JPH08186708A - Picture magnification device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To reduce the degradation of picture quality accompanying the magnification of pictures and to simplify a processing therefor. CONSTITUTION: A work RAM 308 is provided with picture areas A and B for storing picture data and the picture data equivalent to one screen transferred from a VDP 302 are stored in the picture area A. A CPU 301 magnifies the picture data stored in the picture area A by a magnification power set beforehand, stores the magnified picture data in the picture area B and then, performs correction for smoothing to the magnified picture data in the picture area B while referring to the picture data in the picture area A. The CPU 301 magnifies the picture data to the magnification power desired by a user by repeating the magnification and correction while alternately changing the area where the picture data of a magnification origin are stored.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a technique for enlarging an image, and more particularly to a technique for reducing deterioration of image quality due to enlargement.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art The most basic image enlargement method adopted in a general image enlargement apparatus is to enlarge an original image as an enlargement source simply according to a designated enlargement ratio. This method is widely used in image enlarging devices. By this enlargement method, for example, one dot (pixel) in the original image is arranged in a square shape of n × n (where n is a positive real number) in the enlarged image.

On the other hand, as an image display system, there is, for example, a bitmap system. In this bitmap method, one dot on the image is uniquely associated with a location on the memory where pixel data indicating the state of the one dot is stored, and each point (dot) on the image is mapped according to the data read from this memory. To express.

An image displayed by the bitmap method is drawn with a finite resolution. On the screen, etc., the dots are regularly arranged in the horizontal and vertical methods, so as the resolution (dot density) decreases, the area (region boundary) where the areas where the dot (pixel) states such as color and brightness are different are in contact with each other. Since the smoothness is lost and the image quality is deteriorated, it becomes difficult to see the image, and it becomes difficult to recognize the image (horizontal lines and vertical lines are different). However, even if the dot density is high, when the image is enlarged, one dot in the original image is displayed as a large number of square dots, such as n × n, so that it seems that the dot density is actually reduced. The problem of occurs.

In order to improve the image quality which is deteriorated as the image is enlarged, each manufacturer develops a unique enlargement method.
However, in order to improve the image quality of the enlarged image, the image is usually not a simple one represented by a combination of straight lines and it has to correspond to various enlargement magnifications desired by the user. The contents of the process are complicated, and it takes a huge amount of time and cost to develop a program for performing the process. Further, even if the resolution is low, the number of dots may be large, and the time required for the processing is long. Therefore, it has been desired that the program can be easily developed and the processing can be performed at high speed.

An object of the present invention is to reduce the deterioration of the image quality due to the enlargement of the image and to simplify the processing therefor.

[0007]

An image enlarging device of the present invention reads out and enlarges two storage means for storing image data and image data of an enlargement source stored in one storage means of the two storage means. And an image enlargement unit for storing the enlarged image data in the other storage unit, and further, based on the image data of the enlargement source stored in the one storage unit, the enlarged image stored in the other storage unit. Smoothing means for correcting the image data and smoothing the shape of the image represented by the enlarged image data.

In the above arrangement, the image enlarging means enlarges the image data to the enlargement magnification set by the setting means by repeating the enlargement of the image data in accordance with a preset basic enlargement magnification, and smoothing one of them. It is desirable that the converting unit corrects the enlarged image data generated by the enlargement every time the image enlarging unit enlarges the image data.

Further, the smoothing means detects an area boundary having a step of 1 dot existing in the image represented by the image data of the enlargement source stored in one of the storage means, and detects the detected area boundary. It is desirable to correct the data of the portion corresponding to the area boundary of the enlarged image data stored in the other storage means based on the shape. Further, it is preferable that the smoothing means detects the shape of the area boundary of the image represented by the image data of the enlargement source stored in one of the storage means by comparing it with a predetermined pattern.

According to the present invention, on the image represented by the image data of the enlargement source, a portion in which dots of the same state are formed side by side in a crossing direction of the direction in which the step of one dot is formed as a boundary The area boundary is defined as a terrace, and one terrace with the step as a boundary is defined as a first terrace, and the other terrace is defined as a second terrace.

When the smoothing means detects a region boundary having a terrace on the image represented by the image data of the enlargement source, for example, R1 = (3.L1 + L2 + 8) / 16 R2 = depending on the length of the terrace. (3 · L2 + L1 + 8) / 16 or R1 = (L1 + L2 + 4) / 8 R2 = (L1 + L2 + 4) / 8 where L1: the length of the first terrace on the enlarged image L2: the second on the enlarged image Length of the terrace of R1: Length to be corrected for the first terrace on the magnified image R2: Length to be corrected for the second terrace on the magnified image Select one of and select It is desirable to smooth the level difference on the image represented by the enlarged image data by making a correction based on the values of R1 and R2 calculated by the above.

Further, when the minimum unit data constituting the image data is represented by a plurality of bits, the smoothing means detects the area boundary by using a preset number of upper bits of the bits as effective bits. Is desirable. As a result, the present invention can be widely applied to an image having a gradient in color or brightness. At this time, the value of the smallest unit of data (the number of bits required to represent that value) is usually different for each area, so, for example, this valid bit is the highest value of the smallest unit of data to be compared. The upper bits may be changed.

[0013]

The image enlarging apparatus of the present invention detects the shape of the area boundary on the image represented by the image data while referring to the original image data, and expands based on the detected area boundary shape. Make corrections to the image data for smoothing.

Since it is usually impossible to consider a step consciously provided on the original image for enlargement, which is related to the dot density of the display screen for outputting the image, by referring to the original image data for enlargement, It is possible to easily detect the portion of the image data to be corrected. Further, the detection of the area boundary to be corrected is easy because, when a pattern of the area boundary is prepared in advance, the shape of the area boundary detected from the image data of the enlargement source may be compared with the pattern. Further, the image enlarging apparatus of the present invention presets a magnification (basic enlargement magnification) for enlarging the image data, and repeats enlargement by the set basic enlargement magnification so that the image data has a desired magnification set by the user. Each time the image data is enlarged, the enlarged image data is corrected.

As a result, it is possible to deal with various enlargement magnifications desired by the user only by presetting the contents of the correction processing according to the basic enlargement magnification and the shape of the pattern thereof. Is simplified.

[0016]

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings. <External View of Embodiment> FIG. 1 is an external view of an embodiment of the present invention, which is implemented as a portrait creation device with a printer.

On the housing of this apparatus, a cassette unit 101 into which a paper cassette is inserted, a cassette eject button 102 for taking out the paper cassette, an audio output terminal 103, a video output terminal 104, and a print density adjusting unit. Print density control 105, paper cutter 106 for cutting printed paper, power switch 107
And a control pad 313 described later with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.
Also, a printer unit 312 and the like are provided. <External View of Control Pad> FIG. 2 is an external view of the control pad 313 shown in FIG. A SEL switch 201, an ENTER switch 202, and up / down / left / right switches 203 to 206 are provided on the control pad 313. <Overall Configuration of Circuit of Embodiment> FIG. 3 is an overall configuration diagram of a circuit of an embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
It is configured inside the housing shown in.

VDP (Video Display Processor)
Reference numeral 302 controls image processing regarding sprites (objects), backgrounds, and the like. SRAM (static RAM) 303 is a sprite (object)
And background image data. DP-
A RAM 304 (dual port RAM) 304 stores bitmap image data. The SRAM 303 and the DP-RAM 304 are accessed from the VDP 302.

The sound source processing circuit 305 generates sound data of a musical sound that is sounded together with an image. Sound ram
Reference numeral 306 stores the musical tone waveform data processed by the sound source processing circuit 305 and their control data.

The program / data ROM 307 is a CP
The program executed by U301 and various data used in the program are stored. CPU301
Controls the VDP 302 and the sound source processing circuit 305 according to this program while using the work RAM 308.

The encoder 309 converts the RGB analog video signal sent from the VDP 302 into a TV standard video signal (NTSC signal). D / A converter 310
Converts the digital sound data sent from the sound source processing circuit 305 into an analog sound signal.

The television 311 reproduces a video signal output from the encoder 309 via the video output terminal 104 in FIG. 1 and a sound signal output from the D / A converter 310 via the audio output terminal 103 in FIG. To do.

The printer unit 312 prints the image displayed on the television 311. Control pad 313
Has the appearance shown in FIG. 2 and allows the user to perform various operations. <Structure of VDP 302> FIG. 4 shows the VDP shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of 302.

The VDP 302 controls the screen display on the television 311 (FIG. 3) of the sprite (object) that mainly represents a moving character and the background and bitmap that represent the background during a game.

The CPU interface unit 401 controls the interface during data transfer with the CPU 301 shown in FIG. The SRAM interface unit 402 is
The object generator unit 404 or the background generator unit 405 described later is the SRAM 30 of FIG.
3 controls the interface for accessing the image data of the sprite (object) or the background (background) stored in 3.

The DP-RAM interface section 403 is
The video signal generator unit 414, which will be described later, uses the DP shown in FIG.
Control the interface when accessing the image data of the bitmap stored in the RAM 304.

The object generator section 404, the background generator section 405, and the video signal generator section 414 are arranged in each horizontal period (see FIG.
3), the SRAM 303 or the DP-RAM of FIG.
From 304, the next horizontal display period (see FIG. 10 described later)
The color code of the sprite (object), background, or bitmap arranged at the display coordinates corresponding to each dot display timing inside is read and stored in the respective internal buffers.

In addition, the object attribute memory unit 407 uses the object generator unit 404 as an SR.
The display coordinates corresponding to the timing when the sprite (object) is read from the AM 303 via the SRAM interface unit 402 are stored.

The priority controller section 408 is
The object generator unit 404 and the background generator unit 40 for each dot in each horizontal display period.
5 or one of the color codes read by the video signal generator unit 414 is selected and output according to a predetermined priority (priority order).

The color look-up table section 409
The color code output from the priority controller unit 408 is converted into digital data of R (red), G (green), and B (blue) and output.

The RGB D / A converter 410 converts the RGB digital data output from the priority controller 408 into an RGB analog video signal and outputs it. The oscillator unit 411 generates various clocks required for the VDP 302.

The horizontal / vertical sync counter unit 412 is for generating a horizontal sync counter value (horizontal sync signal) and a vertical sync counter value (vertical sync signal) required for image display in accordance with the clock output from the oscillator unit 411. It is a counter circuit.

The decoder unit 413 decodes the horizontal synchronization counter value and the vertical synchronization counter value from the counter value output by the horizontal / vertical synchronization counter unit 412, and the VDP 30
Supply to each block in 2.

The video signal generator unit 414 generates a video signal required by the encoder 309 of FIG. 3 from the horizontal synchronization counter value and the vertical synchronization counter value output from the decoder unit 413, and supplies it to the encoder 309.

The RGB buffer unit 415 stores the RGB digital data output from the color lookup table unit 409 for one line (256 dots) of the display screen on the television 311 in FIG. <Operation of VDP 302> VDP 30 having the above configuration
The general operation of No. 2 will be described.

First, in this embodiment, the display screen is
As shown in FIG. 5, eight virtual display surfaces are defined as overlapping. These display surfaces are a background A surface (BG-A surface), a bitmap B2 surface (BM-B2 surface), and a bitmap B1 from the back to the front.
Surface (BM-B1 surface), object A surface (OBJ-A)
Surface), bitmap A2 surface (BM-A2 surface), bitmap A1 surface (BM-A1 surface), object B surface (OB
J-B surface) and background B surface (BG-B surface)
Are arranged in this order. The image assigned to the display surface in the front has a higher display priority, and the image assigned to the display surface in the back is hidden and displayed.

FIG. 6 shows the type (part) of image data assigned to each display surface, the number of bits of the color code assigned to each dot, and the display size (the number of dots in the X and Y directions).

BG-A surface, BG-B surface, OBJ-A surface,
The image data forming the current display screen of the OBJ-B plane is stored in the SRAM 303 shown in FIG. 3 in the data format shown in FIG. These image data are stored in the CPU 301 shown in FIG. 3 from the program / data ROM 307 to the CPU interface unit 4 in FIG.
01, address bus 416, data bus 417, and S
SRAM 303 via the RAM interface unit 402
To be stored.

BM-A1 surface, BM-A2 surface, BM
The image data forming the current display screen of the −B1 surface and the BM-B2 surface is stored in the DP-RAM 304 shown in FIG. 3 in the data format shown in FIG.
These image data are also stored in the CPU 301 shown in FIG.
From the program / data ROM 307 to the CPU of FIG.
Interface unit 401, address bus 416, data bus 417, and DP-RAM interface unit 403
To the SRAM 303 via.

The object generator section 404 and the background generator section 405 access the SRAM interface section 402 at each time-divided timing within each horizontal period. In this access, the object generator unit 404 causes the SRAM 3 of FIG.
03, the display coordinates on the OBJ-A surface corresponding to the display timing of each dot in the next horizontal display period and OBJ-
The color codes of the sprites (objects) arranged at the display coordinates on the B surface are read out and stored in the line buffers corresponding to the display surfaces in the object generator unit 404, respectively. Similarly, the background generator unit 405 uses the SRAM 303 of FIG.
The color code of the background arranged at the display coordinates on the BG-A surface and the display coordinates on the BG-B surface corresponding to the display timing of each dot in the next horizontal display period is read out, and the background generator unit 405 is read. In the line buffers corresponding to the above-mentioned respective display surfaces.

In the above operation, the CPU 30 of FIG.
1 to the object attribute memory unit 407 via the CPU interface unit 401, the address bus 416, and the data bus 417 of FIG. 4, and the SRAM 3 of FIG.
In FIG. 9, the arrangement coordinates when a maximum of 128 sprites (objects) stored in 03 in the data format shown in FIG. 7 are arranged on the OBJ-A surface or OBJ-B surface are shown in FIG. Store in the format. Then, the object generator unit 404 calculates the read timing corresponding to the arrangement coordinates of each sprite (object) stored in the object attribute memory unit 407, and each sprite (object) is calculated at the calculated timing. Object) is read from the SRAM 303 and stored in the line buffer.

On the other hand, the video signal generator section 414
Accesses the DP-RAM interface unit 403 at each time-divided timing within each horizontal period, independently of the access operations of the object generator unit 404 and the background generator unit 405 described above. In this access, the background generator unit 405, from the DP-RAM 304 in FIG. 3, displays the coordinates on the BM-A1 surface corresponding to the display timing of each dot in the next horizontal display period and the display on the BM-A2 surface. The color codes of the bitmaps respectively arranged at the coordinates, the display coordinates on the BM-B1 surface, and the display coordinates on the BM-B2 surface are read out and stored in the line buffer corresponding to each of the display surfaces in the video signal generator unit 414. Store each.

As described above, for each horizontal period, the next one line of sprites (objects) respectively arranged on the OBJ-A plane and the OBJ-B plane in the two line buffers in the object generator section 404. ) Color code is obtained, and the background generator unit 40
BG-A plane and BG-B in two line buffers in
The background color code for the next one line arranged on each surface is obtained, and the video signal generator unit 4
BM-A1 surface, BM-in four line buffers in 14
The color code of the bitmap for the next one line arranged on the A2 plane, the BM-B1 plane, and the BM-B2 plane can be obtained.

The CPU 301 of FIG. 3 sets whether or not each display surface shown in FIG. 5 is used in the display control register (not shown) in the VDP 302 having the data format shown in FIG. . The object generator unit 404, the background generator unit 405, and the video signal generator unit 414 of FIG.
Refers to the contents of this display control register to SR the image data (color code) corresponding to each display surface.
It is determined whether to read from the AM 303 or the DP-RAM 304.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the screen display timing. The period in which the horizontal synchronization counter value output from the decoder unit 413 of FIG. 4 changes from 000h to 2FFh (“h” indicates a hexadecimal number) is one horizontal period, of which the horizontal synchronization of 256 counts of 000h to 0FFh. The period corresponding to the counter value is the horizontal display period for one line of 256 dots, and the period corresponding to the other horizontal synchronization counter values is the horizontal blank period. The vertical synchronization counter value output from the decoder unit 413 is 000h.
The period that changes from 1FFh to 1FFh is one vertical period, and this is the display period for one screen on the television 311 in FIG.
Then, a period corresponding to a vertical synchronization counter value of 224 counts of 000h to 0DFh is a vertical display period of 224 lines in the vertical direction, and a period corresponding to other vertical synchronization counter values is a vertical blank period.

From the color look-up table unit 409 to the RGB D / A conversion unit 410, one set of RGB data is output each time the horizontal synchronization counter value is counted up.

Further, the CPU 301 shown in FIG.
03, DP-RAM 304, or object attribute memory unit 407 (FIG. 4) is set, for example, within each vertical blank period, whereby the display screen can be changed moment by moment.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of the RGB buffer section 415 shown in FIG. First, the CPU 301 in FIG. 3 sets a CPU line designation value 1212 for designating a line position in the screen currently displayed on the television 311 in the line designation value register 1213 via the CPU interface unit 401 in FIG. After that, CPU3 of FIG.
The storage start signal 1203 is notified from 01 to the address control unit 1202 via the CPU interface unit 401 in FIG.

The address control unit 1202 is the CPU of FIG.
After receiving the storage start signal 1203 from 301 via the CPU interface unit 401 of FIG. 4, the CPU line designation value 1 set in the line designation value register 1213
212 and a coincidence signal 1 indicating that the vertical synchronization counter value 1211 output from the decoder unit 413 in FIG. 4 coincides.
At the timing when 215 is output from the comparator 1214,
The memory address 1206 corresponding to the horizontal synchronization counter value 1204 output from the decoder unit 413 in FIG. 4 and a pulse of a read / write signal 1207 instructing writing are sequentially generated and supplied to the RGB line memory unit 1201.
As a result, the input RGB data 1205 for one line (256 dots) corresponding to the CPU line designation value 1212 input from the color lookup table unit 409 is written in the RGB line memory unit 1201.

FIG. 13 shows a horizontal sync counter value 1204 ((a)) for one line and input RGB data 1205.
((B)), the memory address 1206 ((c)), and the timing of the read / write signal 1207 ((d)) are shown.

The CPU 301 of FIG.
When the storage end signal 1208 is received from 202 via the CPU interface unit 401 in FIG. 4, the CPU address 1209 is transferred from the CPU interface unit 401 in FIG. 4 via the address bus 416 to the address control unit 1202.
Supply to. The address control unit 1202 uses the CPU address 1209 as the memory address 1206 as it is for R
The pulses are sequentially supplied to the GB line memory unit 1201 and the pulses of the read / write signal 1207 instructing reading are sequentially supplied to the RGB line memory unit 1201. As a result, the CPU from the RGB line memory unit 1201 to the work RAM 308 of FIG. 3 via the data bus 417 of FIG.
Output RG for one line corresponding to the specified line value 1212
B data 1210 is output. The output RGB data 1210 is stored in the storage area corresponding to the CPU line designation value 1212 in the original image area in the work RAM 308 of FIG.

The CPU 301 executes the above-mentioned series of operations by C
By repeating the PU line designation value 1212 while sequentially designating, the output RGB data 1210 for one screen displayed on the television 311 is transferred from the VDP 302 to the original image area in the work RAM 308.

Thereafter, the CPU 301 causes the work RAM 30
1 field output RGB data transferred to 8
By executing the print processing to be described later on 10,
The same image as the image displayed on the television 311 is printed on the printer unit 312 with high quality. In this case, it is possible to specify a predetermined enlargement factor as described later. <Detailed Operation of CPU 301> Regarding the operation of the CPU 301 of FIG. 3, along with the operation flowcharts shown in FIGS. 14 to 35 and FIGS. 52 to 88, and the explanatory diagrams of FIGS. 36 to 51 and 89 to 98, The details will be described. Each operation flowchart is realized as an operation in which the CPU 301 executes the control program stored in the program / data ROM 307. Transition Relationships of Display Screens FIG. 14 is a diagram showing transition relationships of display screens on the television 311 of FIG.

When the power of the system is turned on, a mode selection screen is displayed (step 1401). In the mode screen, mode 1 and mode 2 can be selected. When mode 1 is selected on the mode selection screen, a questionnaire screen is displayed (step 140).
2). The questionnaire screen is a screen for allowing the user to determine the outline of the portrait to be created when creating a new portrait.

When the mode 2 is selected on the mode selection screen, the file operation screen is displayed (step 1403). The file operation screen displays the portrait data in Figure 3.
Battery-backed work RA shown in
This is a screen for loading from M308.

When the user finishes the operation on the questionnaire screen or the file operation screen, the screen is changed to the portrait creation mode screen (step 1404). This mode is a mode for allowing the user to perform an operation of creating a portrait. If the operation on the file operation screen is canceled, the screen returns to the mode selection screen (step 1403).
→ 1401).

When the user finishes the operation on the basic system screen described later in the portrait creation mode, the display returns to the mode selection screen (step 1404 → 1401).
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a transition relationship of display screens in the portrait creation mode.

The basic screen in the portrait creation mode is the basic system screen (step 1501). When the user selects a file save operation on the basic system screen, the screen shifts to a character input screen for prompting the user to input a file name (step 1502). When the user finishes inputting the file name, the work R
The screen moves to the file operation screen for selecting the storage location of the file on the AM 308 (step 1503). When the user finishes selecting the file storage location and saving the file, the display returns to the basic system screen (step 1502 → 1501).

When the user selects the balloon operation on the basic system screen, the screen shifts to a character input screen for allowing the user to input the balloon to the balloon (step 1504). When the input operation of the dialogue to the balloon is completed by the user, the display returns to the basic system screen (step 1504 → 1501). Overall Operation Flow FIG. 16 is an overall operation flowchart executed by the CPU 301.

When the system is powered on, a mode selection screen is displayed (step 1601). Specifically, the CPU 301 shown in FIG. 3 executes the program / data R during the vertical blank period (see FIG. 11), for example.
From the OM 307 to the CPU interface unit 40 of FIG.
1, address bus 416, data bus 417, and SR
The background image data for the mode selection screen is transferred to the storage areas of the BG-A surface and the BG-B surface of the SRAM 303 shown in FIG. 7 via the AM interface unit 402. As a result, the VD having the configuration shown in FIG.
The P302 displays the image data for the mode selection screen transferred to the storage areas of the BG-A surface and the BG-B surface on the SRAM 303 as described above on the television 311 in FIG. On the mode selection screen, although not particularly shown, a selection area for selecting the mode 1 and the mode 2 is displayed. When the mode selection screen is first displayed, for example, the selection area of mode 1 is highlighted. Also,
On the mode selection screen, a balloon as shown in FIG. 44 is also displayed.

When steps 1601 to 1606 in FIG. 16 are repeated, the type of the switch turned ON by the user on the control pad 313 in FIG. 2 or 3 and the display of the mode selection screen corresponding to the turned ON switch are changed. Done.

When the user turns on the SEL switch 201 or the upper switch (SW) 203 in FIG. 2, step 16
The determination of 02 is YES, and in step 1603, the mode number (#) set in a register (not shown) is incremented from 1 to 2. If the mode number is already 2, the number does not change. As a result, the next time step 1601 is executed, the mode selection screen in which the selection area of mode 2 is highlighted is displayed.

When the user turns on the lower switch 204 in FIG. 2, the determination in step 1604 becomes YES, and in step 1605, the mode number (#) set in a register (not shown) is decremented from 2 to 1. If the mode number is already 1, the number does not change. As a result, the next time step 1601 is executed, the mode selection screen in which the selection area of mode 1 is highlighted is displayed.

The user selects the ENTER switch 202 shown in FIG.
When is turned on, the determination in step 1606 becomes YES. As a result, in step 1607, the current mode number set in a register (not shown) is determined.

If it is determined that the current mode number is 1, the questionnaire screen process is executed in step 1608. On the other hand, when it is determined that the current mode number is 2, the process of the file operation screen for loading the file is executed in step 1609.

A questionnaire screen displayed on the television 311 by the user in step 1608 or step 160
When the file operation screen displayed on the television 311 in 9 is terminated, the processing in the portrait creation mode is executed in step 1610. When the user cancels the operation on the file operation screen, the display returns to the mode selection screen (step 1609 → 1601). User steps 161
When the basic system screen which is the basic display screen of the portrait creation mode displayed on the television 311 at 0 is terminated, the process returns to step 1601. Process Flow of Questionnaire Screen FIGS. 17 and 18 are operation flowcharts showing the process of the questionnaire screen executed as step 1608 of FIG. On the questionnaire screen, the user can determine the outline of the caricature to be newly created.

When steps 1701 to 1712 in FIG. 17 are repeated, the type of the switch turned ON by the user on the control pad 313 in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3 is determined, and the display of the questionnaire screen corresponding to the turned ON switch is changed. Be seen.

First, in step 1701, a questionnaire screen is displayed. Specifically, the CPU 3 shown in FIG.
01 indicates the CP of FIG. 4 from the program / data ROM 307 in the vertical blank period (see FIG. 11).
The BG-A side and the B side of the SRAM 303 shown in FIG. 7 via the U interface unit 401, the address bus 416, the data bus 417, and the SRAM interface unit 402.
The background image data for the questionnaire screen and the object image data are transferred to the respective storage areas of the GB plane and the OBJ-B plane. As a result, the VDP 302 having the configuration shown in FIG.
The image data for the questionnaire screen transferred to each storage area on the M303 is displayed on the television 311 in FIG.

As the questionnaire screen, as shown in FIG. 36, a selection answer display for each question number from # 0 to # 3 (including a picture for answer selection in question number 1) and an end display of "End" are displayed. A confirmation answer display including "yes" and "no" displays, and a helper consisting of a balloon and a doll picture for instructing the currently selected display are displayed. In the initial state, the helper instructs to display the selected answer of question number 0. The helper is the SRAM 303 by the CPU 301.
It is displayed by the object image data transferred to the storage area of the OBJ-B surface of the. Further, at the above-mentioned designated position of the helper, the CPU 301 sets the program / data RO
From M307, the CPU interface unit 401 of FIG.
It is controlled by transferring appropriate coordinate data to the object attribute memory unit 407 via the address bus 416 and the data bus 417, and referring to this data by the object generator unit 404. In addition,
The confirmation answer display of FIG. 36 is not displayed in the initial state.

When the user turns on the SEL switch 201 or the lower switch (SW) 204 of FIG. 2, step 17
The determination of 02 is YES, and in step 1703, the question number (#) set in a register (not shown) is incremented by +1. As a result, when step 1701 is executed next time, the designated position of the helper moves from the position of the selected answer display of question number 0 to the position of the selected answer display of question number 1. This operation is performed by the CPU
301 is realized as an operation of transferring the coordinate data corresponding to each of the designated positions to the object attribute memory unit 407 of FIG. User selects SEL switch 20
Each time 1 or the lower switch 204 is turned ON and the question number is incremented, the position indicated by the helper is as shown in FIG.
7 → FIG. 38 → changes in the order shown in FIG. 39. Along with this, the display contents of the balloon are also shown in the above figures or (b) of FIG. 45.
It changes as shown in ~ (d). This operation is performed by the CPU
301 is the OB of the SRAM 303 via the VDP 302
This is realized as an operation of transferring the object image data corresponding to each display to the storage area on the JB side.

Contrary to the above, every time the user turns on the upper switch 203 in FIG. 2, the determination in step 1704 is YES.
In step 1705, the question number (#) set in the register (not shown) is decremented by -1 in step S1705. As a result, when step 1701 is executed, the designated position of the helper is as shown in FIG.
It changes in the order shown in FIG. 37 → FIG. 36.

