JP2010171682A - Image processing apparatus, program, and data processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent getting the processing results against user's intention in the case of a shortage of storage capacity, in an image forming processing performed based on printing data that includes an instruction to execute a transparency processing. <P>SOLUTION: When a shortage of memory of a RAM 17 occurs during the execution of rasterization, a control section 30 of an image processing apparatus 10 executes a forced synthetic processing with respect to a memory space (working buffer) ensured for executing a transparency processing. Then, the control section 30 deletes the working buffer that is now not necessary after the synthesis to ensure a free memory space. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, a program, and a data processing method.

  Receive print data such as PS (Post Script (registered trademark)) data and PDF (Portable Document Format) data created by an external device such as a PC (Personal Computer) via a network such as a LAN, Image processing apparatuses such as printers and MFPs (Multi Function Peripherals) that perform received data conversion once into intermediate format data (intermediate data), rasterize the intermediate data to generate bitmap data, and perform printing have become widespread. ing.

  In recent years, the memory capacity necessary for interpreter processing in an image processing apparatus has increased due to version upgrades of PS data, PDF data, and the like, and support for new formats such as XPS (XML Paper Specification) data. In addition, print data such as PDF data and XPS data has a transparency function (transparency function) that displays a single image by transparently superimposing a plurality of image data. Transparency processing (transparency function) Processing) requires a large amount of memory.

  On the other hand, due to intensifying price competition for image processing apparatuses such as printers, there is a demand for cost reduction by reducing the memory capacity installed in the image processing apparatus.

  For this reason, various ideas for efficiently using the limited memory capacity have been made.

  For example, when the buffer capacity of the image data buffer is insufficient, a technique is disclosed in which compressed print image data expanded in the memory is changed to compressed print image data with a reduced resolution and rewritten into an image data buffer (patent) Reference 1).

  In addition, when the memory capacity of the drawing memory is insufficient, the amount of the insufficient amount is checked. If the amount is insufficient, the resolution in both the main scanning and sub-scanning directions is reduced and lossy compression processing is performed. In the middle case, the lossy compression processing is performed by reducing the resolution in either the main scanning direction or the sub-scanning direction, and when the shortage amount is small, the technique of performing the lossy compression processing by reducing the gradation from 2 bits to 1 bit. It is disclosed (see Patent Document 2).

JP-A-8-282020 JP-A-10-822

  However, in the techniques of Patent Documents 1 and 2, the image quality of the entire bitmap data after rasterization is deteriorated. Therefore, in the image forming process performed based on the print data including the execution instruction of the transparency process, even if the lack of the memory capacity (insufficient storage capacity) can be avoided by omitting a part of the transparency process, the entire bitmap data Will degrade the image quality. Therefore, the user may obtain an unintended processing result (printing result).

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to have insufficient storage capacity in image forming processing performed based on print data including an instruction to execute transparency processing. In this case, it is to prevent obtaining a processing result not intended by the user.

In order to solve the above problems, the invention described in claim 1
An image processing apparatus that performs image formation processing based on print data including an execution instruction for transparency processing,
A storage unit used when executing an image forming process including the transparency process;
When the storage capacity of the storage unit is insufficient during the execution of the image forming process, a control unit that combines the storage areas reserved for executing the transparency process and releases the storage area;
Is provided.

The invention according to claim 2 is the invention according to claim 1,
An output unit that outputs an instruction signal related to selection of a storage area designating method to be combined;
The control unit can specify a storage area to be synthesized by a plurality of types of designation methods, select the designation method based on an instruction signal from the output unit, and select the synthesis target by the selected designation method. Specify the storage area.

The invention according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 2,
One of the designation methods is
The control unit designates all storage areas reserved for executing the transparency process.

The invention according to claim 4 is the invention according to claim 2 or 3,
One of the designation methods is
The control unit designates a storage area having the largest storage capacity among the storage areas reserved for executing the transparency processing.

The invention according to claim 5 is the invention according to any one of claims 2 to 4,
One of the designation methods is
The control unit designates a storage area for storing image data having the least influence on image quality, among the storage areas reserved for executing the transparency processing.

The invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to claim 5,
The controller is
Based on the blending mode of the transparency process and the number of image data superimposed in the transparency process, a storage area for storing the image data having the least influence on the image quality is detected.

The invention according to claim 7 is the invention according to claim 6,
The controller is
Before allocating a storage area for executing the transparency process, the print data is analyzed to calculate the number of overlapping image data in the transparency process.

The program according to claim 8 is:
A computer that performs image forming processing based on print data including an instruction to execute transparency processing;
A storage unit used when executing an image forming process including the transparency process;
When the storage capacity of the storage unit is insufficient during the execution of the image forming process, a control unit that synthesizes a storage area reserved for executing the transparency process and releases the storage area;
To function as.

The data processing method according to claim 9 comprises:
When the storage unit used when executing the image forming process including the transparency process runs short during the image forming process, the control unit is secured to execute the transparency process. Synthesizing existing storage areas and releasing the storage areas;
Consists of

  According to the first, eighth, and ninth aspects of the present invention, the storage unit used when the control unit executes the image forming process including the transparency process has insufficient storage capacity during the execution of the image forming process. In this case, the storage areas reserved for executing the transparency processing are combined and the storage areas are released.

