Method of processing gradation information with variable magnification

摘要

A mother matrix pattern as a fixed matrix pattern is specified with gradation data, and information in an area of the specified mother matrix pattern in accordance with the instructed magnification is extracted as information of a child matrix pattern so as to obtain image information with the child matrix pattern being allocated to the gradation data. Plural types of mother matrix patterns are prepared and one of them is specified in accordance with the instructed magnification. For example, at small instructed magnifications, the mother matrix pattern having recording (display) dots dispersed as widely as possible over the entire pattern is specified and used for conversion of the gradation data, while at larger instructed magnifications, the type of the mother matrix pattern is specified to match characteristics of the image.