JP7417461B2 - Image processing device, image processing method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to generation of intermediate data based on PDL data.

In the case of a printer device such as a large-format printer that uses a particularly large size of printing paper, there are cases where it is difficult to print even if a print job is input. In particular, when extremely large images are embedded in the job page or a large amount of graphical data is included, memory may run out during the process of processing the page, resulting in processing being delayed. You may not be able to continue. In general, printer drivers and printer controllers are configured to perform processing using predetermined hardware resources (for example, there is a limit to the memory allocated to a process), so it is necessary to take some measures.

Conventionally, methods described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 4 are known as examples of measures to be taken when processing a print job due to insufficient memory and processing cannot be continued. Patent Document 1 describes that when memory is insufficient (memory lock cannot be performed, etc.), a processing program performs image formation (rendering) using internal data (intermediate data, etc.) recorded in memory. A method has been disclosed for reducing the data size by releasing the data that has been stored up to that point. In addition to these techniques, a method (flattening) of reducing data size by compositing processing has also been proposed (Patent Document 2, Patent Document 3).

An example of the configuration of a conventional printing system will be described using the block diagram of FIG. 2. The printing system shown in FIG. 2 includes a computer 200 and an image processing device 100.

A generation unit 201 included in the computer 200 generates print data 203 from print target data 202 . The image processing device 100 includes an input section 204, an analysis section 205, a processing section 206, and an output section 207. The input unit 204 receives the print data 203 generated by the generation unit 201. The analysis unit 205 analyzes the print data 203 received by the input unit 204 and extracts a drawing command. The processing unit 206 includes a generation unit 208 and a rendering unit 209. The generation unit 208 extracts drawing information 210 and an image 211 from the drawing command extracted by the analysis unit 205 to generate intermediate data. When generating the intermediate data, the generation unit 208 generates internal data for generating the intermediate data. Such data is normally stored in a RAM within the image processing device 100. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing how memory is reduced by flattening. By performing flattening, memory is reduced and processing can continue.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-61555 JP 2018-152113 Publication Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-194932 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 06-261202

As mentioned above, in order to continue image processing, the internal memory is degenerated (the internal data used when processing intermediate data is held in a structure similar to the intermediate data that will eventually be spooled out, and memory is insufficient). Data reduction is implemented through a process called flattening, where data is integrated using a process called flattening. However, with this method, it is necessary to perform flattening again as the available memory gradually decreases. In the worst case, flattening occurs repeatedly.

FIG. 5 is a graph showing an example where memory becomes insufficient as a result of repeated flattening. The vertical axis shows memory usage (GB), and the horizontal axis shows processing time (minutes). Note that the maximum value of 2 GB on the vertical axis is the maximum memory capacity in this example. Although the memory usage has been reduced by flattening three times, the memory usage has reached the maximum value of 2 GB at the time of processing time T, and a memory shortage has occurred. Even if flattening is performed in this way, there are cases where memory shortage occurs and processing cannot be continued. The present invention provides a technology that enables generation of intermediate data based on PDL data even if the PDL data is such that image processing cannot be continued due to insufficient memory.

In one aspect of the present invention, an image processing device includes:
Information used in generating intermediate data based on the PDL data is generated based on the PDL data, and the information is stored in the internal memory of the image processing device or in the external storage of the image processing device, depending on conditions. a first generating means stored in the device;
The intermediate data is generated based on information held in the internal memory or stored in the external storage device, and the generated intermediate data is held in the internal memory according to conditions. or a second generation means for storing in the external storage device;
and a rendering unit that generates a raster image by performing rendering based on intermediate data held in the internal memory or stored in the external storage device.

According to the configuration of the present invention, even if the PDL data is such that image processing cannot be continued due to insufficient memory, it is possible to generate intermediate data based on the PDL data.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a computer device. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a conventional printing system. The figure which shows the example of a structure of internal data. A diagram showing how memory is reduced by flattening. A graph showing an example of running out of memory as a result of repeated flattening. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a system configuration. 5 is a flowchart of the operation of the image processing device 100. 7 is a flowchart showing details of the process in step S2005. 10 is a flowchart showing details of processing in step S2006. 5 is a flowchart showing details of processing in step S2009. 12 is a flowchart showing details of the process in step S2011 (step S2016). 5 is a flowchart showing details of processing in step S2014.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the claimed invention. Although a plurality of features are described in the embodiments, not all of these features are essential to the invention, and the plurality of features may be arbitrarily combined. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same or similar components are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[First embodiment]
First, an example of the configuration of the system according to this embodiment will be described using the block diagram of FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 6, the system according to this embodiment includes a computer 700 and an image processing device 100. The computer 700 and the image processing apparatus 100 are connected to a wireless and/or wired network, and are configured to be able to communicate data with each other via the network.