  Therefore, in the image forming process performed based on the print data including the execution instruction for the transparency process, it is possible to prevent a process result not intended by the user from being obtained when the storage capacity is insufficient.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, the user can select a storage area designation method to be synthesized. Therefore, it is possible to further prevent obtaining a processing result not intended by the user.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a method for avoiding a shortage of storage capacity, giving priority to the processing speed of the image forming process.

  According to the fourth aspect of the invention, it is possible to provide a method for avoiding a shortage of storage capacity in which the processing speed of the image forming process and the image quality of the image by the transparency process are balanced.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a method for avoiding a shortage of storage capacity, giving priority to the image quality of the image by the transparency process.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to detect a storage area for storing image data that has the least influence on image quality, among the storage areas reserved for executing the transparency processing.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, it is possible to calculate the number of superimposed image data in the transparency process, regardless of the state of securing a storage area for executing the transparency process.

1 is a system configuration diagram of an image forming system. It is a block diagram of a client terminal. It is a block diagram of an image processing device. It is a figure which shows the processing flow of an image formation process. It is a processing image figure of a transparency process. It is an image figure of the memory area ensured at the time of execution of a transparency process. It is a flowchart which shows an image formation process. 6 is a flowchart illustrating print data analysis processing. It is a flowchart which shows a rasterization process. It is a flowchart which shows a bitmap data output process. It is a flowchart which shows a memory shortage prevention process. It is a flowchart which shows a low influence buffer detection process. It is a flowchart which shows a large size buffer detection process. 10 is a flowchart illustrating print data analysis processing according to the second embodiment. This is a low-impact buffer detection process according to the second embodiment.

[First embodiment]
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of an image processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[System configuration of image forming system]
FIG. 1 shows a system configuration of the image forming system 100. As shown in FIG. 1, an image forming system 100 includes an image processing apparatus 10 and a client terminal 20, and each apparatus can perform data communication via a communication network N such as a LAN (Local Area Network). It is connected.

  The image processing apparatus 10 is a so-called MFP (Multi-Function Peripheral) having a copy function, an image reading function, and a printer function. The image processing apparatus 10 receives a print job (print command) transmitted from the client terminal 20 and the image processing apparatus 10. An image is formed on a sheet based on image data read from an image reading unit such as a scanner provided.

  The client terminal 20 is a so-called personal computer and has a function of transmitting a print job to the image processing apparatus 10. The client terminal 20 is installed with a printer driver program (hereinafter simply referred to as a printer driver), and print condition data (print request data) applied at the time of image formation using the function of the printer driver. ), Print job data including image data (print data) and the like are generated and transmitted to the image processing apparatus 10.

[Functional configuration of client terminal]
FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the client terminal 20. As shown in FIG. 2, the client terminal 20 includes a CPU 21, an operation unit 22, a display unit 23, a communication unit 24, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 25, and an HDD 26.

  The CPU 21 reads various processing programs stored in the HDD 26 in response to an operation signal (instruction signal) input from the operation unit 22 or an instruction signal received by the communication unit 24, and a work area formed in the RAM 25. And perform various processes in cooperation with the program.

  The operation unit 22 includes a keyboard having a cursor key, numeric input keys, various function keys, and the like, and a pointing device such as a mouse. The operation signal is input to the CPU 21 by a key operation on the keyboard or a mouse operation. Output.

  The display unit 23 is configured by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and displays input instructions, data, and the like from the operation unit 22 in accordance with display signal instructions input from the CPU 21.

  The communication unit 24 includes a LAN adapter, a router, a TA, and the like, and transmits / receives data to / from an external device such as the image processing apparatus 10 connected via the communication network N.

  The RAM 25 forms a work area for temporarily storing various processing programs executed by the CPU 21 and data related to these programs.

  The HDD 26 is a storage device and stores various programs, setting data, image data, and the like. The HDD 26 stores a printer driver program 261.

  The CPU 21 reads the printer driver program 261 from the HDD 26, expands it in the RAM 25, and transmits print request data and print data to the image processing apparatus 10 in cooperation with the program. The print data is PDL (Page Description Language) data, PDF data, XPS data, or the like.

[Functional configuration of image processing apparatus]
FIG. 3 shows the configuration of the image processing apparatus 10. As shown in FIG. 3, the image processing apparatus 10 includes a CPU 11, an operation unit 12, a display unit 13, an image reading unit 14, an image forming unit 15, a communication unit 16, a RAM 17, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 18, and an HDD 19. Configured.

  The CPU 11 reads various processing programs stored in the ROM 18 in response to an operation signal (instruction signal) input from the operation unit 12 or an instruction signal received by the communication unit 16, and a work area formed in the RAM 17. And perform various processes in cooperation with the program. For example, the CPU 11 performs a series of processing (image forming processing) related to image formation. Hereinafter, the CPU 11 and the RAM 17 may be collectively referred to as a control unit 30.

  The operation unit 12 has various keys such as a numeric key, a start key, and a reset key, and outputs a pressed signal of the pressed key to the CPU 11. The operation unit 12 includes a touch panel formed integrally with the display unit 13. The operation unit 12 detects a position on the touch panel touched by a user's fingertip, a touch pen, or the like, and outputs a position signal to the CPU 11. .

