JP2022017931A - Image formation processing apparatus, processing method for image formation processing apparatus, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To make it possible to appropriately generate intermediate data based on print data even when the print data is large.SOLUTION: An image formation processing apparatus has: intermediate data generation means that, on the basis of a plurality of pieces of drawing information included in print data, generates intermediate data for each of the pieces of drawing data, writes the generated intermediate data in a memory, writes the intermediate data written in the memory in an external storage, releases the area of the memory for the intermediate data, and integrates the plurality of pieces of intermediate data based on the plurality of pieces of drawing data written in the external storage; and rendering means that renders the intermediate data integrated by the intermediate data generation means to create a raster image.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming processing apparatus, a processing method and a program of the image forming processing apparatus.

In a printer device such as a large format machine in which the size of the printing paper used is particularly large, there are cases where printing is difficult even if print data described in the page description language is input. In particular, when an extremely large image is embedded in a page of print data, or when a large amount of graphic data is included, the free memory space becomes insufficient during the process of processing the page. In some cases, the process cannot be continued. In general, printer drivers and printer controllers are both configured to process with specified hardware resources (for example, the memory allocated to a process is limited), so some measures need to be taken.

The methods of Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 4 are known as an example of measures to be taken when the free space of the memory is insufficient (memory cannot be locked, etc.) during the print data processing and the processing cannot be continued. In Patent Document 1, when the free space of the memory is insufficient, the processing program performs image formation (rendering) using the intermediate data recorded in the memory to release the data stored up to that point. So, reduce the data size. In addition to these techniques, a method of reducing the data size (flattening) by data integration processing is known (see Patent Document 2 and Patent Document 3).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2011-61555 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2018-152113 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2017-194932 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 6-261202

However, if an extremely large image is embedded in the print data page, or if a large amount of graphic data is included, the free memory space will be insufficient even if the data integration process is performed. In some cases.

An object of the present invention is to make it possible to appropriately generate intermediate data based on print data even when the print data is large.

The image forming processing apparatus of the present invention generates intermediate data for each drawing information based on a plurality of drawing information included in the print data, writes the generated intermediate data to a memory, and writes the intermediate data to the memory. An intermediate data generation means that writes data to an external storage device, releases a memory area of the intermediate data, and integrates a plurality of intermediate data based on the plurality of drawing information written in the external storage device, and the intermediate data. It has a rendering means that renders the intermediate data integrated by the generation means and generates a raster image.

According to the present invention, even when the print data is large, intermediate data can be appropriately generated based on the print data.

It is a figure which shows the configuration example of a printing system. It is a figure which shows an example which memory is reduced by flattening. It is a figure which shows the example which the memory is insufficient even if flattening is performed. It is a figure which shows the hardware configuration example of the image formation processing apparatus. It is a figure which shows the intermediate data generated by the intermediate data generation part. It is a flowchart which shows the processing method of the image formation processing apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the processing method of the image formation processing apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the processing method of the image formation processing apparatus. It is a figure which shows the improvement of performance. It is a flowchart which shows the processing method of the image formation processing apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the print job information. It is a flowchart which shows the operation mode switching process. It is a flowchart which shows the processing method of the image formation processing apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the processing method of the image formation processing apparatus. It is a figure which shows the improvement of performance. It is a flowchart which shows the processing method of the image formation processing apparatus.

FIG. 1A is a diagram showing a configuration example of a printing system. The printing system includes an image forming processing apparatus 100 and a computer 200. The computer 200 has a print data generation unit 201. The print data generation unit 201 generates print data 203 from the print target data 202.

The image forming processing apparatus 100 includes an input unit 204, an analysis unit 205, a raster image generation processing unit 206, and an output unit 207. The input unit 204 inputs the print data 203 generated by the print data generation unit 201. The analysis unit 205 analyzes the print data 203 input by the input unit 204 and extracts a drawing command from the print data 203.

The raster image generation processing unit 206 has an intermediate data generation unit 208 and a rendering unit 209. The intermediate data generation unit 208 extracts the drawing information 210 and the image 211 from the drawing command extracted by the analysis unit 205, generates the intermediate data, and stores the intermediate data in the memory in the image forming processing apparatus 100.

The rendering unit 209 renders the intermediate data generated by the intermediate data generation unit 208 to generate a raster image. The output unit 207 generates the output data 212 from the raster image generated by the rendering unit 209.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing how the memory is reduced by flattening the intermediate data generation unit 208. By flattening the intermediate data, the intermediate data generation unit 208 reduces the memory usage and enables the processing to be continued. The intermediate data generation unit 208 reduces the intermediate data by the degeneration process of the internal memory in order to continue the image formation process. The degeneration process is a process in which the intermediate data is held as a structure similar to the intermediate data that is finally spooled out, and when the memory is insufficient, the intermediate data is integrated by a process called flattening. However, in this method, when the amount of available memory gradually decreases, it is necessary to perform flattening again. In the worst case, flattening is repeated.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example in which the free memory capacity is insufficient as a result of repeated flattening. The vertical axis shows the amount of memory used (GB), and the horizontal axis shows the processing time (minutes). For example, the maximum value of 2 GB on the vertical axis is the maximum memory capacity. Three flattenings have occurred, reducing memory usage. However, at the processing time T, the memory usage reaches the maximum value of 2GB, the free memory capacity becomes insufficient, and recovery processing is required. As described above, even if flattening is performed, there is a case where the free memory capacity is insufficient and the processing cannot be continued. Hereinafter, the image forming processing apparatus 100 capable of performing the image forming processing even if the free memory capacity is insufficient will be described.

