JP2010173236A - Image processor, program, and data processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processor improved in memory use efficiency and processing speed when such an image forming processing to reuse object data as a variable data printing is carried out. <P>SOLUTION: A CPU 11 of the image processor 10 analyzes VDP job data, and determines whether a content to be analyzed is reusable object data. The CPU 11 discriminates the data type of the reusable object when determining the content to be analyzed, to be the reusable object, and, based on the data type, the CPU 11 decides whether to reserve the reusable object data in either data format of intermediate language data and raster data. The CPU 11 stores the reusable data in the decided data format in a reuse bit map data storing area 171 or in a reuse intermediate language data storing area 172. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

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

  Usage statements such as direct mail and credit cards for mails are printed materials that are customized for each individual.

  These printed materials are composed of a fixed data portion and a variable data portion. The variable data part corresponds to personal information such as each person's address, credit details, and the like. The fixed data portion may be a company logo, a standard greeting, a recommended product image, or the like.

  In this way, customizing and printing content for each individual with one guide sentence is generally called variable data printing (VDP).

  In order to realize this variable data printing, an organization called PODi (Print On Demand initiative) has developed an XML (Extensible Markup Language) based document format called PPML (Personalized Print Markup Language), and standardization is being promoted. .

  With PPML, the fixed data part and variable data part of data are distinguished, and each RIP (Raster image processor) is stored only once, and the RIP load is reduced by performing image formation processing while reusing it. And enables high-speed printing. In addition, since the fixed data portion is not held redundantly for each record, the capacity of input data can be reduced, and the efficiency of data transfer can be improved.

  For example, a technique is disclosed in which content data of a variable data print job is cached, an ID is added to the cached content data, and a VDP file using PPML is created / processed in cooperation with a VDP application on the client terminal side. (See Patent Document 1).

JP 2008-171033 A

  By the way, when variable data printing is performed, a storage area for holding RIP reused object data is required. Further, when a large number of fixed data sections are used or fixed data with a large capacity is used, a large capacity storage area is required.

  For this reason, there is a case where the storage capacity becomes insufficient during the image forming process and a printing error occurs. Further, when a hard disk is used as a storage area instead of a memory, it takes time to access the storage area, and the processing speed of the image forming process may decrease.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems. The object of the present invention is to improve the efficiency of memory use when performing image forming processing that reuses object data such as variable data printing. It is to improve the processing speed.

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 job data,
An acquisition unit for acquiring print job data;
The print job data is analyzed, it is determined whether or not the object data included in the print job data is to be reused, and when the object data is to be reused, the data type of the object data is determined, and the data type A control unit for determining whether to store the object data in an intermediate language data or raster data format, and storing the object data in the determined data format;
Is provided.

The invention according to claim 2 is the invention according to claim 1,
The print job data is data for executing variable data printing.

The invention according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 1 or 2,
The controller is
When the data type of the object data is image object data, the object data is stored as raster data, and when the data type of the object data is a data type other than image object data, the object data is stored as intermediate language data. save.

The invention according to claim 4 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The control unit generates a management table, refers to the management table, and manages the data format of the stored object data.

The invention according to claim 5 is the invention according to claim 4,
The control unit generates intermediate language data including a command for referring to the management table when the object data is reused.

The program according to claim 6 is:
A computer that performs image forming processing based on print job data,
An acquisition unit for acquiring print job data;
The print job data is analyzed, it is determined whether or not the object data included in the print job data is to be reused, and when the object data is to be reused, the data type of the object data is determined, and the data type A control unit that determines whether to store the object data in an intermediate language data or raster data format, and stores the object data in the determined data format;
To function as.

The data processing method according to claim 7 comprises:
An obtaining unit obtaining print job data;
The control unit analyzes the print job data, determines whether to reuse the object data included in the print job data, and determines the data type of the object data when the object data is reused. Determining whether to store the object data in intermediate language data or raster data based on the data type, and storing the object data in the determined data format;
Consists of

  According to the first, sixth, and seventh aspects of the invention, the control unit analyzes the print job data, determines whether to reuse the object data included in the print job data, and stores the object data. When reusing, the data type of the object data is determined, and based on the data type, it is determined whether to store the object data in intermediate language data or raster data, and the determined data format To save the object data.

