Patent ID: 6602003
Filing Date: 2003-08-05
Classification: B41J,H04N

Abstract:
An image processing apparatus that converts image data representing a tone value of each pixel into intermediate data representing dot creation densities of variable dots, that is, a first dot, a second dot, and a third dot, which have different tone values expressed by respective single dots, and determines on-off state of each of the variable dots in each pixel based on the converted intermediate data, thereby converting the image data into dot data expressed by the on-off state of the each variable dot,said image processing apparatus comprising: a first intermediate data conversion module that converts the image data into first intermediate data representing a sum of dot creation density of the first dot and dot creation density of the third dot among the variable dots; a second intermediate data conversion module that converts the image data into second intermediate data representing a sum of dot creation density of the second dot and dot creation density of the third dot among the variable dots; a first dot creation specification module that specifies the on-off state of the first dot in each pixel, based on the first intermediate data; a second dot creation specification module that specifies the on-off state of the second dot in each pixel, based on the second intermediate data; and a third dot creation specification module that specifies creation of the third dot in place of the first dot and the second dot, in a pixel where both the first dot and the second dot are specified to be in the on state.