A raster image processing system (20) for producing the appropriate number
and set of halftoned color separations for a select output device (24) is
disclosed. The raster image processing system (20) includes a processing
unit (30), an interpreter (32) and a color combiner (34). The interpreter
(32) and color combiner (34) are application processes that are controlled
by software running on the processing unit (30). The processing unit (30)
identifies the number and set of colorants used to describe input image
data and the number and set of halftoned color separations that a select
output imaging device (24) is capable of rendering. The interpreter (32)
converts the input data describing an image that is composed of "N"
colorants into "N" halftoned color separations. The color combiner (34)
thereafter converts the N halftoned color separations into "M" halftoned
color separations that are ideally suited for the particular output device
(24) chosen by a user of the system. The color combiner (34) performs this
conversion by utilizing digital filtering and combining processes.
