Image processing apparatus for converting a color image into a pattern image with a line having a width which is equal to or less than a predetermined width not being converted

An image processing apparatus comprising:

• reading means for reading a color image on an original;
• and
• converting means for converting the color image read by said reading means, into a pattern image,
• wherein said converting means does not convert, into the pattern image, a thin line having a color in the color image read by said reading means.

An image processing apparatus comprising:

• reading means for reading a color image and an original;
• line detection means for detecting line width of thin lines in the color image read by said reading means;
• image processing means for converting the color image read by said reading means, into a monochromatic pattern image;
• and
• control means for causing image processing in said image processing means to vary in accordance with the result of detection by said line detection means.

An image processing method comprising:

• a reading step of reading a color image on an original;
• and
• a converting step of converting the color image read by said reading means, into a pattern image,
• wherein said converting step does not convert a color line in the color image read by said reading step, having a width which is equal to or less than a predetermined width, into the pattern image.

An image processing method comprising:

• a reading step of reading a color image on an original;
• and
• a converting step of converting the color image read by said reading means, into a pattern image,
• wherein said converting step does not convert, into the pattern image, a thin line having a color in the color image read by said reading step.

An image processing method comprising:

• a reading step of reading a color image on an original;
• a line detection step of detecting line width of thin lines in the color image read by said reading step;
• an image processing step of converting the color image read by said reading step, into a monochromatic pattern image;
• and
• a control step of causing image processing in said image processing step to vary in accordance with the result of detection by said line detection step.