Abstract: We disclose a method for printing by rotogravure, flexography, offset, inkjet or electrophotography invisible images that are viewable under UV light. The method generates juxtaposed dispersed dot halftones by first creating juxtaposed clustered dot halftones and by applying to them dispersed dot halftoning according to a blackness reduction factor. Dispersed dot halftoning is embodied by random threshold error diffusion. The resulting dispersed dot halftones comprise pixel segments located within the areas defined by the clustered dots. These pixel segments specify the areas of the cells to be engraved onto the rotogravure cylinder. For offset, they can be imaged onto an offset plate or for electrophotography, onto a photoconductor. The disclosed juxtaposed dispersed dot halftoning method can be embedded into a framework for the reproduction of fluorescent full color images with three or more invisible fluorescent inks. These invisible fluorescent color images offer a strong protection against counterfeits.

Abstract: A quantized value for a pixel of interest in an input image is derived by using a predetermined threshold value matrix. Then, based on a pixel value group in a predetermined reference area including the pixel of interest in the input image and a threshold value group corresponding thereto, directionality of correction is determined. Further, based on the pixel value group and the threshold value group, whether or not the pixel of interest satisfies a predetermined condition for changing the quantized value is determined. Then, based on both the determination results, the quantized value is corrected.

Abstract: An image forming includes a dither processing unit that applies a dither matrix to an image; an exposure unit that exposes a photosensitive drum to form an electrostatic latent image based on the image to which the dither matrix has been applied; a development unit that develops, using a developing material on a developing roller, the formed electrostatic latent image; and a control unit that, based on a print setting change instruction by a user, increases a circumferential speed of the developing roller relative to the circumferential speed of the photosensitive drum and decreases a screen ruling of the dither matrix to be applied by the dither processing unit.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a dithering unit that retains a dithering table; a gray-scale value input unit that inputs, to the dithering unit, a gray-scale value of each pixel constituting image data of a predetermined color; and a pass information input unit that inputs, to the dithering unit, pass information indicating whether printing is a first pass to perform printing on a recording medium yet to be printed or a second pass to perform reprinting on the same surface of the recording medium already subjected to printing. The dithering unit performs dithering on each pixel based on the dithering table, the gray-scale value, and the pass information.

Abstract: A dither matrix creating device acquires a basic dither matrix and modifies the basic dither matrix to provide a modified dither matrix including a plurality of sets of threshold value. Each threshold value set includes N threshold values (N?2. An image processing device can perform both dither method and error diffusion method for converting an input image into an output image. Each pixel of the output image has an (N+1)-level output value. The modifying unit modifies the basic dither matrix by adjusting at least one of N threshold values such that the image processing device can produce a first output image by using the modified dither matrix according to the dither method. The first output image is more similar to an output image produced based on the input image according to the error diffusion method than an output image to be produced by using the basic dither matrix.

Abstract: As viewed for each processing unit in head shading (HS) processing, a processing unit width is more than one pixel, so that a threshold arrangement corresponding to a target quality of an image intended by a dither matrix is kept while a possibility of avoiding zero dots from being generated can be enhanced. Moreover, the threshold arrangement is kept while a possibility of generating the same number of dots in processing units can be enhanced. Consequently, the threshold arrangement corresponding to a predetermined target quality of an image intended by a dither matrix is kept while it is possible to reduce occurrence of uneven density caused by the HS processing. Thus, it is possible to prevent the threshold arrangement from being limited by the HS processing according to the degree of the reduction.

Abstract: A method of characterizing an imaging system is described includes printing a color chart having a plurality of predetermined color patches; measuring the color patches to obtain colorimetric data; initializing a Neugebauer model with the Neugebauer solids of said colorimetric data; optimizing the global parameters of the Neugebauer model; optimizing the parameters associated with Demichel terms based on the Neugebauer primary associated with the Demichel term; optimizing parameters that vary with device coordinates; and creating a characterization file for the imaging system.

Abstract: There is provided an image processing device which converts multi-gradation pixels configuring a multi-gradation image of image data to be used in a color image forming apparatus, into unit dither patterns. The image forming apparatus includes photosensitive members on which developer images are formed by supplying developer to electrostatic latent images, and an exposure device which exposes the photosensitive members. The developer images on the photosensitive members are transferred to a transferred medium which is moved while contacting the photosensitive members. The image processing device includes a processing unit which converts a multi-gradation pixel of a first color into unit dither patterns, each unit dither pattern consisting of a first line extending in a predetermined direction and a second line extending in a direction intersecting with the first line when a gradation value of the multi-gradation pixel is within a predetermined range.