  Therefore, it is possible to improve memory use efficiency and processing speed when performing image forming processing that reuses object data.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, the memory use efficiency and the processing speed are improved when variable data printing is performed.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to further improve memory use efficiency and processing speed when performing image forming processing that reuses object data such as variable data printing.

  According to the invention described in claim 4, the data format for storing the object data can be efficiently managed.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to further improve memory use efficiency and processing speed when performing image forming processing that reuses object data such as variable data printing.

1 is a system configuration diagram of an image forming system. It is a block diagram of a client terminal. It is an image figure of variable data printing. It is an example of PPML description that specifies reusable object data. It is a description example of PPML indicating that reusable object data is used. It is a block diagram of an image processing device. It is a data block diagram of a reusable object management table. It is a flowchart which shows a series of processes regarding image formation. It is a flowchart which shows a VDP job analysis process (1st record). It is a flowchart which shows a rasterization process (1st record). It is a flowchart which shows a VDP job analysis process (after 2nd record). It is a flowchart which shows a rasterization process (2nd record and after).

  Hereinafter, an 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, the image forming system 100 includes an image processing apparatus 10 and a client terminal 20, and each apparatus is connected via a communication network N so that data communication is possible.

  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, and print job (print command) data 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 in the printer.

  The client terminal 20 is a so-called personal computer and has a function of transmitting print job data 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, image data, and the like applied at the time of image formation using the function of the printer driver. Is 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 input from the operation unit 22 or an instruction signal received by the communication unit 24, and develops it in a work area formed in the RAM 25. Various processes are performed 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 and develops it in the RAM 25, and generates print job data to be transmitted to the image processing apparatus 10 in cooperation with the program.

  Specifically, the CPU 21 designates image data (image file) or the like to be printed based on a user operation performed via the operation unit 22 and sets information such as the number of copies to be printed and a print range. Then, the CPU 21 generates print job data including the designated image data and setting information.

  In particular, when a user operation for performing variable data printing is performed, the CPU 21 designates variable data printing as a printing condition based on the user operation, and sets various information related to variable data printing. Then, the CPU 21 generates print job data for performing variable data printing. Hereinafter, the print job data for performing variable data printing may be referred to as VDP job data. The VDP job data includes page description language data (Page Description Language (PDL)) described in PPML.

  The CPU 21 temporarily stores print job data in the HDD 26. Next, the CPU 21 reads the print job data from the HDD 26, controls the communication unit 24, and transmits this print job data to the image processing apparatus 10. In the present embodiment, the description will proceed assuming that the print job data is VDP job data.

[Variable data printing]
An image of variable data printing and object data to be printed will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, it is assumed that there is VDP job data for three pages (three records) in which one record is configured as one page. Here, the object data is a group of character data and image data. Further, the object data includes fixed data and variable data. Fixed data is data that is commonly used (reused) for each record. Variable data is data used uniquely for each page. Hereinafter, the fixed data may be referred to as reusable object data.

  Specific examples of variable data include personal names used for each page such as “Tanaka” d6, “Sato” d7, “Shimizu” d8, “Toyota” d9, “Hino” d10, “Hachioji” d11. There is location information used uniquely for each page.

  The fixed data includes text object data (fixed data of a text object), image object data (fixed data of an image object), and graphics object data (fixed data of a graphics object).

The graphics object data is drawing data represented by a straight line or a curve.
When the graphics object data is held as intermediate language data, the data capacity is smaller than when the graphics object data is held as bitmap data (raster data). Specifically, the graphic object data is data such as an asterisk d5.

  Text object data is character information. When the text object data formed in the outline is held as intermediate language data, the data capacity can be reduced as compared with the case where the text object data is held as bitmap data (raster data). Specifically, the text object data is data such as “sama” d1, “happy new year” d2, “in charge” d3, and the like.

  Image object data is image data in JPEG format or the like. Whether image object data is held as intermediate language data or image object data is held as bitmap data (raster data), there is no significant difference in data capacity. Specifically, the image object data is data such as a company logo mark d4.

[Data contents of VDP job data]
The data contents of the VDP job data will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 is a PPML description example for designating reusable object data. FIG. 5 is a description example of PPML indicating that reusable object data is used.

