Patent ID: 6614553
Filing Date: 2003-09-02
Classification: G06K,G06T,H04N

Abstract:
An image data interpolation apparatus comprising:an image data obtaining unit for obtaining image data representing an image as dot-matrix picture elements; a picture element interpolating unit capable of selectively executing one of a plurality of interpolating processes when the image data is interpolated so that the number of picture elements thereof is increased; an interpolating scale factor obtaining unit for obtaining an interpolating scale factor; and an interpolating process selecting unit for selecting one of the interpolating processes according to the interpolating scale factor obtained by the interpolating scale factor obtaining unit and causing the picture element interpolating unit to execute the selected interpolating process; wherein: the plurality of interpolating processes include an interpolating process in which a plurality of interpolating processes are executed in a predetermined order; the picture element interpolating unit applies a relatively high-level operating process to image data of existing picture elements in a first interpolating process to thereby generate first image data of interpolated picture elements and applies a relatively easy operating process to the first image data of interpolated picture elements in a subsequent interpolating process to thereby generate subsequent image data of interpolated picture elements; the interpolating process selecting unit determines load rates of the first interpolating process and the subsequent interpolating process according to the interpolating scale factor, and the first interpolating process and the subsequent interpolating process are executed so that scale factors according to the respective determined load rates are achieved; and when causing the picture element interpolating unit to interpolate the image data, the interpolating process selecting unit detects a resolution at the time of printing to thereby determine the load rates of the first and second interpolating processes based on the detected resolution.