(First Embodiment)
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the image forming processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. The image forming processing apparatus 100 includes a CPU 101, a RAM 102, a font ROM 103, a program ROM 104, a data ROM 105, and a bus 106. The image forming processing apparatus 100 includes a keyboard controller (KBC) 107, a CRT controller (CRTC) 108, a disk controller (DKC) 109, a printer controller (PRTC) 110, and a network controller (NC) 111.

The CPU 101 executes a program such as an OS or an application loaded from the program ROM 104 or the HDD 114 into the RAM 102, and realizes software functions and flowchart processing described later. The RAM 102 is a random access memory that functions as a main memory of the CPU 101 and a work area or the like. The font ROM 103 stores fonts. The program ROM 104 stores the program. The data ROM 105 stores data.

The keyboard controller (KBC) 107 controls key input from a keyboard 112 or a pointing device (not shown). The CRT controller (CRTC) 108 controls the display of the CRT display 113. The CRT display 113 may be a liquid crystal display. The disk controller (DKC) 109 controls access to a hard disk drive (HDD) 114, a solid state drive (SSD) 115, etc. that store boot programs, various applications, font data, user files, and the like. HDD 114 and SSD 115 are external storage devices. The printer controller (PRTC) 110 controls the exchange of signals with the printer. The network controller (NC) 111 is connected to the network and executes communication control processing with other devices connected to the network.

In the present embodiment, the functions of the image forming processing apparatus 100 shown below will be described as being realized by software, but even if each function is implemented in the image forming processing apparatus 100 by dedicated hardware. good. The CPU 101 is a multi-core CPU. The image forming processing apparatus 100 may have a plurality of CPUs.

FIG. 1B is a diagram showing a configuration example of a printing system according to the first embodiment. The printing system includes an image forming processing apparatus 100 and a computer 200. The computer 200 has a print data generation unit 201. The print data generation unit 201 generates print data 203 from the print target data 202. The print data 203 is, for example, print data described in a page description language.

The image forming processing apparatus 100 includes an input unit 204, an analysis unit 205, a raster image generation processing unit 206, and an output unit 207. The input unit 204 inputs the print data 203 generated by the print data generation unit 201. The analysis unit 205 analyzes the print data 203 input by the input unit 204 and extracts a drawing command from the print data 203.

The raster image generation processing unit 206 has an intermediate data generation unit 208 and a rendering unit 209. The intermediate data generation unit 208 generates edge information 213, composite information 214, and fill information 215 as intermediate data 300 (FIG. 5) based on the drawing command extracted by the analysis unit 205. Then, the intermediate data generation unit 208 stores the edge information 213, the composite information 214, and the fill information 215 as files in the HDD 114 or the SSD 115. After that, the intermediate data generation unit 208 integrates the edge information 213, the composite information 214, and the fill information 215 stored in the HDD 114 or the SSD 115 to generate the intermediate data.

The rendering unit 209 renders the intermediate data generated by the intermediate data generation unit 208 to generate a raster image. The output unit 207 generates the output data 212 from the raster image generated by the rendering unit 209.

The functional block diagrams of the computer 200 and the image forming processing apparatus 100 do not need to be arranged as described above, and either of them may be performed by the computer 200, or any of them may be performed by the image forming processing apparatus 100. You can change it freely.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing intermediate data 300 generated by the intermediate data generation unit 208. The intermediate data 300 has edge information (boundary information) 213, composite information 214, and fill information 215.

The edge information 213 is information indicating the coordinates of the edges of each region separated by the object, and is data that refers to the corresponding composite information 214. For example, the edge information 213 is indicated by the Y coordinates (upper and lower positions) of the upper and lower ends of each region and the X coordinates (left and right positions) of the left and right ends of each Y coordinate.

The fill information 215 is data indicating colors for drawing each object or the like. For example, the fill information 215 is information indicating a color for drawing a background, a monochrome object, or an image object.

The composite information 214 is information indicating the fill information 215 to be referred to for each area, and when a plurality of fill information 215 is referred to, the composite processing method thereof is also shown. The composite information 214 is referred to from the edge information 213. In this way, the edge information 213, the composite information 214, and the fill information 215 are related to each other.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing method of the image forming processing apparatus 100. In step S1000, the analysis unit 205 analyzes the print data 203 and converts the print data 203 into one or a plurality of drawing commands. The print data 203 is print data described in, for example, a page description language, and includes one or a plurality of drawing commands. The drawing command is an example of drawing information.

In step S1001, the intermediate data generation unit 208 selects one drawing command from one or a plurality of drawing commands converted by the analysis unit 205, generates fill information 215 based on the selected drawing command, and generates it. The painted information 215 is written to the RAM 102. Next, the intermediate data generation unit 208 writes the fill information 215 written in the RAM 102 as a file to the HDD 114 or the SSD 115, and releases the reserved memory area of the fill information 215 of the RAM 102.

In step S1002, the intermediate data generation unit 208 determines whether or not the number of fill information 215 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value. If the intermediate data generation unit 208 determines that the number of fill information 215 is not equal to or greater than the threshold value, the process proceeds to step S1003, and if it determines that the number of fill information 215 is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the process proceeds to step S1004.

In step S1003, the intermediate data generation unit 208 determines whether or not an unprocessed drawing instruction remains. The intermediate data generation unit 208 returns to step S1001 when an unprocessed drawing command remains, and proceeds to step S1004 when no unprocessed drawing command remains.