When the user turns on the right switch 206 or the left switch 205 in FIG. 2, steps 1706 or 17 are executed.
The determination of step 08 is YES, and step 1707 or 17
At 09, the selection answer display is switched and displayed while moving forward or backward in the selection answer display group prepared in advance corresponding to the question number set in the register (not shown). It This operation is performed by the CPU 30
1 is the BG-A of the SRAM 303 via the VDP 302.
This is realized as an operation of transferring the background image data corresponding to the selection answer display to the storage area of the screen or the BG-B surface.

If the value of the question number is not 4, the determination in step 1710 is NO, so in step 1711 the confirmation answer display (see FIG. 36 etc.) is erased.

The user turns on the SEL switch 201 or the lower switch 204 shown in FIG.
When the question number set in the register (not shown) is incremented in 03, and the value of the question number becomes 4, the determination in step 1710 becomes YES and the ENTER switch 202 in FIG. 2 is turned on. If not, after the determination in step 1712 is NO, in step 1701, the end display of "end" is highlighted. This operation is realized as an operation in which the CPU 301 transfers the background image data corresponding to the highlight end display to the storage area of the BG-A surface or the BG-B surface of the SRAM 303 via the VDP 302.

Particularly, when the value of the question number set in the register (not shown) becomes 4 and the end display is highlighted, the user turns on the ENTER switch 202 in FIG.
Then, the determination in step 1712 is YES. As a result, in step 1713 of FIG. 18, the confirmation answer display including the display of "Yes" and "No" is displayed. In the initial state, “Yes” is highlighted. This operation is performed by the CPU 301 through the VDP 302 to the SRAM 3
This is realized as an operation of transferring the background image data corresponding to the confirmation answer display to the storage area of the BG-A surface or the BG-B surface of 03.

The user's “yes” or “no” selection operation and confirmation operation after the confirmation answer display is displayed are detected in the repetition of steps 1714 to 1718 following step 1713.

That is, after the confirmation answer display is displayed, the user turns on the right switch 206 or the left switch 205 in FIG.
Then, the determination in step 1714 or 1716 is YES.
Then, in step 1715 or 1716, the display of only “Yes” or “No” is highlighted. These operations are realized as an operation in which the CPU 301 transfers the background image data corresponding to each display described above to the storage area of the BG-A surface or the BG-B surface of the SRAM 303 via the VDP 302. Information indicating which of "Yes" and "No" is currently highlighted is set in a register (not shown).

When the user turns on the ENTER switch 202 in FIG. 2 while the confirmation answer display is displayed, the determination in step 1718 is YES, and step 1719
Is executed.

In step 1719, by referring to the register, it is determined whether "yes" or "no" is currently highlighted. If it is determined in step 1719 that “No” is highlighted, the confirmation answer display is deleted in step 1720, and the process returns to step 1701 in FIG.
The helper returns to the initial display of the questionnaire screen instructing to display the selected answer of question number 0. The contents of the register that stores the question number are also reset to 0.

If it is determined in step 1719 that "Yes" is highlighted, then in step 1721,
The CPU 301 stores, from the program / data ROM 307, the image data of the portrait corresponding to the selected answer display currently displayed on the questionnaire screen corresponding to each question number of # 0 to # 3, the CPU interface unit 401 of FIG. The SRAM 303 or the DP-RAM 30 via the address bus 416, the data bus 417, and the SRAM interface unit 402 or the DP-RAM interface unit 403.
4 is loaded into each storage area shown in FIG. 7 or FIG. Further, the CPU 301 is a program / data ROM
SRAM3 from 307 to the object attribute memory unit 407 via the CPU interface unit 401, address bus 416, and data bus 417 of FIG.
The coordinate data of each object transferred to 03 is transferred (see FIG. 9).

After that, the processing shifts to the processing of the basic system screen (step 1722). Steps 1721 to 172
The shift to 2 is performed from steps 1402 to 1404 in FIG.
This corresponds to the shift to (step 1501 in FIG. 15) or the shift from step 1608 to 1610 in FIG. Processing Flow of File Operation Screen (Load) FIGS. 19 to 21 are operation flowcharts showing the processing of the file operation screen executed as step 1609 of FIG. 16 or as a part of the processing of step 1610.
On the file operation screen, the user can load the saved portrait image data file or save the created portrait image data as a file. Here, the loading process will be described.

As described above, when the mode 2 is selected on the mode selection screen, the operation flowchart of the process on the file operation screen of FIGS. 19 to 21 is executed as step 1403 of FIG. 14 or step 1609 of FIG. To be done. On this file operation screen, an operation for loading the portrait data from the battery-backed work RAM 308 shown in FIG. 3 can be performed.

Steps 1901-1904 → 1 in FIG.
When 905 or 1917 (FIG. 20) is repeated, the user turns on the control pad 313 in FIG. 2 or 3.
SEL switch 201 and ENTER switch 20
2 or processing corresponding to the up / down / left / right switches 203 to 206 is executed.

First, in step 1901, a file operation screen is displayed. Specifically, the CPU 301 of FIG.
However, for example, in the vertical blanking period (see FIG. 11),
From the program / data ROM 307, the CPU interface unit 401, the address bus 416, the data bus 417, and the SRAM interface unit 402 of FIG.
-Transfer the background image data for the file operation screen to each storage area on the B side. As a result, the VDP 302 having the configuration shown in FIG. 4 displays the image data for the file operation screen transferred to each storage area on the SRAM 303 as described above on the television 311 in FIG.

As the file operation screen, as shown in FIG. 40, a warning display for displaying a warning at the time of file saving, a current file number display for displaying the number and name of the currently selected file, and a file name display And a file icon that displays the file type as a picture,
A confirmation answer display including the display of "Yes" and "No", a helper consisting of a balloon and a doll picture for displaying the explanation, and a back icon for canceling the processing of the file operation screen are displayed. When the file operation screen is displayed in step 1403 of FIG. 14 or step 1609 of FIG. 16, as the initial display of the helper balloon, FIG. 46 (a)
The contents shown in are displayed. Further, the confirmation answer display of FIG. 40 is not displayed in the initial state.

The user turns on the SEL switch 201 shown in FIG.
If N, the determination in step 1902 becomes YES,
In step 1903, the value of the SEL register is alternately inverted between 1 and 0.

In step 1904, it is determined whether the value of the SEL register is 1. When the value of the SEL register is 1 and the determination in step 1904 is YES, when the ENTER switch 202 in FIG. 2 is not turned ON, the determination in step 1905 becomes NO, and the next step 1901 is executed. 40, the return icon in FIG. 40 is highlighted. As the helper balloon display, the contents shown in FIG. 46 (c) are displayed.
These operations are realized as an operation in which the CPU 301 transfers the background image data corresponding to the above display to the storage area of the BG-A surface or the BG-B surface of the SRAM 303 via the VDP 302.

On the other hand, when the value of the SEL register is 0 and the determination in step 1904 is NO, unless the up / down / left / right switches 203 to 206 in FIG. 2 are turned ON, the determination in step 1916 in FIG. 20 becomes NO. , Then step 1
When 901 is executed, any of the file icons # 1 to # 16 in FIG. 40 is highlighted. Also, FIG.
When the file operation screen is displayed in step 1403 of 4 or step 1609 of FIG. 16, the content shown in FIG. 46 (a) is displayed as a helper balloon display. These operations are performed by the CPU 301 by the VDP 30.
It is realized as an operation of transferring the background image data corresponding to the above display to the storage area of the BG-A surface or the BG-B surface of the SRAM 303 via 2.

As described above, the user can alternately select the return icon and the file icon every time the SEL switch 201 shown in FIG. 2 is turned on in the file operation screen.

When the return icon in FIG. 40 is highlighted (when the value of the SEL register is 1), when the user turns on the ENTER switch 202 in FIG. 2, the determination in step 1905 becomes YES and the step 1906
Then, the confirmation answer display including the display of "Yes" and "No" is displayed. The user can select whether to cancel the processing of the file operation screen by selecting either "Yes" or "No". In the initial state, “No” is highlighted. As the helper balloon display, the contents shown in FIG. 46 (c) are displayed. These operations are realized as an operation in which the CPU 301 transfers the background image data corresponding to the above display to the storage area of the BG-A surface or the BG-B surface of the SRAM 303 via the VDP 302.

The user's "yes" or "no" selection operation and confirmation operation after the confirmation answer display is displayed are detected in the repetition of steps 1907 to 1911 following step 1906.

That is, after the confirmation answer display is displayed, the user turns on the right switch 206 or the left switch 205 in FIG.
Then, the determination in step 1907 or 1909 is YES.
Then, in step 1908 or 1910, the display of only “Yes” or “No” is highlighted. These operations are realized as an operation in which the CPU 301 transfers the background image data corresponding to each display described above to the storage area of the BG-A surface or the BG-B surface of the SRAM 303 via the VDP 302. Information indicating which of "Yes" and "No" is currently highlighted is set in a register (not shown).

When the user turns on the ENTER switch 202 in FIG. 2 while the confirmation answer display is displayed, the determination in step 1911 becomes YES, and step 1912
Is executed.

In step 1912, it is determined by referring to the register whether "YES" or "NO" is currently highlighted. If it is determined in step 1912 that “No” is highlighted, the confirmation answer display is erased in step 1913, and then the process returns to step 1901 to return to the file operation screen display.

If it is determined in step 1912 that "Yes" is highlighted, then in step 1914,
It is determined whether the current file operation is a file save operation or a file load operation.

In order to load the portrait data by selecting the mode 2 on the mode selection screen, step 1403 in FIG. 14 or step 160 in FIG.
If the file operation screen is displayed in step 9, it is determined in step 1914 that the current file operation is a file load operation, so control is returned to the process of the mode selection screen in step 1916 (FIG. 16). Step 1609 → 1601).

On the other hand, as will be described later, the file save operation is selected from the basic system screen, as shown in FIG.
If the file operation screen is displayed in step 1503 of step 1503, the current file operation is determined to be a file save operation in step 1914, and therefore control is returned to the processing of the basic system screen in step 1915. (Steps 1503 → 1501 in FIG. 15).

When any of the file icons # 1 to # 16 in FIG. 40 is highlighted (when the value of the SEL register is 0), the user selects the up / down / left / right switch 2 in FIG.
If any of 03 to 206 is turned ON, the determination in step 1917 of FIG.
At 8, the highlighted file icon is changed from the currently highlighted file icon to the adjacent file icon in the direction corresponding to the switch turned on. At the same time, the file number and the file name corresponding to the newly highlighted file icon number are displayed in the current file number display area and file name display area of FIG. These operations are performed by the CPU 301 by the VDP 30.
It is realized as an operation of transferring the background image data corresponding to the above display to the storage area of the BG-A surface or the BG-B surface of the SRAM 303 via 2.

After the processing of step 1918, step 1
At 919, it is determined whether the current file operation is a file load operation. In order to load the portrait data by selecting the mode 2 on the mode selection screen, step 1403 of FIG. 14 or FIG.
When the file operation screen is displayed in step 1609 of step 1, since the determination in step 1919 is YES, steps 1920 to 1932 are executed.

First, in step 1920, it is determined whether or not a portrait data file exists at the position of the currently highlighted file icon. Step 19
If it is determined that the portrait data file does not exist at the position of the currently highlighted file icon in step 20, the helper balloon display is changed to the content shown in FIG. 46 (e) in step 1921. Figure 1 after being
Return to the display of the file operation screen in step 1901 of 9. This operation is realized as an operation in which the CPU 301 transfers the background image data corresponding to the above display to the storage area of the BG-A surface or the BG-B surface of the SRAM 303 via the VDP 302.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 1920 that the portrait data file exists at the position of the currently highlighted file icon, step 1922.
Then, after the helper balloon display is changed to the content shown in FIG. 46 (d), in step 1923, "Yes" is displayed.
The confirmation answer display including the display of "No" is displayed. The user can choose to perform or cancel the file load operation by selecting either "Yes" or "No". In the initial state, “Yes” is highlighted. These operations are performed by the CPU 301.
This is realized as an operation of transferring the background image data corresponding to the above display to the storage area of the BG-A surface or the BG-B surface of the SRAM 303 via the VDP 302.

The user's “yes” or “no” selection operation and confirmation operation after the confirmation answer display is displayed are detected in the repetition of steps 1924 to 1928 following step 1923.

That is, the user turns on the right switch 206 or the left switch 205 in FIG. 2 after the confirmation answer display is displayed.
Then, the determination in step 1924 or 1926 is YES.
Then, in step 1925 or 1927, the display of only “Yes” or “No” is highlighted. These operations are realized as an operation in which the CPU 301 transfers the background image data corresponding to each display described above to the storage area of the BG-A surface or the BG-B surface of the SRAM 303 via the VDP 302. Information indicating which of "Yes" and "No" is currently highlighted is set in a register (not shown).

When the user turns on the ENTER switch 202 in FIG. 2 while the confirmation answer display is displayed, the determination in step 1928 is YES, and step 1929 is determined.
Is executed.

In step 1929, by referring to the register, it is determined whether "yes" or "no" is currently highlighted. If it is determined in step 1929 that “No” is highlighted, the confirmation answer display is deleted in step 1930, and then the process returns to step 1901 of FIG. 19 to return to the file operation screen display. .

If it is determined in step 1929 that "Yes" is highlighted, then in step 1931 C
The PU 301 stores, from the program / data ROM 307 or the work RAM 308, the file of the image data of the portrait corresponding to the selected highlighted file icon, the CPU interface unit 401, the address bus 416, the data bus 417, and the SRAM of FIG. Interface unit 402 or DP-RAM interface unit 403
7 of the SRAM 303 or DP-RAM 304 via the
Alternatively, it is loaded in each storage area shown in FIG. Also,
The CPU 301 transfers the coordinate data of each object transferred to the SRAM 303 from the program / data ROM 307 to the object attribute memory unit 407 via the CPU interface unit 401, the address bus 416, and the data bus 417 of FIG. 4 (see FIG. 9
reference). After that, the processing shifts to the processing of the basic system screen (step 1932). Steps 1931 to 1932
The shift to step 1404 is from step 1403 to step 1404 in FIG.
This corresponds to the shift to (step 1501 in FIG. 15) or the shift from steps 1609 to 1610 in FIG.

As will be described later, when the file save operation is selected from the basic system screen and the file operation screen is displayed in step 1503 of FIG. 15, the current file operation is the file save operation in step 1919. FIG. 2 when it is determined that there is
The processing of steps 1933 to 1945 of 0 will be described after the description of the processing of the basic system screen. Basic System Screen Processing Flow FIGS. 22 to 25 are operation flowcharts showing the basic system screen processing executed as step 1501 in FIG. The user can create a portrait using this basic system screen and can also execute a printing process particularly related to the present invention.

First, in step 2201, the basic system screen is displayed. Specifically, the CPU 301 of FIG.
However, for example, in the vertical blanking period (see FIG. 11),
From the program / data ROM 307 to the storage area of the BG-B surface shown in FIG. 7 of the SRAM 303 via the CPU interface unit 401, the address bus 416, the data bus 417, and the SRAM interface unit 402 of FIG. Transfer background image data. In addition, the SRAM 303 or DP-RAM3
04, each storage area shown in FIG. 7 or 8 and V of FIG.
Object attribute memory unit 4 in DP 302
Image data of the portrait is loaded in 07 in step 1721 of FIG. 18 or step 1931 of FIG. As a result, the VD having the configuration shown in FIG.
As described above, the P 302 displays the image data of the basic system screen and the image data of the portrait transferred to the storage areas on the SRAM 303 and the DP-RAM 304 as described above on the television 311 of FIG.

As the basic system screen, as shown in FIG. 41, seven selection icons for allowing the user to select a part of a portrait when creating a portrait, a selection cursor showing the currently selected selection icon, Up and down arrows, a part type icon that displays a picture of the part that corresponds to the currently selected selection icon, five types of command icons, a confirmation answer display including "Yes" and "No" displays, and a description A helper consisting of a balloon and a doll picture is displayed. As the initial display of the helper balloon, the contents shown in FIG. 47 (a) are displayed. Also,
The confirmation answer display of FIG. 41 is not displayed in the initial state.

The user turns on the SEL switch 201 shown in FIG.
If N, the determination in step 2202 is YES,
In step 2203, the value of the SEL register is alternately inverted between 1 and 0.

When the value of the SEL register becomes 1, when the step 2201 is executed next time, FIG.
One of the command icons is highlighted. On the other hand, when the value of the SEL register becomes 0, the selected cursor positioned on any of the selection icons in FIG. 41 is highlighted when the next step 2201 is executed.

First, the operation relating to the selected icon will be described below. When the selecting cursor on one of the selection icons in FIG. 41 is highlighted (when the value of the SEL register is 0), the user selects the right switch 2 in FIG.
When either 06 or the left switch 205 is turned on, the determination at step 2204 becomes NO, and the determination at step 2218 in FIG.
2230 and steps 2231 and 2232 of FIG. 24 are executed.

In the series of processes, the values of the layer number and the selected icon number set in two registers (not shown) are controlled. Now, step 2 in FIG.
When 201 is executed, the selecting cursor is placed on the selection icon corresponding to the selection icon number set in one of the above registers. As the contents of each of the seven selection icons, a kind of contents corresponding to the layer number set in one of the registers described above is displayed. As the value of the layer number is smaller, the selection icon assigned to the upper layer is displayed. As the selection icon, for example, when the layer number is 0 (top layer),
A large classification of parts such as "hair", "eyes", "eyebrows", "nose", "mouth", "rinkaku", and "fukidashi" is displayed. For example, when the hierarchy number becomes 1, the selected cursor is positioned. The parts that are further classified from the category of the part indicated by the selection icon are displayed, and as the hierarchy number increases in sequence, the parts that are further classified into the category of the part indicated by the selection icon where the cursor is selected are displayed. Go on. The user displays the above-mentioned display based on the hierarchy number and the selected icon number on the up / down / left / right switch 2
03-206 can be freely controlled, and by turning on the ENTER switch 202 shown in FIG. 2 at a desired position, the image data of the selection icon where the cursor being selected at that time is selected as the image data of the portrait. You can

First, at step 2219, it is judged if the right switch 206 of FIG. 2 is turned on. The right switch 206 is turned on and the determination in step 2219 is YES.
In particular, if the selected icon number set in the register (not shown) is not 7 and the determination in the next step 2221 is NO, the value of the selected icon number set in the register is determined in step 2222. Is incremented by +1. Then, step 22 in FIG.
At 31, the position of the selected cursor is moved from the selection icon in which it is currently located to the selection icon to the right of it. This operation is realized as an operation in which the CPU 301 transfers the background image data corresponding to the above display to the storage area on the BG-B surface of the SRAM 303 via the VDP 302. When the selected icon number is 7 and the determination in step 2221 is YES, in step 2223, the layer number set in the register (not shown) is incremented by +1 and set in the register. The value of the selected icon number is set to 1. Here, if the layer number set in the register exceeds the number corresponding to the lowest layer, the determination in step 2224 becomes YES, and in step 2225, the value of the layer number set in the register is the highest. It is reset to the value 0 indicating the hierarchy. Then, in step 2230, the display content of the selection icon in FIG. 41 is changed to the display content corresponding to the layer number set in the register, and in step 2231 in FIG. 24, the position of the cursor being selected is set in the register. It is moved to the leftmost selection icon corresponding to the selected selection icon number = 1. These operations are realized as the CPU 301 transfers the background image data corresponding to the above display to the storage area of the BG-B surface of the SRAM 303 via the VDP 302, while the left switch 205 is turned on and step 2219 is executed. If the determination is NO and the determination in step 2220 is YES, the selected icon number set in the register is not 1 and the next step 2226 is executed.
If the determination is NO, then in step 2227, the value of the selected icon number set in the register is -1.
Is only decremented. Then, step 2 of FIG.
At 231, the position of the currently selected cursor is moved from the selection icon where it is currently located to the selection icon to the left of it. If the selected icon number is 1 and the determination in step 2226 is YES, the value of the layer number set in the register is not the value 0 corresponding to the uppermost layer, but the determination in step 2228 is NO. In some cases, the layer number set in the register is decremented by -1, and the value of the selected icon number set in the register is set to 7. afterwards,
In step 2230, the display content of the selection icon in FIG. 41 is changed to the display content corresponding to the layer number set in the register, and in step 2231 in FIG. 24, the position of the cursor being selected is set in the register. It is moved to the rightmost selection icon corresponding to the selection icon number = 7.

Next, when the selecting cursor on any of the selection icons in FIG. 41 is highlighted (when the value of the SEL register is 0), the user turns ON the up / down switch 203 or 204 in FIG. Then, step 22 in FIG.
The determination in 04 is YES, the determination in step 2205 is NO, and the subsequent steps 2242 to 224 in FIG. 25.
Process 8 is executed.

First, at step 2242, it is judged if the upper switch 203 of FIG. 2 has been turned on. The upper switch 203 is turned on and the determination in step 2242 is YES.
Then, if the layer number set in the register is not 0 and the determination in the next step 2246 is NO, the layer number value set in the register is decremented by -1 in step 2247. To be done. If the layer number is 0 and the determination in step 2246 is YES, step 2247 is not executed and the register value is not incremented.

On the other hand, if the lower switch 204 is turned on and the determination in step 2242 is NO, if the layer number set in the register is not the number corresponding to the lowest layer and the determination in step 2243 is NO, Step 22
At 44, the value of the layer number set in the register is incremented by +1. The layer number is the number corresponding to the lowest layer, and the determination in step 2243 is YE.
If it is S, in step 2245, the value of the layer number set in the register is reset to the value 0 indicating the uppermost layer.

After the above processing of steps 2242 to 2247, in step 2248, the display content of the selection icon in FIG. 41 is changed to the display content corresponding to the layer number set in the register. This operation is performed by the CPU 301
This is realized as an operation of transferring the background image data corresponding to the above display to the storage area on the BG-B side of the SRAM 303 via the VDP 302. Subsequently, the selected cursor on any of the selection icons in FIG. 41 is highlighted. While displayed (when the value of the SEL register is 0), when the user turns on the ENTER switch 202 in FIG. 2,
The determination in step 2204 in FIG. 22 is NO, the determinations in subsequent steps 2218, 2219, and 2220 in FIG. 23 are NO, respectively, and the determination in subsequent step 2232 in FIG. 24 is YES. Alternatively, the determination in step 2204 of FIG. 22 is NO, and the determination of subsequent step 2219 or step 2220 of FIG. 23 is YES, and after the processing of steps 2221 to 2230 of FIG. 23 is executed, the subsequent step 2232 of FIG. 24 is executed. The determination is YES.

Then, in step 2233, "Yes".
The confirmation answer display including the display of "No" is displayed. By selecting either "Yes" or "No", the user can select whether to adopt or cancel the selection icon where the selected cursor is positioned as the image data of the portrait. In the initial state, “Yes” is highlighted. These operations are performed by the CPU 301 by the VDP3.
This is realized as an operation of transferring the background image data corresponding to the above display to the storage area on the BG-B side of the SRAM 303 via 02.

The user's "yes" or "no" selection operation and confirmation operation after the confirmation answer display is displayed are detected in the repetition of steps 2234 to 2238 following step 2233.

That is, after the confirmation answer display is displayed, the user turns on the right switch 206 or the left switch 205 in FIG.
Then, the determination in step 2234 or 2236 is YES.
Then, in step 2235 or 2237, the display of only “Yes” or “No” is highlighted. These operations are realized as an operation in which the CPU 301 transfers the background image data corresponding to each display described above to the storage area on the BG-B surface of the SRAM 303 via the VDP 302. Information indicating which of "Yes" and "No" is currently highlighted is set in a register (not shown).

If the user turns on the ENTER switch 202 in FIG. 2 while the confirmation answer display is displayed, the determination in step 2238 is YES and step 2239 is performed.
Is executed.

In step 2239, by referring to the register, it is determined whether "yes" or "no" is currently highlighted. If it is determined in step 2239 that “No” is highlighted, the confirmation answer display is erased in step 2240, and then the process returns to step 2201 of FIG. 22 to return to the display of the basic system screen. .

If it is determined in step 2239 that "Yes" is highlighted, then in step 2241,
The CPU 301 stores, from the program / data ROM 307, the file of the image data of the portrait corresponding to the selection icon where the selected cursor is located, the CPU interface unit 401, the address bus 416, and the data bus 4 of FIG.
17, and the SRAM interface unit 402 or DP-
SRAM 303 via the RAM interface unit 403
Alternatively, it is loaded into each storage area of the DP-RAM 304 shown in FIG. 7 or 8. In addition, the CPU 301 presets each object transferred to the SRAM 303 from the program / data ROM 307 to the object attribute memory unit 407 via the CPU interface unit 401, the address bus 416, and the data bus 417 of FIG. Transfer the coordinate data (see FIG. 9).
Then, after the confirmation answer display is erased in step 2240, the process returns to the process of step 2201 of FIG. 22 and returns to the display of the basic system screen. By this operation, the image data of the selection icon selected by the user is reflected in the portrait being created.

Next, the operation related to the command icon will be described. When any of the command icons in FIG. 41 is highlighted (when the value of the SEL register is 1), the user selects the up / down switch 203 or 204 in FIG.
When is turned on, the determinations in steps 2204 and 2205 of FIG. 22 are YES, and steps 2206 to 2206 are performed.
The processing of 211 is executed.

First, at step 2206, it is judged if the upper switch 203 of FIG. 2 has been turned on. The upper switch 203 is turned on and the determination in step 2206 is YES.
If so, the command icon number set in the register (not shown) is not 5, and the next step 2207
If the determination is NO, the value of the command icon number set in the register is incremented by +1 in step 2208. When the command icon number is 5 and the determination in step 2207 is YES, step 2208 is not executed and the register value is not incremented.

On the other hand, if the lower switch 204 is turned on and the determination in step 2206 is NO, the command icon number set in the register is not 1 and step 2
If the determination in step 209 is NO, step 2210
Then, the value of the command icon number set in the above register is decremented by -1. The command icon number is 1, and the determination in step 2209 is YE.
If S, then step 2210 is not executed and the register value is not decremented.

After the above steps 2206 to 2210, the user turns on the ENTER switch 202 in FIG.
If not, the determination in step 2211 is NO,
Next, when step 2201 is executed, 5 in FIG.
Among the types of command icons, only the command icon corresponding to the command icon number set in the register is highlighted. When the "preview" command icon in FIG. 41 is highlighted, the helper balloon display has the content shown in FIG. 47 (b). Further, when the "return to mode selection screen" icon in FIG. 41 is highlighted, the content shown in FIG. 47 (c) is displayed as the helper balloon display. The above operation is performed by the CPU 301 by the VDP.
This is realized as an operation of transferring the background image data corresponding to the above display to the storage area on the BG-B surface of the SRAM 303 via 302.

When any of the command icons shown in FIG. 41 is highlighted (the value of the SEL register is 1
, The user selects the ENTER switch 202 of FIG.
When is turned on, the determination in step 2204 is NO, and the determination in step 2218 of FIG. 23 that follows is YES,
Further, the determination at step 2211 in FIG.
It becomes S. Alternatively, steps 2204 and 22 of FIG.
The determination of 05 is YES, and steps 2206 to 221
After the processing of 0 is executed, the determination in step 2211 becomes YES.

After the determination in step 2211 is YES, in step 2212 the value of the command icon number set in the register is determined. When it is determined in step 2212 that the value of the command icon number is 1, that is, when the "move to the highest level" icon is highlighted, the user is prompted to enter in FIG.
When the switch 202 is turned on, step 2213
Then, the value of the layer number set in the above-mentioned register (not shown) is reset to the value 0 indicating the uppermost layer. As a result, step 22 of FIG.
In 01, the display content of the selection icon in FIG. 41 is changed to the display content of the uppermost layer corresponding to the layer number = 0 set in the register. This operation is performed by the CPU 301
Is realized as an operation of transferring the background image data corresponding to the above display to the storage area on the BG-B side of the SRAM 303 via the VDP 302. In this way, the user can instantly change the content of the selected icon to the display content of the top layer by selecting and executing the “move to top layer” icon.

