Image processing apparatus, image processing method, computer program, and storage medium

An image processing apparatus comprising:

• a dividing unit configured to divide image data into blocks of a predetermined number of pixels;
• a determining unit configured to determine, in a case where the number of colors existing in the block divided by said dividing unit is X (X being a positive integer), an arrangement pattern in preliminarily stored arrangement patterns which matches the arrangement pattern of X colors existing in the divided block by referring to the stored arrangement patterns;
• and
• a storing unit configured to store information representing the arrangement pattern determined by said determining unit and color information for each of the X colors.

A method for an image processing apparatus, said method comprising:

• a dividing step of dividing image data into blocks of a predetermined number of pixels;
• a determining step of determining, in a case where the number of colors existing in the block divided in said dividing step is two, an arrangement pattern in preliminarily stored arrangement patterns which matches the arrangement pattern of two colors existing in the divided block by referring to the stored arrangement patterns;
• and
• a storing step of storing information representing the arrangement pattern determined in said determining step and color information for each of the two colors,
• wherein all of said steps are performed by a computer.

A method for an image processing apparatus, said method comprising:

• a dividing step of dividing image data into blocks of a predetermined number of pixels;
• a determining step of determining, in a case where the number of colors existing in the block divided by the dividing unit is X (X being a positive integer), an arrangement pattern in preliminarily stored arrangement patterns which matches the arrangement pattern of X colors existing in the divided block by referring to the stored arrangement patterns;
• and
• a storing step of storing information representing the arrangement pattern determined in said determining step and color information for each of the X colors,
• wherein all of said steps are performed by a computer.