In step S1004, the intermediate data generation unit 208 reads the fill information 215 written in the HDD 114 or the SSD 115, generates the composite information 214 based on the read fill information 215, and generates the generated composite information 214. Write to RAM 102. Next, the intermediate data generation unit 208 writes the composite information 214 written in the RAM 102 into the HDD 114 or SSD 115 as a file, and releases the reserved memory area of the composite information 214 of the RAM 102.

In step S1005, the intermediate data generation unit 208 reads out the composite information 214 and the fill information 215 written in the HDD 114 or the SSD 115, and generates edge information 213 based on the read composite information 214 and the fill information 215, if necessary. do. Then, the intermediate data generation unit 208 writes the generated edge information 213 to the RAM 102. Next, the intermediate data generation unit 208 writes the edge information 213 written in the RAM 102 to the HDD 114 or SSD 115 as a file, and releases the reserved memory area of the edge information 213 of the RAM 102. By the above processing, the edge information 213, the composite information 214, and the fill information 215 are stored in the HDD 114 or the SSD 115 as the intermediate data 300.

In step S1006, the intermediate data generation unit 208 determines whether or not an unprocessed drawing instruction remains. The intermediate data generation unit 208 returns to step S1001 when an unprocessed drawing command remains, and proceeds to step S1007 when no unprocessed drawing command remains. By the above processing, the intermediate data generation unit 208 generates fill information 215, composite information 214, and edge information 213 for each drawing command.

In step S1007, the intermediate data generation unit 208 determines whether or not there are a plurality of intermediate data 300. The intermediate data generation unit 208 proceeds to step S1008 when there are a plurality of intermediate data 300, and proceeds to step S1009 when there is one intermediate data 300.

In step S1008, the intermediate data generation unit 208 reads out a plurality of intermediate data 300 written in the HDD 114 or SSD 115, and integrates the read-out intermediate data 300 into one intermediate data 300, if necessary. The plurality of intermediate data 300 has a plurality of edge information 213, a plurality of composite information 214, and a plurality of fill information 215. For example, the intermediate data generation unit 208 integrates a plurality of edge information 213, a plurality of composite information 214, and a plurality of fill information 215 into one edge information 213, one composite information 214, and one fill information 215. Generates two intermediate data 300. After that, the intermediate data generation unit 208 proceeds to step S1009.

In step S1009, the rendering unit 209 renders one intermediate data 300 generated or integrated by the intermediate data generation unit 208 to generate a raster image. The output unit 207 generates output data 212 based on the raster image generated by the rendering unit 209, and ends the process.

As described above, the intermediate data generation unit 208 can generate one intermediate data 300 by temporarily saving a plurality of intermediate data 300 from the RAM 102 to the HDD 114 or SSD 115 even if the free space of the RAM 102 is insufficient. can.

(Second embodiment)
Next, the second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, the intermediate data generation unit 208 has a first mode for storing the intermediate data 300 in the RAM 102 and a second mode for temporarily saving the intermediate data 300 as a file in the HDD 114 or SSD 115. Then, the intermediate data generation unit 208 operates in the first mode from the first page of the print data 203, and when the free space of the RAM 102 is insufficient in the middle page during job processing, the second page is the second page. Switch to the mode of and process.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing method of the image forming processing apparatus 100. In step S1000, the analysis unit 205 analyzes the print data 203, converts the print data 203 into one or a plurality of drawing commands, and proceeds to step S1001. Hereinafter, the intermediate data generation unit 208 operates in the first mode (mode in which the HDD 114 or SSD 115 is not used) at the start of processing.

In step S1001, the intermediate data generation unit 208 generates the fill information 215 based on the drawing command converted by the analysis unit 205, and writes the generated fill information 215 to the RAM 102. However, the intermediate data generation unit 208 does not write the fill information 215 written in the RAM 102 to the HDD 114 or the SSD 115.

In step S1002, the intermediate data generation unit 208 determines whether or not the number of fill information 215 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value. If the intermediate data generation unit 208 determines that the number of fill information 215 is not equal to or greater than the threshold value, the process proceeds to step S1003, and if it determines that the number of fill information 215 is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the process proceeds to step S1004.

In step S1003, the intermediate data generation unit 208 determines whether or not an unprocessed drawing instruction remains. The intermediate data generation unit 208 returns to step S1001 when an unprocessed drawing command remains, and proceeds to step S1004 when no unprocessed drawing command remains.

In step S1004, the intermediate data generation unit 208 reads the fill information 215 written in the RAM 102, generates the composite information 214 based on the read fill information 215, and transfers the generated composite information 214 to the RAM 102. Write. However, the intermediate data generation unit 208 does not write the synthetic information 214 written in the RAM 102 to the HDD 114 or the SSD 115.

In step S1005, the intermediate data generation unit 208 reads out the composite information 214 and the fill information 215 written in the RAM 102, and generates edge information 213 based on the read composite information 214 and the fill information 215, if necessary. Then, the intermediate data generation unit 208 writes the generated edge information 213 to the RAM 102. However, the intermediate data generation unit 208 does not write the edge information 213 written in the RAM 102 to the HDD 114 or the SSD 115. By the above processing, the edge information 213, the composite information 214, and the fill information 215 are stored in the RAM 102 as the intermediate data 300.

In step S2000, the intermediate data generation unit 208 determines whether or not the size of the intermediate data 300 is equal to or larger than the threshold value. The intermediate data generation unit 208 proceeds to step S2001 when the size of the intermediate data 300 is equal to or larger than the threshold value, and proceeds to step S2002 when the size of the intermediate data 300 is not equal to or larger than the threshold value.