  The VDP job data explicitly indicates whether or not the object data is reused. As shown in FIG. 4, it is defined that the object data is reusable object data by enclosing the object data with <REUSABLE_OBJECT> tags on the first and 23rd lines.

  In the third to fifth lines, content data used as reusable object data is defined. Specifically, the data format of this content data is defined by the <SOURCE> tag on the third line. In this example, the content data is a PS (Post Script) file. The actual content data file is defined by the <EXTERNAL_DATA> tag on the fourth line. In this example, the PS file with the file name “abcd.ps” included in the VDP job data indicates that it is actual content data.

  In the 15th to 22nd lines, information for reusing this content data is defined. Specifically, the name of content data, that is, the name of reusable object data is defined by the Name attribute of the <OCCURRENCE> tag on the 16th line. In this example, it is defined by the name “abcd”.

  In the VDP job data, when using the defined reusable object data, the name of the reusable object data defined by the Name attribute is used. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the name of the reusable object data is specified by the Ref attribute of the <OCCURRENCE_REF> tag on the second line, and the previously specified reusable object data is used. In this example, the name of reusable object data defined by the name “abcd” is specified.

[Functional configuration of image processing apparatus]
FIG. 6 shows the configuration of the image processing apparatus 10. As shown in FIG. 6, 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 input from the operation unit 12 or an instruction signal received by the communication unit 16, and develops it in a work area formed in the RAM 17. Various processes are performed in cooperation with the program. For example, the CPU 11 performs a series of processes related to image formation.

  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. In accordance with an instruction from the CPU 11, the image forming unit 15 is a sheet supplied from the sheet feeding unit based on image data generated by the image reading unit 14 or image data included in print job data received by the communication unit 16. An image is formed on the paper and conveyed to a paper discharge 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 (Local Area Network) 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 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. Specifically, the RAM 17 forms a reuse bitmap data storage area 171 and a reuse intermediate language data storage area 172 as work areas.

  The reuse bitmap data storage area 171 is formed and used by the CPU 11 when executing an image forming process based on VDP job data, that is, an image forming process related to variable data printing. When the image forming process (job) based on the VDP job data is started, the CPU 11 secures (forms) a reuse bitmap data storage area 171. Then, the CPU 11 releases this area when the image forming process based on the VDP job data is completed.

  The CPU 11 stores the reusable object data as bitmap data (raster data) in the reuse bitmap data storage area 171. Specifically, the CPU 11 stores the image object data of the reusable object data in the reuse bitmap data storage area 171 as bitmap data.

  The reuse intermediate language data storage area 172 is formed and used by the CPU 11 when executing an image forming process based on VDP job data, that is, an image forming process related to variable data printing. When the image forming process (job) based on the VDP job data is started, the CPU 11 secures (forms) a reuse intermediate language data storage area 172. Then, the CPU 11 releases this area when the image forming process based on the VDP job data is completed.

  The CPU 11 stores the reusable object data as intermediate language data in the reuse intermediate language data storage area 172. Specifically, the CPU 11 stores graphics object data and text object data in the reusable bitmap data storage area 171 as bitmap data among the reusable object data.

  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 HDD 19 is a storage device and stores image data read by the image reading unit 14, print job data received from the client terminal 20 by the communication unit 16, a reusable object management table 191 generated by the CPU 11, and the like.

[Data structure of reusable object management table]
The reusable object management table 191 is a table for managing reusable object data, and one record corresponds to one reusable object data.

  FIG. 7 shows the data structure of the reusable object management table 191. As shown in FIG. 7, the reusable object management table 191 includes one or a plurality of records including fields of “ID”, “Name”, “Type”, “CacheType”, and “Offset”.

  Here, “ID” is a unique number assigned to the reusable object data included in the VDP job data, and is referred to in a series of processes related to image formation performed by the CPU 11.

  “Name” is an identifier of reusable object data included in the VDP job data, and is referred to in a series of processes relating to image formation performed by the CPU 11. The value of “Name” is an arbitrary character string such as “abcd”, “efgh”, and “pqk”. For example, based on a user operation performed via the operation unit 22, the CPU 11 determines a value of “Name”.

