JP2007156613A - Drawing controller, drawing control method, storage medium and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To heighten the parallel processing degree of drawing processing and analysis processing of print data by a multiprocessor to reduce the time necessary for the drawing processing. <P>SOLUTION: When a drawing requirement means 102 decides whether a drawing means capable of executing second processing is present or not while a drawing means 106 executes first processing for analyzing the print data, it is decided whether an attribute of a processor capable of executing the second processing accords with an attribute of the drawing means executing the first processing or not. When it is decided that the attribute of the processor accords with the attribute of the drawing means, the second processing is required to the other drawing means 107, 108. When it is decided that the attribute of the processor does not accord with the attribute of the drawing means, the second processing is required to the drawing means 106. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a drawing processing apparatus that analyzes print data input by a plurality of processors and draws image data.

  In recent years, with the increase in resolution of printers, there is a tendency that the volume of data to be processed by a controller that controls printing processing of the printer increases.

In order to process such a large amount of data at high speed, a controller board is equipped with a plurality of processors, and data is processed in parallel to improve throughput. In general, a controller divides one page of data into a plurality of data to reduce the memory usage. There are the following parallelization methods when processing these data.

(1) Parallelization inside drawing processing (2) Parallelization inside print data interpretation processing (3) Parallelization between drawing processing and print data interpretation processing Since parallelization of drawing processing is relatively easy, (1) Various parallelization methods have been devised. For example, Patent Literature 1 is a method of predicting a drawing processing time and assigning it to drawing processing portions in order from the time-consuming data to minimize the entire drawing processing time.

  On the other hand, since parallelization of print data interpretation processing is difficult, a parallelization method related to (2) has not been devised.

Further, Patent Document 2 below describes a technique for improving the throughput by making the load to be assigned to the multiprocessor uniform by a process that does not apply a load.
JP2001-287412 JP2003-51019

  When performing (3), the following method is generally considered.

  Hereinafter, an example of parallelization of the drawing process and the print data interpretation process will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining print data processing timing in this type of drawing control apparatus.

I. Example of performing drawing process in all processor elements (PE) FIG. 6A shows a schematic diagram of processing timings when print data of two pages is processed by three PEs 1 to 3 shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 6A, the vertical axis represents the PE number (PE1, PE2, PE3), and the horizontal axis represents time t. I1 and I2 represent print data interpretation processing for the first and second pages, respectively. R1 and R2 represent drawing processing for the first page and the second page, respectively.

  In the period [T1 to T2], the print data interpretation process (I1) for the first page is performed at PE1. At this time, PE2 and PE3 cannot start the drawing process (R1) for the first page until the print data interpretation process (I1) ends (T2).

  In the period [T2 to T3], drawing processing (R1) for the first page is performed by PE1, PE2, and PE3. At this time, it is assumed that the print data interpretation process (I2) for the second page is in a waiting state due to some factor.

  In the period [T3 to T4], the drawing process (R1) for the first page is continued in PE1, PE2, and PE3. At this time, the print data interpretation process (I2) for the second page is in an executable state, but cannot be executed because the drawing process (R1) is being executed in PE1.

  In the period [T4 to T5], the print data interpretation process (I2) for the second page is performed in PE1. In PE2 and PE3, the drawing process (R1) for the first page is continued.

  In the period [T5 to T6], the print data interpretation process (I2) for the second page is continued in PE1. At this time, PE2 and PE3 cannot start the drawing process (R2) for the second page until the print data interpretation process (I2) ends (T6).

  In the period [T6 to T7], the drawing process (R2) for the second page is performed by PE1, PE2, and PE3.

  In the period [T7 to T8], PE1 does nothing because there is no data to be subjected to print data interpretation processing and drawing processing. In PE2 and PE3, the drawing process (R2) for the second page is continued.

  In this method, the time during which PE1 does not perform the print data interpretation process can be assigned to the drawing process.

  However, since the drawing process operates even in a state where the print data interpretation process is possible, the time for which the drawing process waits for the end of the print data interpretation process may become long.