  The image reading unit 14 is a so-called scanner that reads an original image and generates image data. The image reading unit 14 scans a platen glass on which the original is placed and the original image on the platen glass, and forms an image on the CCD image sensor. It has an optical system. The image reading unit 14 performs A / D conversion on an image signal generated based on a document image read by a CCD image sensor to generate an image signal.

  The image forming unit 15 is a functional unit including components necessary for forming an image using an image forming process such as an electrophotographic method, an electrostatic recording method, or a thermal transfer method. For example, the image forming unit 15 includes a photoconductor, a transfer belt, a fixing device, various conveyance belts, an electronic circuit, a paper feeding unit, a paper discharge unit, and the like. The image forming unit 15 forms an image on a sheet supplied from the sheet feeding unit based on the image data generated by the image reading unit 14 or the print data received by the communication unit 16 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 11. Transport to the paper output unit. The paper feed unit includes a paper feed tray, and the paper discharge unit includes a paper discharge tray.

  The communication unit 16 includes a LAN adapter, a router, a TA (Terminal Adapter), and the like, and transmits / receives data to / from an external device such as the client terminal 20 connected via the communication network N. For example, the communication unit 16 receives print job data (print request data and print data) from the client terminal 20.

  The RAM 17 forms a work area for temporarily storing various processing programs executed by the CPU 11 and data related to these programs.

  The ROM 18 stores various processing programs executed by the CPU 11, various data, and the like. These various programs are stored in the form of readable program codes, and the CPU 11 sequentially executes operations according to the program codes. The ROM 18 stores a printer controller program 181.

  The HDD 19 is a storage device, and stores image data read by the image reading unit 14, print data (PDL data, PDF data, XPS data) received from the client terminal 20 by the communication unit 16, and the like.

  The control unit 30 reads the printer controller program 181 from the ROM 18 and expands it in the RAM 17 and functions as follows in cooperation with this program. That is, the control unit 30 analyzes the print data received from the client terminal 20 by the communication unit 16 and generates intermediate language data. Then, the control unit 30 performs rasterization processing on the intermediate language data to generate bitmap data. Then, the control unit 30 outputs the generated bitmap data to the image forming unit 15. When the print data includes an instruction to execute a transparency process, the control unit 30 performs a transparency process to be described later in the rasterization process.

[Processing flow of image formation processing]
A processing flow of the image forming process performed by the control unit 30 of the image processing apparatus 10 will be described with reference to FIG. In this description, attention is paid only to print data as data acquired by the control unit 30.

  The control unit 30 acquires the print data transmitted from the client terminal 20 via the communication unit 16. The control unit 30 temporarily stores (spools) the acquired print data as spool data in the spool buffer of the RAM 17. The control unit 30 reads spool data, that is, print data from the spool buffer of the RAM 17. Then, the control unit 30 performs a print data analysis process on the read print data, generates a display list (intermediate language data) based on the print data, and stores the display list in the RAM 17. The control unit 30 reads the display list from the RAM 17 when the display list for one page is completed.

  The control unit 30 performs rasterization processing on the read display list, generates bitmap data divided in band units, and stores the bitmap data in the RAM 17. That is, the control unit 30 performs the rasterization process in units of bands.

  Here, if it is determined that the execution instruction of the transparency process is included in the print data analysis process, the control unit 30 performs the transparency process in the rasterization process. When performing the transparency process, the control unit 30 secures a work buffer for transparency (transparency process buffer) in the RAM 17. Then, the control unit 30 temporarily stores image data (working bitmap data generated from the intermediate language data) in the work buffer, and performs a transparency process.

  When the bitmap data for one page is completed, the control unit 30 reads the bitmap data from the RAM 17 and outputs it to the image forming unit 15. The image forming unit 15 forms an image on a sheet based on the output bitmap data.

[Transparency processing]
Next, the transparency process performed by the control unit 30 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 5 is a process image diagram of the transparency process executed by the execution instruction (command A, command B, command C) of the transparency process. As described above, the execution instruction for the transparency process is included in the print data.

  The command A is an instruction to execute a transparency process in which the image data d1 having a transmittance of 0% is superimposed on the image data d2 having the transmittance of 50% on the image data d1. Image data d5 is generated by the transparency processing by the command A.

  The command B is an instruction to execute a transparency process in which the image data d3 having a transmittance of 70% is superposed on the image data d3 having the transmittance of 0% on the image data d3. Image data d6 is generated by the transparency processing by the command B.

  The command C is an instruction to execute a transparency process in which the image data d5 having a transmittance of 0% is superimposed on the image data d5 having the transmittance of 50% on the image data d5. Image data d7 is generated by the transparency processing by the command C.

  FIG. 6 is an image diagram of a storage area (working buffer (transparency processing buffer)) to be secured in the RAM 17 when the control unit 30 performs the transparency processing by the commands A, B, and C. This image diagram (FIG. 6) represents a storage area for one band. Although the storage area is secured in the RAM 17, the storage area may be secured in the HDD 19 together with the RAM 17.

  The control unit 30 reserves the first work buffer m1, the third work buffer m3, and the fourth work buffer m4 in order to perform the transparency process by the command A. Here, the third work buffer m3 is used for processing on the image data d1 (see FIG. 5). The fourth work buffer m4 is used for processing on the image data d2 (see FIG. 5). The first work buffer m1 stores image data d5 (see FIG. 5).

