Abstract: In an image processing apparatus, color image data is binarized, and a symbol area in the color image data is detected. There are obtained, from N colors that form a symbol in the symbol area, M colors that are equal to or smaller than N in number. A symbol cutting process is performed on the symbol area, and one of the M colors is allocated for each symbol cut unit that is obtained by the symbol cutting.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an ink jet black ink by which an image quality comparable to that of a silver halide photograph is obtained with a compatibility between a high fastness and a high image quality when the ink is printed on a recording medium, and which is excellent in optical density and color tone particularly in half tone, and is also excellent in gas resistance.

Abstract: An ink-jet recording apparatus, using an ink-jet head for ejecting ink supplied from an ink tank for storing ink and performing recording by ejecting ink from the ink-jet head based on recording data, the ink-jet recording apparatus performing recording by receiving the recording data transferred from a host through a signal line in a state that the ink-jet recording apparatus is connected to the host by the signal line. The apparatus obtains information as to a remaining amount of ink stored in an ink tank and a used amount of the ink-jet head, and stores the information so-obtained. A controller processes recording data transferred from the host and controls recording by the ink-jet head. According to one aspect, the controller transfers information stored in the memory to the host through the signal line according to a command input through the signal line.

Abstract: An image heating apparatus including a heater, a power supply for supplying electric power to the heater, and a time constant setting circuit for setting a time constant when the power supply starts the supply of electric power to the heater, the time constant setting means setting the time constant in conformity with the shut-off time of the supply of electric power to the heater.