In step S2001, the intermediate data generation unit 208 flattens the intermediate data 300 generated so far. That is, the intermediate data generation unit 208 integrates the plurality of intermediate data 300 generated so far into one intermediate data 300, and releases the unnecessary memory area of the RAM 102. One intermediate data 300 has one edge information 213, one composite information 214, and one fill information 215. One fill information 215 is one image data. The intermediate data generation unit 208 compresses the fill information 215 of the image data by a lossy compression method such as JPEG, and reduces the size of the fill information 215. After that, the intermediate data generation unit 208 proceeds to step S2002.

In step S2002, the intermediate data generation unit 208 confirms the state of the RAM 102 (CURRENT_USAGE) and determines whether or not the free space of the RAM 102 is insufficient. The intermediate data generation unit 208 proceeds to step S2100 when the free space of the RAM 102 is insufficient, and proceeds to step S1006 when the free space of the RAM 102 is not insufficient. As described above, the intermediate data generation unit 208 proceeds to step S2100 when the free space of the RAM 102 is insufficient during the generation of the intermediate data.

In step S1006, the intermediate data generation unit 208 determines whether or not an unprocessed drawing instruction remains. The intermediate data generation unit 208 returns to step S1001 when an unprocessed drawing command remains, and proceeds to step S1007 when no unprocessed drawing command remains.

In step S1007, the intermediate data generation unit 208 determines whether or not there are a plurality of intermediate data 300. The intermediate data generation unit 208 proceeds to step S1008 when there are a plurality of intermediate data 300, and proceeds to step S2003 when there is one intermediate data 300.

In step S1008, the intermediate data generation unit 208 reads out a plurality of intermediate data 300 written in the HDD 114 or SSD 115, and integrates the plurality of intermediate data 300 into one intermediate data 300, if necessary. Then, the intermediate data generation unit 208 releases the unnecessary memory area of the RAM 102. The plurality of intermediate data 300 has a plurality of edge information 213, a plurality of composite information 214, and a plurality of fill information 215. For example, the intermediate data generation unit 208 integrates a plurality of edge information 213, a plurality of composite information 214, and a plurality of fill information 215 into one edge information 213, one composite information 214, and one fill information 215. Generates two intermediate data 300. One fill information 215 is one image data. After that, the intermediate data generation unit 208 proceeds to step S2003.

In step S2003, the intermediate data generation unit 208 determines whether or not to flatten the intermediate data 300. If the intermediate data generation unit 208 determines that the intermediate data 300 is to be flattened, the process proceeds to step S2004, and if it is determined that the intermediate data 300 is not flattened, the intermediate data generation unit 208 proceeds to step S1009.

In step S2004, the intermediate data generation unit 208 flattens the intermediate data 300. That is, the intermediate data generation unit 208 compresses the fill information 215 of the image data by a lossy compression method such as JPEG, and reduces the size of the fill information 215. After that, the intermediate data generation unit 208 proceeds to step S1009.

In step S1009, the rendering unit 209 renders the intermediate data 300 generated by the intermediate data generation unit 208 to generate a raster image. The output unit 207 generates output data 212 based on the raster image generated by the rendering unit 209, and ends the process.

In step S2100 and subsequent steps, the intermediate data generation unit 208 operates in the second mode (mode in which the HDD 114 or SSD 115 is used). In step S2100, the image forming processing apparatus 100 initializes the image forming processing. Here, the intermediate data generation unit 208 discards the intermediate data 300 written in the RAM 102.

In step S2101, the intermediate data generation unit 208 changes the storage destination of the intermediate data 300 from the RAM 102 to the HDD 114 or the SSD 115. After that, the image forming processing apparatus 100 performs the processing of steps S1000 to S1009 in the same manner as in FIG.

In step S1000, the analysis unit 205 converts the print data 203 into a drawing command. In steps S1001 to S1008, the intermediate data generation unit 208 generates the intermediate data 300 from the drawing instruction. In steps S1001 to S1005, the intermediate data generation unit 208 stores the edge information 213, the composite information 214, and the fill information 215 in the HDD 114 or the SSD 115, and releases the memory area of the RAM 102. This eliminates the need for flattening step S2001 to solve the shortage of free space in the RAM 102.

Further, in step S1008, the intermediate data generation unit 208 stores the intermediate data 300 in the HDD 114 or the SSD 115, and releases the memory area of the RAM 102. This eliminates the need for flattening step S2004 to solve the shortage of free space in the RAM 102.

In step S1009, the rendering unit 209 renders the intermediate data 300 generated by the intermediate data generation unit 208 to generate a raster image. The output unit 207 generates output data 212 based on the raster image generated by the rendering unit 209, and ends the process.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a processing method of the image forming processing apparatus 100 according to the third embodiment. FIG. 8 shows that step S3000 is provided in place of step S2002 with respect to FIG. 7. Hereinafter, the difference between the third embodiment and the second embodiment will be described.

