interest is contained in a character/line-drawing area or in a continuous tone image area, wherein said discriminator performs discrimination processing by referring to image data of an area comprising the pixel of interest and a plurality of pixels surrounding said pixel of interest, and wherein said discriminator performs discrimination processing based upon a number of items of image data having different values present in an area comprising a plurality of pixels and a maximum value of differences between the pixel of interest and the pixels surrounding said pixel of interest.