  In addition, the control unit 30 secures the second work buffer m2, the fifth work buffer m5, and the sixth work buffer m6 in order to perform the transparency process by the command B. Here, the fifth work buffer m5 is used for processing on the image data d3 (see FIG. 5). The sixth work buffer m6 is used for processing on the image data d4 (see FIG. 5). Then, the image data d6 (see FIG. 5) is stored in the second work buffer m2.

  Further, the control unit 30 secures a band buffer m7 in addition to the first work buffer m1 and the second work buffer m2 in order to perform the transparency process by the command C. Here, the first work buffer m1 is used for processing the image data d5. The second work buffer m2 is used for processing on the image data d6. The band buffer m7 stores image data d7 (see FIG. 5).

  The control unit 30 secures a storage area (working buffer) necessary for the transparency process by all commands (commands A, B, and C), and then executes the transparency process. That is, the control unit 30 secures the band buffer m7 and the first work buffer m1 to the sixth work buffer m6, and then executes the transparency process using the commands A, B, and C.

[Image formation processing]
Next, specific processing contents of the image forming processing performed by the control unit 30 of the image processing apparatus 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the image forming process. In this flowchart, attention is paid only to print data as data received by the image processing apparatus 10 from the client terminal 20. The print data is PDL data, PDF data, XPS data, and the like.

  First, the control unit 30 receives print data from the client terminal 20 via the communication unit 16 and spools it in the RAM 17 (step S1). Then, the control unit 30 reads the spooled print data and performs a print data analysis process (step S2). The print data analysis process is a process of analyzing an object included in the print data, generating a display list (intermediate language data), and temporarily storing it in the RAM 17.

  Then, when the display list for one page is completed, the control unit 30 reads the display list from the RAM 17 and performs rasterization processing (step S3). The rasterizing process is a process of analyzing an object included in the display list, generating bitmap data, and temporarily storing it in the RAM 17.

  Then, when the bitmap data for one page is completed, the control unit 30 reads the bitmap data from the RAM 17 and performs bitmap data output processing (step S4). The bitmap data output process is a process for outputting bitmap data to the image forming unit 15.

  The image forming unit 15 forms an image on a sheet based on the output bitmap data.

[Print data analysis processing]
Next, specific processing contents of the print data analysis processing (step S2 in FIG. 7) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing print data analysis processing.

  As illustrated in FIG. 8, the control unit 30 analyzes the object included in the print data read from the RAM 17 and generates a display list (intermediate language data) (step S101). The control unit 30 temporarily stores the generated display list in the RAM 17.

  Then, the control unit 30 determines whether or not the analysis of all the objects included in the print data for one page has been completed (step S102). If the control unit 30 determines that the analysis of all objects has been completed (step S102; YES), the control unit 30 ends the print data analysis process. On the other hand, if the control unit 30 determines that the analysis of all objects has not been completed (step S102; NO), the control unit 30 analyzes the next object included in the print data for one page and generates a display list (step S102). S101).

[Rasterize processing]
Next, specific processing contents of the rasterizing process (step S3 in FIG. 7) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing rasterization processing.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 30 performs rasterization processing in units of bands obtained by equally dividing one page (loops L1 and L2).

  First, the control unit 30 rasterizes the objects included in the display list read from the RAM 17 and generates bitmap data (step S201). The control unit 30 temporarily stores the generated bitmap data in the RAM 17. When the rasterization is performed, the control unit 30 executes the transparency process if an instruction to execute the transparency process is included.

  Then, the control unit 30 determines whether or not rasterization has been performed on all objects included in the display list for one band (step S202; NO, step S203).

  When rasterization has not been performed for all objects included in the display list for one band (step S203; NO), the control unit 30 performs rasterization for the next object included in the display list for one band. This is performed (step S201).

  On the other hand, when rasterization has been performed on all objects included in the display list for one band (step S203; YES), rasterization processing is similarly performed on objects in the next band (loops L1 and L2). ).

  Then, the control unit 30 repeats the rasterization process for each band until bitmap data for one page is created. When the control unit 30 generates bitmap data for one page, the control unit 30 erases the display list for one page from the RAM 17. Then, the control unit 30 releases the storage area of the RAM 17 that stores the display list (step S206). This completes the rasterizing process.

  By the way, it is assumed that the memory shortage of the RAM 17 occurs when the control unit 30 performs rasterization in step S201 (step S202; YES). Then, the control unit 30 performs a memory shortage prevention process (step S204). The memory shortage prevention process is a process for avoiding this memory shortage when a memory shortage occurs.

  If the memory shortage can be avoided in this memory shortage prevention process, that is, if no error is detected (step S205; NO), the control unit 30 resumes rasterizing the object. When the rasterization for this object is completed, the control unit 30 determines whether or not the rasterization has been performed for all the objects included in the display list for one band (step S203).

  On the other hand, when the memory shortage cannot be avoided in this memory shortage prevention process, that is, when an error is detected (step S205; Yes), the control unit 30 forcibly ends the rasterization process. Then, the control unit 30 releases the storage area of the RAM 17 in which the display list being generated is saved (step S206). The rasterization process ends with an error. Further, the control unit 30 does not perform the subsequent bitmap data output process (step S4 in FIG. 7), and ends the image forming process with an error.