  In FIG. 6A, the idle time generated in PE2 and PE3 during the periods T5 to T6 corresponds to waiting for the end of the print data interpretation process.

II. Example of Drawing Processing Other than PE Performing Print Data Interpretation Process FIG. 6B is a schematic diagram of processing timing when processing print data for two pages with three PEs (processor elements).

  In FIG. 6B, the vertical axis represents the PE number (PE1, PE2, PE3), and the horizontal axis represents time. I1 and I2 represent print data interpretation processing for the first and second pages, respectively. R1 and R2 represent drawing processing for the first page and the second page, respectively.

  In the period [T9 to T10], the print data interpretation process (I1) for the first page is performed at PE1. At this time, PE2 and PE3 cannot start the drawing process (R1) for the first page until the print data interpretation process (I1) ends (T2).

  In the period [T10 to T11], it is assumed that the print data interpretation process (I2) for the second page is in a waiting state due to some factor. For this reason, nothing is performed in PE1. In PE2 and PE3, the drawing process (R1) for the first page is performed.

  In the period [T11 to T12], the print data interpretation process (I2) for the second page is performed at PE1. In PE2 and PE3, the drawing process (R1) for the first page is continued.

  In the period [T12 to T13], PE1 does nothing because there is no data to be subjected to print data interpretation processing and drawing processing. In PE2 and PE3, the drawing process (R1) for the first page is continued, and when there is no data to be drawn for the first page, the drawing process (R2) for the second page is performed.

  In this method, when the print data interpretation process is executable, the print data interpretation process is executed immediately. Therefore, the drawing process waits for the end of the print data interpretation process for the shortest time.

  However, if there is no data to be subjected to print data interpretation processing, PE1 enters a data wait state and does nothing. In FIG. 6B, the idle time generated in PE1 during the periods T10 to T11 and during the periods T12 to T13 corresponds to data waiting.

  As a result, both the above examples I and II have a problem that the idle time is added and the processing time becomes long.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to control the parallel processing of print data analysis processing and drawing processing by a multiprocessor to reduce the time required for drawing processing. It is to provide a mechanism that can be shortened.

  The drawing control apparatus of the present invention that achieves the above object has the following configuration.

  A plurality of processors responsible for a first process for interpreting an input print control language and creating a display list and a second process for rendering the display list in a raster image are provided, and each processor performs rasterization in parallel. A first control unit for determining whether there is a processor capable of executing the second process while any one of the processors is executing the first process; If the determination means determines that there is a processor that can execute the second process, does the attribute of the processor that can execute the second process match the attribute of the processor that is executing the first process? When the second determination means and the second determination means determine that the attribute matches the processor attribute, the second process is requested to the other processor, The second determination means, when it is determined not to match the attributes of the processor, and having a drawing request means for requesting the second processing to said any processor.

  The drawing control method of the present invention that achieves the above object has the following configuration.

  A plurality of processors responsible for a first process for interpreting an input print control language and creating a display list and a second process for rendering the display list in a raster image are provided, and each processor performs rasterization in parallel. A first control step for determining whether there is a processor capable of executing the second process while any of the processors is executing the first process; If it is determined that there is a processor that can execute the second process in the determination step, does the attribute of the processor that can execute the second process match the attribute of the processor that is executing the first process? If it is determined by the second determination step and the second determination step that the processor attributes match, the second processing is performed for other processors. And when the second determination step determines that the attribute does not match the processor attribute, the drawing request step requests a second process to any one of the processors. .

  According to the present invention, it is possible to shorten the time required for drawing processing by increasing the degree of parallel processing between print data analysis processing and drawing processing by a multiprocessor.

  Next, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<Description of system configuration>
[First Embodiment]
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus to which the drawing control apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention can be applied. Note that the drawing control apparatus is an image processing apparatus other than the image forming apparatus, a composite image forming apparatus, or the like, and can be applied to any device that analyzes input print data and performs drawing processing. is there.

  In FIG. 1, an input unit 100 supplies print data acquired from a host computer or the like, which will be described later, to a data dividing unit 101 via a communication unit such as Ethernet (registered trademark).