  “Type” indicates the data type of reusable object data. Specifically, the value “Text” corresponds to text object data, the value “Image” corresponds to image object data, and the value “Graphics” corresponds to graphics object data.

  “CacheType” is a flag indicating whether reusable object data is stored as bitmap data (raster data) or intermediate language data. Specifically, the value “Bitmap” indicates that the corresponding reusable object data is stored as bitmap data. On the other hand, the value “DL (Display List)” indicates that the corresponding reusable object is stored as intermediate language data.

  “Offset” is an offset value indicating the storage location (storage address in the RAM 17) of the actual data of the reusable object data. The CPU 11 accesses the actual data of the reusable object in the reuse bitmap data storage area 171 and the reuse intermediate language data storage area 172 using this offset value.

[A series of processes related to image formation]
Next, specific processing contents of a series of processing relating to image formation performed by the CPU 11 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a series of processes relating to image formation.

  First, when reception of VDP job data from the client terminal 20 by the communication unit 16 starts, the CPU 11 acquires VDP job data via the communication unit 16 (step S1).

  Next, the CPU 11 performs a VDP job analysis process for the first record (step S2). The VDP job analysis process is a process of analyzing content included in VDP job data, generating intermediate language data based on the content, and temporarily storing the intermediate language data.

  Next, the CPU 11 performs rasterization processing for the first record (step S3). The rasterization process is a process for generating bitmap data based on the intermediate language data generated in the VDP job analysis process. Further, the CPU 11 outputs the bitmap data to the image forming unit 15 to form an image on the paper.

  Next, the CPU 11 performs VDP job analysis processing for the second record (step S4). Then, the CPU 11 performs rasterization processing for the second record (step S5).

  Next, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the VDP job analysis process and the rasterization process for all records have been completed (step S6). If all the records have not been completed (step S6; NO), the CPU 11 returns to step S4, performs the VDP job analysis process for the third record (step S4), and performs the rasterization process for the third record (step S5). .

  On the other hand, when all the records have been completed (step S6; YES), a series of processes relating to the image forming process ends.

[VDP job analysis process (1st record)]
Next, specific processing contents of the VDP job analysis processing (first record) (step S2 in FIG. 8) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the VDP job analysis process (first record).

  As shown in FIG. 9, the CPU 11 analyzes the content included in the first record of the VDP job data acquired from the client terminal 20 via the communication unit 16 (step S101). Specifically, the CPU 11 sequentially analyzes the source code corresponding to the first record described in PPML one content at a time.

  Then, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the content to be analyzed is reusable object data (step S102). Specifically, the CPU 11 determines whether or not a tag <REUSABLE_OBJECT> is described in the source code.

  If the CPU 11 determines that the content to be analyzed is not reusable object data (step S102; NO), the CPU 11 generates intermediate language data without a reuse flag (not including a reuse flag). (Step S103). The CPU 11 temporarily stores the generated intermediate language data in a work memory (not shown) on the RAM 17 corresponding to the first page. Then, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the analysis of all the contents included in the first record has been completed (step S109).

  On the other hand, when the CPU 11 determines that the content to be analyzed is reusable object data (step S102; YES), the CPU 11 determines whether the content is image object data (step S104). Specifically, the CPU 11 analyzes the content file enclosed by the tag <SOURCE> in the source code, detects the data type of the reusable object data, and determines whether it is image object data.

  If the CPU 11 determines that the content to be analyzed is image object data (step S104; YES), the CPU 11 generates intermediate language data with a reuse flag (including the reuse flag) (step S105). The CPU 11 temporarily stores the generated intermediate language data in a work memory (not shown) on the RAM 17 corresponding to the first page. Then, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the analysis of all the contents included in the first record has been completed (step S109).

  On the other hand, if the CPU 11 determines that the content to be analyzed is not image object data (step S104; NO), the CPU 11 generates intermediate language data with a reuse flag (including the reuse flag) (step S106). The CPU 11 temporarily stores the generated intermediate language data in a work memory (not shown) on the RAM 17 corresponding to the first page. Then, the CPU 11 stores the generated intermediate language data also in the reuse intermediate language data storage area 172 (step S107).