When it is determined in step 2212 that the value of the command icon number is 2, that is, when the user turns on the ENTER switch 202 in FIG. 2 while the "preview" icon is highlighted,
In step 2214, icon deletion processing is executed. In this process, the display of the selection icon, the selection cursor, the command icon, the parts type icon, the confirmation answer display, etc. displayed on the basic system screen is erased. Specifically, the CPU 301 is the SRAM 3
The background image data such as the above-mentioned icons constituting the basic system screen stored in the storage area of the BG-B surface shown in FIG. Note that the helper is not erased when the user selects the creation of the dialogue in the selection icon and creates the dialogue by the processing of the character input screen described later. In this way, the user can preview the portrait being created by selecting and executing the "preview" icon.

If it is determined in step 2212 that the value of the command icon number is 3, that is, if the user turns on the ENTER switch 202 in FIG. 2 while the "print start" icon is highlighted. In step 2215, print processing is executed. This process is particularly relevant to the present invention and will be described later with reference to the operation flowcharts of FIGS. 29 to 35 and 52 to 88.

When it is determined in step 2212 that the value of the command icon number is 4, that is, when the "save" icon is highlighted, the user can select the command shown in FIG.
If the ENTER switch 202 is turned on, in step 2216, the process of the character input screen for inputting the file name to be saved is executed. This processing will be described later with reference to the operation flowcharts of FIGS. Then, after the character input process is completed, the process of the file operation screen is executed. It should be noted that the process of the character input screen is activated to allow the user to input the dialog in the balloon even when the user selects the creation of the dialog in the selection icon (step 150 in FIG. 15).
1 → 1504). The processing of the character input screen in this case will also be described later with reference to the operation flowcharts of FIGS.

When it is determined in step 2212 that the value of the command icon number is 5, that is, when the "return to mode selection screen" icon is highlighted, the user turns on the ENTER switch 202 in FIG. In this case, in step 2217, processing for returning to the mode selection screen is executed. Although details of this processing are omitted, for example, the helper balloon display is changed to the content shown in FIG. 47 (d), the confirmation answer display shown in FIG. 41 is displayed, and the user selects "Yes". In case,
The display on the television 311 in FIG.
04 or the display of the basic system screen in step 1610 of FIG. 16 in the portrait creation mode changes to the display of the mode selection screen of step 1401 of FIG. 14 or step 1601 of FIG. 16, and when the user selects “No” , The control for returning to the display of the basic system screen is performed. Process Flow of Character Input Screen FIGS. 26 to 28 are operation flowcharts showing the process of the character input screen executed as step 1502 of FIG. The user can input the file name to be saved or the speech bubble in the character input screen.

As described above, when the basic system screen shown in FIG. 41 is displayed on the television 311 and the "save" icon is highlighted, the user can enter the ENTER screen shown in FIG.
When the switch 202 is turned on, step 150 in FIG.
2 or the processing of step 2216 of FIG. 22,
The processing of the character input screen for inputting the file name shown in the operation flowcharts of FIGS. 26 to 28 is executed.
In addition, when the user turns on the ENTER switch 202 in FIG. 2 while the selection icon indicating the creation of the dialogue is highlighted on the basic system screen, FIG.
As the processing of step 1504 of step 1, the processing of the character input screen for creating the speech balloon shown in the operation flowcharts of FIGS. 26 to 28 is executed.

Steps 2601-2604 → 2 in FIG. 26
By repeating 605 or 2617 to 2619, the user turns on the control pad 313 of FIG. 2 or 3.
SEL switch 201 and ENTER switch 20
2 or processing corresponding to the up / down / left / right switches 203 to 206 is executed.

First, in step 2601, a character input screen is displayed. Specifically, the CPU 301 of FIG. 3 uses the program / data ROM 307 to extract the CPU interface unit 401, the address bus 416, and the data bus 41 of FIG. 4 during the vertical blanking period (see FIG. 11), for example.
7 and SR via the SRAM interface unit 402
The background image data for the character input screen is transferred to each storage area of the BG-A surface and the BG-B surface of the AM 303 shown in FIG. 7. As a result, the VDP 302 having the configuration shown in FIG.
The image data for the character input screen transferred to each storage area on the 303 is displayed on the television 311 in FIG.

The character input screen is as shown in FIG. 42 or FIG.
1 to allow the user to select a character, as shown in
A character display area where characters for 10 characters are displayed, a character input area where characters input by the user are displayed, a helper consisting of a balloon and a doll picture that displays the explanation, and instructions to cancel the processing of the character input screen A back icon and a confirmation answer display including the display of "Yes" and "No" are displayed. When the "Save" icon on the basic system screen is selected to enter the file name to be saved and the character input screen is displayed, the initial display of the helper balloon is shown in Fig. 48 (a). The contents are displayed. On the other hand, when the selection icon indicating the creation of the dialogue on the basic system screen is selected for inputting the dialogue and the character input screen is displayed, the helper balloon initial display is shown in FIG. 48 (b). Content is displayed. Further, the confirmation answer display of FIG. 43 is not displayed in the initial state.

The user turns on the SEL switch 201 shown in FIG.
If N, the determination in step 2602 is YES,
At step 2603, the value of the SEL register is alternately inverted between 1 and 0.

At step 2604, it is judged if the value of the SEL register is 1. When the value of the SEL register is 1 and the determination in step 2604 is YES, if the ENTER switch 202 in FIG. 2 is not ON, the determination in step 2605 becomes NO, and the next step 2601 is executed. , The return icon in FIG. 42 is highlighted. As the helper balloon display, the content shown in FIG. 48 (c) is displayed.
These operations are realized as an operation in which the CPU 301 transfers the background image data corresponding to the above display to the storage area of the BG-A surface or the BG-B surface of the SRAM 303 via the VDP 302.

On the other hand, when the value of the SEL register is 0 and the determination in step 2604 is NO, the up / down / left / right switches 203 to 206 and the ENTER switch 202 in FIG. 2 are turned on.
If not, steps 2617 and 261 of FIG. 27 are performed.
After the determination of 9 is NO, the next step 26 in FIG.
When 01 is executed, any character in the character display portion of FIG. 42 is highlighted. In addition, "Save" on the basic system screen to enter the file name to be saved
When the icon is selected and the character input screen is displayed, the content shown in FIG. 48 (a) is displayed as a helper balloon display. On the other hand, when the selection icon indicating creation of a dialogue on the basic system screen is selected for inputting a dialogue and the character input screen is displayed, the content shown in FIG. 48 (b) is displayed as a helper balloon display. Is displayed. These operations are performed by the CPU 301 by the VD
BG-A side of SRAM 303 or BG via P302
It is realized as an operation of transferring the background image data corresponding to the above display to the storage area of the −B side.

As described above, every time the user turns on the SEL switch 201 of FIG. 2 on the character input screen,
The return icon and the character display portion can be selected alternately.

When the return icon in FIG. 42 is highlighted (when the value of the SEL register is 1), when the user turns on the ENTER switch 202 in FIG. 2, the determination in step 2605 becomes YES and the step 2606
Then, the confirmation answer display including the display of "Yes" and "No" is displayed (FIG. 43). The user can select whether to cancel the processing of the character input screen by selecting either "Yes" or "No". In the initial state, “No” is highlighted. As the helper balloon display, the content shown in FIG. 48 (c) is displayed. These operations are performed by the CPU 301 by the VDP.
Via the 302, the BG-A side of the SRAM 303 or the BG-
This is realized as an operation of transferring the background image data corresponding to the above display to the storage area on the B side.

The user's “yes” or “no” selection operation and confirmation operation after the confirmation answer display is displayed are detected in the repetition of steps 2607 to 2611 following step 2606.

That is, after the confirmation answer display is displayed, the user turns on the right switch 206 or the left switch 205 in FIG.
Then, the determination in step 2607 or 2609 is YES.
Then, in step 2608 or 2610, the display of only “Yes” or “No” is highlighted. These operations are realized as an operation in which the CPU 301 transfers the background image data corresponding to each display described above to the storage area of the BG-A surface or the BG-B surface of the SRAM 303 via the VDP 302. Information indicating which of "Yes" and "No" is currently highlighted is set in a register (not shown).

When the user turns on the ENTER switch 202 in FIG. 2 while the confirmation answer display is displayed, the determination in step 2611 becomes YES and step 2612.
Is executed.

In step 2612, it is determined by referring to the register whether "YES" or "NO" is currently highlighted. If it is determined in step 2612 that “NO” is highlighted, the confirmation answer display is erased in step 2613, and then the display returns to the character input screen in step 2601.

If it is determined in step 2612 that "Yes" is highlighted, then in step 2614
The input character data in the work RAM 308 of FIG. 3 corresponding to the display contents of the character input area of the character input screen of FIG. 42 is deleted, and the confirmation answer display is deleted in step 2615, and then the basic system screen is displayed in step 2616. Control is returned to the processing of step 1502 → 150 in FIG.
1).

When any character in the character display portion of FIG. 42 is highlighted (when the value of the SEL register is 0), the user operates the up / down / left / right switches 203 to 20 of FIG.
When any one of 6 is turned on, step 26 in FIG.
The determination result in 17 is YES, and in step 2618, the highlighted character in the character display portion is changed from the currently highlighted character to the adjacent character in the direction corresponding to the turned-on switch. This operation is performed by the CPU 301
This is realized as an operation of transferring the background image data corresponding to the above display to the storage area on the BG-A surface of the SRAM 303 via 302.

When any character in the character display portion of FIG. 42 is highlighted (when the value of the SEL register is 0), the user turns on the ENTER switch 202 of FIG.
If N, the determination in step 2619 is YES,
At step 2620, the ENTER switch 202 is turned on.
It is determined whether or not the character highlighted in the character display portion when displayed is a character indicating "end". The character indicating "end" is a control character for instructing the end of character input.

If the character highlighted in the character display portion when the ENTER switch 202 is turned on is not the character indicating the "end" and the determination in step 2620 is NO, in step 2634 of FIG. 28, "yes".
Confirmation answer display including "No" is displayed (Fig. 4
3). By selecting either "Yes" or "No", the user can select whether or not to adopt the character highlighted in the character display portion when the ENTER switch 202 is turned on. In the initial state,
“Yes” is highlighted. As the helper balloon display, the content shown in FIG. 48 (d) is displayed. These operations are performed by the CPU 301 and the VDP 302.
It is realized as an operation of transferring the background image data corresponding to the above display to the storage area of the BG-A surface or the BG-B surface of the SRAM 303 via the.

The user's “yes” or “no” selection operation and confirmation operation after the confirmation answer display is displayed are detected in the repetition of steps 2635 to 2639 following step 2634.

That is, after the confirmation answer display is displayed, the user turns on the right switch 206 or the left switch 205 in FIG.
Then, the determination in step 2635 or 2637 is YES.
Then, in step 2636 or 2638, the display of only “Yes” or “No” is highlighted. These operations are realized as an operation in which the CPU 301 transfers the background image data corresponding to each display described above to the storage area of the BG-A surface or the BG-B surface of the SRAM 303 via the VDP 302. Information indicating which of "Yes" and "No" is currently highlighted is set in a register (not shown).

When the user turns on the ENTER switch 202 in FIG. 2 while the confirmation answer display is displayed, the determination in step 2639 becomes YES, and step 2640
Is executed.

At step 2640, it is determined by referring to the register whether "YES" or "NO" is currently highlighted. If it is determined in step 2640 that “Yes” is highlighted, the data corresponding to the highlighted character in the character display portion is stored in the work RAM 308 in step 2641, and the confirmation answer is given in step 2642. After the display is erased, the screen returns to the display of the character input screen in step 2601. As a result, when step 2601 is executed, the newly input character is reflected in the display of the character input area in FIG. 42.

If it is determined in step 2612 that “No” is highlighted, step 2641 is not executed, the confirmation answer display is deleted in step 2642, and the character input screen of step 2601 is displayed. Return to display.

On the other hand, if the character highlighted in the character display portion when the ENTER switch 202 of FIG. 2 is turned on by the user is the character indicating "end" and the determination in step 2620 is YES, the case of FIG. In step 2621, the confirmation answer display including the display of "Yes" and "No" is displayed (FIG. 43). The user can select whether to end the character input by selecting either "Yes" or "No". In the initial state, “Yes” is highlighted. As the helper balloon display, the content shown in FIG. 48 (d) is displayed. These operations are performed by the CPU 301.
This is realized as an operation of transferring the background image data corresponding to the above display to the storage area of the BG-A surface or the BG-B surface of the SRAM 303 via the VDP 302.

The user's “yes” or “no” selection operation and confirmation operation after the confirmation answer display is displayed are detected in the repetition of steps 2622 to 2626 following step 2621.

That is, after the confirmation answer display is displayed, the user turns on the right switch 206 or the left switch 205 in FIG.
Then, the determination in step 2622 or 2624 is YES.
Then, in step 2623 or 2625, the display of only “Yes” or “No” is highlighted. These operations are realized as an operation in which the CPU 301 transfers the background image data corresponding to each display described above to the storage area of the BG-A surface or the BG-B surface of the SRAM 303 via the VDP 302. Information indicating which of "Yes" and "No" is currently highlighted is set in a register (not shown).

If the user turns on the ENTER switch 202 in FIG. 2 while the confirmation answer display is displayed, the determination in step 2626 becomes YES and step 2627 is executed.
Is executed.

In step 2627, by referring to the register, it is determined whether "yes" or "no" is currently highlighted. If it is determined in step 2627 that “No” is highlighted, the confirmation answer display is erased in step 2628, and the display returns to the character input screen display in step 2601.

If it is determined in step 2627 that "yes" is highlighted, then in step 2629,
It is determined whether the current character input operation is for inputting the name of the file to be saved. This determination is realized as an operation for determining the content of a register (not shown). That is, when the user executes the process of the character input screen for inputting the name of the file to be saved, the "Save" icon of the basic system screen of Fig. 41 is highlighted and the ENTER of Fig. 2 is displayed. When the switch 202 is turned on, a flag indicating file save is set in the above register. On the other hand, when the user turns on the ENTER switch 202 while the selection icon indicating the creation of the dialogue is highlighted on the basic system screen in order to execute the processing of the character input screen for the creation of the speech balloon , The flag indicating file save is not set in the above register. At step 2627, the contents of this register are determined.

The current character input operation is for inputting the name of the file to be saved, and step 262
If the determination result in step 7 is YES, in step 2630, the input character data corresponding to the display contents of the character input area in FIG. 42 is stored in the work RAM 308 as the save file name, and then in step 2631, the file operation screen Control is transferred to the process (step 1502 → 1 in FIG. 15).
503).

On the other hand, if the current character input operation is to create a speech bubble and the determination in step 2627 is NO, then in step 2632, it corresponds to the display contents of the character input area in FIG. After the input character data is stored in the work RAM 308 as a line, control is returned to the processing of the basic system screen in step 2633 (step 1504 → 1501 in FIG. 15). As a result, the user can freely display the input dialogue as a helper balloon along with the portrait by operating the selection icon on the basic system screen of FIG. Process Flow of File Operation Screen (Save) The process of the file operation screen activated by the process of step 2631 of FIG. 27 described above is performed by referring to FIGS.
The operation flow chart of No. 1 is shown.

First, in the file operation screen shown in FIG. 40, the content shown in FIG. 49 (a) is displayed in the warning area. In this display, "*********
In "*", the contents of the input character data stored as a save file name in the work RAM 308 by the process of step 2630 of FIG. 27 described above are displayed. Also, as the initial display of the helper balloon, the contents shown in FIG. 46 (b) are displayed. These operations are performed by the CPU 301.
Is realized as an operation of transferring the background image data corresponding to the above display to the storage area of the BG-A surface or the BG-B surface of the SRAM 303 via the VDP 302.

Then, as described above, # 1 in FIG.
~ When any of the file icons # 16 is highlighted (when the value of the SEL register is 0), the user turns on any of the up / down / left / right switches 203 to 206 in FIG.
If N, the determination in step 1917 of FIG. 20 is Y.
The status becomes ES, and in step 1918, the highlighted file icon is changed from the currently highlighted file icon to the adjacent file icon in the direction corresponding to the switch turned ON. At the same time, the file number and the file name corresponding to the newly highlighted file icon number are displayed in the current file number display area and file name display area of FIG. These actions are
The CPU 301 causes the SRAM 303 via the VDP 302.
This is realized as an operation of transferring the background image data corresponding to the above display to the storage area on the BG-A surface or the BG-B surface.

After the processing of step 1918, step 1
When the determination in 919 is NO, steps 1933 to 1945 in FIG. 21 are executed. First, step 1
At 933, the type of file corresponding to the currently highlighted file icon is determined. Files include preset files and normal files. The preset file is a file of image data of a portrait that is preset. Normal files are
This is a file of portrait image data created and saved by the user.

If it is determined in step 1933 that the file type corresponding to the currently highlighted file icon is a preset file, then in step 1934, the display contents of the helper balloon are shown in FIG.
After the display contents are changed to those shown in (f), the screen returns to the display of the file operation screen in step 1901 of FIG. This operation is performed by the CPU 301 through the VDP 302 to the SRAM.
This is realized as an operation of transferring the background image data corresponding to the above display to the storage area of the BG-A surface or the BG-B surface of 303.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 1933 that the type of file corresponding to the currently highlighted file icon is a normal file, then in step 1935, the displayed contents of the helper balloon are shown in FIG.
After the display content shown in (g) is changed and the display content of the warning message is changed to the display content shown in FIG. 49 (b), in step 1936, the display of "Yes" and "No" is included. Confirmation display is displayed. The user can select either "Yes" or "No" to perform or cancel the file save operation. In the initial state, “Yes” is highlighted. These operations are realized as an operation in which the CPU 301 transfers the background image data corresponding to the above display to the storage area of the BG-A surface or the BG-B surface of the SRAM 303 via the VDP 302.

The user's “yes” or “no” selection operation and confirmation operation after the confirmation answer display is displayed are detected in the repetition of steps 1937 to 1941 following step 1936.

That is, after the confirmation answer display is displayed, the user turns on the right switch 206 or the left switch 205 in FIG.
Then, the determination in step 1937 or 1939 is YES.
Then, in step 1938 or 1940, the display of only “Yes” or “No” is highlighted. These operations are realized as an operation in which the CPU 301 transfers the background image data corresponding to each display described above to the storage area of the BG-A surface or the BG-B surface of the SRAM 303 via the VDP 302. Information indicating which of "Yes" and "No" is currently highlighted is set in a register (not shown).

When the user turns on the ENTER switch 202 in FIG. 2 while the confirmation answer display is displayed, the determination in step 1941 is YES, and step 1942 is determined.
Is executed.

In step 1942, by referring to the register, it is determined whether "yes" or "no" is currently highlighted. If it is determined in step 1942 that “No” is highlighted, the confirmation answer display is deleted in step 1943, and then the process returns to step 1901 in FIG. 19 to return to the file operation screen display. .

If it is determined in step 1942 that "Yes" is highlighted, then in step 1944,
Image data of the portrait that has been created so far, which is stored in the storage areas of the SRAM 303 and the DP-RAM 304 of FIG. 3 shown in FIG. 7 or 8 and is displayed together with the basic system screen of FIG. 41, and the VDP 302 of FIG. The coordinate data stored in the object attribute memory unit 407 therein is saved in the work RAM 308 of FIG. 3 as a file of image data of a portrait corresponding to the selected highlighted file icon.

After that, the processing shifts to the processing of the basic system screen (step 1945). Steps 1944 to 194
The shift to step 5 is from step 1503 to step 1501 in FIG.
It corresponds to the transition to. Printing Process Flow FIGS. 29 and 30 are operation flowcharts showing the printing process executed on the basic system screen. Figure 41
"Start print" on the basic system screen shown in
When the icon is highlighted, the user can
When the NTER switch 202 is turned on, print processing is executed in step 2215 of FIG. In this printing process, only the portrait image is printed with the icons and the like on the basic system screen erased.

First, in step 2901 of FIG. 29, it is checked whether or not a cassette for printing paper is loaded in the cassette unit 101 (see FIG. 1) of the main body. As a result, if an error has occurred, step 2902
When the determination is YES, and in step 2903, the helper balloon having the display content of FIG. 50 (a) indicating that the cassette is not attached is displayed on the basic system screen of FIG. 41 for, for example, 4 seconds, The print processing of step 2215 of FIG. 22 is terminated, and step 220 of FIG.
Return to the display of the basic system screen of 1.

If no error has occurred, the determination in step 2902 is NO, and in step 2904,
FIG. 50 showing the start of printing on the basic system screen of FIG.
The helper balloon with the display contents of (b) is displayed. Then, in step 2905, the confirmation answer display including the display of "Yes" and "No" is displayed on the basic system screen of FIG. 41 to prompt the user to select. The processing of this portion is the same as the series of processing of steps 2233 to 2239 of FIG. 24, for example, and the user can highlight between “Yes” and “No” by the right switch 206 or the left switch 205 of FIG. The display can be exchanged, E in Figure 2
"Yes" or "No" depending on the NTER switch 202
You can select the confirmation answer.

When the helper balloon shown in FIG. 50 (b) indicating the start of printing is displayed and "No" is highlighted in the confirmation answer display, the user selects the ENTER switch 2
When 02 is turned ON, the printing process of step 2215 of FIG. 22 is ended, and the process returns to the basic system screen display of step 2201 of FIG.

On the other hand, the helper balloon shown in FIG. 50 (b) indicating the start of printing is displayed, and "Yes" is displayed in the confirmation answer display.
When the user turns on the ENTER switch 202 while is highlighted, in step 2906, the basic system screen of FIG. 41 has the display content of FIG. 50 (c) for confirming the normal multiple (1 ×) printing. The helper balloon appears. Thereafter, in step 2907, the confirmation answer display including the display of "yes" and "no" is displayed again on the basic system screen of FIG. 41 to prompt the user to select.

When the helper speech bubble of FIG. 50 (c) for confirming the normal multiple printing is displayed and "NO" is highlighted in the confirmation answer display in step 2907, when the user turns on the ENTER switch 202,
In step 2908 of FIG. 30, a helper balloon having the display contents of FIG. 50 (d) for confirming quadruple printing is displayed on the basic system screen of FIG. 41. Then, in step 2909, a confirmation answer display including the display of "Yes" and "No" is displayed on the basic system screen of FIG. 41 to prompt the user to select.

The helper balloon shown in FIG. 50 (d) for confirming quadruple printing is displayed, and "No" is displayed in the confirmation answer display.
When the user turns on the ENTER switch 202 while is highlighted, in step 2910, 16x printing is confirmed on the basic system screen of FIG. 41.
The helper balloon having the display content of is displayed.
Then, in step 2911, the confirmation answer display including the display of "yes" and "no" is displayed again on the basic system screen of FIG. 41 to prompt the user to select.

If the helper balloon shown in FIG. 50 (e) for confirming 16-fold printing is displayed, and the user turns ON the ENTER switch 202 when "NO" is highlighted in the confirmation answer display, in step 2912, On the basic system screen of FIG. 41, a helper balloon having the display contents of FIG. 50 (f) for confirming 64x printing is displayed. Then, in step 2913, the confirmation answer display including the display of "Yes" and "No" is displayed again on the basic system screen of FIG. 41 to prompt the user to select.

When the user turns on the ENTER switch 202 when the helper balloon shown in FIG. 50 (f) for confirming the 64x printing is displayed and "No" is highlighted in the confirmation answer display, the step shown in FIG. 2901
Return to processing.

When "YES" is highlighted in the confirmation answer display of any of step 2907 of FIG. 29 and step 2909, 2911, or 2929 of FIG. 30 for confirming printing of each multiple, the user selects the ENTER switch 20.
5 shows that when 2 is turned on, the number of sheets ** corresponding to each multiple is printed in step 2914 of FIG.
A helper balloon showing the display contents of 1 (g) is displayed. The number of sheets ** is 1 in the case of a normal multiple, 4 in the case of 4 times, 16 in the case of 16 times, and 64 in the case of 64 times. Then, in step 2915, a confirmation answer display including the display of "yes" and "no" is displayed on the basic system screen of FIG. 41 to prompt the user to make a selection. The number of sheets ** corresponding to each multiple is held as a value n in a register (not shown).

When the balloon of the helper of FIG. 51 (g) indicating that the number of sheets ** corresponding to each multiple is printed is displayed, and the user is displayed when "No" is highlighted in the confirmation answer display, When the ENTER switch 202 is turned on, the process returns to step 2901 of FIG.

On the other hand, when the balloon of the helper in FIG. 51 (g) indicating that the number of sheets ** corresponding to each multiple is printed is displayed and "Yes" is highlighted in the confirmation answer display. The user turns on the ENTER switch 202
Then, first, at step 2916, the value 0 is set in the bit position 1 corresponding to the BG-B plane of the display control register (not shown) in the VDP 302 having the data format shown in FIG. As a result, in the screen extraction processing described later, only the image data of the portrait is extracted and the image data is printed in a state where the icons and the like that form the basic system screen are erased.

Subsequently, at step 2917, the print execution processing shown in the operation flowcharts of FIGS. 31 to 33 described later is started. When the print execution process ends, in step 2918, the value of bit position 1 corresponding to the BG-B plane of the display control register is restored to the value 1. As a result, the display of icons and the like that form the basic system screen on the display screen is restored.

After the processing of step 2918, the display returns to the basic system screen of step 2201 of FIG. FIG.
1 to 33 are operation flowcharts of the print execution process executed in step 2917 of FIG.

First, in step 3101, screen extraction processing is executed. The details of this processing will be described later with reference to the operation flowchart of FIG. 35. By executing this processing, the output of the color lookup table unit 409 shown in FIG. 4 in the VDP 302 of FIG. 3 is output. The RGB digital data for one screen displayed on the television 311 of the above is transferred to the work RAM 308 via the RGB buffer unit 415 shown in FIG. 4 in the VDP 302 of FIG.
It is transferred to the original image area A inside.

Next, in the above-mentioned printing process, when the user has highlighted "Yes" in the confirmation answer display in step 2907 of FIG. 29, the ENT of FIG.
When the normal multiple printing is designated by turning on the R switch 202, step 3102 of FIG. 31, step 3108 of FIG. 32, and step 311 of FIG. 33.
Each judgment of No. 8 becomes NO and step 3130
And 3131 are executed.

First, in step 3130, a remaining paper check process is executed. For details of this process, see FIG.
This will be described later with reference to the operation flowchart of No. 4. If the check result of the remaining paper check processing is OK, in step 3131, the printer unit 312 of FIG. 3 is actually driven, and the current television 311 transferred to the original image area A of the work RAM 308 of FIG. The image for one screen displayed on is printed on one sheet of paper.

Thereafter, the print execution process of step 2917 of FIG. 30 is completed. In the printing process described above, when the user has highlighted “Yes” in the confirmation answer display in step 2909 of FIG. 30, ENT of FIG.
When quadruple printing is designated by turning on the ER switch 202, after the screen extraction processing is executed in step 3101 in FIG. 31, the determination in step 3102 is YE.
In S, steps 3103 to 3107 are executed.

First, in step 3103, image data is transferred from one area obtained by equally dividing the original image area A in the work RAM 308 to 1/4 into an image area B having a storage capacity of one screen in the work RAM 308. Is simply expanded four times and transferred.