  The data dividing unit 101 divides the print data into partial data according to a predetermined standard. In this embodiment, partial data is generated by dividing print data for one page into band regions divided into strip-like regions.

  The drawing request unit 102 inquires of the drawing control unit 103, the drawing control unit 104, and the drawing control unit 105 that operate on different PEs for the drawing processing of the partial data divided by the data dividing unit 101. Thereafter, the drawing request unit 102 requests the drawing processing of the partial data from any of the drawing unit 106, the drawing unit 107, and the drawing unit 108 that operate on different PEs. A method of determining which drawing unit is to request drawing processing will be described later.

  The drawing control unit 103, the drawing control unit 104, and the drawing control unit 105 are arranged in different PEs, respectively, and notify whether or not drawing units belonging to the same PE are in an executable state in response to an inquiry from the drawing request unit 102. . A method for determining whether drawing means belonging to the same PE are in an executable state will be described later.

  In addition, the drawing means that is controlled by the drawing control means 103 is the drawing means 106, the drawing means that is controlled by the drawing control means 104 is the drawing means 107, and the drawing means that is controlled by the drawing control means 105 is the drawing means 108. Corresponding to

  The drawing unit 106, the drawing unit 107, and the drawing unit 108 are arranged in different PEs, and perform partial data drawing processing in response to a request from the drawing request unit 102 to generate a partial image that can be supplied to the printer engine. To do.

  The image generation unit 109 collects the partial images generated by the drawing unit 106, the drawing unit 107, and the drawing unit 108, and generates an image for one page.

  The output unit 110 transfers the image for one page generated by the image generation unit 109 to the printer engine in response to a print request from a printer engine (not shown).

  The printer engine is constituted by an engine capable of forming an image by scanning and exposing a photosensitive member with a laser beam or the like via an optical system. Note that colors capable of forming an image are configured to be applicable to the present invention regardless of monochrome or color.

  Each of the drawing means 106 to 108 and the like is constituted by a processor and draws image data in band units from the display list (first process) by interpreting and interpreting the print data. Processing (second processing) is performed.

  Further, the print data input from the input unit 100 is described in a predetermined page description language.

<Operation>
The operation of the drawing control apparatus of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG.

  Print data sent from a host PC (not shown) via a network or the like is sent to the data dividing means 101 via the input means 100.

  The data dividing unit 101 analyzes the print data sent from the input unit 100 and generates a display list that constitutes a band of a predetermined size.

  Here, the generated display list of each band is configured not to depend on each other so that it can be processed by an arbitrary partial data processing means. The data dividing unit 101 generates band data by adding the number of the page to which the band belongs and the band number of the band as header information to the generated display list. Further, the data dividing unit 101 adds the band number of the generated band data to a drawing processing queue (secured on a memory (not shown) such as a RAM) of the drawing request unit 102.

  In the present embodiment, the drawing control apparatus adopts a multiprocessor configuration, and one processor has a function of drawing means for drawing a display list into image data, and an interpretation for interpreting input print data. It is configured to be able to divide the processing function. However, drawing processing and interpretation processing cannot be performed in parallel.

  The drawing processing states of the drawing units 106 to 108 are managed by the drawing control units 103 to 105, respectively.

  Each of the drawing means 106 to 108 stores drawing processing, parameters necessary for the drawing processing, flags, and the like via a work of storage means such as a RAM (not shown). By referring to the flag or the like, band drawing processing of print data by a multiprocessor configuration is executed.

  In the present embodiment, the display list is generated by analyzing drawing commands (for example, PDL data) related to characters, graphics, etc., and generating vector data. Further, the generated vector data is approximated by a fine line with a curve portion expressed by Bezier, spline, etc., and converted into polygonal vector data (short vector). The vector data generated in this way is a data aggregate called a display list.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of a first data processing procedure in the drawing control apparatus according to the present invention. In addition, S401-S405 shows each step. Each step corresponds to the drawing processing procedure performed by the drawing request unit 102 shown in FIG. 1, and is specifically realized by executing a control module that is loaded into the RAM by a CPU (not shown).

  When the process of the drawing control apparatus is started, the process of the drawing request unit 102 shown in FIG. 1 is started.

