Image processing method and apparatus

Abstract

This invention has as its object to perform smooth black color processing of a character, line, and the like and to prevent deterioration of image quality. A character-thickness judgment unit in a black character judgment unit judges the thickness of a character/line image portion in an image on the basis of R, G, and B signals representing an image supplied from a host computer. An edge detection unit obtains edge information of a character/line image, and a saturation judgment unit obtains saturation information thereof. When image processing is performed by combining the edge information and the saturation information, the thickness judgment signal is corrected, so that the thickness of the character or line changes continuously. A UCR unit is arranged to perform black color processing in accordance with the substrate.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.