Image processing apparatus and image processing method

An image processing apparatus, comprising:

• color processing means for performing color image forming processing for a multi-color color original document made of more than one color;
• first monochrome processing means for performing monochrome image forming processing for a monochromatic color original document made of a single color;
• second monochrome processing means for performing monochrome image forming processing different from the monochrome image forming processing by the first monochrome processing unit for a monochrome original document;
• and
• selection means for enabling appropriate selective use of the color processing means, the first monochrome processing means, and the second monochrome processing means for each original document.

An image processing method performed by a computer in an image processing apparatus, comprising the steps of:

• performing color image forming processing for a multi-color color original document made of more than one color as color processing;
• performing monochrome image forming processing for a monochromatic color original document made of a single color as first monochrome processing;
• performing monochrome image forming processing different from the monochrome image forming processing in the step of performing the first monochrome processing for a monochrome original document as second monochrome processing;
• and
• enabling appropriate selective use of the step of performing the color processing, the step of performing the first monochrome processing, and the step of performing the second monochrome processing for each original document.