  In step S401, it is determined whether or not the drawing processing queue (secured on the RAM provided in the image forming apparatus) of the drawing request unit 102 is empty. If it is determined that the queue is empty, the band Wait until the data band number is added. If it is determined that the drawing process queue of the drawing request unit 102 is not empty, the process proceeds to step S402.

  In step S402, the drawing control unit 103, the drawing control unit 104, and the drawing control unit 105 operating on different PEs are inquired as to whether or not each drawing unit belonging to the same PE as the drawing control unit is in an executable state. Wait until an executable drawing means appears.

  Note that “belonging to the same PE” corresponds to the fact that the drawing means controlled by the drawing control means 103 belongs to the drawing means 106. Similarly, the drawing means controlled by the drawing control means 104 corresponds to belonging to the drawing means 107. Similarly, the drawing means controlled by the drawing control means 105 corresponds to belonging to the drawing means 108.

  If it is determined that there is an executable drawing unit, the drawing unit identification number is added to the partial data queue of the data dividing unit 101 (secured on the RAM provided in the image forming apparatus), and the step The process proceeds to S403. The identification number can be arbitrarily set as long as the control module can recognize it.

  In step S403, among the identification numbers of the drawing means existing in the partial data queue (secured on the RAM) of the data dividing means 101, the drawing means that does not exist in the same processor (CPU) as the data dividing means 101. Is determined to be in an executable state.

  Specifically, since the drawing means 106 and the data dividing means 101 are assigned to the same processor, when the identification numbers of the drawing means 107 and 108 exist, they do not exist in the same processor (CPU). It is determined that the drawing means is in an executable state.

  If it is determined in step S403 that drawing means not existing in the same processor (CPU) is in an executable state, the process proceeds to step S404.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S403 that drawing means that does not exist in the same processor (CPU) is not in an executable state, the process proceeds to step S405.

  In step S404, drawing is performed on drawing means (for example, the drawing means 107 and 108) existing in the PE where the data dividing means 101 does not exist among the identification numbers of the drawing means existing in the partial data queue of the data dividing means 101. A request is issued and this process is terminated.

  On the other hand, in step S405, out of the identification numbers of the drawing means existing in the partial data queue of the data dividing means 101, a drawing request is issued to the drawing means (for example, the drawing means 106) existing in the PE where the data dividing means 101 exists. Then, this process ends.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a second data processing procedure in the drawing control apparatus according to the present invention. S501 to S505 indicate each step. Each step corresponds to the processing procedure of the drawing control means 103 shown in FIG. Specifically, it is realized by the CPU executing a control module that is loaded into the RAM.

  This processing is the same for the processing of the drawing control means 104 or the drawing control means 105.

  When the drawing control device is activated, processing by the drawing control means 103 is activated. In step S501, it is determined whether or not the drawing unit 106 belonging to the same PE as the drawing control unit 103 is in a waiting state. If the drawing unit 106 is not in a waiting state, the process waits until the drawing unit 106 enters a waiting state. If the drawing unit 106 is in a waiting state, the process proceeds to step S502.

  Next, in step S502, it is determined whether or not the data dividing unit 101 exists in the PE to which the drawing unit 106 belongs. If it is determined that the data dividing unit 101 exists, the process proceeds to step S503.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S502 that the data dividing unit 101 does not exist, the process proceeds to step S504.

  In step S503, it is determined whether the data dividing unit 101 is in a waiting state. If it is determined that the data dividing unit 101 is not in a waiting state, the process waits until the data dividing unit 101 enters a waiting state. If the data dividing unit 101 is in a waiting state, the process proceeds to step S504.

  In step S504, the drawing unit 106 is put into an executable state, the process proceeds to step S505, the drawing request unit 102 is notified that the drawing unit 106 is in an executable state, and the process is terminated.

  The drawing control apparatus shown in the present embodiment has the following configuration in order to execute the processes shown in FIGS.

  The drawing control apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of processors responsible for a first process for creating a display list by interpreting an input print control language and a second process for drawing the display list on a raster image. ing. The drawing control means performs rasterization in parallel using each processor.