Next, in step 3104, a predetermined smoothing process is executed on the image data transferred to the image area B. This smoothing process is particularly relevant to the present invention, and details of which will be described later, but in the image represented by the image data in the image area B,
This is a process for smoothing the image by correcting the shaded portion that is stepped due to the enlargement.

Subsequently, in step 3105, a remaining paper check process is executed. Details of this processing will be described later with reference to the operation flowchart of FIG. If the check result from the remaining paper check process is OK,
In step 3106, the printer unit 312 in FIG. 3 is actually driven, and a quarter of the one-screen image currently displayed on the television 311 transferred to the image area B of the work RAM 308 in FIG. 3 is displayed. It is enlarged four times and printed on a single sheet.

After that, in step 3107, it is determined whether or not the printing on the four sheets has been completed. This judgment is N
If it is O, the process returns to step 3103, and the work RAM 30
The processing of steps 3103 to 3106 described above is repeated for another one area obtained by equally dividing the original image area A in 8 into 1/4.

By repeating the above printing operation four times, the image for one screen currently displayed on the television 311 is magnified four times and printed on four sheets. After that, when the determination in step 3107 is YES, the print execution process of step 2917 in FIG. 30 is ended.

In the above-mentioned print processing, the user turns on the ENTER switch 202 in FIG. 2 when the confirmation answer display in step 2911 in FIG. In this case, after the screen extraction processing is executed in step 3101 in FIG. 31, the determination in step 3102 is NO, the subsequent determination in step 3108 in FIG. 32 is YES, and steps 3109 to 3117 are executed. .

First, in step 3109, the image data is transferred from one area obtained by equally dividing the original image area A into quarters to the image area B while simply magnifying the image data four times.

Next, in step 3110, for the image data transferred to the image area B, step 3 in FIG.
The smoothing process similar to 104 is performed. Subsequently, in steps 3111 to 3115, while using the image area A in which the original image is stored, the image area B is reduced to 1 in the same manner as the quadruple printing operation in steps 3103 to 3107 of FIG. 31 described above. Image data is transferred from each of the four equally divided areas to the image area A while being simply enlarged four times, and the transferred image data is smoothed and then printed. As a result, 4 areas of 1/16 area of one screen image currently displayed on the television 311 are 16 areas.
It is doubled and printed on four sheets. By performing the smoothing process every time the image data is enlarged, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the image quality of the printed image due to the enlargement, and it is possible to obtain a good image regardless of the enlargement magnification.

When the iterative process of steps 3111 to 3115 is completed four times, it is determined in step 3116 whether the screen extraction process has already been completed four times.
If the determination in step 3116 is no, step 3117
Then, the RGB digital data for one screen is converted to VDP3 in FIG.
A screen extraction process for retransferring from 02 to the original image area A in the work RAM 308 is executed.

Thereafter, in step 3109, the image data is transferred from another unprocessed area obtained by equally dividing the original image area A into 1/4 to the image area B while simply expanding the image data by 4 times. After this, step 3110 described above
By performing the processing of 3115 again, 1/1 of the image for one screen currently displayed on the television 311 is displayed.
The other four areas of the area 6 are magnified 16 times and printed on four sheets.

The above steps 3109 to 3117 are repeated four times until it is determined in step 3116 that the screen extraction processing has been completed four times, so that one screen currently displayed on the television 311 is displayed. The image is magnified 16 times and printed on 16 sheets.

In the above-mentioned printing process, the user turns on the ENTER switch 202 in FIG. 2 when "Yes" is highlighted in the confirmation answer display in step 2913 in FIG. 30, thereby designating 64-times printing. 31. In this case, after the screen extraction processing is executed in step 3101 of FIG. 31, step 3102 of FIG.
The determination in step 3108 is NO, and the determination in step 3118 of FIG.
119 to 3129 are executed.

First, in step 3119, the image data is transferred from one area obtained by equally dividing the original image area A into quarters to the image area B while the image data is simply enlarged four times.

Next, in step 3120, for the image data transferred to the image area B, step 3 in FIG.
The smoothing process similar to 104 is performed. Then, in step 3121, the image area B is 1 /
The image data is transferred from one area equally divided into four areas to the image area A where the original image has been stored so far while being simply enlarged four times.

Furthermore, in step 3122, for the image data transferred to the image area A, step 3 in FIG.
The smoothing process similar to 104 is performed. Then, in steps 3123 to 3127, image data is transferred from each area obtained by equally dividing the image area A to 1/4 to the image area B in the same manner as the 4 × printing operation in steps 3103 to 3107 in FIG. 31 described above. By repeating the operation of transferring and printing while being simply magnified 4 times, four times the area of 1/64 of the one screen image currently displayed on the television 311 is magnified 64 times. And printed on four sheets.

When the repeating processing of steps 3123 to 3127 is completed four times, it is determined in step 3128 whether or not the screen extracting processing is already completed 16 times. If the determination in step 3128 is no, step 31
29, RGB digital data for one screen is converted to VD of FIG.
A screen extraction process for retransferring from P302 to the original image area A in the work RAM 308 is executed.

After that, in step 3119, the image data is simply transferred to the image area B from another unprocessed area obtained by equally dividing the original image area A into quarters, and the image data is transferred while being enlarged four times. Step 312 for image data
At 0, smoothing processing is executed. Then, in step 3121, the image data is simply enlarged four times from another unprocessed area obtained by equally dividing the image area B into 1/4 to the image area A in which the original image has been stored. While being transferred, the image data is transferred to step 3122.
The smoothing process is executed by. After that, the processes of steps 3123 to 3127 described above are executed again, so that the other four regions of the 1/64 region of the one screen image currently displayed on the television 311 are enlarged 64 times. Are printed on four sheets of paper.

The above steps 3119 to 3129 are repeated 16 times until it is determined in step 3128 that the screen extraction processing has been completed 16 times.
There are 6 images for one screen currently displayed on the TV 311.
It is magnified 4 times and printed on 64 sheets. This 64
Even in the double enlargement, the smoothing process is performed every time the image data is enlarged, so that a good printed image can be obtained regardless of the high magnification.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the work RA
Since the printing process is repeatedly executed while the image data is alternately transferred between the two image areas each having a storage area for one image in M308, the expansion printing of the power of two is efficiently performed with a small memory amount. It can run well.

FIG. 34 shows step 3105 of FIG. 31, step 3113 of FIG. 32, step 3125 of FIG.
33 is an operation flowchart of the remaining paper check process executed as step 3130 of FIG.

At step 3401, the balloon of the helper shown in FIG. 51 (g) is displayed at step 2914 of FIG. 30 and the number of sheets ** corresponding to each of the above multiples is held as an initial value in a register (not shown). FIG. 5 including n
The display content of 1 (h) is displayed as a helper balloon on the basic system screen of FIG.

Next, at step 3402, the number of remaining sheets in the sheet cassette is checked. Then, step 340.
At 3, the value n of the register is decremented by -1.

In step 3404, step 3402 is executed.
As a result of the processing of (1), it is determined whether an error has occurred.
As a result, when it is determined that an error has not occurred, the remaining paper check processing of FIG. 34 is ended as it is.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 3404 that an error has occurred, then in step 3405, FIG.
50 (i) showing that there is no paper on the basic system screen of
The helper balloon having the display content of is displayed for, for example, 4 seconds, and further, the helper balloon having the display content of FIG. 50 (j) for inquiring whether or not to replace the paper cassette is displayed, and then in step 2907. 41, a confirmation answer display including displays of "Yes" and "No" is displayed on the basic system screen, prompting the user to make a selection.

When the helper balloon shown in FIG. 50 (j) is displayed and "NO" is highlighted in the confirmation answer display, if the user turns on the ENTER switch 202, then in step 3408, in step 2215 of FIG. The printing process is ended, and the process returns to the basic system screen display in step 2201 of FIG.

When the helper balloon shown in FIG. 50 (j) is displayed and "YES" is highlighted in the confirmation answer display and the user turns on the ENTER switch 202, in step 3409 the replacement of the paper cassette is completed. After the helper balloon having the display content of FIG. 50 (k) to be confirmed is displayed, in step 3410,
On the basic system screen of No. 1, the confirmation answer display including the display of "Yes" and "No" is displayed to prompt the user to make a selection.

When the helper balloon shown in FIG. 50 (k) is displayed and "NO" is highlighted in the confirmation answer display, when the user turns on the ENTER switch 202, the process returns to the display process of step 3406.

When the helper balloon shown in FIG. 50 (k) is displayed and "YES" is highlighted in the confirmation answer display, when the user turns on the ENTER switch 202, in step 3411 the cassette unit 101 ( 1), it is checked whether or not the paper cassette is installed.

As a result, if no error has occurred, the determination at step 3412 is NO, and the remaining paper check processing of FIG. 34 is terminated. On the other hand, if an error has occurred, the determination in step 3412 is YES, and in step 3413, the contents displayed in FIG. 50 (a) indicating that the cassette is not mounted are displayed on the basic system screen of FIG. 41. After the balloon of the helper of the user is displayed for, for example, 4 seconds, the process returns to the display processing of step 3409.

FIG. 35 is an operation flowchart of the screen extraction processing executed by the CPU 301 of FIG. 3 as step 3101 of FIG. 31, step 3117 of FIG. 32, or step 3129 of FIG. 33. Here, VDP3 of FIG.
The RGB digital data for one screen displayed on the television 311 of FIG. 3 output from the color lookup table unit 409 shown in FIG.
2 is transferred to the original image area A in the work RAM 308 via the RGB buffer unit 415 shown in FIG. In this case, the RGB buffer unit 415 has a capacity to store the RGB digital data output from the color lookup table unit 409 for one line (256 dots) of the display screen on the television 311 in FIG.

[0223] In step 3501, it is determined whether or not the screen display timing has entered the vertical blank period (v # blank). Until this determination is YES, step 3501.
It becomes a standby state. This determination is an operation of monitoring that the value of the vertical synchronization counter value 1211 output from the decoder unit 413 in the VDP 302 in FIG. 4 to the outside changes from the value corresponding to the vertical display period to the value corresponding to the vertical blank period. (See FIG. 11).

After the determination in step 3501 is YES, in the vertical blank period, steps 3502-
3505 is executed. In step 3502, the value of i set in a register (not shown) is reset to 0. The register value i specifies the line position in the screen where the transfer process is performed, and corresponds to the vertical synchronization counter value 1211 in the vertical display period. Therefore, step 350
The initial value 0 of the register value i set by 2 indicates the first line of the screen (see FIG. 11).

At step 3503, the address in the original image area A in the work RAM 308 of FIG. 3 corresponding to the register value i is calculated. The calculated value in this case is the start address in the original image area A.

At step 3504, the CPU 30 of FIG.
1 to the RGB of FIG. 4 via the CPU interface unit 401 of FIG. 4 provided in the VDP 302 of FIG.
The register value i = 0 is set in the line designation value register 1213 of FIG. 12 provided in the buffer unit 415.

In step 3505, the CP of FIG.
From U301 to the address control unit 1202 of FIG. 12 provided in the RGB buffer unit 415 of FIG. 4 via the CPU interface unit 401 of FIG. 4 provided in the VDP 302 of FIG. Start signal 120
3 is set (notified).

Thereafter, in step 3506, it is determined whether or not the screen display timing has exceeded the vertical blank period, and the process is in a standby state in step 3506 until this determination becomes YES.

After the determination in step 3506 is YES, further in step 3507, it is determined whether the screen display timing has entered the horizontal blank period (h # blank) between the first line and the second line. The determination is made, and a standby state is set at step 3507 until this determination becomes YES.

During this standby state, the VDP30 shown in FIG.
The following process is executed in the RGB buffer unit 415 of FIG. 4 having the configuration of FIG. That is, in FIG. 12, the address control unit 1202
After receiving the storage start signal 1203 from U301, the CPU line designation value 1212 which indicates the first line set in the line designation value register 1213 and the vertical synchronization counter value 121 output from the decoder unit 413 of FIG.
A match signal 1215 indicating that the 1s match is output from the comparator 12
The decoder unit 4 of FIG.
13, a memory address 1206 corresponding to the horizontal synchronization counter value 1204 and a pulse of a read / write signal 1207 for instructing writing are sequentially generated as shown in FIG. 13, and are supplied to the RGB line memory unit 1201. As a result, the RGB line memory unit 1201 receives the first input from the color lookup table unit 409.
Input RGB data 1205 for one line (256 dots) corresponding to the line number is written.

After the determination in step 3507 is YES, steps 3508 to 3513 are executed in the horizontal blank period of the first line. Step 3508
Then, from the RGB line memory unit 1201 of FIG.
3 via the data bus 417 of FIG.
In the above-mentioned original image area A, the output R of the first line
The GB data 1210 (FIG. 12) is transferred. Specifically, the CPU 301 of FIG. 3 has the address control unit 1 of FIG.
After receiving the storage end signal 1208 from the CPU 202 via the CPU interface unit 401 of FIG. 4, the CP of FIG.
The CPU address 1209 is transferred from the U interface unit 401 via the address bus 416 to the address control unit 120.
Supply to 2. The address control unit 1202 sequentially supplies the CPU address 1209 as it is to the RGB line memory unit 1201 as the memory address 1206, and
A pulse of the read / write signal 1207 for instructing reading is sequentially supplied to the RGB line memory unit 1201. In addition, the CPU 301, for the work RAM 308,
The address calculated in step 3503 (or step 3511 described later) of the original image area A is set as the transfer start address.

After the transfer processing in step 3508 is completed, it is determined in step 3509 whether the processing for all lines is completed. Specifically, the register value i is 2
It is determined whether the value 223 indicating the 24th line has been reached.

If the determination in step 3509 is NO, in step 3510 the register value i is incremented by +1 and then in step 3511 the above-mentioned original image area A in the work RAM 308 of FIG. 3 corresponding to the register value i.
In step 3512, the line designated value register 121 of FIG. 12 is calculated in the same manner as in step 3504.
3 is set to the register value i, and the address control unit 120 of FIG.
The storage start signal 1203 is set to 2.

Thereafter, in step 3514, it is determined whether or not the screen display timing has passed the horizontal blank period between the line corresponding to the register value i and the line immediately before it, until this determination becomes YES. Step 35
It becomes a standby state at 14.

After the determination in step 3514 is YES, steps 3507 to 3514 are repeatedly executed, whereby the RGB line memory unit 1201 in FIG. 12 passes through the data bus 417 in FIG. 4 to the work RAM in FIG.
In the original image area A in 308, the output RGB of each line of the screen currently displayed on the television 311 in FIG.
The data 1210 (FIG. 12) is transferred.

As a result of repeating the above-mentioned operation, if it is determined in step 3509 that the processing for all lines has been completed, the screen extraction processing of FIG. 35 is completed. By the screen extraction processing described above, the output RGB data 1210 for one screen displayed on the television 311 can be transferred from the VDP 302 to the original image area in the work RAM 308. Process flow of smoothing FIGS. 52 to 64 show steps 3104 and 32 in FIG.
3310 and 3112 of FIG. 33, step 3 of FIG.
6 is an operation flowchart showing a smoothing process executed in 120, 3122, and 3124. This process is of particular relevance to the present invention.

The smoothing processing according to the present embodiment is performed on the enlargement source image data (hereinafter, referred to as original image data) stored in one area of the image area A or B in the work RAM 308 and the other area. The stored enlarged image data (hereinafter referred to as enlarged image data) is made to correspond, and the enlarged image data is corrected (smoothed) based on the result of referring to the original image data. Since it is unthinkable to intentionally provide a step of 1 dot (pixel) on the original image (original image) that has not been enlarged, it is possible to use 1 dot on the image represented by the original image data. This is performed when a region boundary having a step is detected. In this smoothing process, as shown in FIG.
From the print execution process of FIG. 33, the address value indicating the beginning of the area in which the enlarged image data is stored, the address value of the beginning of the area in which the original image data of the portion corresponding to the enlarged image data is stored, and the original The address value indicating the beginning of the area where the image data is stored is the argument ex,
Passed as source and motor. Step 52
Reference numerals 00 to 5301 are processes of a part that refers to the original image data and determines the correction content from the reference result, and thereafter is a process of the part that modifies the enlarged image data according to the determined correction content.

In steps 5200 to 5210, initial values are set for various variables stored in a register (not shown) when performing the smoothing process.

First, in step 5200, initial values are set in variables s and p. The variable p is for indicating one pixel data of the pixel data group forming the enlarged image data, and the variable s is for indicating one pixel data of the pixel data group forming the original image data. Is. By the processing of this step 5200, a variable p is set to a value indicating the leading pixel data of the enlarged image data, and a variable s is set to a value indicating the leading pixel data on the original image data of the portion corresponding to the enlarged image data. To be done. Further, although not shown, values indicating the range in which the enlarged image data is stored are set in variables ll and ul. An address value indicating the head of the enlarged image data, that is, the value of the argument ex is set in the variable ll, and the last address value thereof is set in the variable ul. The value set in the variable ul is a value obtained by adding 114688 (= 256 · 224.2) to the value of the variable ll since one pixel data is 2 bytes in this embodiment.

In steps 5201 and 5202,
0 is set as the value of each of the variables i and j. The variables i and j are for sequentially performing processing for each pixel data forming the enlarged image data.

At step 5203, a variable status serving as a flag for designating the processing contents for the enlarged image data.
s, 0 is set in each of the variables sq for designating the pixel data modified by the processing.

At step 5204, 0 is set to the variable a for designating the array variable described later. The array variable specified by this variable a is a kink state.
[A]. retval, kink state [a].
bufa, kink state [a]. bufb, k
ink state [a]. It is bufsum. Both of these array variables are used to determine the modifications to the magnified image data, and the number of elements in the array is four. By repeating the processing of steps 5205 to 5210, all the elements of these array variables are set to 0.

When it is determined in step 5210 that the value of the variable a is 4 or more, the original image data in steps 5211 to 5301 is referred to, and the process for determining the correction content for the enlarged image data is performed.

First, at step 5211, the kink1 process is executed with the value of the variable s as an argument. 66 and 67 are operation flowcharts showing this kind1 process. The value s received as an argument is handled as an argument p in the process of this kind1.

First, at step 6601, kst2 processing is executed with the value of argument p as the value of the argument. Fig. 75
[Fig. 7] is an operation flowchart showing kst2 processing. In this kst2 process, the value of p received as an argument from the kink1 process is treated as an argument p, and that value is used as a pointer value that points the pixel data of the original image data. After that, when the pixel data is used as a pointer value that indicates the pixel data, parentheses are attached to the value indicating the value to distinguish it from other values.

In the kst2 process, first, it is determined whether or not the pixel data value of the original image data designated by the pointer value (p) is equal to the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p-256) ( Step 7501). In the present embodiment, the number of dots in the horizontal direction of the screen is 256 (224 dots in the vertical direction). Therefore, by executing the processing of this step, the pointer value (p) (= s)
It is determined whether or not the reference pixel instructed by and the pixel adjacent to the reference pixel on the upper side in the vertical direction are in the same state (see FIG. 93).

If it is determined that the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p) and the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p-256) are not equal, then step 7502 is executed.
At, it is determined whether or not the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p-256) and the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p + 1) are not equal. Step 7501
It is determined that the pixel data value indicated by the pointer value (p) and the pixel data value indicated by the pointer value (p-256) are equal to each other, or the pointer value (p-25
When it is determined that the pixel data value designated by 6) and the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p + 1) are not equal,
In step 7503, 0 is set to the argument kst2 that is the execution result of this subroutine processing, and then a series of processing ends.

At step 7502, the pointer value (p-25
If it is determined that the pixel data value indicated by 6) is equal to the pixel data value indicated by the pointer value (p + 1), then in step 7504 the pixel data value indicated by the pointer value (p-256) and the pointer value are indicated. It is determined whether or not the pixel data value designated by (p-255) is equal. If it is determined that the two pixel data values are equal, step 75
On the contrary, after 1 is set to the argument kst2 in 05, if it is determined that they are not equal to each other, 2 is set to the argument kst2 in step 7506, and the series of processes is ended.

By executing this kst2 process, the shape of the boundary between the regions having different pixel states is recognized in the image range formed by the reference pixel and the three peripheral pixels, and the shape is determined to be stepwise. Area boundaries are detected.

FIG. 93 shows the kst2 process, which will be described later.
It is explanatory drawing of the detection method of the area boundary by st1 process, kst3 process, and kst4 process. In FIG. 93, 1
Each frame represents a pixel, and the state of the pixel is expressed by the presence or absence of diagonal lines (hereinafter, the pixel and the state thereof are similarly expressed unless otherwise specified). kst
When the two processes are executed, the area boundary formed by the reference pixel indicated by “p” in the frame and the three pixels around it is shown in FIG.
In the state shown in (c), 1 is set to the argument kst2, and in the state shown in FIG. 93 (d), the argument kst2 is set.
Is set to 2. If the region boundary has another shape, 0 is set to the argument kst2.

Returning to FIG. 66, the description of the processing after step 6601 will be continued. When the above kst2 processing is completed, it is then determined in step 6602 whether the value of the argument kst2 is 1. When it is determined that the value of the argument kst2 is 1 (see FIG. 93 (c)), step 660 continues.
In 3, it is determined whether the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p-256) is equal to the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p-257). If it is determined that these pixel data values are not equal, 0 is set to the variable a in step 6604, and conversely, if it is determined that these values are equal, 1 is set to the variable a in step 6605.
Here, the variable a is a local variable used only within the process of this kind1.

When the processing in step 6604 or 6605 is completed, next, in step 6606, the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p + 1) is equal to the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p + 2), and the pointer value ( It is determined whether the pixel data value indicated by p + 2) and the pixel data value indicated by the pointer value (p + 258) are not equal. It is determined that the pixel data value indicated by the pointer value (p + 1) and the pixel data value indicated by the pointer value (p + 2) are not equal, or the pointer value (p + 2)
When it is determined that the pixel data value designated by the pointer and the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p + 258) are equal, 0 is set to the variable b in step 6607. On the contrary, the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p + 1) and the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p + 2) are equal, and the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p + 2) and the pointer value (p + 258) designate. If it is determined that the pixel data values are not equal, the variable b is set to 1 in step 6608. Here, this variable b is also a local variable used only in the process of the kink1.

When the processing in step 6607 or 6608 is completed, it is then determined in step 6609 whether the value (= a + b) obtained by adding the variables a and b is 2. If the value added in this process is determined to be 2, step 6610.
And the argument kink1 which is the execution result of this kink1 process.
After 1 is set to, the series of processing is completed, and if it is determined that the added value is not 2, the next step 6
The processing of 611 is executed.

At step 6611, it is judged if the value of the variable a is 1 or not. If it is determined that the value of the variable a is 1, the argument kink1 is set to 2 in step 6612, and then a series of processing is terminated. On the contrary, if it is determined that this value is not 1, then step 6613 is performed. Where, the variable b
Is determined to be 1 or not. If the value of the variable b is determined to be 1 in this step 6613, a series of processing is ended after setting the argument kink1 to 3 in step 6614, and conversely it is determined that the value of the variable b is not 1. Then, the process of step 6615 is executed next. If it is determined in step 6602 that the value of the argument kst2 is not 1, then the process of step 6615 is executed.

Thus, in step 6601, kst2
After executing the processing, by executing the processing of steps 6602 to 6614, the area boundaries in the image range formed by the reference pixel and its peripheral pixels are shown in FIG.
In the case of the shape shown in (c), a value corresponding to each shape is set in the argument kink1.

On the other hand, in step 6615, p +
The kst4 process is executed with the value of 1 as an argument. Fig. 77
Is an operation flowchart showing the kst4 process. In this kst4 process, the value (= p + 1) of the argument received from the kink1 process is used as the argument p.

In the kst4 process, first, the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p) and the pointer value (p + 2
It is determined whether the pixel data value designated by 56) is equal (step 7701). By executing the processing of this step, as shown in FIGS. 93 (g) and (h),
It is determined whether or not the reference pixel indicated by "p" in the frame and the pixel adjacent to the lower side of the reference pixel are in the same state.

If it is determined that the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p) and the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p + 256) are not equal, then in step 7702 the pixel designated by the pointer value (p + 256) is selected. It is determined whether the data value is not equal to the pixel data value indicated by the pointer value (p-1). In step 7701, it is determined that the pixel data value indicated by the pointer value (p) and the pixel data value indicated by the pointer value (p + 256) are equal.
Alternatively, if it is determined in step 7702 that the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p + 256) and the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p-1) are not equal, the argument that is the execution result of this subroutine processing in step 7703. After 0 is set in kst4, a series of processing ends.

In step 7702, the pointer value (p + 25
If it is determined that the pixel data value designated by 6) and the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p-1) are equal, then in step 7704 the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p + 256) and the pointer value It is determined whether or not the pixel data values designated by (p + 255) are equal. If it is determined that the two pixel data values are equal, step 770.
After the argument kst4 is set to 1 in 5 and it is determined that they are not equal, on the contrary, the argument kst4 is set to 2 in step 7706, and the series of processes is terminated.

By executing this kst4 process, the shape of the area boundary formed by the reference pixel and the three peripheral pixels is detected. When the kst4 process is executed, 1 is set in the argument kst4 when the area boundary is in the state shown in FIG. 93 (g), and 2 is set in the argument kst4 in the state shown in FIG. 93 (h). It will be. If the region boundary has another shape, 0 is set to the argument kst4.

Returning to FIG. 67, the description of the processing after step 6615 will be continued. When the above kst4 processing is completed, it is then determined in step 6616 whether the value of the argument kst4 is 1. If it is determined that the value of the argument kst4 is not 1, the series of processing ends here (at this time, the value of the argument kst4 is 0 or 2), and conversely,
When it is determined that the value of the argument kst4 is 1 (see FIG. 93 (g)), the pointer value (p + 25
8) Pointer value (p + 25)
It is determined whether the pixel data values designated by 7) are equal. If it is determined that these pixel data values are not equal, variable 6 is set to 0 in step 6618, and if they are determined to be equal, variable b is set to 1 in step 6619.

When the processing in step 6618 or 6619 is completed, then in step 6620, the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p-1) and the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p) are equal, and the pointer The pixel data value and the pointer value (p
-257) indicates that the pixel data values indicated are not equal. It is determined that the pixel data value indicated by the pointer value (p-1) and the pixel data value indicated by the pointer value (p) are not equal, or the pixel data value indicated by the pointer value (p-1) and the pointer value (p -257) determines that the pixel data values instructed are equal, step 662.
At 1, the variable a is set to 0. On the contrary, the pixel data value and the pointer value (p) indicated by the pointer value (p-1)
The pixel data values pointed to by are equal and the pointer value (p
-1) indicates the pixel data value and the pointer value (p-25
If it is determined that the pixel data values designated by 7) are not equal, 1 is set to the variable a in step 6622.

When the processing in step 6621 or 6622 is completed, it is then determined in step 6623 whether the value (= a + b) obtained by adding the variables a and b is 2. If the value added in this process is determined to be 2, step 6624.
And the argument kink1 which is the execution result of this kink1 process.
After 1 is set to, the series of processing is completed, and if it is determined that the added value is not 2, the next step 6
The processing of 625 is executed.

At step 6625, it is judged if the value of the variable a is 1 or not. If it is determined that the value of the variable a is 1, the argument kink1 is set to 2 in step 6626, and then a series of processing is ended. On the contrary, if it is determined that this value is not 1, then step 6627 is executed. Where, the variable b
Is determined to be 1 or not. When it is determined in step 6627 that the value of the variable b is 1, it is determined in step 6628 that the argument kink1 is set to 3, and then the series of processes is ended. Conversely, it is determined that the value of the variable b is not 1. Then, in step 6629, 0 is set to the argument kink1, and then the series of processes ends.