  Then, the CPU 11 updates the reusable object management table 191 (step S108). Specifically, the CPU 11 adds a record corresponding to the intermediate language data including the reuse flag, that is, a record corresponding to the reusable object data (text object data or graphics object data) to the reusable object management table 191. In this record, the value of “Type” is “Text” or “Graphics”, the value of “CacheType” is “DL”, and the value of “Offset” is on the reused intermediate language data storage area 172 storing the intermediate language data. It becomes an address. Then, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the analysis of all the contents included in the first record has been completed (step S109).

  When the CPU 11 determines that the analysis of all the contents included in the first record is completed (step S109; YES), the VDP job analysis process for the first record is terminated.

  If the CPU 11 determines that the analysis of all the contents included in the first record has not been completed (step S109; NO), the CPU 11 returns to step S101 and analyzes the next content included in the first record of the VDP job data. (Step S101).

[Rasterize processing (1st record)]
Next, specific processing contents of the rasterizing process (first record) (step S3 in FIG. 8) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing rasterization processing (first record).

  As shown in FIG. 10, the CPU 11 reads intermediate language data corresponding to one content from a work memory (not shown) on the RAM 17 corresponding to the first page, and analyzes it (step S201). Then, the CPU 11 generates bitmap data based on the intermediate language data (step S202).

  When the reuse language flag is not included in the intermediate language data to be analyzed (step S203; NO), the CPU 11 develops (places) the bitmap data in the frame area on the RAM 17 corresponding to one page (step S204). ). Then, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the analysis of all intermediate language data for one page is completed (step S209).

  On the other hand, when the intermediate language data to be analyzed includes a reuse flag and the intermediate language data is not image object data (step S203; YES, step S205; NO), the CPU 11 corresponds to one page. Bitmap data is developed (arranged) in the frame area on the RAM 17 (step S204). Then, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the analysis of all intermediate language data for one page is completed (step S209).

  If the intermediate language data to be analyzed includes a reuse flag and the intermediate language data is image object data (step S203; YES, step S205; YES), the CPU 11 corresponds to one page. The bitmap data is developed (arranged) in the frame area on the RAM 17 (step S206). Then, the CPU 11 stores this bitmap data in the reuse bitmap data storage area 171 (step S207).

  Then, the CPU 11 updates the reusable object management table 191 (step S208). Specifically, the CPU 11 adds a record corresponding to the bitmap data stored in the reuse bitmap data storage area 171, that is, a record corresponding to the reusable object data (image object data) to the reusable object management table 191. In this record, the value of “Type” is “Image”, the value of “CacheType” is “Bitmap”, and the value of “Offset” is an address on the reuse bitmap data storage area 171 in which bitmap data is stored. Then, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the analysis of all intermediate language data for one page is completed (step S209).

  If the CPU 11 determines that the analysis of all intermediate language data for one page has been completed (step S209; YES), the rasterizing process for the first record is terminated.

  If the CPU 11 determines that analysis of all intermediate language data for one page has not been completed (step S209; NO), the CPU 11 returns to step S201 and corresponds to the next content in the intermediate language data of the first record. The intermediate language data is read from the work memory and analyzed (step S201).

[VDP job analysis process (2nd and subsequent records)]
Next, specific processing contents of the VDP job analysis processing (second and subsequent records) (step S4 in FIG. 8) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the VDP job analysis process (second and subsequent records). In this description, the analysis process of the VDP job data of the second record will be described. The same processing is performed for the third and subsequent records.

  As illustrated in FIG. 11, the CPU 11 analyzes the content included in the second record of the VDP job data acquired from the client terminal 20 via the communication unit 16 (step S301). Specifically, the CPU 11 sequentially analyzes the source code corresponding to the second record described in PPML, one content at a time.

  Then, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the analysis target content uses reusable object data (step S302). Specifically, the CPU 11 determines whether or not a tag <OCCURRENCE_REF> is described in the source code.

  If the CPU 11 determines that the content to be analyzed does not use reusable object data (step S302; NO), the CPU 11 generates intermediate language data. That is, the CPU 11 performs a normal intermediate language generation process (step S303). The CPU 11 temporarily stores the generated intermediate language data in a work memory (not shown) on the RAM 17 corresponding to the second page. Then, the CPU 11 determines whether or not analysis of all contents included in the second record is completed (step S306).