  The drawing control apparatus according to this embodiment has a first determination function that determines whether there is a processor that can execute the second process while any of the processors is executing the first process. This is realized by the drawing request unit 102 executing the determination step in step S42 shown in FIG.

  In addition, the drawing control apparatus according to the present embodiment has a second determination function that determines whether the attribute of the processor that can execute the second process matches the attribute of the processor that is executing the first process. The second determination function is executed when it is determined by the first determination function that there is a processor that can execute the second process. This is realized by the drawing request unit 102 executing the determination step in step S403 shown in FIG.

  Further, when the second determination function determines that they match, the second process is requested to another processor, and when the second determination function determines that they do not match, to any of the processors A drawing request function for requesting the second processing. This is realized by the drawing request unit 102 executing the determination steps in steps S404 and S405 shown in FIG. As a result, in the drawing process as shown in FIG. 4, the occurrence of idle periods as shown in FIG. 6 is reduced, and as a result, the drawing process time by the multiprocessor is shortened. That is, even if one processor is performing analysis processing, if the remaining processors are capable of drawing processing, the drawing processing is continued, so there is no idle period and drawing efficiency is improved.

  Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 4, an idle state occurrence state when the drawing process based on FIGS. 2 and 3 is applied will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining print data processing timing in the drawing control apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This example shows the processing timing when two pages of print data are processed by three PEs (processor elements).

  In FIG. 5, the vertical axis represents PE numbers (PE1, PE2, PE3), and the horizontal axis represents time. I1 and I2 represent print data interpretation processing for the first and second pages, respectively. R1 and R2 represent drawing processing for the first page and the second page, respectively.

  In the period [T14 to T15], the print data interpretation process (I1) for the first page is performed at PE1. At this time, PE2 and PE3 cannot start the drawing process (R1) for the first page until the print data interpretation process (I1) ends (T15).

  In the period [T15 to T16], the drawing process (R1) for the first page is performed in parallel in PE1, PE2, and PE3. At this time, it is assumed that the print data interpretation process (I2) for the second page is in a waiting state due to some factor.

  At this time, the drawing control unit 103 belonging to PE1 determines that the drawing unit 106 belonging to PE1 is in a waiting state and the data dividing unit 101 belonging to PE1 is in a waiting state. The means 102 is notified.

  Since the drawing request unit 102 issues a drawing request to the drawing unit 106, the drawing process (R1) for the first page is performed in PE1.

  In the period [T16 to T17], the print data interpretation process (I2) for the second page is performed in PE1. In PE2 and PE3, the drawing process (R1) for the first page is continued.

  In the period [T17 to T18], the drawing process (R1) for the first page is continued in PE1, PE2, and PE3, and when there is no data to be drawn for the first page, the drawing process (R2) for the second page. I do.

  In this method, when the print data interpretation process is executable, the waiting time is the drawing process time of one partial data at the worst. If the load of the print data interpretation process is large, the drawing process is performed on PE1. It is possible to occupy the print data interpretation process without interruption.

  When the print data interpretation process is in a waiting state, the drawing process can be performed by PE1.

  The configuration of a data processing program that can be read by the information processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the memory map shown in FIG.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs readable by the information processing apparatus according to the present invention.

  Although not particularly illustrated, information for managing a program group stored in the storage medium, for example, version information, creator, etc. is also stored, and information depending on the OS on the program reading side, for example, a program is identified and displayed. Icons may also be stored.

  Further, data depending on various programs is also managed in the directory. In addition, a program for installing various programs in the computer, and a program for decompressing when the program to be installed is compressed may be stored.

  The functions shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 in this embodiment may be performed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside. In this case, the present invention is applied even when an information group including a program is supplied to the output device from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external storage medium via a network. Is.

  As described above, the storage medium storing the software program code for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to the system or apparatus. It goes without saying that the object of the present invention can also be achieved by the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

  Therefore, as long as it has the function of the program, the form of the program such as an object code, a program executed by an interpreter, or script data supplied to the OS is not limited.