After the above kst4 processing is executed in step 6615, the area boundaries formed by the reference pixel and its peripheral pixels are changed to those in FIGS. 89 (d) to 89 (f) by executing the processing in steps 6616 to 6629. When the shape is the one shown, a value corresponding to each shape is set in the argument kink1. It should be noted that, in this kink1 process, when the shape of the region boundary is not the shape shown in FIGS. 89 (a) to (f), 0 is set to the argument kink1.

[0266] When the above-described "kink1" process is completed, the process proceeds to step 5212 in Fig. 52, where the array variable "kink state" is set.

[0]. The value of the argument kink1 is set in retval. This step 521
The process of forming a pair of two processing steps of detecting the shape of the region boundary in 1 and setting the detection result in the array variable in step 5212 is the subsequent step 5213.
Repeated 5 times at ~ 5218.

At step 5213, the kink2 process is executed using the value of the variable s as an argument. 68 and 6
9 is an operation flowchart showing this kind 2 process. The value of s received as an argument is treated as an argument p in this kind2 process.

First, at step 6801, the kst1 process is executed with the value of the argument p as an argument. FIG. 74 shows k
It is an operation | movement flowchart which shows st1 process. This ks
In the t1 process, the value of p received as an argument from the kink2 process is used as the argument p.

In the kst1 process, first, the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p) and the pointer value (p-25
It is determined whether the pixel data value stored in the address designated by 6) is equal (step 7401). By executing the processing of this step, the pointer value (p) (=
It is determined whether or not the reference pixel indicated by s) and the pixel adjacent to the upper side of the reference pixel are in the same state (FIG. 9).
3).

If it is determined that the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p) and the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p-256) are not equal, then step 7402 is continued.
At, it is determined whether or not the pixel data value indicated by the pointer value (p-1) and the pixel data value indicated by the pointer value (p-256) are not equal. Step 7401
It is determined that the pixel data value indicated by the pointer value (p) and the pixel data value indicated by the pointer value (p-256) are equal to each other, or the pixel data value indicated by the pointer value (p-1) and the pointer are indicated in step 7402. If it is determined that the value (p-256) is not equal to the instructed pixel data value, 0 is set to the argument kst1 which is the execution result of this subroutine processing in step 7403, and then the series of processing ends.

In step 7402, the pointer value (p-1)
If it is determined that the pixel data value designated by the pointer value is equal to the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p-256), then in step 7404 the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p-256) and the pointer value are designated. It is determined whether or not the pixel data value designated by (p-257) is equal. If it is determined that the two pixel data values are equal, step 74
When the argument kst1 is set to 1 in 05 and it is determined that they are not equal to each other in step 05, the argument kst1 is determined in step 7406.
After 2 is set in st1, a series of processing is ended.

When this kst1 process is executed, if the shape of the area boundary formed by the reference pixel and three peripheral pixels is shown in FIG. 93 (a), 1 is set to the argument kst1 and the area When the shape of the boundary is as shown in FIG. 93 (b), 2 is set in the argument kst1. If it is any other shape, 0 is set to the argument kst1.

Returning to FIG. 68, the description of the processing after step 6801 will be continued. When the above kst1 process is executed in step 6801, then step 6802 is executed.
Then, it is determined whether or not the value of the argument kst1 is 1. Argument ks
When it is determined that the value of t1 is 1 (see FIG. 93A), the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p-256) and the pixel data designated by the pointer value (p-255) in step 6803. It is determined whether the values are equal. If it is determined that these pixel data values are not equal, variable a is set to 0 in step 6804, and if they are determined to be equal, variable a is set to 1 in step 6805. Here, this variable a is
It is a local variable used only within the process.

When the processing in step 6804 or 6805 is completed, then in step 6806, the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p-1) and the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p-2) are equal, Moreover, it is determined whether the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p−2) and the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p + 254) are not equal. It is determined that the pixel data value indicated by the pointer value (p-1) and the pixel data value indicated by the pointer value (p-2) are not equal, or the pointer value (p-2)
If it is determined that the pixel data value designated by the pointer and the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p + 254) are equal, 0 is set to the variable b in step 6807. On the contrary, the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p-1) and the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p-2) are equal, and the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p-2) and the pointer value When it is determined that the pixel data values indicated by (p + 254) are not equal, 1 is set to the variable b in step 6808. Here, this variable a is also a local variable used only within the kink2 process.

When the processing in step 6807 or 6808 is completed, it is then determined in step 6809 whether the value (= a + b) obtained by adding the variables a and b is 2. If the value added in this process is determined to be 2, step 6810.
And the argument kink2 that is the execution result of this kink2 process.
After 1 is set to, the series of processing is completed, and if it is determined that the added value is not 2, the next step 6
The processing of 811 is executed.

In step 6811, it is determined whether the value of the variable a is 1 or not. If the value of the variable a is determined to be 1, the argument kink2 is set to 2 in step 6812, and then a series of processing is ended. On the contrary, if it is determined that the value is not 1, then the step 6813 is performed. Where, the variable b
Is determined to be 1 or not. If it is determined in step 6813 that the value of the variable b is 1, it is determined in step 6814 that the argument kink2 is set to 3, and then the series of processes is ended. Then, the process of step 6815 is executed next. If it is determined in step 6802 that the value of the argument kst1 is not 1, then the process of step 6815 is executed.

As described above, in step 6801, kst1
After the processing is executed, the processing in steps 6802 to 6814 is executed so that the area boundary in the image area formed by the reference pixel and its peripheral pixels is shown in FIG.
In the case of the shape shown in (c), a value corresponding to each shape is set in the argument kink2.

At step 6815, kst3 processing is executed using the value of p-1 as an argument. FIG. 76 is an operation flowchart showing this kst3 process. In the kst3 process, the value (= p-1) of the argument received from the kink1 process is used as the argument p.

In the kst3 process, first, step 760.
In 1, it is determined whether the pixel data value indicated by the pointer value (p) is equal to the pixel data value stored at the address indicated by the pointer value (p + 256).
By executing the processing of this step, as shown in FIGS. 93E and 93F, the reference pixel indicated by the pointer value (p) and the pixel adjacent to the lower side of the reference pixel are the same. It is determined whether or not the state.

If it is determined that the pixel data value indicated by the pointer value (p) and the pixel data value indicated by the pointer value (p + 256) are not equal, then in step 7602 the pixel indicated by the pointer value (p + 256) is selected. It is determined whether the data value is not equal to the pixel data value indicated by the pointer value (p + 1). In step 7601, it is determined that the pixel data value indicated by the pointer value (p) and the pixel data value indicated by the pointer value (p + 256) are equal.
Alternatively, when it is determined in step 7602 that the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p + 256) and the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p + 1) are not equal, in step 7603 the argument kst3 which is the execution result of this subroutine processing is set. After 0 is set, the series of processing ends.

In step 7602, the pointer value (p + 25
If it is determined that the pixel data value indicated by 6) and the pixel data value indicated by the pointer value (p-1) are equal, then in step 7604 the pixel data value indicated by the pointer value (p + 256) and the pointer value It is determined whether the pixel data values designated by (p + 257) are equal. If it is determined that the two pixel data values are equal, step 760
After the argument kst3 is set to 1 in 5 and it is determined that they are not equal to each other, the argument kst3 is set to 2 in step 7606, and the series of processes is ended.

By executing this kst3 process, the shape of the image area boundary formed by the reference pixel and the three peripheral pixels is detected. When the kst3 process is executed and the area boundary is in the state shown in FIG. 93 (e), the argument kst3
Is set to 1, and in the state shown in FIG. 93 (f), 2 is set to the argument kst4. If the region boundary is in any other state, 0 is set in the argument kst4.

Returning to FIG. 69, the description of the processing after step 6815 will be continued. When the above kst3 process is executed in step 6815, next step 6816
Then, it is determined whether or not the value of the argument kst3 is 1. Argument ks
If it is determined that the value of t3 is not 1, the series of processing ends here (at this time, the value of the argument kst3 is 0 or 2).
On the contrary, it is determined that the value of the argument kst3 is 1 (see FIG. 9).
3 (e)), it is subsequently determined in step 6817 whether the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p + 255) and the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p + 254) are equal. If it is determined that these pixel data values are not equal, variable b is set to 0 in step 6818, and if they are determined to be equal, variable b is set to 1 in step 6819.

When the processing of step 6818 or 6819 is completed, then in step 6820, the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p + 1) is equal to the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p), and the pointer value ( p) indicates the pixel data value and the pointer value (p-2
It is determined whether the pixel data values indicated by 55) are not equal. It is determined that the pixel data value indicated by the pointer value (p + 1) and the pixel data value indicated by the pointer value (p) are not equal, or the pixel data value indicated by the pointer value (p) and the pointer value (p-255) If it is determined that the instructed pixel data values are equal, 0 is set to the variable a in step 6821. On the contrary, pointer value (p + 1)
The pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p) is not equal to the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p), and the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p-255) is not equal. If it is determined that step 6
At 822, the variable a is set to 1.

When the processing in step 6821 or 6822 is completed, it is then determined in step 6823 whether the value (= a + b) obtained by adding the variables a and b is 2. If the value added in this process is determined to be 2, step 6824.
And the argument kink2 that is the execution result of this kink2 process.
After 1 is set to, the series of processing is completed, and if it is determined that the added value is not 2, the next step 6
The processing of 825 is executed.

At step 6825, it is judged if the value of the variable a is 1 or not. If it is determined that the value of the variable a is 1, the argument kink2 is set to 2 in step 6826, and then a series of processing is terminated. On the contrary, if it is determined that this value is not 1, then step 6827 is executed. Where, the variable b
Is determined to be 1 or not. If it is determined in step 6827 that the value of the variable b is 1, it is determined in step 6828 that the argument kink2 is set to 3, and then the series of processes is ended. Conversely, it is determined that the value of the variable b is not 1. Then, in step 6829, 0 is set to the argument kink2, and then a series of processing ends.

After the above kst3 process is executed in step 6815, the processes in steps 6816 to 6829 are executed so that the region boundaries in the image region formed by the reference pixel and its peripheral pixels are shown in FIGS. 90 (d) to 90 (d). In the case of the shape shown in f), a value corresponding to each shape is set in the argument kink2. In addition,
When the two processes are executed, the shape of the region boundary is shown in FIG. 90 (a).
If the shape is not shown in (f) to (f), 0 is set in the argument kink2.

When the above-mentioned kink2 processing is completed, the flow proceeds to the processing of step 5214 in FIG. 52, where the array variable kink state [1]. The value of the argument kink2 is set in retval. As a result, the processing result of step 5213 is held in that variable.

At step 5215, the kink3 process is executed with the value of the variable s as an argument. 70 and 7
Reference numeral 1 is an operation flowchart showing this kind 3 process. In this kink3 process, the value of s received as an argument is treated as an argument p.

First, in step 7001, kst4 processing is executed with the value of argument p as an argument. This kst4
By executing the process, the value indicating the execution result is set in the argument kst4 as described above.

When the kst4 process is completed, it is then determined in step 7002 whether the value of the argument kst4 is 1.
When the value of the argument kst4 is determined to be 1 (see FIG. 93 (g)), subsequently, in step 7003, the pointer value (p-1)
It is determined whether or not the pixel data value designated by the pointer is equal to the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p-257). If it is determined that these pixel data values are not equal, 0 is set in the variable a in step 7004, and conversely, if they are equal, 1 is set in the variable a in step 7005. Here, this variable a is this kin
It is a local variable used only in k3 processing.

When the processing of step 7004 or 7005 is completed, next, at step 7006, the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p + 256) is equal to the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p + 512), and the pointer value ( It is determined whether the pixel data value indicated by p + 512) and the pixel data value indicated by the pointer value (p + 513) are not equal. Pointer value (p + 25
6) the pixel data value and the pointer value (p + 51
If it is determined that the pixel data values indicated by 2) are not equal to each other, or if the pixel data value indicated by the pointer value (p + 512) and the pixel data value indicated by the pointer value (p + 513) are equal, a variable is determined in step 7007. 0 is set in b. On the contrary, the pixel data value indicated by the pointer value (p + 256) is equal to the pixel data value indicated by the pointer value (p + 512), and the pointer value (p + 51
2) Pointer value (p + 51)
When it is determined that the pixel data values indicated by 3) are not equal, the variable b is set to 1 in step 7008. Here, this variable b is a local variable used only within this sink3 process.

When the processing in step 7007 or 7008 is completed, it is then determined in step 7009 whether the value (= a + b) obtained by adding the variables a and b is 2. If the value added in this process is determined to be 2, step 7010
And the argument kink3 that is the execution result of this kink3 process.
After 1 is set to, the series of processing is completed, and if it is determined that the added value is not 2, the next step 7
The processing of 011 is executed.

At step 7011, it is judged whether or not the value of the variable a is 1. If the value of the variable a is determined to be 1, the argument kink3 is set to 2 in step 7012, and then a series of processing is ended. Conversely, if it is determined that the value is not 1, then step 7013 is executed. Where, the variable b
Is determined to be 1 or not. If it is determined in step 7013 that the value of the variable b is 1, it is determined in step 7014 that the argument kink3 is set to 3, and then the series of processes ends, and conversely the value of the variable b is not 1. Then, the process of step 7015 is executed next. If it is determined in step 7002 that the value of the argument kst4 is not 1, then the process of step 7015 is executed.

As described above, in step 7001, kst4
After the processing is executed, the processing in steps 7002 to 7014 is executed so that the area boundaries in the image area formed by the reference pixel and its peripheral pixels are shown in FIG.
In the case of the shape shown in (c), a value corresponding to each shape is set in the argument kink3.

In step 7015, p + 256
The kst2 process is executed using the value of as an argument. This ks
When the t2 process is completed, the argument k is next passed in step 7016.
It is determined whether the value of st2 is 1. If it is determined that the value of the argument kst2 is not 1, the series of processes ends here, and conversely, it is determined that the value of the argument kst2 is 1 (see FIG.
Then, in step 7017, it is determined whether the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p + 257) is equal to the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p + 513). If it is determined that these pixel data values are not equal, variable 70 is set to 0 in step 7018, and if they are determined to be equal, variable b is set to 1 in step 7019.

When the processing of step 7018 or 7019 is completed, then in step 7020, the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p-256) and the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p) are equal, and the pointer Pixel data value and pointer value (p-
It is determined whether the pixel data values indicated by 257) are not equal. It is determined that the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p-256) and the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p) are not equal, or the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p) and the pointer value (p-257). ), It is determined that the pixel data values indicated by) are equal, step 7021
0 is set to the variable a. Conversely, the pointer value (p
-256) indicates the pixel data value and the pointer value (p)
The pixel data value designated by the pointer value is the same, and the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p) and the pointer value (p-25
When it is determined that the pixel data values indicated by 7) are not equal, 1 is set to the variable a in step 7022.

When the processing in step 7021 or 7022 is completed, it is then determined in step 7023 whether the value (= a + b) obtained by adding the variables a and b is 2. If the value added in this process is determined to be 2, step 7024
And the argument kink3 that is the execution result of this kink3 process.
After 1 is set to, the series of processing is completed, and if it is determined that the added value is not 2, the next step 7
The processing of 025 is executed.

At step 7025, it is judged if the value of the variable a is 1 or not. If the value of the variable a is determined to be 1, the argument kink3 is set to 2 in step 7026, and then a series of processing is ended. On the contrary, if it is determined that the value is not 1, then step 7027 is executed. Where, the variable b
Is determined to be 1 or not. If it is determined in step 7027 that the value of the variable b is 1, it is determined in step 7028 that the argument kink3 is set to 3, and then the series of processes ends, and conversely the value of the variable b is not 1. Then, in step 7029, the argument kink3 is set to 0, and then a series of processing ends.

After executing the above kst2 process in step 7015, the processes in steps 7016 to 7029 are executed so that the region boundaries in the image region composed of the reference pixel and its peripheral pixels are shown in FIGS. In the case of the shape shown in f), a value corresponding to each shape is set in the argument kink3. In addition, this ki
In the nk3 process, when the shape of the area boundary in the image area is not the shape shown in FIGS. 91 (a) to (f), 0 is set to the argument sink3.

When the above-mentioned kink3 processing is completed, the routine proceeds to the processing of step 5216 in FIG. 52, where the array variable kink state [2]. The value of the argument kink3 is set in retval. As a result, the processing result of step 5215 is held.

At step 5217, the kink4 process is executed using the value of the variable s as an argument. 72 and 7
3 is an operation flowchart showing this kind4 process. In this kink4 process, the value of s received as an argument is treated as an argument p.

First, at step 7001, kst3 processing is executed with the value of argument p as an argument. This kst3
By executing the process, as described above, the value indicating the execution result is set in the argument kst3.

When the kst3 process is completed, it is then determined in step 7202 whether the value of the argument kst3 is 1.
When the value of the argument kst3 is determined to be 1 (see FIG. 93 (e)), in the subsequent step 7203, the pointer value (p
+1) indicates the pixel data value and the pointer value (p-25
It is determined whether the pixel data values indicated by 5) are equal and the pixel data value indicated by the pointer value (p-256) and the pixel data value indicated by the pointer value (p-255) are not equal. It is determined that the pixel data value indicated by the pointer value (p + 1) and the pixel data value indicated by the pointer value (p-255) are not equal, or the pointer value (p-
256) indicates the pixel data value and the pointer value (p-2
If it is determined that the pixel data values indicated by 55) are equal, 0 is set to the variable a in step 7204. Conversely, it is determined that the pixel data value indicated by the pointer value (p + 1) and the pixel data value indicated by the pointer value (p-255) are equal, and the pixel data value indicated by the pointer value (p-256) and the pointer value If it is determined that the pixel data values indicated by (p-255) are not equal, step 7
At 205, the variable a is set to 1. Here, this variable a is a local variable used only within this kink4 process.

When the processing of step 7204 or 7205 is completed, then in step 7206, the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p + 256) and the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p + 512) are equal, and the pointer value ( It is determined whether the pixel data value indicated by p + 512) and the pixel data value indicated by the pointer value (p + 511) are not equal. Pointer value (p + 25
6) the pixel data value and the pointer value (p + 51
If it is determined that the pixel data values indicated by 2) are not equal to each other, or if the pixel data value indicated by the pointer value (p + 512) and the pixel data value indicated by the pointer value (p + 511) are equal, a variable is determined in step 7207. 0 is set in b. Conversely, it is determined that the pixel data value indicated by the pointer value (p + 256) and the pixel data value indicated by the pointer value (p + 512) are equal, and the pixel data value indicated by the pointer value (p + 512) and the pointer value (p + 511) are When it is determined that the instructed pixel data values are not equal, the variable b is set to 1 in step 7208. Here, this variable b is a local variable used only within this kink4 process.

When the processing in step 7207 or 7208 is completed, it is then determined in step 7209 whether the value (= a + b) obtained by adding the variables a and b is 2. If the value added in this process is determined to be 2, step 7210.
And the argument kink4 that is the execution result of this kink4 process.
After 1 is set to, the series of processing is completed, and if it is determined that the added value is not 2, the next step 7
The processing of 211 is executed.

[0307] In step 7211, it is determined whether or not the value of the variable a is 1. When it is determined that the value of the variable a is 1, the argument kink4 is set to 2 in step 7212, and then a series of processing is ended. On the contrary, when it is determined that this value is not 1, then step 7213 is performed. Where, the variable b
Is determined to be 1 or not. If it is determined in step 7213 that the value of the variable b is 1, it is determined that the value of the variable b is not 1 on the contrary, after the argument kink4 is set to 3 in step 7214, and the series of processing is terminated. Then, the process of step 7215 is executed next. If it is determined in step 7202 that the value of the argument kst3 is not 1, then the process of step 7215 is executed.

As described above, in step 7201, kst3
After executing the processing, by executing the processing of steps 7202 to 7214, the area boundaries in the image area formed by the reference pixel and its peripheral pixels are shown in FIG.
In the case of the shape shown in (c), a value corresponding to each shape is set in the argument kink4.

In step 7215, p + 256
The kst1 process is executed with the value of as an argument. This ks
When the t1 process is completed, the argument k is next passed in step 7216.
It is determined whether or not the value of st1 is 1. If it is determined that the value of the argument kst1 is not 1, the series of processes ends here, and conversely, the value of the argument kst1 is determined to be 1 (see FIG.
(See (a)), the process of step 7217 is continuously executed.

At step 7217, the pointer value (p +
255) indicates the pixel data value and the pointer value (p + 5
It is determined whether the pixel data values designated by 11) are equal and the pixel data values designated by the pointer value (p + 511) and the pointer data (p + 512) are not equal. It is determined that the pixel data value indicated by the pointer value (p + 255) and the pixel data value indicated by the pointer value (p + 511) are not equal, or the pixel data value indicated by the pointer value (p + 511) and the pointer value (p + 512) indicate If it is determined that the pixel data values are equal, 0 is set to the variable b in step 7218. On the contrary, it is determined that the pixel data value indicated by the pointer value (p + 255) and the pixel data value indicated by the pointer value (p + 511) are equal, and the pointer value (p + 51)
1) the pixel data value and the pointer value (p + 51
When it is determined that the pixel data values indicated by 2) are not equal, 1 is set to the variable b in step 7219.

When the processing of step 7218 or 7219 is completed, then in step 7220, the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p-256) and the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p) are equal, and the pointer It is determined whether the pixel data value indicated by the value (p-255) and the pixel data value indicated by the pointer value (p) are not equal. It is determined that the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p-256) and the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p) are not equal, or the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p-255) and the pointer value (p ) Indicates that the pixel data values are equal, step 7221
0 is set to the variable a. On the contrary, the pointer value (p-
The pixel data value indicated by 256) and the pixel data value indicated by the pointer value (p) are determined to be equal, and the pixel data value indicated by the pointer value (p-255) and the pixel indicated by the pointer value (p) If it is determined that the data values are not equal, then in step 7222, the variable a is set to 1.

When the processing in step 7221 or 7222 is completed, it is then determined in step 7223 whether the value (= a + b) obtained by adding the variables a and b is 2. If the value added in this process is determined to be 2, step 7224
And the argument kink4 that is the execution result of this kink4 process.
After 1 is set to, the series of processing is completed, and if it is determined that the added value is not 2, the next step 7
The processing of 225 is executed.

At step 7225, it is judged if the value of the variable a is 1 or not. If the value of the variable a is determined to be 1, the argument kink4 is set to 2 in step 7226, and then a series of processing is terminated. On the contrary, if it is determined that this value is not 1, then step 7227 is performed. Where, the variable b
Is determined to be 1 or not. If it is determined in step 7227 that the value of the variable b is 1, it is determined in step 7228 that the argument kink4 is set to 3, and then the series of processes ends, and conversely, the value of the variable b is not 1. Then, in step 7229, 0 is set to the argument kink4, and then a series of processing ends.

After the above kst1 process is executed in step 7215, the processes in steps 7216 to 7229 are executed so that the region boundaries in the image region formed by the reference pixel and its peripheral pixels are shown in FIGS. In the case of the shape shown in f), a value corresponding to each shape is set in the argument kink4. In addition, this ki
In the nk4 process, when the shape of the area boundary in the image area is not the shape shown in FIGS. 92 (a) to (f), 0 is set to the argument sink4.

When the above-mentioned kink4 processing is completed, the flow proceeds to the processing of step 5218 in FIG. 52, where the array variable kink state [3]. The value of the argument kink4 is set in retval. As a result, the processing result of step 5217 is saved.

Step 5219 following step 5218
In 5250, in the original image, the region boundary has a step for one pixel in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction, and the part where the region boundary continues in the same horizontal direction or the vertical direction with the step as a boundary (hereinafter, , Which is referred to as a terrace) is performed in accordance with the shape of each area boundary detected in the processing of steps 5211 to 5218.

First, in step 5219, the variable kink--st whose value is set in step 5212 of FIG. 52 is set.
ate

[0]. It is determined whether or not the value of retval is 0 (see FIG. 89). At this time, the variable kink s
tate

[0]. When it is determined that the value of retval is 0, the process proceeds to step 5227, and when it is determined that the value is not 0, the process proceeds to step 5220.

At step 5220, the value is set to each argument passed to the chase processing at step 5221 executed subsequently to this processing. Specifically, the argument p
Is set to the value of s, the argument q is set to the value of s-256, and the argument zoubun is set to -1. When the setting of the values for these arguments is completed, the above chase processing is continuously executed. This chase
In the process, in addition to the above-mentioned arguments, the value “moto” indicating the start address where the original image data is stored is passed as an argument.

Here, the chase processing will be described. This chase process is a process of detecting the length by counting the number of pixels forming a terrace in the same horizontal direction or vertical direction with a step of one pixel as a boundary. 78 and 79 are operation flowcharts of the chase process.

In this chase process, step 780
At 1-7806, its value is set for each local variable used only within this process. In particular,
In step 7801, the value of the argument p is set as the pointer value,
The pixel data value designated by it is set in the variable bufp, and in step 7802, the value of the argument q is used as a pointer value, and the pixel data value designated by it is set in the variable bufg. In step 7803, the argument p and the argument zoubu are set.
A value obtained by adding n (= p + zobun) is used as a pointer value, and the pixel data value indicated by the pointer value is a variable bufpsu.
b, and in step 7804 the argument q and the argument z
A value (= q + zoubun) obtained by adding oubun is used as a pointer value, and the pixel data value indicated by the pointer value is a variable bu.
It is set to fqsub, and this c is set in step 7805.
0 is set to the argument num that is the execution result of the hase process, and 11468 is set to the argument motor in step 7806.
The value obtained by adding 8 is set to the variable aa. This 114
688 is a storage capacity value provided for storing image data in which one pixel data is 2 bytes.

At step 7807, the variable bufqsu is set.
The value of b is not equal to the value of the variable bufq, and the variable bu
It is determined whether the value of fpsub is equal to the value of the variable bufp, and the value of the variable bufpsub is not equal to the value of the variable bufqsub. YE in this step 7807
If it is determined to be S, then the processing of step 7808 is executed.

In step 7808, the pointer value (q)
It is determined whether or not the pixel data value instructed by and the value of the variable bufp (pixel data value instructed by the pointer value (p)) are equal. If it is determined that these values are equal, a series of processing ends here, and conversely, if it is determined that these values are not equal, then in step 7809 the argument zub is set to the variable q.
The value of un is added, the value of the argument zoubun is added to the argument p in step 7810, and the argument num is incremented in step 7811. That is, the argument zoubu
The pixels forming the area boundary in the direction designated by the value of n are counted up by one. Step 522 of FIG.
In 1, the value of this argument zobun is -1 as chas
Since the e process is performed, the terrace length (number of pixels) is counted toward the left in the horizontal direction.

When the increment of the argument num is completed, the value of the argument p is next changed in step 7812 to the argument motor moto.
If it is determined that the value of the argument p is greater than or equal to the value of the argument motor, it is determined in step 7813 whether the value of the argument p is greater than the value of the variable aa. Is determined. That is, steps 7812 and 7813
Then, it is determined whether or not the pixel data currently counting the terrace length is the original image data. When it is determined in step 7812 that the value of the argument p is smaller than the value of the argument motor, and in step 7813, the value of the argument p is the variable aa.
If it is determined that the value is larger than the value of, the series of processing ends here.

In step 7813, the value of the argument p is the variable aa.
If it is determined that the pixel data value and the pointer value (p) are designated by the pointer value (p) in step 7814,
It is determined whether or not the pixel data values indicated by + zoubun) are not equal. When the count of the terrace length (pixels) in the direction designated by the argument zobun is completed, it is determined in step 7814 that these values are different (YE
S), and then the process proceeds to step 7815, and if it is determined that these values are equal, on the contrary, it is determined that the counting of the terrace length is not completed, and the process returns to step 7808.