In step S3000, the intermediate data generation unit 208 determines whether or not the processing time of the intermediate data generation unit 208 is equal to or greater than the threshold value t. The intermediate data generation unit 208 proceeds to step S1006 when the processing time of the intermediate data generation unit 208 is not equal to or longer than the threshold value t, and when the processing time of the intermediate data generation unit 208 is equal to or longer than the threshold value t, the intermediate data generation unit 208 proceeds to step S1006. , Step S2100. As described above, the intermediate data generation unit 208 proceeds to step S2100 when the processing time of the intermediate data generation unit exceeds the threshold value t during the generation of the intermediate data 300.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of performance improvement by the processing method of the image forming processing apparatus 100 of FIG. In FIG. 9, similarly to FIGS. 2 and 3, the vertical axis shows the usage amount (GB) of the RAM 102, and the horizontal axis shows the processing time (minutes) of the intermediate data generation unit 208. The maximum value of 2GB on the vertical axis is the maximum capacity of the RAM 102. If the processing time is not equal to or greater than the threshold value t, the intermediate data generation unit 208 repeats the processing of steps S1001 to S1006, S2000, S2001, and S3000. Further, when the processing time exceeds the threshold value t, the intermediate data generation unit 208 proceeds to step S2100. In step S2100, the intermediate data generation unit 208 discards the intermediate data 300 of the RAM 102, so that the amount of the RAM 102 used is reduced.

In FIG. 3, the usage amount of the RAM 102 reaches the maximum value of 2 GB at the processing time T, the free space of the RAM 102 becomes insufficient, and the process proceeds to the recovery process. In FIG. 9, when the processing time exceeds the threshold value t, the intermediate data generation unit 208 shifts to the recovery processing after step S2100. Since the threshold value t is shorter than the processing time T, FIG. 9 can shorten the total printing time with respect to FIG.

As described above, in FIG. 3, in FIG. 3, the intermediate data generation unit 208 reaches the maximum value of 2 GB in the usage amount of the RAM 102 at the processing time T, the free space of the RAM 102 becomes insufficient, and the process proceeds to the recovery process. In FIG. 9, when the processing time exceeds the threshold value t, the intermediate data generation unit 208 can shorten the total printing time by performing the recovery processing after step S2100.

(Fourth Embodiment)
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing method of the image forming processing apparatus 100 according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 shows the addition of steps S4000 and S4001 to FIG. 7. Hereinafter, the difference between the fourth embodiment and the second embodiment will be described. The image forming processing apparatus 100 can switch between the operation of the multi-thread mode and the operation of the single-thread mode. The intermediate data generation unit 208 can process a plurality of objects in parallel in the multithread mode.

Step S4000 is the first process of the flowchart of FIG. In step S4000, the image forming processing apparatus 100 is set to the multi-thread mode (the number of threads is a plurality of threads), and the process proceeds to step S1000. After that, the intermediate data generation unit 208 operates in the multithread mode.

Step S4001 is a process between steps S2102 and S1000. In step S4001, the image forming processing apparatus 100 sets the single thread mode (the number of threads is one) and proceeds to step S1000. After that, the intermediate data generation unit 208 operates in the single thread mode.

When the image forming processing apparatus 100 operates in the multi-thread mode, the consumption of the RAM 102 tends to be larger than when the image forming processing apparatus 100 operates in the single-thread mode. Therefore, in step S4001 or later, the image forming processing apparatus 100 can be operated in the single thread mode so that the free space of the RAM 102 is not insufficient, and the consumption of the RAM 102 can be reduced.

Further, in step S4001 or later, the intermediate data generation unit 208 may use both the RAM 102 and the HDD 114 or the SSD 115 as the storage destination of the intermediate data 300. For example, the intermediate data generation unit 208 may store the intermediate data 300 for a drawing instruction that tends to cause a shortage of free space in the RAM 102 in the HDD 114 or the SSD 115, and may store the intermediate data 300 for other drawing instructions in the RAM 102. The drawing command that tends to cause a shortage of free space in the RAM 102 is, for example, a drawing command for an object including a large image object.

Next, the timing at which the intermediate data generation unit 208 saves the data in the HDD 114 or the SSD 115 will be described. The intermediate data generation unit 208 confirms the usage status of the RAM 102 in real time during the generation process of the intermediate data 300, and if it is confirmed that there is no problem in the usage status of the RAM 102, the intermediate data 300 is stored in the RAM 102. And continue processing. Further, when it is determined that the free space of the RAM 102 is insufficient, the intermediate data generation unit 208 stores the intermediate data 300 in the HDD 114 or the SSD 115.

(Fifth Embodiment)
Next, a fifth embodiment will be described. Hereinafter, the fifth embodiment will be described as different from the second to fourth embodiments. The mode switching process will be described with reference to the print job information of FIG. 11 and the flowchart of FIG. In the fifth embodiment, the intermediate data generation unit 208 operates in the first mode from the first page of the print data 203 according to the type of the external storage device, the output paper size, and the drawing content of the print data. Switch whether to operate in the second mode.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of print job information created by the input unit 204 by processing the print data 203. The print job information including the print data 203 is represented by one line, and has a print job identifier 1101, an output paper size 1102, a number of drawing commands 1103, an external storage device type 1104, and an operation mode 1105.

The print job identifier 1101 is an identifier for identifying a print job. The output paper size 1102 is designated by the print data generation unit 201. The number of drawing instructions 1103 is the number of drawing instructions in the print data 203. The input unit 204 blankly reads the print data 203 and counts the number of drawing instructions 1103 in the print data 203.

The type 1104 of the external storage device indicates either HDD 114 or SSD 115. The input unit 204 determines the type 1104 of the external storage device by using the function of the operating system as needed. The timing of determining the type 1104 of the external storage device may be the timing at which the external storage device is connected or the timing at which the input unit 204 receives the print data 203.

The operation mode 1105 indicates a mode in which the corresponding print data 203 operates. The operation mode 1105 is a first mode in which the intermediate data 300 is stored in the RAM 102 and a second mode in which the intermediate data 300 is temporarily stored in the external storage device as a file, as in the second embodiment. The external storage device is HDD 114 or SSD 115.