  On the other hand, when the CPU 11 determines that the content to be analyzed uses a reusable object (step S302; YES), the CPU 11 searches the reusable object management table 191 (step S304). That is, the CPU 11 searches the reusable object management table 191 for a record having a “Name” value that matches the name (identifier) of the reusable object bundled with the tag <OCCURRENCE_REF>.

  Next, the CPU 11 performs reusable object reference intermediate language creation processing (step S305). That is, the CPU 11 generates intermediate language data (reusable object reference intermediate language data) including an instruction to refer to the reusable object corresponding to the ID, using the value of “ID” of the record searched in step S304. To do. The CPU 11 temporarily stores the generated intermediate language data in a work memory (not shown) on the RAM 17 corresponding to the second page. Then, the CPU 11 determines whether or not analysis of all contents included in the second page is completed (step S306).

  If the CPU 11 determines that the analysis of all the contents included in the second page has been completed (step S306; YES), the VDP job analysis process for the second record is terminated.

  If the CPU 11 determines that analysis of all contents included in the second page has not been completed (step S306; NO), the CPU 11 returns to step S301 and analyzes the next content included in the second record of the VDP job data. (Step S301).

[Rasterize processing (2nd and subsequent records)]
Next, specific processing contents of the rasterizing process (second and subsequent records) (step S5 in FIG. 8) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing rasterization processing (second and subsequent records). In this description, the rasterization process for the second record will be described. The same processing is performed for the third and subsequent records.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the CPU 11 reads intermediate language data corresponding to one content from a work memory (not shown) on the RAM 17 corresponding to the second page, and analyzes it (step S401). Then, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the intermediate language data is reusable object reference intermediate language data (step S402).

  When the intermediate language data to be analyzed is not reusable object reference intermediate language data (step S402; NO), the CPU 11 generates bitmap data based on the intermediate language data (step S407). Then, the CPU 11 expands (places) this bitmap data in a frame area on the RAM 17 corresponding to one page (step S408). Then, the CPU 11 determines whether or not analysis of all intermediate language data for one page has been completed (step S409).

  On the other hand, when the intermediate language data to be analyzed is reusable object reference intermediate language data (step S402; YES), the CPU 11 searches the reusable object management table 191 (step S403). That is, the CPU 11 searches the reusable object management table 191 for a record having an “ID” value that matches the ID value included in the reusable object reference intermediate language data.

  Next, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the intermediate language data to be analyzed is image object data (step S404). That is, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the value of “Type” in the record of the reusable object management table 191 searched in step S403 is “Image”.

  As a result of the determination, if the intermediate language data to be analyzed is image object data (step S404; YES), that is, if the value of “Type” of the retrieved record is “Image”, the CPU 11 uses the reuse bitmap The corresponding bitmap data is acquired from the data storage area 171 (step S405). Specifically, the CPU 11 reads the corresponding bitmap data from the reuse bitmap data storage area 171 based on the “CacheType” value and the “Offset” value of the retrieved record. Here, the value of “CacheType” of the retrieved record is “Bitmap”. Then, the CPU 11 expands (places) this bitmap data in a frame area on the RAM 17 corresponding to one page (step S408). Then, the CPU 11 determines whether or not analysis of all intermediate language data for one page has been completed (step S409).

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination, if the intermediate language data to be analyzed is not image object data (step S404; NO), that is, if the value of “Type” in the retrieved record is “Text” or “Graphics”, the CPU 11 The corresponding intermediate language data is acquired from the reused intermediate language data storage area 172 (step S406). Specifically, the CPU 11 reads the corresponding intermediate language data from the reused intermediate language data storage area 172 based on the “CacheType” value and the “Offset” value of the retrieved record. Here, the value of “CacheType” of the retrieved record is “DL”.

  Then, the CPU 11 generates bitmap data based on the acquired (read) intermediate language data (step S407). The CPU 11 expands (places) this bitmap data in a frame area on the RAM 17 corresponding to one page (step S408). Then, the CPU 11 determines whether or not analysis of all intermediate language data for one page has been completed (step S409).

  If the CPU 11 determines that the analysis of all intermediate language data for one page has been completed (step S409; YES), the rasterizing process for the second record is terminated.