Abstract: A method of forming a dithering mask includes providing a specific sub-dithering mask, and generating a plurality of sub-dithering masks of the dithering mask by adjusting the specific sub-dithering mask. The dithering mask generated by the method includes a plurality of sub-dithering masks, each sub-dithering mask includes (4N)×(4N) dithering values, where N is an integer, and at least two sub-dithering masks of the plurality of sub-dithering masks have different contents. By breaking the regularity in the dithering mask, flickering patterns or visual patterns can be avoided on the screen, thereby raising the displaying quality of the screen.

Abstract: A display system and method of producing images with high dynamic range are provided. The display system employs multiple light valves for projecting a portion of the image onto another.

Abstract: A method is disclosed. The method includes generating a seed pattern which ensures one dot per column, computing an auto correlation function and performing pixel error processing. Pixel error processing includes performing multiple operations during each iteration to create visually pleasing halftone mask patterns which follow a one dot per column constraint.

Abstract: A dither matrix selecting device includes a storage unit, a determining unit, and a selecting unit. The storage unit is configured to store a first dither matrix and a second dither matrix different from the first dither matrix. The first dither matrix includes a plurality of sub-matrices. Each sub-matrix of the first dither matrix has a plurality of threshold values such that a single dot grows from a starting pixel as an input value increases. Each sub-matrix has a first region and a second region different from the first region. Each threshold value allocated in the first region is smaller than a prescribed value. An arrangement of each threshold value in the first region is identical for all of the plurality of sub-matrices. The determining unit is configured to determine whether or not toner accommodated in a printing device is a specified toner. The selecting unit is configured to select the first dither matrix when the determining unit determines that the toner is not the specified toner.

Abstract: In a job management system, a PC includes a job reception section for receiving setting of a job from a user and a job transmitting section for transmitting the job to a multifunction peripheral. The multifunction peripheral includes a job receiving section for receiving a job from the PC, a prohibition determining section for determining whether a combination of functions constituting the job is a target of a prohibition process, a controlling section for executing the job, and a prohibition information transmitting section for transmitting prohibition information indicating that the combination of functions constituting the job is the target of the prohibition process to the PC when the combination of functions is the target of the prohibition process. The PC further includes a prohibition information receiving section for receiving the prohibition information from the multifunction peripheral and a prohibition information storage for storing the prohibition information.

Abstract: A display system and method of producing images with high dynamic range are provided. The display system employs multiple light valves for projecting a portion of the image onto another.

Abstract: In the present invention, tetragons are generated, each of the tetragons being formed of four points of a point A(c, 1), a point B(a+c, b+1), a point C(0, d+1), and a point D(a, b+d+1) specified with arbitrary parameters satisfying the specified number of pixels n=2(ad+bc). From among the generated tetragons, a tetragon having an angle closest to a specified angle is selected, and two of the selected tetragons are placed adjacently to each other to generate the basic pattern. A lighting order is determined so that, continuously from a lighting order of pixels forming a first tetragon of the tetragons of the basic pattern in order of increasing distance from a specific point of the first tetragon, pixels are lit in order of decreasing distance from the specific point, and a rectangular pattern functioning as a binarization-use pattern is generated.

Abstract: An image processing device includes a storing unit for storing a dither matrix. The dither matrix has a plurality of dot regions divided into a plurality of sub-matrices. A creating unit is configured to create binary image data by comparing an input value to threshold values of each sub-matrix. The plurality of sub-matrices includes a first sub-matrix having a first threshold value smallest among threshold values in the first sub-matrix; a second sub-matrix having a plurality of threshold values that are smaller than the first threshold value and are arranged adjacent to each other; a third sub-matrix; having a second threshold value largest among threshold values in the third sub-matrix; and a fourth sub-matrix having a plurality of threshold values that are larger than the second threshold value and are arranged adjacent to each other.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a binarization section, a determination section and an area setting section. The binarization section binarizes a given image. The determination section determines whether or not a pixel to be determined is effective in accordance with the number of pixels of one value of a binary value in each of determination areas. Each of the determination areas are placed so as not to contain the pixel to be determined in the binarized image and so as not to overlap in a predetermined direction of the pixel to be determined. The area setting section sets an area including the pixel determined effective in the determination section.