FIG. 12 shows a process of determining a first mode in which the input unit 204 receives the print data 203 and saves the intermediate data 300 in the RAM 102, and a second mode in which the intermediate data 300 is temporarily saved in the external storage device as a file. It is a flowchart which shows.

In step S1201, the input unit 204 confirms the type 1104 of the external storage device of FIG. In step S1202, the input unit 204 determines whether or not the type 1104 of the external storage device is SSD 115. The input unit 204 proceeds to step S1204 when the type 1104 of the external storage device is SSD 115, and proceeds to step S1203 when the type 1104 of the external storage device is HDD 114.

In step S1204, the input unit 204 confirms the output paper size 1102 of FIG. In step S1205, the input unit 204 determines whether or not the output paper size 1102 is equal to or larger than the threshold value. The input unit 204 proceeds to step S1206 when the output paper size 1102 is equal to or larger than the threshold value, and proceeds to step S1203 when the output paper size 1102 is not equal to or larger than the threshold value. For example, the threshold is the paper size of A1. In the case of job 3 of FIG. 11, the intermediate data generation unit 208 proceeds to step S1203 because the output paper size 1102 of A4 is not equal to or greater than the threshold value of A1.

In step S1206, the input unit 204 confirms the number of drawing instructions (number of objects) 1103 in FIG. In step S1207, the input unit 204 determines whether or not the number of drawing instructions 1103 is equal to or greater than the threshold value. The input unit 204 proceeds to step S1208 when the number of drawing instructions 1103 is equal to or greater than the threshold value, and proceeds to step S1203 when the number of drawing instructions 1103 is not equal to or greater than the threshold value.

For example, in the case of the job 1 of FIG. 11, the intermediate data generation unit 208 proceeds to step S1203 because the number of drawing instructions 1103 of 10,000 is not equal to or more than the threshold value. Further, in the case of the job 2 of FIG. 11, the intermediate data generation unit 208 proceeds to step S1208 because the number of drawing instructions 1103 of 1,000,000 is equal to or more than the threshold value.

In step S1203, the operation mode of FIG. 11 is such that the input unit 204 operates the intermediate data generation unit 208 in the first mode in which the intermediate data 300 is stored in the RAM 102 on the first page of the print data 203. The first mode is set in 1105. After that, the input unit 204 ends the process. In this case, the image forming processing apparatus 100 performs the same processing as in the second to fourth embodiments.

In step S1208, the input unit 204 is set to operate the intermediate data generation unit 208 in a second mode in which the intermediate data 300 is temporarily saved as a file in the external storage device from the first page of the print data 203. do. The input unit 204 sets a second mode in the operation mode 1105 of FIG. 11 and ends the process. In this case, the image forming processing apparatus 100 performs the same processing as in the first embodiment.

The intermediate data generation unit 208 starts operation in the first mode or the second mode on the first page of the print data 203 according to the operation mode 1105 of FIG. The external storage device is HDD 114 or SSD 115. Generally, the SSD 115 has a high file access to the HDD 114.

As described above, in the case of a print job under the condition that recovery processing after step S2100 is likely to be required, the input unit 204 is second to the intermediate data generation unit 208 from the first page. Operate in mode. As a result, it is possible to eliminate the processing time that is likely to be unnecessary and to operate at the optimum processing time.

(Sixth Embodiment)
Next, the sixth embodiment will be described. Hereinafter, the points that the sixth embodiment differs from the second to fifth embodiments will be described. A sixth embodiment will be described with reference to the print job information of FIG. 11 and the flowchart of FIG.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a processing method of the image forming processing apparatus 100 according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 13 is an addition of step S5000 to FIG. Step S5000 is the first process of the flowchart of FIG. In step S5000, the input unit 204 confirms the type 1104 of the external storage device of FIG. The input unit 204 sets the threshold value of the processing time in step S3000 to t when the type 1104 of the external storage device is HDD 114, and the processing of step S3000 when the type 1104 of the external storage device is SSD 115. Set the time threshold to t'. The threshold value t'is a value different from the threshold value t. The threshold of the processing time in step S3000 differs depending on the type 1104 of the external storage device. After that, the image forming processing apparatus 100 performs the processing after step S1000 in the same manner as in FIG.

In step S3000, when the type 1104 of the external storage device is the HDD 114, the intermediate data generation unit 208 determines whether or not the processing time of the intermediate data generation unit 208 has reached the threshold value t or more. The intermediate data generation unit 208 proceeds to step S1006 when the processing time of the intermediate data generation unit 208 is not equal to or longer than the threshold value t, and when the processing time of the intermediate data generation unit 208 is equal to or longer than the threshold value t, the intermediate data generation unit 208 proceeds to step S1006. , Step S2100.

Further, in step S3000, when the type 1104 of the external storage device is SSD 115, the intermediate data generation unit 208 determines whether or not the processing time of the intermediate data generation unit 208 is equal to or greater than the threshold value t'. The intermediate data generation unit 208 proceeds to step S1006 when the processing time of the intermediate data generation unit 208 is not equal to or greater than the threshold value t', and when the processing time of the intermediate data generation unit 208 is equal to or longer than the threshold value t'. To step S2100.

As described above, the input unit 204 can set the threshold value t or t'of the processing time in step S3000 according to the type 1104 of the external storage device.

