Image processing method and system and computer program product therefor

摘要

Given run length codes are decoded and continuity between a run currently being processed and a previously processed run is determined. Then, the same label as that of said previously processed run is designated to a said run currently being processed if it is determined that they are continuous with one another. A link is formed between a plurality of previously processed runs if it is determined that said run currently being processed is continuous with each of the plurality of previously processed runs, thus labels of the plurality of previously processed runs being integrated together. If MR or MMR codes are used, the run length codes include information concerning relationship between color-changing pixels situated on an immediately preceding decoded scan line and color-changing pixels situated on a scan line currently being decoded which is located immediately below the immediately preceding decoded scan line. By appropriately using this information concerning the relationship of the color-changing pixels between adjacent two scan lines, continuity of black-pixel runs present on the scan line currently being decoded with black-pixel runs present on the immediately preceding decoded scan line is determined.