Abstract: It is determined whether the pixel of interest in image data to be processed belongs to area 1 not close to a scan line changing point where a scan line changing process is done (S101). If the pixel of interest belongs to area 1, an error diffusion process is performed using an error diffusion matrix for area 1 (S102). If the pixel of interest belongs to area 2 close to the scan line changing point, the error diffusion process is performing using an error diffusion matrix for downward scan line changing for area 2 when the scan line changing process is changing to a lower line, or an error diffusion matrix for upward scan line changing for area 2 when the scan line changing process is changing to an upper line.

Abstract: A data processing module for generating dithered data includes a data transforming unit and a dithering unit, wherein the data transforming unit is utilized to transform input data into transformed data containing predetermined data, and the dithering unit is utilized to perform a dithering process on the transformed data to generate the dithered data. By making the display picture of the dithered data contain a fixed pattern corresponding to the predetermined data, the influence on the display picture caused by noise existing in the input data can be efficiently reduced.

Abstract: Provided is an image forming apparatus which receives image data from a host device by communication and forms an image based on the received image data on a target, the image forming apparatus including: a communication unit which receives the image data by the communication with the host device; a storage unit which is able to store the received image data; an image forming unit which ejects a fluid, to overlap one partial image forming process with another partial image forming process, in the performing of an image forming process of forming the image on the target by ejecting the fluid from nozzles on a portion of the target and performing a partial image forming process of forming a portion of the image based on the image data stored in the storage unit on the target plural times.

Abstract: A system and method for managing production printing workflow is disclosed. The system includes workflow management software which manages and facilitates the procedural stages of the workflow including job origination, job preparation, job submission and job fulfillment. The workflow management software provides an integrated object oriented interface which visually reflects and interacts with the workflow. The software further provides functionality to create, manage and manipulate compound documents as ordered collections of documents.

Abstract: An image processing device includes a storing unit and a creating unit. The storing unit stores a single set of line dither matrices. The single set of line dither matrices includes a first line dither matrix for first color, a second line dither matrix for second color, and a third line dither matrix for third color. Each of the first line dither matrix, the second line dither matrix, and the third line dither matrix includes threshold values that are arranged to make halftone dots grow linearly and including a plurality of n×n sub-matrices. N is set to an integer greater than 1. The first dither matrix has a first screen angle. The second dither matrix has a second screen angle that is different from the first screen angle. The third dither matrix has a third screen angle that is different from the first screen angle and the second screen angle. The creating unit is configured to create binary image data based on input image data using the single set of line dither matrices.

Abstract: A disclosed method for setting multiple tones in a halftone process upon recording an image using ink includes the steps of: dividing the image into plural dot areas; and setting the multiple tones such that at least one dot area to which the ink is not attached is present between dot areas to which the ink is attached.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a storage unit configured to store a divisor matrix including at least two kinds of divisor values, and a changing unit configured to change M (M>N) gradation image data into N (N>3) gradation image data, wherein the changing unit is configured to divide a pixel value of a target pixel of the M gradation image data by a divisor value corresponding to a pixel position of the target pixel to change the M gradation image data into the N-gradation image data.

Abstract: A printing apparatus which prints by scanning a printhead in two directions based on raster data containing multi-valued data, sequentially stores multi-valued data contained in each raster data in a print buffer in correspondence with a predetermined direction of the two directions, acquires for each raster data, identification information corresponding to the multi-valued data stored in the print buffer first and identification information corresponding to the multi-valued data stored in the print buffer lastly for each tone value based on initial values of identification information and the number of multi-valued data contained in each raster data, generates bitmap data from the multi-valued data using pattern data read out based on identification information selected based on a scanning direction of the printhead, and controls printing of the printhead based on the generated bitmap data.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for screening color separations of a lenticular image with a lenticular frequency of the lenticular lenses needed for viewing the lenticular image. An amplitude-modulated halftone image is calculated for each of the color separations at a screen angle and at a screen frequency, the tangent of the screen angle being a rational number. For a specific color separation, a screen angle relating to the direction perpendicular to the image strips of the lenticular image is defined, a pair of whole numbers whose ratio is equal to the tangent of the screen angle is determined, and the screen frequency of the color separation is calculated as the product of the lenticular frequency and the square root of the sum of the squares of the two whole numbers.

