Method for black trapping and under print processing

A method for performing black trapping on image data from a raster image processing frame buffer, wherein the image data includes pixel data according to a predetermined color space, the method comprising the steps of:

• a) receiving the pixel data from the frame buffer,
• b) converting the pixel data from the frame buffer to C,M,Y,K pixel data,
• c) retrieving one or more components of pixel data from the group consisting of pixel data from the frame buffer and C,M,Y,K pixel data for a first pixel,
• d) determining if the first pixel is black with respect to predetermined thresholds for one or more components of the pixel data retrieved;
• e) if the first pixel is black, performing a black trapping algorithm using a plurality of pixels forming a context window associated with the first pixel and subsequently rendering the first pixel according to an under print system, otherwise, subsequently rendering the first pixel according to a default rendering system,
• f) determining if additional pixel data from the frame buffer is to be processed in accordance with steps c) through e);
• and,
• g) if additional pixel data is to be processed, repeating steps c) through e) for a next pixel, otherwise, ending the process.