(7th Embodiment)
Next, a seventh embodiment will be described. Hereinafter, the difference between the seventh embodiment and the second embodiment will be described. A seventh embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a processing method of the image forming processing apparatus 100 according to the seventh embodiment. FIG. 14 shows that step S6000 is provided in place of step S2002 with respect to FIG. 7.

In step S2000, the intermediate data generation unit 208 proceeds to step S2001 when the size of the intermediate data 300 is equal to or larger than the threshold value, and proceeds to step S6000 when the size of the intermediate data 300 is not equal to or larger than the threshold value.

In step S2001, the intermediate data generation unit 208 performs the same flattening as in FIG. 7, increments the number of times the flattening is performed, stores the number of times the flattening is performed, and saves the unnecessary memory area of the RAM 102. Release and proceed to step S6000.

In step S6000, the intermediate data generation unit 208 confirms the number of times flattening (integration) is performed in step S2001. The intermediate data generation unit 208 proceeds to step S1006 when the number of times of flattening is not equal to or more than the threshold value, and proceeds to step S2100 when the number of times of flattening is equal to or more than the threshold value. As described above, the intermediate data generation unit 208 proceeds to step S2100 when the number of flattenings exceeds the threshold value during the generation of the intermediate data 300. Subsequent processing is the same as in FIG. 7.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of performance improvement by the processing method of the image forming processing apparatus 100 of FIG. In FIG. 15, similarly to FIGS. 2 and 3, the vertical axis shows the usage amount (GB) of the RAM 102, and the horizontal axis shows the processing time (minutes) of the intermediate data generation unit 208. The maximum value of 2GB on the vertical axis is the maximum capacity of the RAM 102.

The threshold value of step S6000 is, for example, twice. The intermediate data generation unit 208 proceeds to step S1006 when the number of flattenings is not equal to or more than the threshold value (2 times), and steps when the number of flattenings is equal to or greater than the threshold value (2 times). Proceed to S2100. When the number of times of flattening is performed twice or more, the intermediate data generation unit 208 proceeds to step S2100 and discards the intermediate data 300 of the RAM 102, so that the amount of the RAM 102 used is reduced.

In FIG. 3, after the flattening occurs three times, the free space of the RAM 102 becomes insufficient, and the process shifts to the recovery process. On the other hand, in FIG. 15, since the recovery process is performed after step S2100 after the flattening occurs twice, the recovery process can be performed earlier than in the case of FIG. 3, and the total printing time is shortened. can do.

(8th Embodiment)
Next, the eighth embodiment will be described. Hereinafter, the difference between the eighth embodiment and the second embodiment will be described. An eighth embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a processing method of the image forming processing apparatus 100 according to the eighth embodiment. FIG. 16 shows that steps S2001 and S2002 are deleted with respect to FIG. 7. Hereinafter, the points that FIG. 16 differs from FIG. 7 will be described.

In step S2000, the intermediate data generation unit 208 proceeds to step S2100 when the size of the intermediate data 300 is equal to or larger than the threshold value, and proceeds to step S1006 when the size of the intermediate data 300 is not equal to or larger than the threshold value. As described above, the intermediate data generation unit 208 proceeds to step S2100 when the size of the intermediate data 300 becomes equal to or larger than the threshold value during the generation of the intermediate data 300. Subsequent processing is the same as in FIG. 7.

In FIG. 16, the flattening of step S2001 in FIG. 7 is deleted. Since the flattening integrates the intermediate data 300 up to that point, the effect of reducing the usage amount of the RAM 102 is high, but the processing cost is high and the overall processing time is extended. Therefore, in FIG. 16, the flattening of step S2001 in FIG. 7 is deleted.

As described above, the intermediate data generation unit 208 does not flatten the step S2001, but performs the recovery process after the step S2100 when the size of the intermediate data 300 becomes equal to or larger than the threshold value.

(Other embodiments)
The present invention supplies a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiment to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and one or more processors in the computer of the system or device reads and executes the program. It can also be realized by the processing to be performed. It can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

It should be noted that the above embodiments are merely specific examples for carrying out the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be construed in a limited manner by these. That is, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from the technical idea or its main features.

100 Image formation processing device, 204 Input unit, 205 Analysis unit, 206 Raster image generation processing unit, 207 Output unit, 208 Intermediate data generation unit, 209 Rendering unit

Claims (15)