  If the CPU 11 determines that analysis of all intermediate language data for one page has not been completed (step S409; NO), the CPU 11 returns to step S401 and corresponds to the next content in the intermediate language data of the second record. The intermediate language data is read from the work memory and analyzed (step S401).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the image processing apparatus 10 receives VDP job data from the client terminal 20. The CPU 11 of the image processing apparatus 10 analyzes the VDP job data and determines whether or not the content to be analyzed is reusable object data. When the CPU 11 determines that the content to be analyzed is a reusable object, the CPU 11 determines the data type of the reusable object. Based on the data type, the CPU 11 determines whether to store the reusable object data in any of the intermediate language data or raster data (bitmap data) data format. The CPU 11 stores the reusable object in the reuse bitmap data storage area 171 or the reuse intermediate language data storage area 172 in the determined data format.

  Therefore, it is possible to improve memory use efficiency and processing speed when performing image forming processing that reuses object data such as variable data printing.

  Specifically, it is as follows. That is, as described above, there is no significant difference in data capacity between image object data when it is held as intermediate language data and when it is held as bitmap data. In addition, when graphics object data is held as intermediate language data, the data capacity is smaller than when it is held as bitmap data. Similarly to the graphics object data, the text object data requires less data capacity when held as intermediate language data than when it is held as bitmap data.

  Here, if the reusable object is held as intermediate language data, it becomes necessary to rasterize the intermediate language data when the reusable object is reused (steps S406 and S407 in FIG. 12). Data printing processing speed will be slow. If the reusable object is held as bitmap data, the reusable object need not be rasterized when it is reused (step S405 in FIG. 12), and the variable data printing processing speed is improved.

  In the present embodiment, the CPU 11 stores the image object data in the reuse bitmap data storage area 171 as bitmap data. Then, the CPU 11 stores the graphics object data and the text object data in the reuse intermediate language data storage area 172 as intermediate language data.

  When the storage is performed as in the present embodiment, the processing speed of variable data printing is greatly improved as compared with the case where the CPU 11 stores all the reusable object data as intermediate language data. Even though the processing speed is greatly improved, the storage capacity for storing the reusable object data is almost the same.

  In addition, when the storage is performed as in the present embodiment, the storage capacity for storing the reusable object data can be greatly reduced as compared with the case where the CPU 11 stores all the reusable object data as bitmap data. The possibility of causing memory full can be greatly reduced.

  The description in the above embodiment 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 the system and apparatus can be changed as appropriate.

  In the above-described embodiment, 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
100 Image forming system 171 Reuse bitmap data storage area 172 Reuse intermediate language data storage area 191 Reusable object management table 261 Printer driver program N Communication network

Claims (7)

An image processing apparatus that performs image formation processing based on print job data,
An acquisition unit for acquiring print job data;
The print job data is analyzed, it is determined whether or not the object data included in the print job data is to be reused, and when the object data is to be reused, the data type of the object data is determined, and the data type A control unit for determining whether to store the object data in an intermediate language data or raster data format, and storing the object data in the determined data format;
An image processing apparatus comprising: The print job data is data for executing variable data printing.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1. The controller is
When the data type of the object data is image object data, the object data is stored as raster data, and when the data type of the object data is a data type other than image object data, the object data is stored as intermediate language data. save,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1. The control unit generates a management table, refers to the management table, and manages the data format of the stored object data;
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1. The controller, when reusing the object data, generates intermediate language data including a command to refer to the management table;
The image processing apparatus according to claim 4. A computer that performs image forming processing based on print job data,
An acquisition unit for acquiring print job data;
The print job data is analyzed, it is determined whether or not the object data included in the print job data is to be reused, and when the object data is to be reused, the data type of the object data is determined, and the data type A control unit that determines whether to store the object data in an intermediate language data or raster data format, and stores the object data in the determined data format;
Program to function as. An obtaining unit obtaining print job data;
The control unit analyzes the print job data, determines whether to reuse the object data included in the print job data, and determines the data type of the object data when the object data is reused. Determining whether to store the object data in intermediate language data or raster data based on the data type, and storing the object data in the determined data format;
A data processing method comprising:

Images