10. A processor-based method for reducing a binary input image to produce a reduced image wherein the input image is divided into M.times.N tiles, each tile has M pixels down and N pixels across, and each tile is mapped to a single pixel in the reduced image, comprising the steps, carried out once for each tile, of: applying a convolution window defined by a plurality of active pixel positions when registered to the tile, the number of active pixel positions in the tile being less than the number of pixels in the tile; determining, on the basis of pixel values at the active pixel positions, whether at least a predetermined number of subconditions are met, each subcondition having an associated threshold and an associated subset of the active pixel positions, each subcondition requiring that at least the associated threshold number of pixels at the active pixel positions in the associated subset be ON; and turning ON the pixel in the reduced image if and only if the result of said determining step is affirmative.
10. A processor-based method for reducing a binary input image to produce a reduced image wherein the input image is divided into M.times.N tiles, each tile has M pixels down and N pixels across, and each tile is mapped to a single pixel in the reduced image, comprising the steps, carried out once for each tile, of: applying a convolution window defined by a plurality of active pixel positions when registered to the tile, the number of active pixel positions in the tile being less than the number of pixels in the tile; determining, on the basis of pixel values at the active pixel positions, whether at least a predetermined number of subconditions are met, each subcondition having an associated threshold and an associated subset of the active pixel positions, each subcondition requiring that at least the associated threshold number of pixels at the active pixel positions in the associated subset be ON; and turning ON the pixel in the reduced image if and only if the result of said determining step is affirmative. 14. The method of claim 10 wherein: the convolution window includes first and second horizontal 1.times.N windows; and the subconditions are that at least a threshold number of pixels at the active pixel position in each of the first and second horizontal 1.times.N windows be ON.