An error when adjacent pixels are converted into binary values while a subject pixel within a color image is scanned is added to the value of the subject pixel at a predetermined ratio, and a value corresponding to the total number of pixels which take the value of "1" among those pixels which are adjacent pixels and which have been subjected to binarization conversion is added to a binarization threshold value Th. Then, when the value of the subject pixel exceeds the binarization threshold value Th, the value of the subject pixel is converted into "1". In contrast, when the value of the subject pixel is equal to or less than the binarization threshold value Th, the value of the subject pixel is converted into "0".