First, the computer 700 will be explained. Print target data 702 is print target data such as images and text. The generation unit 701 generates print data (PDL data) 703 from such print target data 702 and outputs the generated print data 703 to the image processing apparatus 100.

Next, the image processing device 100 will be explained. The input unit 704 acquires print data 703 output from the computer 700. The processing unit 705 includes an analysis unit 706, a generation unit 707, a processing unit 708, and a rendering unit 709.

The analysis unit 706 analyzes the print data 703 acquired by the input unit 704 and generates a drawing command. The generation unit 707 generates intermediate data from the drawing command. The generation unit 707 normally generates information used to generate intermediate data from a drawing command and stores it in an internal memory (volatile memory such as RAM), but there are conditions for “storing it in the external storage device 710”. When satisfied, the information is stored in external storage device 710. The generation unit 707 then generates intermediate data based on information stored in the internal memory or external storage device 710. The generation unit 707 normally holds the generated intermediate data in the internal memory, but when the conditions for "storing in the external storage device 710" are met, the generated intermediate data is stored in the external storage device. 710.

A processing unit 708 converts the intermediate data. For example, the processing unit 708 converts the intermediate data into a format that is easy to render. In this conversion, for example, intermediate data is divided into tile-based data (divided data), and each divided data is compressed to generate tile data. Here, a tile is an area in which the printing area is equally divided according to the pixel coordinate system of the printing device, and by converting intermediate data to tile data, the amount of memory used to hold the intermediate data is reduced, and It also enables parallel operation. The processing unit 708 normally holds the converted intermediate data in the internal memory, but when the conditions for “storing in the external storage device 710” are met, the processing unit 708 stores the converted intermediate data in the external storage device 710. Store.

The rendering unit 709 generates a raster image (raster data in the pixel coordinate system of the printing device) by performing rendering based on intermediate data held in the internal memory or the external storage device 710.

The output unit 711 outputs the raster image generated by the rendering unit 709 as output data 712. The output destination of the output data 712 is not limited to a specific output destination. For example, the output unit 711 outputs the output data 712 to a printing unit within the image processing apparatus 100 or outside the image processing apparatus 100, and prints images and characters based on the output data 712 on a print medium such as paper. Good too. Further, the output unit 711 may output the output data 712 to a memory inside the image processing apparatus 100 or outside the image processing apparatus 100.

The external storage device 710 is a nonvolatile storage device with a larger data capacity than the internal memory described above, and is, for example, a hard disk drive device or an SSD (Solid State Drive).

Each of the above-mentioned functional units of the image processing apparatus 100 may be implemented using hardware, but may also be implemented using software (computer program). In the latter case, a computer device capable of executing this computer program can be applied to the image processing device 100. In this embodiment, the latter case will be explained. An example of the hardware configuration of such a computer device will be explained using the block diagram of FIG. 1.

The CPU 101 executes various processes using computer programs and data stored in the RAM 102 and ROM (font ROM 103, program ROM 104, and data ROM 105). Thereby, the CPU 101 controls the overall operation of the image processing apparatus 100, and also executes or controls each process described as being performed by the image processing apparatus 100.

The RAM 102 has an area for storing computer programs and data loaded from a ROM (font ROM 103, program ROM 104, data ROM 105) or an HD (hard disk) 114. Further, the RAM 102 has an area for storing computer programs and data received from the outside (for example, the computer 700 described above) by the communication unit 110. Furthermore, the RAM 102 has a work area used when the CPU 101 executes various processes. In this way, the RAM 102 can provide various areas as appropriate.

The font ROM 103 stores data for various fonts. The program ROM 104 stores a computer program for causing the CPU 101 to execute or control each process described as being performed by the image processing apparatus 100. The data ROM 105 stores data for causing the CPU 101 to execute or control each process described as being performed by the image processing apparatus 100.