[Bitmap data output processing]
Next, specific processing contents of the bitmap data output processing (step S4 in FIG. 7) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing bitmap data output processing.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the control unit 30 reads bitmap data from the RAM 17 and outputs it to the image forming unit 15 (step S301).

  Then, the control unit 30 determines whether printing has been completed (step S302). Specifically, the control unit 30 has completed printing when bitmap data not output to the image forming unit 15 is not stored in the RAM 17 and a print completion signal is input from the image forming unit 15. Is determined.

  When it is determined that printing has been completed (step S302; YES), the control unit 30 deletes the bitmap data stored in the RAM 17 and releases the storage area in which the bitmap data is stored (step S302). S303).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that printing has not been completed (step S302; NO), the control unit 30 reads bitmap data from the RAM 17 and outputs it to the image forming unit 15 (step S301).

[Memory shortage prevention process]
Next, specific processing contents of the memory shortage prevention processing (step S204 in FIG. 9) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a memory shortage prevention process.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the control unit 30 determines whether or not a storage area (working buffer) necessary for transparency processing, that is, a transparency processing buffer is secured in the RAM 17 (step S401). Here, if at least one work buffer is secured, the control unit 30 determines that the transparency processing buffer is secured. That is, the control unit 30 determines that the transparency processing buffer is secured even when a memory shortage occurs while securing the transparency processing buffer. On the other hand, when the image forming process is performed based on the print data that does not include the execution instruction for the transparency process, the control unit 30 determines that the transparency process buffer is not secured.

  If it is determined that the transparency processing buffer is not secured in the RAM 17 (step S401; NO), the control unit 30 performs error processing (step S406). Specifically, the control unit 30 displays a screen indicating that the memory is insufficient on the display unit 13 or detects an error. Thus, the memory shortage prevention process ends with an error.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the transparency processing buffer is secured in the RAM 17 (step S401; YES), the operation unit 12 accepts a selection input for a memory shortage mode by a user operation, and serves as an instruction signal for selection of the memory shortage mode. Output to the control unit 30. The control unit 30 sets a memory shortage prevention mode to be executed based on the instruction signal. Here, the acceptance of the selection input for the memory shortage mode in the operation unit 12 and the setting of the memory shortage prevention mode executed by the control unit 30 may be performed in advance before the control unit 30 executes the image forming process. Good. Then, the control unit 30 detects the set memory shortage prevention mode (step S402). The memory shortage prevention mode includes “normal mode”, “speed priority mode”, “image quality priority mode”, and “intermediate mode”.

  The normal mode is a mode in which transparency processing is performed according to an execution command in print data. For this reason, in the normal mode, the control unit 30 does not delete the work buffer for transparency processing.

  The speed priority mode is a mode corresponding to a memory shortage by giving priority to the processing speed of the image forming process. Specifically, the control unit 30 performs a forced synthesis process on all the transparency processing buffers (working buffers) secured when the memory shortage occurs, and creates a work buffer that is no longer necessary after the synthesis. Delete and secure free storage area. The forced synthesis process is to store the image data corresponding to the work buffer to be processed in this work buffer, and forcibly (by applying transparency to the image data in the work buffer held at that time). This is a process of superimposing (combining) images. As described above, the control unit 30 can secure the free storage area to the maximum extent by performing the forced synthesis process on all the transparency processing buffers secured when the memory shortage occurs. . Therefore, the possibility that a memory shortage will occur again can be reduced. On the other hand, there is a high possibility that an image generated by the transparency process will be different from that intended by the user.

  The image quality priority mode is a mode corresponding to a memory shortage by minimizing the influence on the image quality of an image as a print result. Specifically, the control unit 30 detects a transparency processing buffer that stores image data that has the least influence on image quality, from among the transparency processing buffers that are secured when memory shortage occurs. The control unit 30 performs a forced synthesis process on the detected transparency processing buffer, deletes the transparency processing buffer that is no longer necessary after the synthesis, and secures a free storage area. This process minimizes the effect on the image quality of the printed image, while it takes time to detect the transparency processing buffer that stores the image data that has the least influence on the image quality. There is a possibility that the processing speed of the image forming process is lowered. Further, the control unit 30 is likely to perform the memory shortage prevention process again, and the processing speed of the image forming process may be reduced. Processing for detecting a transparency processing buffer that stores image data having the least influence on image quality will be described later.

  In the intermediate mode, the control unit 30 detects the buffer with the largest memory size from among the transparency processing buffers held at the time when the memory shortage occurs, and performs forcible synthesis processing on this buffer. In this mode, the transparency processing buffer that is no longer necessary after synthesis is deleted, and a free storage area is secured. In this way, by ensuring a free memory size that is as large as possible, the recurrence of memory full can be suppressed. Further, by determining the detection of the transparency processing buffer to be subjected to the forced synthesis processing based only on the memory size, it is possible to reduce the influence on the processing speed of the image forming processing. Furthermore, the influence on the image quality can be limited to one image.

  Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 11, when the control unit 30 detects that the set memory shortage prevention mode is the “normal mode” (step S402; normal mode), the controller 30 does not delete the transparency processing buffer. Error processing is performed (step S406). Thus, the memory shortage prevention process ends with an error.

