Patent ID: 6175424
Filing Date: 2001-01-16
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
An image processing apparatus for converting a basic image represented by multivalued data into a binary image representing the basic image in pseudo tones, and repeatedly printing the binary image on a print medium, comprising:binarizing means for sequentially comparing a value of each pixel representing the basic image with a predetermined threshold value, and performing binarization on the pixel in accordance with the comparison result;diffusing means for diffusing errors, generated in the binarization, to neighboring pixels of a pixel of interest by employing an error diffusion matrix having a predetermined size;incorporation means for incorporation, among the errors diffused by said diffusing means, an error which is outside the basic image into an area where said binarizing means has not performed the binarization, andcombining means for forming a combined image by adjoining a supplemental image which is a part of the basic image to the basic image,wherein the combined image is subjected to the binarization performed by said binarizing means, error diffusion performed by said diffusing means and error incorporation performed by said incorporating means.