Abstract: A clustered-dot screen design method, a device to perform the clustered-dot screen design method based on human vision characteristics and printer model characteristics, and an image-forming apparatus to output binary images using designed screens. The clustered-dot screen design method based on the human vision characteristics and the printer model characteristics includes determining positions of a plurality of clustered-dot centers using a predetermined method, and designing a screen by growing specific sub-dots about the cluster centers using a predetermined algorithm according to position information of the cluster centers, the human vision characteristics, and the printer model characteristics.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dithering for multi-toning are provided. The apparatus includes a mask-pattern-generating unit that generates a mask pattern on R channel, G channel and B channel by selecting pattern values constituting the mask pattern on the channels based on randomly-determined seed values; a spatial-weight-determining unit that determines the weight for spatial dithering by using the pattern values and K-bit LSB data of the high-tone input image; and an output unit that outputs an M-bit image by applying the weight to M-bit input image data, exempting the K-bit LSB data, in a dithering apparatus for expressing an M+K bit high-tone input image in an M-bit low-tone output device.

Abstract: For a halftone representation of a grayscale data of an original image of P tones, an output resolution, a screen ruling frequency, and a screen angle are based to set a basic array of L×L pixels, where L is an integer greater than 1, and a number N of tones reproducible by the basic array is compared with P to generate a dither array using the basic array as its sub-array, such that numbers are assigned to pixels of sub-arrays by a prescribed rule, in order between the sub-arrays, starting from prescribed ones of centered and centermost pixels of the sub-arrays.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for processing FM-AM mixed halftone images on a multi-bit depth imaging apparatus, which relates to a method for producing halftone dots in the field of image hard copying. In the prior art, since it is hard to avoid the impact of the error diffusion for the output apparatus to control the mixed dots with multi-bit imaging depth based on the error diffusion, the output of the mixed dots with multi-bit imaging depth cannot satisfy requirements of the apparatus. According to the method of the present invention, the dynamic algorithm for controlling the multi-bit mixed dots is used for screening based on the existing mixed screening process using dual-feedback error diffusion. Furthermore, multi-bit halftone images with high quality and rich gradations can be output by the multi-bit depth imaging apparatus.

Abstract: The image output system of the invention collects a preset number of adjacent pixels to one pixel group to divide a number of pixels constituting an image into multiple pixel groups and specifies a pixel group tone value as a representative tone value of each pixel group. The image output system refers to a conversion table to generate dot number data of each pixel group. The conversion table stores dot number data, which represents number of dots to be created in one pixel group, in relation to a combination of a pixel group classification number allocated to each pixel group and the specified pixel group tone value of the pixel group. The image output system then refers to a priority order of pixels representing potentials of dot creation in respective pixels of one pixel group, determines the positions of dot-on pixels in each pixel group according to the generated dot number data of the pixel group, and actually creates dots according to the determined positions of the dot-on pixels.

Abstract: An image processing method involves processing image data indicative of an image represented with a prescribed number of input tones by each of pixel groups composed of a plurality of print pixels, and generating dot data representing a status of dot formation on each of the print pixels to be formed on a print medium. The method includes preparing a first conversion table and a second conversion table, determining the pixel group tone value in response to the input tone value corresponding to the pixel group, converting the determined pixel group tone value into the code values for each of the pixel groups, by referring to the first conversion table, decoding the acquired code value into the output dot arrangement for each of the pixel groups, by referring the second conversion table, and outputting the dot data in response to the output dot arrangement.

Abstract: A disclosed inkjet recording apparatus for performing recording by jetting a recording liquid onto a recording medium includes an image processing unit configured to obtain an output halftone level by performing halftone processing on input image data, to select a dot arrangement order according to the obtained output halftone level, and thereby to generate dot data where dots are arranged in a grid-like pattern. The disclosed inkjet recording apparatus is configured to use a pigmented ink as the recording liquid when the recording medium is a commercial printing paper, and to record the dots in a staggered arrangement where positions of the dots in odd/even-numbered columns or odd/even-numbered rows in the dot data are shifted in a sub-scanning direction or in a main-scanning direction.