  When the control unit 30 detects that the set memory shortage prevention mode is the “speed priority mode” (step S402; speed priority mode), when the memory shortage occurs (step S202 in FIG. 9; YES). All the transparency processing buffers secured are detected (step S405). Then, the control unit 30 performs a forced synthesis process on the detected buffer (step S407), and deletes the synthesized buffer (step S408). This is the end of the memory shortage prevention process.

  When the control unit 30 detects that the set memory shortage prevention mode is the “image quality priority mode” (step S402; image quality priority mode), the control unit 30 performs a low influence buffer detection process (step S404). The low-impact buffer detection process is a transparency that stores image data that has the least influence on image quality from among the transparency processing buffers secured at the time when memory shortage occurs (step S202 in FIG. 9; YES). This is a process for detecting the sea processing buffer. The control unit 30 performs a forced synthesis process on the work buffer detected in the low-impact buffer detection process (step S407), and deletes the synthesized buffer (step S408). This is the end of the memory shortage prevention process.

  When the control unit 30 detects that the set memory shortage prevention mode is “intermediate mode” (step S402; intermediate mode), the control unit 30 performs large size buffer detection processing (step S403). The large size buffer detection process is a process for detecting a work buffer having the largest memory size from among the transparency processing buffers secured at the time when the memory shortage occurs (step S202 in FIG. 9; YES). . The control unit 30 performs a forced synthesis process on the work buffer detected in the large size buffer detection process (step S407), and deletes the synthesized buffer (step S408). This is the end of the memory shortage prevention process.

[Low impact detection processing]
Next, specific processing contents of the low influence buffer detection processing (step S404 in FIG. 11) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a low-impact buffer detection process.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the control unit 30 determines the blend mode of the transparency processing for the image data stored in the transparency processing buffer (step S501). Here, the blend mode is a kind of composition method for compositing images. The blend mode that has the least influence on the image quality even when the forced synthesis process is performed is “Normal”. In the blend mode “Normal”, since the source image is superimposed on the background image at a transmittance of 0%, even if the forced synthesis process is performed, the influence on the image quality is small.

  As a result of the determination in step S501, when the blend mode is other than “Normal” (step S501; other), the control unit 30 counts the number of overlaps of the transparency buffer (step S503).

  Here, the number of overlays in the transparency buffer is the number of overlays required to generate image data to be stored in the work buffer. A specific example will be described with reference to FIG. The number of overlaps of the third work buffer m3 to the sixth work buffer m6 is “0”. The number of overlaps of the first work buffer m1 and the second work buffer m2 is “1”. The number of overlaps of the band buffer m7 is “3”.

  In addition, the control unit 30 counts the number of overlaps with respect to the work buffer secured when the memory shortage occurs. Specifically, when the control unit 30 secures only the band buffer m7, the first work buffer m1, the second work buffer m2, the fifth work buffer m5, and the sixth work buffer m6, the first work buffer m1, The number of overlaps of the 5 work buffer m5 and the sixth work buffer m6 is “0”, the number of overlaps of the second work buffer m2 is “1”, and the number of overlaps of the band buffer m7 is “2”.

  Returning to FIG. 12, if the result of determination in step S501 is that the blend mode is “Normal”, the control unit 30 sets this transparency buffer as a candidate for processing for forced synthesis processing (forced superposition) (step S1). S502). Then, the control unit 30 counts the number of overlaps of the transparency buffer (step S503).

  Next, the control unit 30 determines whether or not search (analysis) of all transparency processing buffers has been completed (step S504). As a result of the determination, when the search of all the transparency processing buffers has not been completed (step S504; NO), the control unit 30 performs the same processing (steps S501 to S503) on the remaining work buffers. Do.

  If the search of all the transparency processing buffers is completed as a result of the determination in step S504 (step S504; YES), has the control unit 30 detected a work buffer for storing image data whose blend mode is “Normal”? It is determined whether or not (step S505).

  When the buffer for storing the image data whose blend mode is “Normal” has not been detected (step S505; NO), the control unit 30 selects a transparency processing buffer for storing the image data with the smallest number of overlays. A transparency processing buffer for storing image data having the least influence on image quality is set (step S506). This is the end of the low-impact buffer detection process.

  On the other hand, when a buffer for storing image data whose blend mode is “Normal” is detected (step S505; YES), the control unit 30 has the smallest number of overlays when the blend mode is “Normal”. The transparency processing buffer for storing image data is set as a transparency processing buffer for storing image data having the least influence on image quality (step S507). This is the end of the low-impact buffer detection process.

[Large size buffer detection processing]
Next, specific processing contents of the large size buffer detection processing (step S403 in FIG. 11) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the large size buffer detection process.

As shown in FIG. 13, the control unit 30 detects each memory size of the transparency processing buffer secured in the RAM 17 (step S601). When the detection of the memory size of all the transparency processing buffers secured in the RAM 17 is completed (step S602; YES), the control unit 30, based on each detected memory size,
A transparency processing buffer having the largest memory size is determined (detected) (step S603).