  As a storage medium for supplying the program, for example, a flexible disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, MO, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, DVD, etc. Can be used.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

  As another program supply method, a browser on a client computer is used to connect to an Internet home page. Then, the computer program itself of the present invention or a compressed file including an automatic installation function can be downloaded from the homepage by downloading it to a recording medium such as a hard disk. It can also be realized by dividing the program code constituting the program of the present invention into a plurality of files and downloading each file from a different homepage. That is, a WWW server, an ftp server, and the like that allow a plurality of users to download a program file for realizing the functional processing of the present invention on a computer are also included in the claims of the present invention.

  In addition, the program of the present invention is encrypted, stored in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, distributed to users, and key information for decryption is downloaded from a homepage via the Internet to users who have cleared predetermined conditions. Let It is also possible to execute the encrypted program by using the key information and install the program on a computer.

  In addition, the functions of the above-described embodiments are not only realized by executing the program code read by the computer. For example, based on an instruction of the program code, an OS (operating system) running on the computer performs part or all of the actual processing. Needless to say, the process includes the case where the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized.

  Further, the program code read from the storage medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer. After that, based on the instruction of the program code, the CPU of the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing of the above-described embodiment is realized by the processing. Needless to say.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications (including organic combinations of the embodiments) are possible based on the spirit of the present invention, and these are excluded from the scope of the present invention. is not.

  Although various examples and embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will not limit the spirit and scope of the present invention to the specific description in the present specification.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus to which a drawing control apparatus showing a first embodiment of the present invention can be applied. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 1st data processing procedure in the drawing control apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 2nd data processing procedure in the drawing control apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a figure explaining the print data processing timing in the drawing control apparatus which shows 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the memory map of the storage medium which stores the various data processing program which can be read with the drawing control apparatus which concerns on this invention. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Input means 101 Data division means 102 Drawing request means 103 Drawing control means 104 Drawing control means 105 Drawing control means 106 Drawing means 107 Drawing means 108 Drawing means 109 Image generation means 110 Output means

Claims (10)

A plurality of processors responsible for a first process for interpreting an input print control language and creating a display list and a second process for rendering the display list on a raster image are provided, and each processor performs rasterization in parallel. A drawing control device for performing
First determination means for determining whether there is a processor capable of executing the second process while any of the processors is executing the first process;
When the first determination unit determines that there is a processor that can execute the second process, the attribute of the processor that can execute the second process is the attribute of the processor that is executing the first process. Second determination means for determining whether or not they match,
When it is determined by the second determination means that the attribute matches the processor attribute, the second process is requested to another processor, and when the second determination means determines that the attribute does not match the processor attribute Drawing request means for requesting the second process to any one of the processors,
A drawing control apparatus comprising:   2. The drawing control apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising drawing control means for controlling an execution state of the first processing and the second processing by each processor.   The drawing control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the drawing control unit notifies the processor of the execution of the second process when the processor enters a waiting state for the first process.   The drawing control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first process creates a display list for each band by interpreting an input print control language. A plurality of processors responsible for a first process for interpreting an input print control language and creating a display list and a second process for rendering the display list on a raster image are provided, and each processor performs rasterization in parallel. A drawing control device for performing
A first determination step of determining whether there is a processor capable of executing the second process while any of the processors is executing the first process;
When it is determined in the first determination step that there is a processor that can execute the second process, the attribute of the processor that can execute the second process is the attribute of the processor that is executing the first process. A second determination step for determining whether they match,
When it is determined by the second determination step that the processor attribute matches, the second process is requested to another processor, and when the second determination step determines that the processor attribute does not match A drawing requesting step for requesting the second process to any one of the processors;
A drawing control method characterized by comprising:   6. The drawing control method according to claim 5, further comprising a drawing control step for controlling an execution state of the first processing and the second processing by each processor.   The drawing control method according to claim 1, wherein the drawing control step notifies the processor of the execution of the second process when the processor enters a waiting state for the first process.   The drawing control method according to claim 5, wherein the first process interprets an input print control language to create a display list for each band.   A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute the drawing control method according to claim 5.   A program for causing a computer to execute the drawing control method according to claim 5.

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