Abstract: A method for processing video data for display on a display device having a plurality of luminous elements comprising: applying a dithering function based on single ones of said luminous elements to at least part of said video data to refine the grey scale portrayal of video pictures of said video data, computing at least one motion vector from said video data, and changing at least one of the phase, amplitude, spatial resolution and temporal resolution of said dithering function in accordance with said at least one motion vector when applying the dithering function to said video data.

Abstract: A system facilitates printing of microtext. A processing component allows a user to create one or more microtext characters, wherein the characters are output as a data packet. An SRE code store receives and associates one or more SRE codes with the data packet, each SRE code is representative of a bit pattern, wherein the bit pattern is a grid of bits that are filled to create a particular pattern. A font bank receives the one or more SRE codes from the SRE code store and defines such codes via a font. A raster image processor receives the font from the font bank, decodes the font and outputs instructions to print the microtext.

Abstract: An image processing method involves processing image data indicative of an image represented with a prescribed number of input tones by each of pixel groups composed of a plurality of print pixels, and generating dot data representing a status of dot formation on each of the print pixels to be formed on a print medium. The method includes preparing a first conversion table and a second conversion table, determining the pixel group tone value in response to the input tone value corresponding to the pixel group, converting the determined pixel group tone value into the code values for each of the pixel groups, by referring to the first conversion table, decoding the acquired code value into the output dot arrangement for each of the pixel groups, by referring to the second conversion table, and outputting the dot data in response to the output dot arrangement.

Abstract: An image data generation device is provided with: an image data acquisition unit for acquiring image data; a division unit for spatially dividing the acquired data by a plurality of matrices; a priority order setting element for setting the priority order for performing gradation conversion of picture elements that make up the image data that corresponds to each of the matrices, and sets the priority order so that the priority order becomes lower going from picture elements located in the center of the matrix toward picture elements located on the outside edges of the matrix; a gradation conversion member for performing gradation conversion of the picture elements according to the priority order; and an image data generation unit for generating image data for printing based on a dot pattern that is formed by the picture elements after the gradation conversion.

Abstract: In an image output control system of the invention, an image processing device makes image data subjected to a preset series of image processing and supplies processed image data to an image output device to output a resulting processed image. The image processing device collects a predetermined number of plural pixels among a large number of pixels constituting the image to one pixel group, specifies number of dots to be created in the pixel group, and outputs dot number data representing the specified number of dots to be created in the pixel group to the image output device. The image output device stores multiple priority orders of pixels for dot formation in each pixel group. The image output device receives the output dot number data, selects one priority order among the stored multiple priority orders, determines position of each dot-on pixel in each pixel group, and actually creates a dot at the determined position of each dot-on pixel, so as to output a resulting image.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus prints a first image data rendered at a first number of halftone levels based on a second image data rendered at a second number of halftone levels larger than the first number of halftone levels. A dot forming section forms lines of pixels on a print medium, the lines including a number of groups of sub lines of sub dots. The groups are aligned such that the sub lines of sub dots extend in traverse directions substantially perpendicular to an advance direction. A controller controls the dot forming section such that a selected number of sub dots in the advance direction are combined to form a pixel. Sub dots on the same sub line have the same exposure energy and sub dots on different sub lines in the same pixel have different exposure energies.

Abstract: A data processing apparatus uses a pattern table arranging binarizing patterns correspondingly to positions of a pixel, each of which is used for a binarization process in which an arrangement of a number of dots depending on a value of multi-valued image data corresponding to the pixel is determined, to select the binarizing pattern depending on the position of the pixel and on the value of multi-valued image data corresponding to the pixel for executing the binarization process. The pattern table corresponding to one of the values to be taken by the multi-valued image data includes a plurality of types of binarizing patterns which determine different arrangements of dots from each other. The arrangement of each of the plurality of types of binarizing patterns in the pattern table corresponding to the one value has a characteristic that the arrangement is aperiodic and that low frequency components are fewer than high frequency components.

Abstract: A disclosed dither matrix is used in halftone processing for converting input image data having M input halftone levels into output image data having N (M>N>2) output halftone levels. In the halftone processing, a concentration type dither matrix is used as the dither matrix when an input halftone level is within a range of input halftone levels corresponding to an output halftone level that is lower than a predetermined threshold level T (N>T>1), and a dispersion type dither matrix is used as the dither matrix when the input halftone level is within a range of input halftone levels corresponding to an output halftone level that is equal to or higher than the predetermined threshold level T.