At step 7815, it is judged if the value of the argument num is larger than 20 or not. If it is determined that the value of the argument num is 20 or less, then it is determined in step 7816 whether the value of the argument num is 2. If the value of the argument num is determined to be 1, the argument nu is determined in step 7817.
After m is set to 0, the series of processing is completed, and when it is determined that the value of the argument num is not 2, the series of processing is completed as it is. If it is determined in step 7815 that the value of the argument num is greater than 20, then the process of step 7817 is executed. By the processes of steps 7815 to 7817, it is determined whether or not smoothing described below should be performed on this terrace. If it is determined that smoothing is not performed, 0 is set to the argument num. It will be.

[0326] If NO in step 7807,
Next, the process proceeds to step 7818 of FIG. 79. In step 7818, it is determined whether the pixel data value indicated by the pointer value (q) is equal to the value of the variable bufq (pixel data value indicated by the pointer value (q)). If it is determined that these values are equal, the series of processing ends here, and conversely, if it is determined that these values are not equal,
In step 7819, the value of the argument zobun is added to the variable q, and in step 7820, the argument zoubun is added to the argument p.
Is added and the argument num is incremented in step 7821.

When the argument num is incremented, the value of the argument p is next changed in step 7822 to the value of the argument motor moto.
If it is determined that the value of the argument p is greater than or equal to the value of the argument motor, it is determined in step 7823 whether the value of the argument p is greater than the value of the variable aa. Is determined. That is, steps 7812 and 7813
Then, it is determined whether or not the pixel data currently counting the terrace length is the original image data. When it is determined in step 7822 that the value of the argument p is smaller than the value of the argument motor, and in step 7823, the value of the argument p is the variable aa.
If it is determined that the value is larger than the value of, the series of processing ends here.

In step 7823, the value of the argument p is the variable aa.
If it is determined that the pixel data value indicated by the pointer value (p) and the value of the variable bufq (pixel data value indicated by the pointer value (q)) are equal, it is determined in step 7824. It If it is determined that these values are the same, that is, if it is determined that the counting of the terrace length in the direction specified by the argument zoubun has ended, step 7
If it is determined that these values are equal, on the contrary, the process proceeds to step 825, and it is determined that the counting of the terrace length has not ended, and the process returns to step 7818.

At step 7825, it is judged if the value of the argument num is larger than 20 or not. If it is determined that the value of the argument num is 20 or less, then in step 7826 it is determined whether the value of the argument num is 2. If the value of the argument num is determined to be 2, the argument nu is determined in step 7827.
After m is set to 0, the series of processing is completed, and when it is determined that the value of the argument num is not 2, the series of processing is completed as it is. If it is determined in step 7825 that the value of the argument num is greater than 20, then the process of step 7827 is executed. By the processing of steps 7825 to 7827, it is determined whether or not smoothing, which will be described later, should be performed on this terrace. If it is determined that smoothing should not be performed, 0 is set to the argument num. .

When the above chase processing is completed, FIG.
Then, the process proceeds to step 5222 of step 3. In this step 5222, the execution result of the chase process of step 5221 is the variable kink state.

[0]. set to bufa. When this set ends, step 52
In step 23, step 522 executed after this process is executed.
The value of s + 1 is set to the argument p passed to the chase process of No. 4, the value of s + 257 is set to the argument q, and 1 is set to the argument zobun.

When the setting of the values for these arguments is completed, the chase processing of step 5224 is subsequently executed. As the execution result of this chase process, the argument z
The terrace length formed in the direction indicated by the value set in oubun is counted, and in step 5222, the execution result of the chase process in step 5224 is the variable ki.
nk state

[0]. It is set to bufb. When this set ends, in step 5226, the variable kink state is set.

[0]. variable k in bufsum
ink state

[0]. bufa and variable kink
state

[0]. A value obtained by adding the values of bufb, that is, the total value of the lengths of the two terraces with the step as a boundary is set. When the process of step 5226 is completed, the process proceeds to step 5227.

The processes of steps 5219 to 5226 are performed according to the shape of the region boundary detected by executing the kind1 process of step 5211 of FIG. In the subsequent steps 5227-5250,
Process of step 5213, kink2, step 5215
Process of step 5217, and kink4 of step 5217
The process corresponding to the shape of the region boundary detected by executing the process is similarly performed.

At step 5227, the variable "kink state" whose value is set at step 5214 of FIG. 52 is set.
[1]. It is determined whether or not the value of retval is 0 (see FIG. 90). At this time, the variable kink--sta
te [1]. When it is determined that the value of retval is 0, the process proceeds to step 5235, and when it is determined that the value is not 0, the process proceeds to step 5228.

At step 5228, the value of s is set to the argument p and the value of s-256 is set to the argument q for the various arguments passed to the chase processing of step 5229 which is executed subsequent to this processing. And the argument zo
1 is set in ubun. When the setting of the values for these arguments is completed, the above chase processing is continuously executed. Since the value of the variable zoubunn at this time is 1, the length of the terrace formed toward the right side in the horizontal direction is detected by this chase processing.

When the chase processing of step 5229 is completed, the execution result of this chase processing is changed to the variable kink state [1]. bu
set to fa. When this setting is completed, in step 5230, the value of s-1 is set in the argument p to be passed to the chase processing of step 5231 executed subsequently to this processing, the value of s + 255 is set in the argument q, and the argument zobunun is set. Is set to -1.

When the setting of the value for each of these arguments is completed, the chase processing of step 5232 is subsequently executed. Variable zo at the time of executing this chase process
Since the value of ubun is -1, as a result of the execution, the length of the terrace formed toward the left side in the horizontal direction is counted.

In Step 5233, Step 5232
The execution result of the chase process is the variable "kinkstat"
e [1]. It is set to bufb. When this set is completed, in step 5234, the variable kink s is set.
state [1]. The variable kink_sta is added to bufsum.
te [1]. bufa and variable kink state
[1]. A value obtained by adding the values of bufb, that is, the total value of the lengths of the two terraces is set. This step 5234
When the processing in step 5 is completed, the processing moves to step 5235.

At step 5235, the variable "kink state" whose value is set at step 5216 of FIG. 52 is set.
[2]. It is determined whether or not the value of retval is 0 (see FIG. 91). At this time, the variable kink--sta
te [2]. When it is determined that the value of retval is 0, the process proceeds to step 5243, and when it is determined that the value is not 0, the process proceeds to step 5236.

In step 5236, the value of s is set in the argument p and the value of s-1 is set in the argument q with respect to various arguments passed to the chase processing in step 5237 which is executed subsequent to this processing. And the argument zoob
-256 is set in un. When the setting of the values for these arguments is completed, the above chase processing is continuously executed. The value of the variable zobun at this time is -2
Since it is 56, the length of the terrace formed toward the upper side in the vertical direction is detected by this chase processing.

Upon completion of the chase processing in step 5237, in step 5238, the execution result of this chase processing is the variable kink state [2]. bu
set to fa. When this setting is completed, in step 5239, s + 25 is added to the argument p passed to the chase processing of step 5240 which is executed subsequent to this processing.
The value of 6 is set, the value of s + 257 is set in the argument q, and 256 is set in the argument zobun.

When the value setting for each of these arguments is completed, the chase processing of step 5240 is subsequently executed. Variable zo at the time of executing this chase process
Since the value of ubun is 256, the length of the terrace formed downward in the vertical direction is counted as a result of the execution.

In Step 5241, Step 5240
The execution result of the chase process is the variable "kinkstat"
e [2]. It is set to bufb. When this set is completed, in step 5242, the variable kink s is set.
state [2]. The variable kink_sta is added to bufsum.
te [2]. bufa and variable kink state
[2]. A value obtained by adding the values of bufb, that is, the total value of the lengths of the two terraces is set. This step 5242
When the processing of step 5 ends, the processing moves to step 5243.

At step 5243, the variable kink state whose value was set at step 5218 of FIG. 52 is set.
[3]. It is determined whether or not the value of retval is 0 (see FIG. 92). At this time, the variable kink--sta
te [3]. When it is determined that the value of retval is 0, the process proceeds to step 5252, and when it is determined that the value is not 0, the process proceeds to step 5244.

In step 5244, the value of s is set in the argument p and the value of s + 1 is set in the argument q with respect to the various arguments passed to the chase processing in step 5245 executed subsequently to this processing. Argument zoob
-256 is set in un. When the setting of the values for these arguments is completed, the above chase processing is continuously executed. The value of the variable zobun at this time is -2
Since it is 56, the length of the terrace formed toward the upper side in the vertical direction is counted by this chase processing.

Upon completion of the chase processing in step 5245, in step 5246 the execution result of this chase processing is the variable kink state [3]. bu
set to fa. When this setting is completed, in step 5247, s + 25 is added to the argument p passed to the chase processing in step 5248 which is executed subsequent to this processing.
The value of 6 is set, the value of s + 255 is set to the argument q, and 256 is set to the argument zobun.

When the value setting for each of these arguments is completed, the chase processing of step 5248 is subsequently executed. Variable zo at the time of executing this chase process
Since the value of ubun is 256, the length of the terrace formed downward in the vertical direction is counted as a result of the execution.

In Step 5249, Step 5248
The execution result of the chase process is the variable "kinkstat"
e [3]. It is set to bufb. When this set is completed, in step 5250, the variable kink s is set.
state [3]. The variable kink_sta is added to bufsum.
te [3]. bufa and variable kink state
[3]. A value obtained by adding the values of bufb, that is, the total value of the lengths of the two terraces is set. This step 5250
When the processing of step 5 is completed, the processing moves to step 5251.

In steps 5251 to 5301,
The smoothing processing content is determined according to the area boundary formed by the reference pixel and its peripheral pixels. First, step 52
In 51, the variable kink state

[0]. r
It is determined whether the value of etval is not 0. If it is determined that the value of this variable is not 0, then step 5252
The variable s, which is a variable for instructing the smoothing processing content with
status is set to 1, and the value of this variable is 0
If it is determined that the variable status
Is set to 0.

When the processing of step 5252 or 5253 is completed, 0 is set to the variable c in step 5254. This variable c is used to determine the shape of the terrace where the longest terrace is detected, as described later.

At step 5255, the variable kink s is set.
state [c]. The value of bufsum is the variable kink s
state [c + 1]. It is determined whether the value is smaller than the value of bufsum. Variable kink state [c]. b
The value of ufsum is the variable kink state [c +
1]. If it is determined that it is smaller than the value of bufsum,
A value obtained by adding 2 to the variable c is set in the variable status, and the variable c is incremented in step 5257.

After the completion of this increment, step 5
At 258, it is determined whether the value of the variable c is smaller than 3. If it is determined that the value of the variable c is smaller than 3, the process returns to step 5255, and the subsequent processes are similarly executed. In step 5255, the variable kink s
state [c]. The value of bufsum is the variable kink s
state [c + 1]. If it is determined that the value is equal to or larger than the value of bufsum, the process of step 5256 is not executed, and then the process of step 5257 is executed.

Variable kink state [c]. buf
The sum includes steps 5226, 5234, and 5 described above.
In the processing of 242 and 5250, the total of the terrace lengths of the upper and lower steps or the left and right steps counted by the chase processing is set. Therefore, by executing the processes of steps 5251 to 5258, a value indicating the shape of the region boundary forming the longest terrace length is set in the variable status.

If it is determined in step 5258 that the value of the variable c is 3 or more, then in step 5259, the variable s
It is determined whether the value of status is not 0. Variable s
If the value of status is determined to be 0, step 5270
If it is determined that the value of the variable status is not 0, that is, if it is determined that the area boundary forms a terrace, the process proceeds to step 5260.

At step 5260, the variable buf1 is assigned to the variable kink state [status-1]. buf
The value of a, that is, the value indicating one of the terrace lengths of the area boundaries whose total (total value) is determined to be the longest is set, and in step 5261 following this step 5260, the value indicating the other terrace length is set. The set variable kink state [status-1]. bufb
Is set to the variable buf2. This variable buf2
When the setting of the terrace length for the above is completed, next, in step 5262, the variable kinus is added to the variable nuristatus, which is another variable for instructing the content of the smoothing process.
k state [status-1]. The value of retval is set.

When the processing of step 5262 is completed, it is next determined whether or not the value of the variable status is 1. When it is determined that the value of the variable status is 1, that is, it is determined that the terrace is formed as shown in FIG. 89, in step 5264, the enlarged image data is modified to smooth it. After the variable sq which is a variable for designating the pixel data to be set is set to 1, step 5
Then, the process proceeds to 288.

If it is determined in step 5263 that the value of the variable status is not 1, then in step 5265 it is determined whether the value of the variable status is 2 or not.
If the value of the variable status is determined to be 2, step 5
After setting 0 to the variable sq at 266, step 528
The process shifts to the process of 8.

If it is determined in step 5265 that the value of the variable status is not 2, then in step 5267 it is determined whether the value of the variable status is 3 or not.
If the value of the variable status is determined to be 3, then step 5
After the variable sq is set to 256 in 268, the process proceeds to step 5288. On the contrary, when it is determined that the value of the variable status is not 3, the variable sq is set to 257 in step 5269, and then the step The processing moves to 5288.

The processes of steps 5260 to 5269 are executed when the shape of the area boundary having the terrace is detected. By executing this series of processes, the shape of the terrace and the smoothing process content are determined.

On the other hand, in step 5259, the variable s
If it is determined that the value of status is 0, that is, it is determined that the detected boundary area does not form a terrace, the process proceeds to step 5270 of FIG.

The processing of steps 5270 to 5287 is executed when the area boundary formed by the reference pixel and its peripheral pixels does not form a terrace. When this series of processing is executed, as will be described later, a shape in which the region boundary is inclined on the image without forming a terrace (hereinafter,
It is detected whether or not this shape is a simple inclination), and a value corresponding to the detection result is the above-mentioned variable status.
s, the variable nuristatus, and the variable sq.

First, in step 5270, the slant of step 5271, which is executed subsequent to this process, is executed.
The value of the variable s is set in the argument p passed to one process, and after the setting of the value for this argument p is finished,
The t1 process is executed.

Now, the slant1 process will be described. The slant1 process detects a region boundary having a shape intersecting with the horizontal direction (vertical direction), and the value indicating the detection result is set in the argument slant1. 80 and 81 are operation flowcharts of the slant1 process.

In the slant1 process, first, as will be described later, the kst14 process for detecting the shape of the area boundary formed by the reference pixel and its peripheral pixels is executed (step 8001). In the execution of this kst14 processing, the argument p is passed from the slant1 processing.
FIG. 87 is an operation flowchart of the kst14 process.

In the kst14 processing, first, the argument p
Is used as a pointer value, and it is determined whether the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p) is not equal to the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p + 255) (step 8701). If it is determined that these two values are not equal, in step 8702 the execution result of this kst14 process is set to 0 after the argument kst14 is set.
When a series of processing is completed and it is determined that these two values are equal to each other, the processing of step 8703 is executed next.

In step 8703, it is determined whether the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p + 256) and the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p-1) are not equal. If it is determined that these two values are not equal, the process proceeds to step 8702. Conversely, if it is determined that these two values are equal, then step 870 is performed.
The process 4 is executed.

At step 8704, it is determined whether the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p + 256) and the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p + 255) are not equal. If it is determined that these two values are not equal, the process proceeds to step 8702, and conversely, if it is determined that these two values are equal, then step 8 is performed.
The processing of 705 is executed.

At step 8705, it is determined whether or not the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p + 256) and the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p-257) are not equal. If it is determined that these two values are not equal, the process proceeds to step 8702, and conversely, if it is determined that these two values are equal, then step 8 is performed.
The processing of 706 is executed.

In step 8706, it is determined whether the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p + 256) and the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p + 257) are not equal. If it is determined that these two values are not equal, the process proceeds to step 8702, and conversely, if it is determined that these two values are equal, step 870.
After 1 is set to the argument kst14 at 7, a series of processing ends.

When it is determined that the image in the range constituted by a plurality of pixels has the shape shown in FIG. 95 (d) by executing the series of processes (kst14 process) described above, the argument kst14 is set to If 1 is set and the shape is other, 0 is set to the argument kst14.

Returning to FIG. 80, the processing after step 8002 will be described. In step 8002, it is determined whether or not the value of the argument kst14, which is the execution result of the kst14 process (step 8001) described above, is 1. Argument ks
If it is determined that the value of t14 is not 1, it will be described later with reference to FIG.
1 shifts to the processing of step 8016, and conversely the argument ks
If the value of t14 is determined to be 1, the next step 8003
Is performed.

In step 8003, the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p) and the pointer value (p-25
It is determined whether the pixel data values designated by 6) are equal. If it is determined that these two values are not equal, then in step 8004 it is determined whether the pixel data value indicated by the pointer value (p) and the pixel data value indicated by the pointer value (p + 1) are equal. . In step 8003, the pixel data value and the pointer value (p
-256) determines that the pixel data values indicated by the pointer values are equal, or if it is determined in step 8004 that the pixel data values indicated by the pointer value (p) and the pixel data values indicated by the pointer value (p + 1) are equal. In step 8005, a value indicating the execution result of this slant1 process is set. After 0 is set in the argument slant1, a series of processes ends.

If it is determined in step 8004 that the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p) and the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p + 1) are not equal, then in step 8006 the pointer value (p) is designated. It is determined whether the pixel data value to be performed is not equal to the pixel data value indicated by the pointer value (p-255). If it is determined that these two values are not equal, the process proceeds to step 8012. Conversely, if it is determined that these two values are equal, then in step 8007, the pointer value (p-257) indicates. It is determined whether the pixel data value and the pixel data value indicated by the pointer value (p-511) are not equal. If these two values are determined to be equal, step 8008.
After 0 is set to the argument slant1 in step 1, the series of processes is completed, and when it is determined that these two values are not equal, the process proceeds to step 8009.

In step 8009, the pointer value (p +
1) the pixel data value and the pointer value (p-25
It is determined whether the pixel data values indicated by 4) are not equal. If it is determined that these two values are not equal,
In step 8010, the argument slantl is set to 1, and if it is determined that these two values are equal, conversely, in step 8011, the argument slantl is set to 0. After the processing of step 8010 or 8011 ends, a series of processing ends.

If YES at step 8006, then at step 8012 the pointer value (p-2
56) indicates the pixel data value and the pointer value (p-51
It is determined whether the pixel data values indicated by 1) are equal. If it is determined that these two values are equal, the argument slantl is set to 2 in step 8015, and then the series of processing ends. Conversely, if it is determined that these two values are not equal, then the next step is performed. The processing moves to 8013.

At step 8013, the pointer value (p +
1) the pixel data value and the pointer value (p-25
It is determined whether the pixel data values indicated by 4) are equal. When it is determined that these two values are equal, the process proceeds to step 8015, and when it is determined that these two values are not equal, the argument s is determined in step 8014.
After 1 is set in lantl, a series of processing ends.

FIG. 94 (a) is an explanatory diagram showing a method of detecting a region boundary by the slant1 process. Step 80
When it is determined that the value of the argument kst14 is 1 in step 02 (see FIG. 95 (d)), the above process is executed.
In 1), it is determined whether or not the pixel indicated by (p-256) and the pixel indicated by (p + 1) form a region boundary having an upward slope, and a value corresponding to the shape of the region boundary is used as the argument slant1. Is set to.

On the other hand, if NO in step 8002, kst12 processing is executed in step 8016 of FIG. 81. In executing this kst12 process, sl
The value of P-256 is passed as an argument from the ant1 process. FIG. 85 is an operation flowchart of the kst12 process.

In the kst12 process, the argument value (= p-256) passed from the slant1 process is treated as the argument p. First, the value of the argument p is set as the pointer value, and the pixel data designated by the pointer value (p) is set. Value and pointer value (p +
It is determined whether or not the pixel data value designated by 1) is not equal (step 8501). If it is determined that these two values are not equal, then in step 8502 this kst
0 in the argument kst12 where the execution result of 12 processes is set
Is set, the series of processing is terminated, and if it is determined that these two values are equal, then step 850 is performed.
Step 3 is executed.

At step 8503, the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p + 1) and the pointer value (p-
It is determined whether the pixel data values indicated by 256) are not equal. If it is determined that these two values are not equal, the process proceeds to step 8502, and conversely these two values are set.
If it is determined that the two values are equal, then step 8504
Is performed.

At step 8504, it is determined whether or not the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p-256) and the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p-255) are not equal. If it is determined that these two values are not equal, the process proceeds to step 8502. Conversely, if it is determined that these two values are equal, then step 8502 is performed.
The processing of 505 is executed.

In step 8505, it is determined whether the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p-256) and the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p + 257) are not equal. If it is determined that these two values are not equal, the process proceeds to step 8502. Conversely, if it is determined that these two values are equal, then step 8502 is performed.
The processing of 506 is executed.

At step 8506, it is determined whether the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p-256) and the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p-257) are not equal. If it is determined that these two values are not equal, the process proceeds to step 8502, and conversely, if it is determined that these two values are equal, step 850.
After the argument kst12 is set to 1 in 7, a series of processes is completed.

When it is determined that the image in the range formed by a plurality of pixels has the shape shown in FIG. 95 (b) by executing the above series of processing (kst12 processing), the argument kst12 is set to If 1 is set and the shape is any other, 0 is set to the argument kst12.

Returning to FIG. 81, the processing after step 8017 will be described. In step 8017, it is determined whether or not the value of the argument kst12, which is the execution result of the kst12 process (step 8016) described above, is 1. Argument ks
If it is determined that the value of t12 is not 1, step 80
After the argument slantl is set to 0 in 18 and a series of processes is completed, on the contrary, when it is determined that the value of the argument kst12 is 1, then the process of step 8019 is executed.

In step 8019, the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p) and the pointer value (p-25
It is determined whether the pixel data values designated by 6) are equal. If it is determined that these two values are not equal, then in step 8020 it is determined whether the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p-257) and the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p-256) are equal. Is determined. Step 8
In 019, it is determined that the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p) and the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p-256) are equal, or in step 8020, the pointer value (p-
257) indicates the pixel data value and the pointer value (p-2
If it is determined that the pixel data values instructed by 56) are equal, the process proceeds to step 8018 described above.

In step 8020, the pointer value (p-25
7) indicates the pixel data value and the pointer value (p-25
If it is determined that the pixel data values designated by 6) are not equal, then in step 8021 the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p-1) and the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p-256) are determined. Is not equal. If it is determined that these two values are not equal, step 8
If the processing shifts to the processing of 027 and it is determined that these two values are equal to each other, then in step 8022 the pixel data value and the pointer value (p + 25) designated by the pointer value (p).
It is determined whether the pixel data values indicated by 5) are not equal. If it is determined that these two values are equal, 0 is set to the argument slant1 in step 8023, and then a series of processing is ended. Conversely, if it is determined that these two values are not equal, step 8024 is executed. Move to processing.

In step 8024, the pointer value (p-
2) Pixel data value and pointer value (p-25
It is determined whether the pixel data values indicated by 7) are not equal. If it is determined that these two values are not equal,
At step 8025, the argument slantl is set to 3, and if it is determined that these two values are equal, on the contrary, at step 8026, the argument slantl is set to 0. After the processing of step 8025 or 8026 is completed, a series of processing is completed.

If YES in step 8021, it is then determined in step 8027 whether the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p) is equal to the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p + 255). . If it is determined that these two values are equal, step 8030
After 2 is set in the argument slant1 in step 1, the series of processes is completed, and if it is determined that these two values are not equal, then the process proceeds to step 8028.

In step 8028, the pointer value (p-
2) Pixel data value and pointer value (p-25
It is determined whether the pixel data values designated by 7) are equal. If it is determined that these two values are equal, the process proceeds to step 8030 described above. Conversely, if it is determined that these two values are not equal, then in step 8029 the argument slantl is set to 3, and A series of processing ends.

By the processing of steps 8016 to 8030 described above, whether the pixel indicated by (p-257) and the pixel indicated by (p) in FIG. 94 (a-2) form a region boundary with an upward slope. Whether or not it is determined, and a value corresponding to the shape of the area boundary is set in the argument slantl.

When the slant1 process described above is completed,
The process moves to step 5272 in FIG. In step 5272, the slan executed in step 5272
The value of the argument slant1 indicating the execution result of the t1 process is set in the variable nuristatus, and in the steps 5273 to 5278 following this process, this variable nuri is set.
Variable status, variable sq according to the value of status
The value will be set to.

First, in step 5273, the variable nur is set.
It is determined whether the value of istustus is 1. If the value of the variable nuristatus is determined to be 1 in this process,
After the variable status is set to 5 and the variable sq is set to 2 in step 5274, the process proceeds to step 5288 in FIG. 59.

In step 5273, the variable nuristat is set.
If it is determined that the value of us is not 1, then step 5
At 275, it is determined whether the value of the variable nuristatus is 2. If the value of the variable nuristatus is determined to be 2, the variable status is set to 15 in step 5276, and then the process proceeds to step 5258 of FIG. 59.

In step 5275, the variable nuristat is set.
If it is determined that the value of us is not 2, then step 5
At 277, it is determined whether the value of the variable nuristatus is 3. If the value of the variable nuristatus is determined to be 3, the variable status is set to 5 in step 5278, and then the process proceeds to step 5288 in FIG. 59.

In step 5277, the variable nuristat is set.
If it is determined that the value of us is not 3, step 527
Step 52, which follows step 9 in FIG.
The value of the variable s is set in the argument p passed to the slant 2 process of 80, and after the setting of the value for this argument p is completed, the slant 2 process is executed.

Here, the slant2 processing will be described. This slant2 process detects an area boundary of the screen that is inclined upward to the left, whereas the slant1 process detects an area boundary that is inclined to the right of the screen, and the value indicating the detection result is an argument. It is set to slant2. 82 and 83 are operation flowcharts of this slant2 process.

In the slant2 process, first, as will be described later, a kst13 process for detecting the shape of the area boundary in the image area composed of the reference pixel and its peripheral pixels is executed (step 8201). This kst13
In executing the process, the value of the argument p is passed from the slant2 process. FIG. 87 is an operation flowchart of the kst14 process.

In the kst13 process, first, the argument p
Is used as a pointer value, and it is determined whether or not the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p) and the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p + 257) are not equal (step 8601). If it is determined that these two values are not equal, after 0 is set in the argument kst13 in which the execution result of this kst13 process is set in step 8602,
When a series of processing is completed and it is determined that these two values are equal to each other, the processing of step 8603 is executed next.

In step 8603, it is determined whether the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p + 256) and the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p + 1) are not equal. If it is determined that these two values are not equal, the process proceeds to step 8602 described above. Conversely, if it is determined that these two values are equal, then the process of step 8604 is executed.

In step 8604, it is determined whether the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p + 256) and the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p + 257) are not equal. If it is determined that these two values are not equal, the process proceeds to step 8602, and conversely, if it is determined that these two values are equal, then step 8 is performed.
The processing of 605 is executed.

At step 8605, it is determined whether the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p + 256) and the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p + 255) are not equal. If it is determined that these two values are not equal, the process proceeds to step 8602, and conversely, if it is determined that these two values are equal, then step 8 is performed.
The processing of 606 is executed.

In step 8606, it is determined whether the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p + 256) and the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p-257) are not equal. If it is determined that these two values are not equal, the process proceeds to step 8602. Conversely, if it is determined that these two values are equal, then step 860 is performed.
After 1 is set to the argument kst13 in 7, a series of processing is completed.