Based on a plurality of drawing information included in the print data, intermediate data is generated for each drawing information, the generated intermediate data is written in a memory, and the intermediate data written in the memory is written in an external storage device. An intermediate data generation means that releases a memory area of intermediate data and integrates a plurality of intermediate data based on the plurality of drawing information written in the external storage device.
An image forming processing apparatus comprising: a rendering means for rendering intermediate data integrated by the intermediate data generating means and generating a raster image. The print data is print data described in a page description language.
The image forming processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the drawing information is a drawing command. The image forming processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising an analysis means for analyzing the print data and converting the print data into a plurality of drawing commands. The image forming processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the intermediate data has edge information, composite information, and fill information. The intermediate data generation means is
The fill information is generated based on the drawing information, the fill information is written in the memory, the fill information written in the memory is written in the external storage device, and the memory area of the fill information is released.
The fill information is read from the external storage device, the synthetic information is generated based on the fill information, the synthetic information is written to the memory, and the synthetic information written in the memory is written to the external storage device. The memory area of the composite information is released, and the area is released.
The fill information or the composite information is read from the external storage device, the edge information is generated based on the fill information or the composite information, the edge information is written in the memory, and the edge information written in the memory. The image forming processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the image is written in the external storage device to release the memory area of the edge information. The image forming processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the external storage device is a hard disk drive or a solid state drive. The intermediate data generation means is
Based on the plurality of drawing information included in the print data, intermediate data is generated for each of the drawing information, the generated intermediate data is written in the memory, and a plurality of drawing information based on the plurality of drawing information written in the memory. Integrate intermediate data
If the free space of the memory becomes insufficient during the generation of the intermediate data, the intermediate data written in the memory is discarded, and the drawing information is based on a plurality of drawing information included in the print data. Intermediate data is generated for each, the generated intermediate data is written to the memory, the intermediate data written in the memory is written to the external storage device, the memory area of the intermediate data is released, and the intermediate data is written to the external storage device. The image forming processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a plurality of intermediate data based on the plurality of drawing information are integrated. The intermediate data generation means is
Based on the plurality of drawing information included in the print data, intermediate data is generated for each of the drawing information, the generated intermediate data is written in the memory, and a plurality of drawing information based on the plurality of drawing information written in the memory. Integrate intermediate data
If the processing time of the intermediate data generation means becomes equal to or longer than the first threshold value during the generation of the intermediate data, the intermediate data written in the memory is discarded, and a plurality of intermediate data included in the print data are discarded. Based on the drawing information, intermediate data is generated for each drawing information, the generated intermediate data is written in the memory, the intermediate data written in the memory is written in the external storage device, and the memory area of the intermediate data is created. The image forming processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, which is released and integrates a plurality of intermediate data based on the plurality of drawing information written in the external storage device. The intermediate data generation means is
In the multi-thread mode, based on the plurality of drawing information included in the print data, intermediate data is generated for each of the drawing information, the generated intermediate data is written to the memory, and the plurality of drawings written in the memory are written. Integrate multiple informed intermediate data
If the free space of the memory becomes insufficient during the generation of the intermediate data, the intermediate data written in the memory is discarded, and in the single thread mode, a plurality of drawing information included in the print data is used as the basis. In the above, intermediate data is generated for each drawing information, the generated intermediate data is written in the memory, the intermediate data written in the memory is written in the external storage device, and the memory area of the intermediate data is released. The image forming processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein a plurality of intermediate data based on the plurality of drawing information written in the external storage device are integrated. The intermediate data generation means is
It operates in the first mode or the second mode, depending on the type of external storage device, the output paper size, or the number of print data drawing commands.
In the first mode,
Based on the plurality of drawing information included in the print data, intermediate data is generated for each of the drawing information, the generated intermediate data is written in the memory, and a plurality of drawing information based on the plurality of drawing information written in the memory. Integrate intermediate data
If the free space of the memory is insufficient or the processing time of the intermediate data generation means exceeds the first threshold value during the generation of the intermediate data, the intermediate data written in the memory is discarded. Then, based on the plurality of drawing information included in the print data, intermediate data is generated for each drawing information, the generated intermediate data is written in the memory, and the intermediate data written in the memory is stored in the external storage device. Writing, freeing the memory area of the intermediate data, integrating a plurality of intermediate data based on the plurality of drawing information written in the external storage device,
In the second mode,
Based on the plurality of drawing information included in the print data, intermediate data is generated for each drawing information, the generated intermediate data is written in the memory, and the intermediate data written in the memory is written in the external storage device. The invention according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the memory area of the intermediate data is released and a plurality of intermediate data based on the plurality of drawing information written in the external storage device are integrated. Image forming processing device. The image forming processing apparatus according to claim 8 or 10, wherein the first threshold value differs depending on the type of the external storage device. The intermediate data generation means is
When intermediate data is generated for each drawing information based on a plurality of drawing information included in the print data, the generated intermediate data is written to the memory, and the size of the intermediate data becomes equal to or larger than the second threshold value. In, the intermediate data written in the memory is integrated, and when the generation of the intermediate data based on all the drawing information is completed, the plurality of intermediate data based on the plurality of drawing information written in the memory is combined. Integrate and
If the number of integrations exceeds the third threshold during the generation of the intermediate data, the intermediate data written in the memory is discarded, and a plurality of drawing information included in the print data is used as the basis. In the above, intermediate data is generated for each drawing information, the generated intermediate data is written in the memory, the intermediate data written in the memory is written in the external storage device, and the memory area of the intermediate data is released. The image forming processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a plurality of intermediate data based on the plurality of drawing information written in the external storage device are integrated. The intermediate data generation means is
Based on the plurality of drawing information included in the print data, intermediate data is generated for each of the drawing information, the generated intermediate data is written in the memory, and a plurality of drawing information based on the plurality of drawing information written in the memory. Integrate intermediate data
If the size of the intermediate data exceeds the fourth threshold during the generation of the intermediate data, the intermediate data written in the memory is discarded and a plurality of drawing information included in the print data is displayed. Based on this, intermediate data is generated for each drawing information, the generated intermediate data is written to the memory, the intermediate data written in the memory is written to the external storage device, and the memory area of the intermediate data is released. The image forming processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a plurality of intermediate data based on the plurality of drawing information written in the external storage device are integrated. Based on a plurality of drawing information included in the print data, intermediate data is generated for each drawing information, the generated intermediate data is written in a memory, and the intermediate data written in the memory is written in an external storage device. An intermediate data generation step that frees the memory area of the intermediate data and integrates a plurality of intermediate data based on the plurality of drawing information written in the external storage device.
A processing method of an image forming processing apparatus, which comprises a rendering step of rendering integrated intermediate data in the intermediate data generation step and generating a raster image. A program for making a computer function as each means of the image forming processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

Images