Abstract: An image processing method involves processing image data indicative of an image represented with a prescribed number of input tones by each of pixel groups composed of a plurality of print pixels, and generating dot data representing a status of dot formation on each of the print pixels to be formed on a print medium. The method includes preparing a first conversion table and a second conversion table, determining the pixel group tone value in response to the input tone value corresponding to the pixel group, converting the determined pixel group tone value into the code values for each of the pixel groups, by referring to the first conversion table, decoding the acquired code value into the output dot arrangement for each of the pixel groups, by referring to the second conversion table, and outputting the dot data in response to the output dot arrangement.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment reproduces an image by receiving an input contone array of M contone data values. The contone data values may lie within a range from 1 to N. The embodiment includes comparing each contone data value to an array of M sets of pattern look-up tables to generate an array of M pattern values. M may be a number of one or more. Each pattern value in the array of M pattern values may be decoded to a corresponding K by L multi-pixel pattern of binary data. The binary data is rendered by a reprographic device.

Abstract: An image information acquisition unit obtains first print image information that is binarized with the use of a first threshold matrix. A threshold matrix information acquisition unit obtains information representing the first threshold matrix. A determining unit divides the first print image information obtained by the image information acquisition unit into a plurality of portions, and determines whether each of the divided portions includes contour information, based on the first threshold matrix obtained by the threshold matrix information acquisition unit. A generating unit generates second print image information by performing a re-binarizing operation for each of the divided portions of the first print image information with the use of a second threshold matrix that is different from the first threshold matrix, based on the determination result of the determining unit.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of generating a dither matrix that stores each of a plurality of threshold values in each of elements for determining a status of dot formation of each print pixel of a print image to be produced on a printing medium by carrying out halftone processing on image data.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for selectively dithering only a subset of a digital image. One or more ranges of digits are selected for dithering. Only those pixels having digits within the selected range(s) in the digital image are dithered. The image is printed after being selectively dithered. Digits may be selected for dithering if they have values within the range(s) of one or more non-monotonic regions of a printer transfer function. Dithering may be performed on the subset of the digital image by applying a nonlinear transformation is applied to the image and adding a dither pattern to the transformed image. The result is quantized, and the inverse of the nonlinear transformation is applied to the quantized image to produce a dithered image. The nonlinear transformation is constructed such that the effects of the dither pattern appear only in that subset of the image having digits in the selected range(s).

Abstract: The image output system of the invention collects a preset number of adjacent pixels to one pixel group to divide a number of pixels constituting an image into multiple pixel groups and specifies a pixel group tone value as a representative tone value of each pixel group. The image output system refers to a conversion table to generate dot number data of each pixel group. The conversion table stores dot number data, which represents number of dots to be created in one pixel group, in relation to a combination of a pixel group classification number allocated to each pixel group and the specified pixel group tone value of the pixel group. The image output system then refers to a priority order of pixels representing potentials of dot creation in respective pixels of one pixel group, determines the positions of dot-on pixels in each pixel group according to the generated dot number data of the pixel group, and actually creates dots according to the determined positions of the dot-on pixels.

Abstract: In an image processing apparatus that performs a dither processing using a dither matrix based on the result of determination of the segmentation class to which the pixel to be processed belongs, to perform the dither processing, any of a plurality of pairs of threshold values is selected according to the result of determination of the segmentation class, and the selected pair of threshold values are compared with the value of the pixel to be processed, which are set so that in correspondence with each position of a dither matrix of a same configuration and a same size, a different dither processing is performed according to the result of determination of the segmentation class on part of the dither matrix and a same dither processing is performed irrespective of the result of determination of the segmentation class on the remainder of the dither matrix.

Abstract: Selecting a corresponding procedure of dithering according to a general pattern of gray levels of sub-pixels of each color of an input image. This will enable the input image to be displayed on a display with a lower bit depth.

Abstract: Setting of growing directions of dots in a dither matrix is facilitated. During defining of the growing directions of the dots corresponding to cells in the dither matrix, a target cell in the dither matrix is defined. When the growing directions of the dots in cells located within a range of one cell from the target cell are not set, the target cell is set as a reference point. When the growing direction of the dot in the cell located at the immediate left or the immediate right of the target cell is set, the growing direction of the dot in the target cell is set based on setting states of the growing directions of the dots in the cells located at the immediate left and the immediate right of the target cell and the reference point.