By executing the above-described series of processing (kst13 processing), it is determined that the image in the range constituted by a plurality of pixels has the shape shown in FIG. 95 (c), that is, the shape of the region boundary is right. Argument k when it is determined to be an upward slope
1 is set in st13, and 0 is set in the argument kst13 in the case of other shapes.

Returning to FIG. 82, the processing after step 8202 will be described. In step 8202, it is determined whether or not the value of the argument kst13 which is the execution result of the above-mentioned kst13 process (step 8201) is 1. Argument ks
If it is determined that the value of t13 is not 1, it will be described later with reference to FIG.
3 shifts to the process of step 8216, and conversely the argument ks
If the value of t13 is determined to be 1, then step 8203
Is performed.

At step 8203, the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p) and the pointer value (p-25
It is determined whether the pixel data values designated by 6) are equal. If it is determined that these two values are not equal, then it is determined in step 8204 whether the pixel data value indicated by the pointer value (p) and the pixel data value indicated by the pointer value (p-1) are equal. To be done. In step 8203, the pixel data value and the pointer value (p
-256) determines that the pixel data values indicated by the pointer values (p-1) are equal to each other, or it is determined in step 8204 that the pixel data values indicated by the pointer value (p) and the pixel data values indicated by the pointer value (p-1) are equal. After the argument slant2 is set to 0 in step 8205, a series of processing ends.

If it is determined in step 8204 that the pixel data value indicated by the pointer value (p) and the pixel data value indicated by the pointer value (p-1) are not equal, then in step 8206 the pointer value (p) is determined. It is determined whether or not the pixel data value designated by the pointer is not equal to the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p-257). If it is determined that these two values are not equal, the process proceeds to step 8212. Conversely, if it is determined that these two values are equal, then in step 8207, the pointer value (p-1) indicates. It is determined whether the pixel data value and the pixel data value indicated by the pointer value (p-258) are not equal. These two
If it is determined that the two values are equal, 0 is set to the argument slant2 in step 8208, and then the series of processes ends. Conversely, if it is determined that these two values are not equal, the process of step 8209 is performed. Transition.

At step 8209, the pointer value (p-
256) indicates the pixel data value and the pointer value (p-5
It is determined whether the pixel data values indicated by 13) are not equal. If it is determined that these two values are equal, 0 is set in the argument slant2 in step 8210,
On the contrary, if it is determined that these two values are not equal, 1 is set to the argument slant2 in step 8211. After the processing of step 8210 or 8211 is completed, a series of processing is completed.

If it is determined YES in step 8206, then in step 8212, the pointer value (p-
1) the pixel data value and the pointer value (p-25
It is determined whether the pixel data values indicated by 8) are equal. If it is determined that these two values are equal, the argument slant2 is set to 2 in step 8215, and then the series of processing ends. Conversely, if it is determined that these two values are not equal, then the next step is performed. The processing shifts to 8213.

[0409] In step 8213, the pointer value (p-
256) indicates the pixel data value and the pointer value (p-5
It is determined whether the pixel data values indicated by 13) are equal. If it is determined that these two values are equal, the processing proceeds to step 8215. Conversely, if it is determined that these two values are not equal, 1 is set in the argument slant2 in step 8214, and then a series of Processing ends.

FIG. 94 (b) is an explanatory diagram showing a method of detecting a region boundary by the slant2 process. Step 82
When the value of the argument kst13 is determined to be 1 in 02 (see FIG. 95 (c)) and the above-described processing is executed, the same figure (b-
In 1), it is determined whether or not the pixel indicated by (p-256) and the pixel indicated by (p-1) form a region boundary with an upward slope, and a value corresponding to the shape of the region boundary is an argument. It is set to slant2.

On the other hand, if NO in step 8202, kst11 processing is executed in step 8216 of FIG. In executing this kst11 process, sl
The value of P-256 is passed as an argument from the ant2 process. FIG. 84 is an operation flowchart of the kst11 process.

In the kst11 process, the argument value (= p-256) passed from the slant2 process is treated as the argument p. First, the value of the argument p is set as the pointer value, and the pixel data designated by the pointer value (p) is set. Value and pointer value (p-
It is determined whether the pixel data value designated by 1) is not equal (step 8401). If it is determined that these two values are not equal, this kst is determined in step 8402.
0 in the argument kst12 in which the execution result of 11 processing is set
Is set, the series of processing ends, and if it is determined that these two values are equal, then step 840 is executed.
Step 3 is executed.

In step 8403, it is determined whether or not the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p-256) and the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p-1) are not equal. If it is determined that these two values are not equal, the process proceeds to step 8402. Conversely, if it is determined that these two values are equal, then step 840 is performed.
The process 4 is executed.

In step 8404, it is determined whether the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p-256) and the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p-257) are not equal. If it is determined that these two values are not equal, the process proceeds to step 8402. Conversely, if it is determined that these two values are equal, then step 8402 is performed.
The processing of 405 is executed.

At step 8405, it is determined whether the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p-256) and the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p-255) are not equal. If it is determined that these two values are not equal, the process proceeds to step 8402. Conversely, if it is determined that these two values are equal, then step 8402 is performed.
The process of 406 is executed.

In step 8406, it is determined whether or not the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p-256) and the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p + 255) are not equal. When it is determined that these two values are not equal, the process proceeds to step 8402, and when it is determined that these two values are equal, step 840 is performed.
After 1 is set to the argument kst11 in 7, a series of processing is ended.

When it is determined that the image in the range constituted by a plurality of pixels has the shape shown in FIG. 95 (a) by executing the series of processes (kst11 process) described above, the argument kst11 is set to If 1 is set and the shape is any other, 0 is set to the argument kst11.

Returning to FIG. 83, the processing after step 8217 will be described. In step 8217, it is determined whether or not the value of the argument kst11 which is the execution result of the above-mentioned kst11 process (step 8216) is 1. Argument ks
If it is determined that the value of t11 is not 1, step 82
After the argument slant2 is set to 0 in 18 and a series of processing is completed, on the contrary, when the value of the argument kst11 is determined to be 1, the processing of step 8219 is executed next.

In step 8219, it is determined whether the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p-256) and the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p) are equal. If it is determined that these two values are not equal, it is determined in step 8220 whether the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p-256) and the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p-255) are equal. Is determined. In step 8219, it is determined that the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p-256) and the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p) are equal, or in step 8220, the pointer value (p
-256) indicates the pixel data value and the pointer value (p-
If it is determined that the pixel data values indicated by 255) are equal, the process proceeds to the above-described step 8218.

[0420] In step 8220, the pointer value (p-25
6) the pixel data value and the pointer value (p-25
If it is determined that the pixel data values indicated by 5) are not equal, then in step 8221 the pointer value (p-256).
It is determined whether or not the pixel data value indicated by <1> and the pixel data value indicated by the pointer value (p + 1) are not equal. If it is determined that these two values are not equal, step 8
If the processing shifts to the processing of 227 and it is determined that these two values are equal to each other, then in step 8222, the pixel data value and the pointer value (p + 25) designated by the pointer value (p)
It is determined whether the pixel data values indicated by 7) are not equal. If it is determined that these two values are equal, 0 is set to the argument slant2 in step 8223, and then a series of processing ends. Conversely, if it is determined that these two values are not equal, step 8224 Move to processing.

At step 8224, the pointer value (p +
2) Pixel data value and pointer value (p-25
It is determined whether the pixel data values indicated by 5) are not equal. If it is determined that these two values are equal, 0 is set in the argument slant2 in step 8225, and conversely, if it is determined that these two values are not equal, 3 is set in the argument slant2 in step 8226.
After the processing of step 8225 or 8226 ends, a series of processing ends.

If YES is determined in step 8221, it is then determined in step 8227 whether the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p) and the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p + 257) are equal. . If these two values are found equal, step 8230.
After the argument slant2 is set to 2, the series of processes ends, and if it is determined that these two values are not equal, the process proceeds to step 8228.

At step 8228, the pointer value (p +
2) Pixel data value and pointer value (p-25
It is determined whether the pixel data values designated by 5) are equal. If it is determined that these two values are equal, the process proceeds to step 8230 described above. Conversely, if it is determined that these two values are not equal, after 3 is set in the argument slant2 in step 8229, A series of processing ends. By the processes of steps 8216 to 8230 described above, it is determined whether or not the pixel indicated by (p-255) and the pixel indicated by (p) in FIG. 94 (b-2) form a region boundary with an upward slope. Then, a value corresponding to the shape of the area boundary is set in the argument slantl.

When the slant2 process described above is completed,
The process moves to step 5280 in FIG. In step 5280, the slan executed in step 5279
The value of the argument slant2 indicating the execution result of the t2 process is set to the variable nuristatus, and in the steps 5828 to 5287 following this process, this variable nuri is set.
Variable status, variable sq according to the value of status
The value will be set to.

First, in step 5282, the variable nur is set.
It is determined whether the value of istustus is 1. If the value of the variable nuristatus is determined to be 1 in this process,
After the variable status is set to 6 and the variable sq is set to -2 in step 5283, the process proceeds to step 5288 in FIG.

At step 5282, the variable nuristat is set.
If it is determined that the value of us is not 1, then step 5
At 284, it is determined whether the value of the variable nuristatus is 2. If the value of the variable nuristatus is determined to be 2, the variable status is set to 16 in step 5285, and then the process proceeds to step 5288 in FIG.

In step 5284, the variable nuristat is set.
If it is determined that the value of us is not 2, then step 5
At 286, it is determined whether the value of the variable nuristatus is 3. If the value of the variable nuristatus is determined to be 3, the variable status is set to 6 in step 5287, and then the process proceeds to step 5288 in FIG.

In steps 5288 to 5301 of FIG. 59, a process of determining pixel data to be corrected for smoothing the enlarged image represented by the enlarged image data is performed.

First, in step 5288, it is determined whether or not the value of the variable status is not 0 and its value is smaller than 5, that is, whether or not the area boundary forms a terrace. If it is determined that the value of the variable status is 0, or if the value is 5 or more, step 5301
If it is determined that the value of the variable status is not 0, and that the value is smaller than 5, that is, it is determined that the area boundary forms a terrace, the next step The processing moves to 5289.

At step 5289, the variables buf1 and buf2 in which the value indicating the length of the terrace is set.
Are doubled each. The enlarged image data in this embodiment is obtained by enlarging the original image data by 4 times in area ratio, that is, the lengths in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction are each doubled. Therefore, the actual terrace length of the enlarged image data is calculated by the processing of step 5289, and the terrace length is set in each variable.

Upon completion of the processing in step 5289, in step 5290 the variables buf1 to buf are changed.
The value obtained by subtracting 2 (= buf1-buf2) is the variable fla
set to g. This variable flag becomes a variable representing the total value of the two terrace lengths when the process of step 5293 described later is performed.

In steps 5291 and 5292, it is determined whether the value of the variable flag set in step 5290 is positive or negative, and if the value of the variable flag is negative, the value is inverted.

At step 5293, one of the three conditions is set: the value of the variable flag is smaller than 8, the value of the variable buf1 is smaller than 4, or the value of the variable buf2 is smaller than 4. It is determined whether the condition is satisfied. In these three conditions, 1
If none of them satisfies the condition, the determination is NO, and the process of step 5294 is performed assuming that the region boundary has a long terrace length.

[0434] In step 5294, the lengths of the terraces formed in the magnified image are calculated so as to correct the lengths thereof. Specifically, assuming that the lengths corrected (hereinafter, referred to as correction lengths) are r1 and r2, respectively, the calculation is performed by Equation 1 (see FIG. 96).

[0435]

## EQU00001 ## r1 = (3.buf1 + buf2 + 8) / 16 r2 = (3.buf2 + buf1 + 8) / 16 However, r1 and r2 are integers. It is done by truncating a small part of. When the processing of step 5294 ends, the processing moves to step 5301.

[0436] In step 5293, if any one of the three boundaries satisfies the above three conditions, the determination is YES, and in step 5295 it is determined whether or not the value of the variable buf1 is 2, that is, in the original image. It is determined whether or not the terrace length is 1. If the value of the variable buf1 is determined to be 2, it is determined that the pixel data is not corrected for this portion, and the correction length r1 is set to 0 (step 5286). On the contrary, if the value of the variable buf1 is not 2. If it is determined that the portion forms a terrace, the modified length r1 is calculated in step 5297.

At step 5297, since the length of the terrace length is relatively short, the correction length r1 is calculated by the equation 2.

[0438]

## EQU00002 ## r1 = (buf1 + buf2 + 4) / 8 Also in step 5297, the modified length r1 is rounded down to the nearest whole number. When the processing of step 5296 or 5297 ends, the processing moves to step 5298.

At step 5298, it is judged if the value of the variable buf2 is 2, that is, if the corresponding terrace length in the original image is 1. If it is determined that the value of the variable buf2 is 2, it is determined that the pixel data is not corrected for this portion and the correction length r2 is set to 0 (step 5299). On the contrary, if the value of the variable buf2 is not 2. If determined, that portion forms a terrace, and its modified length r2 is calculated in step 5300.

In this step 5300, since the length of the terrace length is relatively short, the modified length r2 is calculated by the equation 3.

[0441]

## EQU00003 ## r2 = (buf1 + buf2 + 4) / 8 Also in step 5300, the modified length r2 is rounded down to the nearest whole number. When the process of step 5299 or 5300 is completed, the process proceeds to step 5301, and the value of the variable sq is added to the variable p in this process. In this step 5301, by adding the variable sq to the variable p, the pixel data to be corrected in the enlarged image data is determined, and the variable p to which the value of the variable sq is added is the reference for correcting the enlarged image data. It is used to indicate the pixel data that becomes

In steps 5302 to 5342, which follow the processing of step 5301, the processing for correcting the enlarged image data is roughly performed according to the value of the variable status determined as described above. Variable status
If the value of is 1 to 4, the area boundaries forming the terrace are defined as steps 5303 to 53 depending on the value.
29 processes are performed.

First, in step 5302, the variable sta is set.
It is determined whether the value of tus is 1. Variable status
If it is determined that the value of is not 1, step 5 in FIG.
If the value is judged to be 1 on the contrary to the processing of step 309, then the processing of step 5303 is executed.

At step 5303, the variable nurist is set.
It is determined whether the value of "atus" is not 3, that is, whether the shape of the region boundary is not shown in FIG. 89 (c) or (f). If the value of the variable nuristatus is determined to be 3, the process proceeds to step 5306, which will be described later, and conversely, if it is determined that the value is not 3, then step 53 is performed.
The processing of 04 is executed.

At step 5304, a value is set for each argument to be passed to the nurinuri processing at step 5305 which is executed subsequent to this processing.
Specifically, a value obtained by subtracting 256 from the variable p (= p-256) is set in the argument q, and the modified length r1 is set in the argument a.
, And the argument zobun is set to -1. When the setting of the values for these respective arguments is completed, the variable p and the value of the argument ex in which the value of the start address of the area where the enlarged image data is stored are set are added to these arguments described above, and in step 5305 nurinuri
The process is executed.

Now, the above-mentioned nuruniuri processing will be described with reference to the operation flowchart thereof shown in FIG. In this nuruni processing, the value of the pixel data in the direction indicated by the argument zobun is the number of the value of the argument a (the value of the correction length r1 or r2) based on the pixel data indicated by the value of the variable p passed to this processing. Only by substituting the pixel data value indicated by the value of the argument q, the shape of the region boundary forming the terrace in the enlarged image is visually smoothed.
Arguments p, q, a, ex passed from the smoothing process
Are treated as arguments p, q, a, and moto in the nurinu process, respectively.

In the nurini processing, first, at step 8801, it is judged if the value of the argument a is 0 or not. When it is determined that the value of the argument a is 0, a series of processes ends here. On the contrary, when it is determined that the value is not 0, the argument z
Assuming that the value of the pixel data forming the terrace in the direction indicated by oubun is corrected, step 8802 is executed next.
Is performed.

At step 8802, the argument m is assigned to the variable aa.
Value obtained by adding 114688 to oto (= moto + 11
4688) is set. As a result, a value indicating the last address of the area where the enlarged image data is stored is set in the variable aa. When the setting of the value for this variable aa is completed, this nurinu
A variable i for counting the number of pixel data corrected by the ri process is set to 0 (step 8803).

Upon completion of the processing in step 8803, in step 8804 the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p) is replaced with the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (q). This replacement is performed by the work R in which the pixel data designated by the pointer value (p) is stored.
It is realized by newly writing the data of the address of the work RAM 308 in which the pixel data designated by the pointer value (q) is stored in the address of the AM 308. This is also the case thereafter. On the other hand, the argument p used for designating the pixel data to be corrected in this way is updated in step 8805 when the data replacement in step 8804 is completed. Specifically, the value of the argument zobun is added to that value (= p + zoubu
n).

When the updating of the value of the argument p is completed, next, at step 8806, the updated value of the argument p is updated to the argument m.
It is determined whether or not it is smaller than the value of OTO, that is, whether or not the argument p indicates a value smaller than the address in the area where the enlarged image data is stored. If it is determined that the value of the argument p is smaller than the value of the argument motor, the series of processing ends here, and conversely, the value of the argument p changes to the argument motor.
If it is determined that the value is not less than the value of, the process of step 8807 is subsequently executed.

At step 8807, it is determined whether or not the value of the argument p is larger than the value of the variable aa, that is, whether or not the argument p indicates a value larger than the address in the area where the enlarged image data is stored. Is determined. If it is determined that the value of the argument p is larger than the value of the variable aa, a series of processing ends here. Conversely, if it is determined that the value of the argument p is not more than the value of the variable aa, then step 8808 is executed. The process is executed.

At step 8808, the value of the variable i described above is incremented. When the increment of the value of the variable i is completed, then in step 8809, this variable i is incremented.
Is greater than or equal to the argument a, that is, whether or not the correction of the pixel data of the number specified by the argument a is completed. If it is determined that the value of the variable i is smaller than the value of the argument a, the processing returns to step 8804 and the subsequent processing is executed in the same manner. Conversely, it is determined that the value of the variable i is equal to or larger than the value of the argument a. Then, a series of processing ends here.

FIG. 96 is an explanatory diagram showing a state after the smoothing of the enlarged image by the nurini processing. In the figure, the broken line is the smoothed region boundary, the solid line is the smoothed region boundary, r1
And r2 indicate the corrected length, and buf1 and buf2 indicate the terrace length on the original image, respectively.

In this embodiment, since the basic enlargement magnification is 4 times (area ratio), the step difference of 1 dot at the area boundary in the original image is 2 dots in the enlarged image. Therefore, even if the original image is not noticeable, the step becomes visually noticeable in the enlarged image. However, as shown in FIG. 96, for two terraces that extend at a step, the output state of pixels (dots) is corrected in the direction in which the terrace extends from the step so that the step is visually recognized. Can be smoothed. Therefore, the deterioration of the image quality caused by the enlargement is reduced, and the user can obtain a good enlarged image.

The correction length r indicating the number of pixels to be corrected
1 and r2 correspond to step 529 in FIG. 59 in this embodiment.
It is calculated by the processing of 4, 5297, or 5300. The mathematical expressions (Equations 1 to 3) for obtaining the values described above in the explanation of these processing steps are obtained empirically by repeating trial and error. Therefore, the shape of the region boundary can be effectively smoothed by calculating the number of pixels of which the data value is corrected by the above-mentioned mathematical expression according to the length of the terrace length.

Returning to FIG. 60, the processing after step 5305 will be described. When the process of step 5305 described above ends, it is next determined whether or not the value of the variable nuristatus is 2. Variable nuristat
If it is determined that the value of us is 2, step 534 in FIG.
Moved to the process of 3, on the contrary, it is determined that the value is not 2,
That is, when the value is determined to be 1 (see FIGS. 89A and 89D), the process of step 5307 is subsequently executed.

At step 5307, a value is set for each argument to be passed to the nuruniuri processing at step 5308 which is executed subsequent to this processing.
Specifically, a value (= p + 256) obtained by adding 256 to the variable p is set in the argument p, and 5 is added to the variable p in the argument q.
A value obtained by adding 13 (= p + 513) is set, a value of the correction length r2 is set in the argument a, and 1 is set in the argument zobun.

When the setting of the value for each of these arguments is completed, the value of the argument ex is added to the above-mentioned arguments, and the nurinuri processing of step 5308 is executed.
Since 1 is set in the argument zobun, the terrace is corrected toward the right of the image by this nurini processing, and when this processing ends, the processing moves to step 5343 in FIG.

If it is determined in step 5302 that the value of the variable status is not 1, then step 5 in FIG.
At 309, it is determined whether the value of the variable status is 2. If it is determined that the value of the variable status is not 2, the process proceeds to step 5316 in FIG. 62. Conversely, if it is determined that the value is 2, then step 531 is performed.
The process of 0 is executed.

At step 5310, the variable nurist is set.
It is determined whether or not the value of atus is not 3. If the value is determined to be 3, the process proceeds to step 5313, which will be described later, and conversely, if it is determined that the value is not 3, then the process of step 5311 is executed.

At step 5311, a value is set for each argument to be passed to the nurinuri processing of step 5312 which is executed subsequent to this processing.
Specifically, a value (= p-256) obtained by subtracting 256 from the variable p is set in the argument q, and the modified length r1 is set in the argument a.
, And the argument zobun is set to 1.

When the setting of the value for each of these arguments is completed, the variable p and the value of the argument ex are added to these above-mentioned arguments, and the nuruni processing of step 5312 is executed. Since 1 is set in the argument zobun, the terrace is corrected toward the right of the enlarged image by this nurini processing, and when this processing ends, the processing moves to step 5343 in FIG. 65.

If it is determined in step 5302 that the value of the variable status is not 1, then step 5 in FIG.
At 309, it is determined whether the value of the variable status is 2. If it is determined that the value of the variable status is not 2, the process proceeds to step 5316 in FIG. 62. Conversely, if it is determined that the value is 2, then step 531 is performed.
The process of 0 is executed.

At step 5310, the variable nurist is set.
It is determined whether or not the value of atus is not 3. If the value is determined to be 3, the process proceeds to step 5313, which will be described later, and conversely, if it is determined that the value is not 3, then the process of step 5311 is executed.

At step 5311, a value is set for each argument to be passed to the nurinuri processing at step 5312 which is executed subsequent to this processing.
Specifically, a value (= p-256) obtained by subtracting 256 from the variable p is set in the argument q, and the modified length r1 is set in the argument a.
, And the argument zobun is set to 1.

When the setting of the value for each of these arguments is completed, the variable p and the variable ex in which the value of the start address of the image area B is set are added to these arguments described above, and the nuruni processing of step 5312 is executed. . Since 1 is set in the argument zobun,
As a result, the terrace of the enlarged image is corrected to the right.

[0467] Upon completion of the nuruniuri processing in step 5312, next in step 5313, the variable nuris is set.
It is determined whether the value of status is not 2. If it is determined that the value of the variable is 2, step 5343 in FIG.
If it is determined that the value of the variable is not 2, the process of step 5314 is subsequently executed.

At step 5314, a value is set for each argument to be passed to the nurinuri processing at step 5314 which is executed subsequent to this processing.
Specifically, a value (= p + 256) obtained by adding 256 to the variable p is set in the argument p, and 5 is added to the variable p in the argument q.
A value obtained by adding 11 (= p + 511), a value of the correction length r2 is set in the argument a, and -1 is set in the argument zoubun.

When the setting of the value for each of these arguments is completed, the value of the argument ex is added to the above-mentioned arguments, and the nurini processing of step 5315 is executed.
Since -1 is set in the argument zoubun, the terrace is corrected toward the left side of the enlarged image by this nurini processing, and when this processing ends,
Then, the processing moves to step 5343 of step 5.

If it is determined in step 5309 that the value of the variable status is not 2, then step 5 in FIG.
At 316, it is determined whether the value of the variable status is 3. If it is determined that the value of the variable status is not 3, the process proceeds to step 5323 of FIG. 63, and conversely, if the value is determined to be 3, then step 531 is performed.
Process 7 is executed.

In step 5317, the variable nurist is set.
It is determined whether or not the value of atus is not 3. If the value is determined to be 3, the process proceeds to step 5320, which will be described later, and conversely, if it is determined that the value is not 3, then the process of step 5318 is executed.

At step 5318, a value is set for each argument to be passed to the nurinuri processing at step 5319 which is executed subsequent to this processing.
Specifically, the argument q is a value obtained by subtracting 1 from the variable p (=
p-1) is set, the value of the correction length r1 is set in the argument a, and -256 is set in the argument zobun.

When the setting of the value for each of these arguments is completed, the variable p and the value of the argument ex are added to these arguments described above, and the nuruniuri processing of step 5319 is executed. Since -256 is set in the argument zoubun, the terrace is corrected in the upward direction of the enlarged image by the nurining process.

[0474] When the nuruniuri process of step 5319 is completed, next in step 5320, the variable nuris is set.
It is determined whether the value of status is not 2. If it is determined that the value of the variable is 2, step 5343 in FIG.
If it is determined that the value of the variable is not 2, then the process of step 5321 is executed.

At step 5321, a value is set for each argument to be passed to the nurinuri processing at step 5322 which is executed subsequent to this processing.
Specifically, a value (= p + 257) obtained by adding 257 to the variable p is set to the argument p, and 2 is added to the variable p for the argument q.
A value obtained by adding 58 (= p + 258), a value of the correction length r2 is set in the argument a, and 256 is set in the argument zobun.

When the setting of the value for each of these arguments is completed, the value of the argument ex is added to these arguments described above, and the nurinuri processing of step 5322 is executed.
Since 256 is set in the argument zobun,
By this nuruniuri processing, the terrace is corrected downward in the enlarged image, and when this processing ends, the processing moves to step 5343 in FIG.

If it is determined at step 5316 that the value of the variable status is not 3, then at step 5 of FIG.
At 323, it is determined whether the value of the variable status is 4. If it is determined that the value of the variable status is not 4, the process proceeds to step 5330 of FIG. 64, and conversely, if the value is determined to be 4, then step 532 is performed.
The process 4 is executed.

In step 5324, the variable nurist is set.
It is determined whether or not the value of atus is not 3. If the value is determined to be 3, the process proceeds to step 5327, which will be described later, and conversely, if it is determined that the value is not 3, then the process of step 5325 is executed.

At step 5325, a value is set for each argument to be passed to the nurinuri processing at step 5326 which is executed subsequent to this processing.
Specifically, the argument q is a value obtained by adding 1 to the variable p (= p
+1) is set, the value of the correction length r1 is set to the argument a, and -256 is set to the argument zobun.

When the setting of the value for each of these arguments is completed, the variable p and the variable ex are added to these arguments described above, and the nuruniuri processing of step 5326 is executed. Since -256 is set in the argument zoubun, the terrace of the enlarged image is corrected upward.

Upon completion of the nuruniuri process in step 5326, next in step 5327, the variable nuris is set.
It is determined whether the value of status is not 2. If it is determined that the value of the variable is 2, step 5343 in FIG.
If it is determined that the value of the variable is not 2, the process of step 5328 is subsequently executed.

At step 5328, a value is set for each argument to be passed to the nurinuri processing at step 5329 which is executed subsequent to this processing.
Specifically, a value (= p + 255) obtained by adding 255 to the variable p is set to the argument p, and 2 is set to the variable p for the argument q.
A value obtained by adding 54 (= p + 254), a value of the correction length r2 is set in the argument a, and 256 is set in the argument zobun.