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, the control unit 30 of the image processing apparatus 10 stores the storage area (work to be secured) to execute the transparency process when the memory of the RAM 17 is insufficient at the time of rasterization. Forcible synthesis processing is performed on the buffer. Then, the control unit 30 deletes the work buffer that is no longer necessary after the synthesis, and secures a free storage area. That is, the control unit 30 releases the work buffer.

  For this reason, when the RAM 17 runs out of memory during rasterization, the control unit 30 only degrades the image quality of the image related to the transparency process and does not degrade the image quality of the entire bitmap data. Therefore, in the image forming process performed based on the print data including the execution instruction for the transparency process, it is possible to prevent a process result not intended by the user from being obtained when the storage capacity is insufficient.

  In addition, the operation unit 12 receives a selection input for a memory shortage mode by a user operation, and outputs it to the control unit 30 as an instruction signal regarding selection of the memory shortage mode. The control unit 30 sets a memory shortage prevention mode to be executed based on the instruction signal. Then, the control unit 30 detects the set memory shortage prevention mode.

  For this reason, in the image forming process performed based on the print data including the execution instruction of the transparency process, it is possible to further prevent obtaining a process result not intended by the user when the storage capacity is insufficient.

  The memory shortage prevention mode includes “speed priority mode”, “image quality priority mode”, “intermediate mode”, and the like. By performing the memory shortage prevention process in the speed priority mode, the control unit 30 can prioritize the processing speed of the image forming process and avoid a shortage of storage capacity. By performing the memory shortage prevention process in the image quality priority mode, the control unit 30 can prioritize the image quality of the image by the transparency process and avoid a shortage of storage capacity. By performing the memory shortage process in the intermediate mode, the control unit 30 can perform a process that balances the processing speed of the image forming process and the image quality of the image by the transparency process.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described. Here, the description will focus on the differences from the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment.

  The main difference from the image processing apparatus in the first embodiment is that the number of overlaps of the transparency buffer is calculated in advance in the print data analysis process, and in the low influence buffer detection process in the image quality priority mode in advance. The transparency processing buffer that stores the image data having the least influence on the image quality is detected by using the calculated number of overlaps.

  In the second embodiment, before executing the image forming process, the operation unit 12 receives a selection input of a memory shortage mode by a user operation in advance, and controls the control unit as an instruction signal regarding selection of the memory shortage mode. 30 is output. Then, it is assumed that the control unit 30 sets a memory shortage prevention mode to be executed in advance based on this instruction signal before executing the image forming process.

[Low impact detection processing]
First, specific processing contents of the print data analysis processing (step S2 in FIG. 7) in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating print data analysis processing according to the second embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the control unit 30 analyzes the object included in the print data read from the RAM 17 and generates a display list (intermediate language data) (step S701). The control unit 30 temporarily stores the generated display list in the RAM 17.

  Further, the control unit 30 determines whether or not the object to be analyzed includes a transparency processing instruction and whether or not the set memory shortage prevention mode is the “image quality priority mode” (step S702). ).

  If the result of determination in step S702 is that the object to be analyzed does not include a transparency processing command, or the set memory shortage prevention mode is not “image quality priority mode” (step S702; NO), the control unit 30 determines whether the analysis of all the objects included in the print data for one page has been completed (step S704).

  On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S702 is that the object to be analyzed contains a transparency processing command and the set memory shortage prevention mode is “image quality priority mode” (step S702; YES), The control unit 30 calculates the number of overlaps of the work buffer corresponding to the object to be analyzed, and temporarily stores the number of overlaps and the blend mode in the RAM 17 (step S703). Then, the control unit 30 determines whether or not the analysis of all objects included in the print data for one page is completed (step S704).

  If the control unit 30 determines that the analysis of all the objects has been completed (step S704; Yes), the print data analysis process ends. On the other hand, if the control unit 30 determines that the analysis of all the objects is not completed (step S704; No), the control unit 30 analyzes the next object included in the print data for one page and generates a display list (step S704). S701).

  In step S703, the control unit 30 analyzes the print data command and calculates the number of overlaps in the work buffer. Therefore, the number of overlaps when all work buffers are secured in the RAM 17 is calculated. Specifically, in FIG. 6, the number of overlaps is calculated when all of the band buffer m7 and the first work buffer m1 to the sixth work buffer m6 are secured. That is, the overlapping number of the third work buffer m3 to the sixth work buffer m6 is “0”. The number of overlaps of the first work buffer m1 and the second work buffer m2 is “1”. The number of overlaps of the band buffer m7 is “3”.

[Low impact detection processing]
Next, specific processing contents of the low-impact buffer detection processing (step S404 in FIG. 11) in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating low-impact buffer detection processing according to the second embodiment.

  As illustrated in FIG. 15, the control unit 30 determines a blend mode for transparency processing for image data stored in the transparency processing buffer (step S <b> 801). Specifically, the control unit 30 reads the blend mode value of the object to be analyzed that is temporarily stored in the RAM 17 (step S703 in FIG. 14).

  As a result of the determination in step S801, when the blend mode is other than “Normal” (step S801; other), the control unit 30 determines whether or not all of the transparency processing buffers have been searched (analyzed). (Step S803).

  On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S801 is that the blend mode is “Normal” (step S801; Normal), the control unit 30 uses this transparency processing buffer as a candidate for processing for forced synthesis processing (forced superposition). (Step S802). Then, the control unit 30 determines whether or not all the transparency processing buffers have been searched (analyzed) (step S803).

