An image process comprising inputting image data, performing block selection
of
objects in the input image data, discriminating whether each block of the input
image data is character or non-character image data, detecting a feature of each
block of the character data without utilizing edge portions of the character data,
performing an image process on each block of the character data based on the detected
feature of the character data, and performing an image process on the non-character
image data, and outputting the processed image data. The detected feature of the
character data may be a foreground or background color of the character data. The
block selection detects edge portions of the character data and utilizes portions
of the character data internal to the edge portions in detecting the feature of
the character data. The foreground color detection process may comprise converting
input color component values of the character data to color space values, determining
an average color space value from the converted color space values, comparing the
average color space value to a threshold value, and determining whether or not
the character data is black based on the comparison result. Additionally, the input
step may comprise selecting a processing mode of the image data based on a type
of image being input, wherein each block of the input image data is discriminated
based on the selected processing mode. The processing mode may include one of a
text mode, a photo/illustration mode, a magazine mode and a mixed document mode.