When the setting of the value for each of these arguments is completed, the value of the variable ex is added to the above-mentioned arguments, and the nurinuri processing of step 5329 is executed.
Since 256 is set in the argument zobun,
The terraces of the magnified image are corrected downward by this nurinuri processing. The process of correcting the area boundary in which the terrace is formed by this process ends, and the process shown in FIG.
Then, the processing shifts to step 5343.

Step 5330 of FIG. 64 to 53 of FIG.
In the processing of 42, smoothing is performed on the area boundary whose shape is simply inclined. This series of processing is
This is performed when a value is set in the variable status by the processing of steps 5270 to 5287 in FIG.

In this series of processing, first, at step 5330, it is judged if the value of the variable status is 5 or not. If it is determined that the value of the variable is not 5, the process proceeds to step 5334, and conversely, the value of the variable is 5
If it is determined that, in step 5331, the value of the address at which the pixel data pointed to by the pointer value (p-770) is stored is the value of the start address of the area at which the enlarged image data is stored, that is, the argument. It is determined whether or not the value is greater than or equal to 11. If it is determined that the value of the address where the pixel data is stored is smaller than the value of the start address, the process proceeds to step 5343 in FIG. 65, and conversely, the value of the address where the pixel data is stored is If it is determined that the value is equal to or greater than the value of the start address, then step 5332 is performed.
Is performed.

At step 5332, the value of the address where the pixel data pointed to by the pointer value (p + 513) is stored is the value indicating the last address of the area where the enlarged image data stored in the variable ul is stored. Is less than or equal to. If it is determined that the value of the address where the pixel data is stored is greater than or equal to the value of the variable ul, the process proceeds to step 5343 of FIG. 65, and conversely, the value of the address where the pixel data is stored is the variable ul. If it is determined that the pixel data value indicated by the pointer value (p-1) is corrected to the pixel data value indicated by the pointer value (p) in step 5333, the pointer value (p-256 ) Is corrected to the pixel data value indicated by the pointer value (p), and after the end of this processing, the flow shifts to the processing of step 5343 in FIG.

FIG. 97 shows s in step 5271 of FIG.
It is explanatory drawing which shows the state after the smoothing with respect to the area | region boundary detected by the ant1 process. In FIG. 97, the left side of FIG. 97 is the state before smoothing, the right side is the state after smoothing, and “A” and “B” are the states of each pixel indicated by a frame. Is represented. Further, a frame with a diagonal line indicates a pixel corresponding to the value of the variable p before the variable sq is added in the process of step 5301 of FIG. 59. For example, a frame (pixel) corresponding to the value of this variable p, which is shaded in FIG. 9A, has a frame with “p” in FIG. 95D showing the state of the original image. It corresponds to. This is the same in other cases as well, and since the frame (pixel) having "p" in FIG. 95 (d) is indicated by the value of the variable s, the variable p corresponds to the pixel indicated by the variable s. It can be seen that the value indicating the first represented pixel of the four pixels is set. .

In this embodiment, step 5271 in FIG.
When 1 or 3 is set in the argument slant1 in the slant1 process of, the variable status is set to 5
Is set.

If the argument slant1 is set to 1, the variable sq is set to 2. Therefore, step 53
The variable p at the time of performing the process of 33 is a value indicating the frame (pixel) two to the right of the frame (pixel) indicated by the diagonal lines in FIG. 97 (b). Therefore, since one line is displayed with 256 dots, the frame (pixel) adjacent to the right of the frame (pixel) with the oblique line after smoothing is “as shown in FIG. 97 (b). The state indicated by “A” is corrected to the state indicated by “B”, and the upper right frame of the frame (pixels) corrected to the state indicated by “B” is also corrected to the state indicated by “B”. The region boundaries are visually smoothed.

On the other hand, when the argument slantl is set to 3, the value is not set to the variable sq, and the value is 0. Therefore, the variable p at the time of performing the processing of step 5333 is shaded in FIG. 97 (c). It is a value indicating the frame (pixel) that is included. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 97 (c), after smoothing, the two pixels adjacent to the left and above the shaded frame (pixel) are corrected to the state shown by "A", and It can be seen that the region boundaries are visually smoothed.

If it is determined at step 5330 that the value of the variable status is not 5, then at step 5334 the variable s
It is determined whether the value of status is 6 or not. Variable stat
If it is determined that the value of us is not 6, step 533
If the value of the variable is judged to be 6 on the contrary to the processing of 7, the value of the address at which the pixel data pointed to by the pointer value (p-765) is stored is the variable 11 in step 5335. Is greater than or equal to the value of and the value of the address at which the pixel data pointed to by the pointer value (p + 512) is stored is smaller than the value of the variable ul.

The value of the address where the pixel data pointed to by the pointer value (p-765) is smaller than the value of the variable ll, or the address where the pixel data pointed to by the pointer value (p + 512) is stored. Is the variable u
If it is greater than or equal to the value of l, the determination in step 5335 is N.
When it becomes O, the processing shifts to the step 5343 of FIG. 65,
On the contrary, if not, the determination is YES and the process proceeds to step 5336. In step 5336, the pixel data value indicated by the pointer value (p-255) is corrected to the pixel data value indicated by the pointer value (p), and the pixel data value indicated by the pointer value (p + 2) is changed to the pointer value. The pixel data value indicated by (p) is corrected, and after this processing is completed, step 534 in FIG.
The process shifts to 3.

FIG. 98 is step s of step 5280 of FIG.
It is explanatory drawing which shows the state after the smoothing with respect to the area | region boundary detected by the rant2 process. Also in FIG. 98, FIG.
Similar to 7, the left side in the figure is the state before smoothing, the right side is the state after smoothing, and “A” and “B” are the individual pixels shown in the frame. It represents the state. Also, the frame with diagonal lines is shown in step 5 of FIG.
The variable p before the variable sq is added in the processing of 301
The pixel corresponding to the value of is shown.

In this embodiment, step 5280 in FIG.
When 1 or 3 is set in the argument slant2 in the slant2 process of, the variable status is 6
Is set.

If the argument slant2 is set to 1, the variable sq is set to -2.
The variable p at the time of performing the process of 336 has a value indicating the frame (pixel) two to the left of the shaded frame (pixel) in FIG. 98 (b). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 98 (b), after smoothing, the shaded frame (pixel) is corrected from the state shown by "A" to the state shown by "B", and then the state shown by "B". It can be seen that the upper left frame (pixel) of the frame (pixel) corrected in 1 is also corrected to the state indicated by "B", and the area boundary is visually smoothed.

On the other hand, when the argument slant2 is set to 3, the value is not set to the variable sq and the value is 0. Therefore, the variable p at the time of performing the process of step 5336 is shaded in FIG. 98 (c). It is a value indicating the frame (pixel) that is included. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 98 (c), after smoothing, the frame (pixel) adjacent to the upper left of the hatched frame (pixel) and the frame (pixel) two blocks to the right of the frame are “B”. It can be seen that the area boundary has been visually smoothed by modifying the state shown by ".

If it is determined in step 5334 that the value of the variable status is not 6, it is determined in step 5337 whether the value of the variable status is 15 or not. If it is determined that the value of the variable status is not 15, FIG.
If the value of the variable is determined to be 15 on the contrary to the process of step 5340 of step 5, then in step 5338, the value of the address at which the pixel data pointed to by the pointer value (p-254) is stored. Is greater than or equal to the value of the variable ll, and it is determined whether the value of the address where the pixel data pointed to by the pointer value (p + 1) is smaller than the value of the variable ul.

The value of the address where the pixel data pointed to by the pointer value (p-254) is smaller than the value of the variable 11 or the address where the pixel data pointed to by the pointer value (p + 1) is stored. If the value of is greater than or equal to the value of the variable ul, the determination in step 5338 is NO and the process moves to step 5343 in FIG. 65. Otherwise, the determination is YES and the process in step 5339 is executed. Move to. In step 5339, the pixel data value indicated by the pointer value (p + 1) is corrected to the pixel data value indicated by the pointer value (p + 2), and after this processing ends, the flow shifts to step 5343 in FIG. 65.

In this embodiment, step 5271 in FIG.
In the slant1 process, if the argument slant1 is set to 2, the variable status is set to 15, and the value of the variable sq is not set at this time, so the value of the variable sq is 0. Therefore, step 53
The value of the variable p at the time of the processing of 39 is a value indicating the frame (pixel) indicated by the diagonal line in FIG. 97A, and the frame (pixel) adjacent to the right of the frame (pixel) indicated by the diagonal line. ) Is corrected to the state shown by "B", and it can be seen that the area boundary is smoothed.

If it is determined in step 5337 that the value of the variable status is not 15, step 534 in FIG.
At 0, it is determined whether or not the value of the variable status is 16. If it is determined that the value of the variable status is not 16, the process proceeds to step 5340. Conversely, if it is determined that the value of the variable is 16, then step 5341 is subsequently executed.
In, the value of the address at which the pixel data designated by the pointer value (p-257) is greater than or equal to the value of the variable ll, and the value of the address at which the pixel data designated by the pointer value (p) is stored is It is determined whether it is smaller than the value of the variable ul.

The value of the address at which the pixel data designated by the pointer value (p-257) is smaller than the value of the variable ll, or the address at which the pixel data designated by the pointer value (p) is stored. Is greater than or equal to the value of the variable ul, the determination in step 5341 is NO and the process proceeds to step 5343. Otherwise, the determination is YES and the process proceeds to step 5342. . In step 5342, the pixel data value designated by the pointer value (p) is the pointer value (p-1).
Is corrected to the pixel data value instructed by and the process proceeds to step 5343 after this process is completed.

In this embodiment, step 5280 in FIG.
In the slant2 process, if the argument slant2 is set to 2, the variable status is set to 16 and the value is not set to the variable sq at this time, so the value of the variable sq is 0. Therefore, step 53
The value of the variable p at the time of the processing of 42 is a value indicating the frame (pixel) indicated by the diagonal line in FIG. 98 (a), and the frame (pixel) indicated by the diagonal line is corrected to be blank. , It can be seen that the area boundary is smoothed.

After the enlarged image data is corrected as described above, in steps 5343 to 5352, a process for designating the pixel data of the enlarged image data to be corrected next is performed.

First, in step 5343, FIG.
In step 5301, the value of the variable sq is subtracted from the variable p modified by adding the value of the variable sq to that value, so that the value of the variable p becomes a value indicating the pixel data of the original image. After the returning process is performed, 2 is added to the value of the variable p in step 5344. The value of 2 to be added is because the enlarged image data is obtained by enlarging the original image data by 4 times (2 × 2) in area ratio, and the value of the variable p indicating one original image data is , Step 5345
Is incremented (+1) by. As a result, the value of the variable p indicating the enlarged image data and the value of the variable s indicating the original image data are updated in correspondence with the point on the image indicated by the value.

At step 5346, which is executed after step 5345, 2 is added to the value of the variable j. This variable j is for determining the position of the reference pixel in the horizontal direction in the enlarged image. If the value of this variable j is smaller than 256, YES is obtained in step 5347.
Is determined, the process returns to step 5203 of FIG. 52,
On the other hand, when the value of the variable j is 256 or more, it is determined that the correction for smoothing for one line is completed, and step 5347 is performed.
The determination is NO, and the process proceeds to step 5348.

At step 5348, 256 is added to the variable p, and at subsequent step 5349, 128 is added to the variable s. 128 added to the variable s is a value for updating the variable s to a value indicating the pixel data at the beginning of the next line in the original image data, corresponding to the enlarged image data for which the correction for one line is completed. 256 added to the variable p is a value for associating the value of the variable p with the next line on the original image, since one line in the original image is represented by two lines in the enlarged image. is there.

Upon completion of the processing in step 5349, variable j is set to 0 in step 5350, and step 5
At 351 2 is added to the variable i. This variable i is for counting the number of lines that have been corrected, and 2 added to the variable i corresponds to 1 line on the original image and 2 lines on the enlarged image as described above. Therefore, the value is added to the variable i. When 2 is added to the variable i, it is determined in step 5352 whether the value of the variable i is smaller than 224 which is the number of lines in the vertical direction, and when it is determined that the value of the variable i is smaller than 224, Figure 52
If the value of the variable i is determined to be 224 or more on the contrary to the processing of step 5202, it is determined that the correction of the enlarged image data has been corrected, and the series of processing ends here.

[0508] Here, the operation of the above-mentioned smoothing processing will be summarized as follows. In the smoothing process, the variable s designates one pixel data of the original image data (pixel data group), and the variable p designates one pixel data of the enlarged image data. Values corresponding to actual positions on the image are set in these variables s and p, and the pixel designated by the values of these variables is the reference pixel.

Whether or not there is a region boundary to be corrected (smoothed) in the image range consisting of the reference pixel on the original image and its peripheral pixels while moving the position of the reference pixel on the image in correspondence with each other. Detection is performed by comparing it with a predetermined pattern (see FIGS. 89 to 95), and a region boundary that is detected to match any of those patterns is detected as the match. The correction content (smoothing content) for the enlarged image data is determined according to the pattern. When the correction content is determined in this way, correction is then performed on the enlarged image data according to the correction content, and after the correction is completed, the values of the variables s and p are updated to determine the position of the next reference pixel. To confirm. By repeating such a series of processes, correction for smoothing the entire enlarged image data is sequentially performed.

As described above, the area boundary to be corrected is detected by comparing the shape of the area boundary on the original image with a pattern prepared in advance, which is easy.
Further, the enlargement of the image data to the enlargement magnification set by the user is performed by repeating the enlargement of the basic enlargement magnification as shown in FIGS. 31 to 33, and therefore, it is determined according to the prepared pattern and the basic enlargement magnification. Images of various magnifications can be obtained with good image quality simply by determining the processing content for smoothing the magnified image data. Therefore, the processing contents of the program that executes the program are simplified, and the program development and the like can be facilitated. Furthermore, it is possible to shorten the processing time required for smoothing the enlarged image data.

In this embodiment, the patterns shown in FIGS. 89 to 95 are predetermined patterns, but the patterns are not limited to this. For example, a region boundary of an image range wider than these patterns is detected. It is also possible to prepare a pattern for doing so and perform unique smoothing on the boundary of the region having a specific shape.

Further, in this embodiment, the basic enlargement ratio of the original image data, that is, the basic enlargement ratio to be performed at one time is fixed at 4 times in area ratio, but the basic enlargement ratio is limited to this. However, other values may be used, and a plurality of basic enlargement factors may be prepared. When a plurality of basic enlargement factors are prepared, a pattern corresponding to each value and the processing content determined according to the pattern may be prepared respectively. By combining these basic enlargement magnifications, images enlarged at various magnifications can be obtained with good image quality. Further, in the present embodiment, the enlarged image is output by the printer 312, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be output to a display device such as the television 311.

In the present embodiment, the storage areas (image areas A and B) in which the enlarged image data is stored are changed alternately every time the enlargement is performed. When the RAM 308) has a margin, an area for storing the enlarged image data may be provided according to the enlarged magnification, or the storage area for storing the enlarged image data and the original image data may be fixed. Good. That is, it is sufficient that an area for storing the enlarged image data and an area for storing the image data of the enlargement source of the enlarged image data are secured. <Other Embodiments> In the above-described embodiments, the area boundary is detected by determining whether or not the pixel data values are equal. However, such a region boundary detection can accurately detect the region boundary for an image such as an animation image in which each region is expressed in the same state. It is conceivable that, for an image in which color unevenness or the like exists in a region that can be visually judged to be one region, the region boundary cannot be detected accurately. Other embodiments avoid this problem.

The configuration of the other embodiments is the same as that of the above embodiment. On the other hand, the operation is basically the same as that of the above-described embodiment, and therefore, although not particularly shown, the method of comparing pixel data values is different from that of the above-described embodiment. That is, one pixel data is represented by 16 bits in the above-mentioned embodiment and other embodiments.
If the values represented by bits do not match, it is not determined that the pixel data values are equal, but in other embodiments, for example, by masking a preset lower few bits, several higher bits than that are masked. It is determined whether or not the pixel data values are the same, depending on whether or not the values represented by are matched. By doing so, it is possible to detect the region boundary even in an image having color unevenness or the like.

[0515] Since smoothing is performed depending on whether or not the shape of the region boundary matches the prepared pattern, it is possible to apply to a wide variety of images in the above embodiment, but in other embodiments, It is possible to perform smoothing of an image in a wider range more appropriately than in the above-described embodiment.

There are various methods for comparing the pixel data values with the high-order few bits in addition to the above-described masking method. For example, the valid upper few bits state may be generated by rounding off, or the upper few bits state may be generated by rounding up. Further, when the image is a color image, the comparison of pixel data values may be performed for each of the RGB data, but one or two may be selected from these data. Good.

[0517]

As described above, according to the image enlarging device of the present invention, the shape of the area boundary on the image represented by the image data is detected while referring to the original image data.
Since the correction for smoothing the enlarged image data is performed based on the detected shape of the area boundary, the portion of the enlarged image data to be corrected can be easily detected.

Further, the detection of the area boundary to be corrected is
Since the pattern of the area boundary is prepared in advance and the shape of the area boundary detected from the image data of the enlargement source is compared with the pattern, the detection can be easily performed.

Further, in the image enlarging apparatus of the present invention, the magnification (basic enlargement magnification) for enlarging the image data is set in advance, and the enlargement according to the set basic enlargement magnification is repeated to obtain the desired magnification set by the user. The image data is enlarged, and each time the image data is enlarged, the enlarged image data is corrected. Therefore, the user only needs to set the basic enlargement magnification and the correction processing contents in advance according to the shape of the pattern. It is possible to provide desired images with various magnifying powers with good image quality, and it is possible to simplify the processing content. As a result, the time and cost required for program development can be reduced.

Further, in the image enlarging device of the present invention, when the pixel data forming the image data is represented by a plurality of bits, the number of bits set in advance is set according to the characteristics of the image represented by the image data. Since the region boundary is detected by using the upper bits of the image as effective bits, it is possible to perform smoothing on the image regardless of whether or not the image has a gradient in color or brightness.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an external view of a control pad 313.

FIG. 3 is an overall configuration diagram of a circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a VDP 302.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a hierarchical structure of a display screen.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing screen assignment.

FIG. 7 is a data configuration diagram of SRAM.

FIG. 8 is a data configuration diagram of DP-RAM.

FIG. 9 is a data configuration diagram of an object attribute memory unit.

FIG. 10 is a data configuration diagram of a display control register.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of screen display timing.

FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram of an RGB buffer unit.

FIG. 13 is a timing chart showing the storage timing of RGB data in one horizontal display period.

FIG. 14 is a transition diagram of a display screen.

FIG. 15 is a transition diagram of a display screen in a portrait creation mode.

FIG. 16 is an overall operation flowchart.

FIG. 17 is an operation flowchart (part 1) of processing of a questionnaire screen.

FIG. 18 is an operation flowchart (No. 2) of processing of a questionnaire screen.

FIG. 19 is an operational flowchart (part 1) of processing of a file operation screen.

FIG. 20 is an operational flowchart (part 2) of processing of a file operation screen.

FIG. 21 is an operational flowchart (No. 3) of processing of a file operation screen.

FIG. 22 is an operational flowchart (part 1) of the processing of the basic system screen.

FIG. 23 is an operational flowchart (No. 2) of processing of a basic system screen.

FIG. 24 is an operational flowchart (No. 3) of processing of a basic system screen.

FIG. 25 is an operational flowchart (No. 4) of processing of a basic system screen.

FIG. 26 is an operation flowchart (No. 1) of processing of a character input screen.

FIG. 27 is an operation flowchart (No. 2) of the processing on the character input screen.

FIG. 28 is an operational flowchart (No. 3) of the processing on the character input screen.

FIG. 29 is an overall operation flowchart (No. 1) of print processing.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart (No. 2) of the overall operation of print processing.

FIG. 31 is an operation flowchart (1) of a print execution process.

FIG. 32 is an operation flowchart (No. 2) of print execution processing.

FIG. 33 is an operation flowchart (No. 3) of print execution processing.

FIG. 34 is an operation flowchart of remaining paper check processing.

FIG. 35 is an operation flowchart of screen extraction processing.

FIG. 36 is a layout diagram (1) of the questionnaire screen.

FIG. 37 is a layout diagram (2) of the questionnaire screen.

FIG. 38 is a layout diagram (3) of the questionnaire screen.

FIG. 39 is a layout diagram (4) of the questionnaire screen.

FIG. 40 is a layout diagram of a file operation screen.

FIG. 41 is a layout diagram of a basic system screen.

FIG. 42 is a layout diagram (1) of a character input screen.

FIG. 43 is a layout diagram (2) of the character input screen.

FIG. 44 is a diagram showing the contents of the balloon on the mode selection screen.

FIG. 45 is a diagram showing the contents of the balloon on the questionnaire screen.

FIG. 46 is a diagram showing the contents of the balloon on the file operation screen.

FIG. 47 is a diagram showing the contents of the balloon on the basic system screen.

FIG. 48 is a diagram showing the contents of the balloon on the character input screen.

[Fig. 49] Fig. 49 is a diagram showing the display content of a warning message on the file operation screen.

FIG. 50 is a diagram (part 1) showing the contents of the balloon in the printing process.

FIG. 51 is a diagram (part 2) showing the content of the balloon in the printing process.

FIG. 52 is an operation flowchart (1) of the smoothing process.

FIG. 53 is an operation flowchart (2) of the smoothing process.

FIG. 54 is an operation flowchart (3) of the smoothing process.

FIG. 55 is an operation flowchart (4) of the smoothing process.

FIG. 56 is an operation flowchart (5) of the smoothing process.

FIG. 57 is an operation flowchart (6) of the smoothing process.

FIG. 58 is an operation flowchart (7) of the smoothing process.

FIG. 59 is an operation flowchart (8) of the smoothing process.

FIG. 60 is an operation flowchart (9) of the smoothing process.

FIG. 61 is an operation flowchart (10) of the smoothing process.

FIG. 62 is an operation flowchart (11) of the smoothing process.

FIG. 63 is an operation flowchart (12) of the smoothing process.

FIG. 64 is an operation flowchart (13) of the smoothing process.

FIG. 65 is an operation flowchart (14) of the smoothing process.

[Fig. 66] Fig. 66 is an operational flowchart (No. 1) of the Kink1 process.

[Fig. 67] Fig. 67 is an operation flowchart (part 2) of the kink1 process.

[Fig. 68] Fig. 68 is an operation flowchart (No. 1) of the kink2 process.

FIG. 69 is an operation flowchart (No. 2) of the kink2 process.

[Fig. 70] Fig. 70 is an operation flowchart (No. 1) of the kink3 process.

71 is an operation flowchart (No. 2) of the kink3 process. FIG.

[Fig. 72] Fig. 72 is an operation flowchart (part 1) of the kink4 process.

[Fig. 73] Fig. 73 is an operation flowchart (part 2) of the kink4 process.

FIG. 74 is an operation flowchart of kst1 processing.

FIG. 75 is an operation flowchart of kst2 processing.

FIG. 76 is an operation flowchart of kst3 processing.

77 is an operational flowchart of kst4 processing. FIG.

FIG. 78 is an operation flowchart (1) of chase processing.

FIG. 79 is an operation flowchart (2) of chase processing.

FIG. 80 is an operation flowchart (1) of slant1 processing.

81 is an operation flowchart (2) of the slant1 process. FIG.

FIG. 82 is an operation flowchart (1) of slant2 processing.

FIG. 83 is an operation flowchart (2) of slant2 processing.

FIG. 84 is an operation flowchart of kst11 processing.

FIG. 85 is an operation flowchart of kst12 processing.

FIG. 86 is an operation flowchart of kst13 processing.

FIG. 87 is an operation flowchart of kst14 processing.

[Fig. 88] Fig. 88 is an operation flowchart of a nuruni processing.

FIG. 89 is an explanatory diagram (1) of a method of detecting a region boundary.

FIG. 90 is an explanatory diagram (Part 2) of the area boundary detection method.

[Fig. 91] Fig. 91 is an explanatory diagram (3) of a method for detecting a region boundary.

FIG. 92 is an explanatory diagram (Part 4) of the method of detecting the region boundary.

FIG. 93 is an explanatory diagram (Part 5) of the area boundary detection method.

[Fig. 94] Fig. 94 is an explanatory diagram (6) of the area boundary detecting method.

FIG. 95 is an explanatory diagram (No. 7) of the area boundary detecting method.

FIG. 96 is an explanatory diagram (part 1) of a state after smoothing.

[Fig. 97] Fig. 97 is an explanatory diagram (2) illustrating a state after smoothing.

[Fig. 98] Fig. 98 is an explanatory diagram (3) illustrating a state after smoothing.

[Explanation of symbols]

 201 SEL switch 301 CPU 302 VDP 303 SRAM 304 DP-RAM 307 Program / data RAM 308 Work RAM 312 Printer 313 Control pad

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Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. Storage means for storing image data, image data of an enlargement source stored in one storage means of the two storage means is read out and enlarged, and the enlarged image data is stored in the other. Image enlarging means to be stored in the means, and the enlarged image data stored in the other storage means is corrected based on the image data of the enlargement source stored in the one storage means, and the enlarged image data is used. An image enlarging device comprising: a smoothing unit that smoothes a shape of an image to be expressed. 2. The apparatus further comprises setting means for setting an enlargement magnification, wherein the image enlargement means enlarges the image data to the enlargement magnification set by the setting means according to a preset basic enlargement magnification. The processing is performed by repeating, and the smoothing unit corrects the enlarged image data generated by the enlargement, every time the image enlarging unit enlarges the image data. Image magnifier. 3. The smoothing means detects an area boundary having a step of 1 dot existing in an image represented by the enlargement source image data stored in the one storage means, and the detected area. The image enlargement according to claim 1 or 2, wherein data of a portion of the enlarged image data stored in the other storage unit corresponding to the area boundary is corrected based on the shape of the boundary. apparatus. 4. The smoothing means detects the shape of the area boundary of the image represented by the image data of the enlargement source stored in the one storage means by comparing it with a predetermined pattern. The image enlarging device according to claim 1 or 3, wherein. 5. The smoothing means uses the image data of the enlargement source stored in the one of the storage means to generate dots in the same state in a crossing direction of the step formed with a step of 1 dot as a boundary. An area boundary having the first and second terraces formed side by side is detected, and R1 = (3 · L1 + L2 + 8) / 16 R2 with respect to the corresponding area boundary of the enlarged image data stored in the other storage means. = (3 · L2 + L1 + 8) / 16 where L1: the length of the first terrace on the magnified image L2: the length of the second terrace on the magnified image R1: the first on the magnified image R2: the length to be corrected for the terrace R2: the length to be corrected for the second terrace on the enlarged image The correction is performed based on the values of R1 and R2 calculated by Represented by To smooth the difference in level on the image, according to claim 1, to an image enhancement apparatus according 4, characterized in that. 6. The smoothing means uses the image data of the enlargement source stored in the one of the storage means to generate dots in the same state in a crossing direction of a step where one dot is formed as a boundary. A region boundary having the first and second terraces formed side by side is detected, and R1 = (L1 + L2 + 4) / 8 R2 = (for the corresponding region boundary of the enlarged image data stored in the other storage means. L1 + L2 + 4) / 8, where L1: the length of the first terrace on the magnified image L2: the length of the second terrace on the magnified image R1: For the first terrace on the magnified image R2: corrected length based on the values of R1 and R2 calculated by the corrected length for the second terrace on the enlarged image, and represented by the enlarged image data. Step on the image Smoothing, claim 1, to an image enhancement apparatus according 4, characterized in that. 7. The smoothing means, when data of a minimum unit forming the image data is represented by a plurality of bits, sets a preset number of upper bits of the number of bits as effective bits to the area boundary. The image enlarging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image enlarging apparatus detects the image.