  As a result of the determination, when the search (analysis) of all the transparency processing buffers has not been completed (step S803; NO), the control unit 30 performs the same processing (step (step S803)) on the remaining transparency processing buffers. S801 to S802) are performed.

  If the search of all the transparency processing buffers is completed as a result of the determination in step S803 (step S803; YES), has the control unit 30 detected a work buffer that stores image data whose blend mode is “Normal”? It is determined whether or not (step S804).

  When a buffer for storing image data whose blend mode is “Normal” has not been detected (step S804; NO), the control unit 30 selects a transparency processing buffer for storing image data with the smallest number of overlays. A transparency processing buffer for storing image data having the least influence on image quality is set (step S805). Here, the control unit 30 reads and refers to the number of overlapping work buffers corresponding to the analysis target object temporarily stored in the RAM 17 (step S703 in FIG. 14). This is the end of the low-impact buffer detection process.

  On the other hand, when a buffer for storing image data whose blend mode is “Normal” is detected (step S804; YES), the control unit 30 has the smallest number of overlays when the blend mode is “Normal”. The transparency processing buffer for storing image data is set as a transparency processing buffer for storing image data that has the least influence on image quality (step S806). This is the end of the low-impact buffer detection process.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, the control unit 30 of the image processing apparatus 10 calculates the number of overlaps of the transparency buffer in advance in the print data analysis process, and reduces the influence of the buffer in the image quality priority mode. In the detection process, a transparency processing buffer that stores image data having the least influence on image quality is detected using the number of overlaps calculated in advance.

  That is, even when the memory shortage occurs when the control unit 30 cannot secure all the transparency processing buffers, the transparency processing buffer secured at the time when the memory shortage occurs. Among them, a transparency processing buffer that stores image data having the least influence on image quality is detected based on the number of overlaps when all work buffers are secured.

  Therefore, it is possible to detect a transparency processing buffer that stores image data that has the least influence on image quality more accurately.

  The description in each of the above embodiments is an example of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to this. The detailed configuration and detailed operation of each functional unit constituting the image processing apparatus can be changed as appropriate. For example, in the above embodiment, the number of overlays required to generate the image data to be stored in the work buffer is adopted as the number of overlays in the transparency buffer. The number of layers below the work buffer may be treated as the number of overlaps. That is, in this case, in the specific example of FIG. 6, the number of overlaps of the third work buffer m3 to the sixth work buffer m6 is “0”, and the first work buffer m1 and the second work buffer m2 are overlapped. The number is “1”, and the number of overlaps of the band buffer m7 is “2”.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, an example in which a ROM or HDD is used as a computer-readable medium storing a program is disclosed, but the present invention is not limited to this example. As other computer-readable media, a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory and a portable recording medium such as a CD-ROM can be applied. A carrier wave (carrier wave) is also applicable as a medium for providing program data via a communication line.

10 Image processing device 11 CPU
12 Operation unit 13 Display unit 14 Image reading unit 15 Image forming unit 16 Communication unit 17 RAM
18 ROM
19 HDD
20 Client terminal 21 CPU
22 Operation unit 23 Display unit 24 Communication unit 25 RAM
26 HDD
30 Control Unit 100 Image Forming System 181 Printer Controller Program 261 Printer Driver Program N Communication Network

Claims (9)

An image processing apparatus that performs image formation processing based on print data including an execution instruction for transparency processing,
A storage unit used when executing an image forming process including the transparency process;
When the storage capacity of the storage unit is insufficient during the execution of the image forming process, a control unit that combines the storage areas reserved for executing the transparency process and releases the storage area;
An image processing apparatus comprising: An output unit that outputs an instruction signal related to selection of a storage area designating method to be combined;
The control unit can specify a storage area to be synthesized by a plurality of types of designation methods, select the designation method based on an instruction signal from the output unit, and select the synthesis target by the selected designation method. Specify the storage area
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1. One of the designation methods is
The control unit designates all storage areas reserved for executing the transparency processing;
The image processing apparatus according to claim 2. One of the designation methods is
The control unit designates a storage area having the largest storage capacity among storage areas reserved for executing the transparency process.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 2. One of the designation methods is
The control unit designates a storage area for storing image data having the least influence on image quality, among the storage areas reserved for executing the transparency processing.
The image processing apparatus as described in any one of Claims 2-4. The controller is
Based on the blending mode of the transparency process and the number of image data superimposed in the transparency process, a storage area for storing image data having the least influence on the image quality is detected.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 5. The controller is
Before securing a storage area for executing the transparency process, the print data is analyzed to calculate the number of image data overlays in the transparency process.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 6. A computer that performs image forming processing based on print data including an instruction to execute transparency processing;
A storage unit used when executing an image forming process including the transparency process;
When the storage capacity of the storage unit is insufficient during the execution of the image forming process, a control unit that synthesizes a storage area reserved for executing the transparency process and releases the storage area;
Program to function as. When the storage unit used when executing the image forming process including the transparency process runs short during the image forming process, the control unit is secured to execute the transparency process. Synthesizing existing storage areas and releasing the storage areas;
A data processing method comprising:

Images