Abstract: An input section performs a color conversion process, etc. for image data from a color scanner section. A discrimination section generates a discrimination signal representative of “character”, “non-character”, etc. on the basis of an image signal from the input section. A first processing section performs a filtering process, etc. for the image signal from the input section, and switches the method of such a process on the basis of the discrimination signal from the discrimination section. An enlargement/reduction section enlarges or reduces the discrimination signal from the discrimination section and the image signal from the first processing section. A second processing section subjects the enlarged/reduced image signal form the enlargement/reduction section to a black-added printing process, a gamma conversion process, etc., and switches the method of such a process on the basis of the enlarged/reduced discrimination signal from the enlargement/reduction section.

Abstract: An input section performs a color conversion process, etc. for image data from a color scanner section. A discrimination section generates a discrimination signal representative of “character”, “non-character”, etc. on the basis of an image signal from the input section. A first processing section performs a filtering process, etc. for the image signal from the input section, and switches the method of such a process on the basis of the discrimination signal from the discrimination section. An enlargement/reduction section enlarges or reduces the discrimination signal from the discrimination section and the image signal from the first processing section. A second processing section subjects the enlarged/reduced image signal form the enlargement/reduction section to a black-added printing process, a gamma conversion process, etc., and switches the method of such a process on the basis of the enlarged/reduced discrimination signal from the enlargement/reduction section.

Abstract: An input section performs a color conversion process, etc. for image data from a color scanner section. A discrimination section generates a discrimination signal representative of “character”, “non-character”, etc. on the basis of an image signal from the input section. A first processing section performs a filtering process, etc. for the image signal from the input section, and switches the method of such a process on the basis of the discrimination signal from the discrimination section. An enlargement/reduction section enlarges or reduces the discrimination signal from the discrimination section and the image signal from the first processing section. A second processing section subjects the enlarged/reduced image signal form the enlargement/reduction section to a black-added printing process, a gamma conversion process, etc., and switches the method of such a process on the basis of the enlarged/reduced discrimination signal from the enlargement/reduction section.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus aiming at enhancing image quality of a character (line image component) includes an image area discrimination section for discriminating an image area (character area). In the image area discrimination section, a color converter section converts an input CMY signal to Y′-, I′- and Q′-signals for discrimination. An LPF section performs a smoothing process for the Y′-signal and an output signal from a line memory, which is a line delay signal of the Y′-signal. A density gradient extraction section generates a density gradient equivalent amount from a smoothed output from the LPF section and output signals from line memories, which are line delay signals of the output form the LPF section. An arithmetic section performs an arithmetic operation based on the density gradient equivalent amount generated by the arithmetic section, the Y′-signal, and a predetermined value from a main CPU.