JPS645849A - Color recording method - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To avoid recording of a three-color overlap in the case where signals for overlapped three colors are inputted for recording, by changing the signal patterns of picture elements for the three colors or by replacing part of the picture elements with binary-coded signals for black. CONSTITUTION:An arithmetic unit 8 inputs three-color binary-coded signals for NXM picture element units, counts the number D of elements where three colors overlap and the number F of elements where two colors overlap, with respect to each picture element unit, and changes the position of the three-color signals or produces signals for black, with respect to each picture element unit, according to the expression: D<=(NXM-F)/2. If each signal is recorded as it is, this results in the recording pattern as designated by numeral 104, in which the number D of the elements where three colors overlap is two and the number F of the elements where two colors overlap is three, satisfying the above expression. In this case, the three-color overlaps can be avoided by, for example, replacing the signal pattern 101 for cyan with that of 105. Where there are many three-color and two-color overlaps, since the above expression cannot be satisfied, signals for black are generated according to the expression: D'=D-[(NXM-F)/2]+1, wherein D' is the number of signals for black.