The KBC (keyboard controller) 107 notifies the CPU 101 of instructions and information input by the user by operating the KB (keyboard) 112. Note that the user interface that can be used in the image processing apparatus 100 is not limited to the keyboard, but may also be a mouse, a touch panel screen, or the like.

The display control unit 108 controls the display of the display unit 113. The display unit 113 is a display device having a display screen such as a liquid crystal screen or a touch panel screen, and can display processing results by the CPU 101 in the form of images, characters, and the like. Note that the display unit 113 may be a projection device such as a projector that projects images and characters.

The HD control unit 109 controls reading and writing of computer programs and data to the HD 114. The HD 114 can store various computer programs and data. In this embodiment, the HD 114 will be described as an example of the external storage device 710 described above, but the present invention is not limited to this, and other types of memory devices may be used as the external storage device 710.

The communication unit 110 performs data communication with the computer 700. The CPU 101, RAM 102, font ROM 103, program ROM 104, data ROM 105, KBC 107, display control section 108, HD control section 109, and communication section 110 are all connected to the bus 106.

Next, the operation of the image processing apparatus 100 will be explained according to the flowchart in FIG. The functional units shown in FIG. 6 will be described below as the main body of processing, but in reality, the CPU 101 executes a computer program that causes the CPU 101 to execute or control the function corresponding to the functional unit. The function of the functional part is realized.

The processing in step S2001 is performed by the analysis unit 706. In step S2001, the analysis unit 706 analyzes the print data 703, which is PDL data, and generates a drawing command (drawing command) for each page.

The processing in steps S2003 to S2008a is performed in the generation unit 707. In step S2003, the generation unit 707 selects the drawing command for an unselected page from the drawing commands for each page as the drawing command for the selected page. The generation unit 707 then generates fill information regarding the fill on the selected page from the drawing command for the selected page.

In step S2004, the generation unit 707 determines whether image information is included in the fill information generated from the drawing command for the selected page. As a result of this determination, if image information is included in the fill information generated from the drawing command for the selected page, the process advances to step S2005. On the other hand, if the coloring information generated from the drawing command for the selected page does not include image information, the process advances to step S2006.

In step S2005, the generation unit 707 compresses the image information included in the fill information generated from the drawing command for the selected page. The generation unit 707 then stores the compressed image information in the external storage device 710 if the conditions for “storing in the external storage device 710” are met, and if the conditions are not met, the generation unit 707 stores the compressed image information in the external storage device 710. holds the compressed image information in internal memory.

In step S2006, the generation unit 707 generates composition information related to composition of objects on the selected page from the drawing command of the selected page. Then, the generation unit 707 stores the composite information in the external storage device 710 if the conditions for “storing in the external storage device 710” are met, and if the conditions are not satisfied, The synthesis information is held in internal memory.

In step S2007, the generation unit 707 generates edge information regarding edges of objects on the selected page from the drawing command of the selected page.

In this manner, in this embodiment, a group of information (painting information (including image information), compositing information, edge information) used to generate intermediate data from a drawing command is generated as internal data. FIG. 3 shows an example of the structure of internal data. As shown in FIG. 3, internal data 300 includes edge information 213, composition information 214, and color information 215.

In step S2008, the generation unit 707 determines whether the number of composite information generated in step S2006 exceeds a threshold value. As a result of this determination, if the number of composite information generated in step S2006 exceeds the threshold, the process advances to step S2008a. On the other hand, if the number of composite information generated in step S2006 does not exceed the threshold, the process advances to step S2003.

In step S2008a, the generation unit 707 reads out a group of information (painting information (including image information), compositing information, edge information) stored in the internal memory or external storage device 710, refers to it as appropriate, and generates a page for the selected page. generate intermediate data. Then, the generation unit 707 stores the intermediate data in the external storage device 710 if the conditions for "storing in the external storage device 710" are met, and if the conditions are not met, The intermediate data is held in internal memory.

The processing in steps S2009 to S2016 is performed in the processing unit 708. In step S2009, the processing unit 708 reads the intermediate data stored in the internal memory or the external storage device 710, converts the read intermediate data, and converts the read intermediate data into the above-mentioned tile data format. Convert to intermediate data such as Then, the processing unit 708 stores the converted intermediate data in the external storage device 710 if the conditions for “storing in the external storage device 710” are met, and if the conditions are not satisfied, the processing unit 708 stores the converted intermediate data in the external storage device 710. In this case, the converted intermediate data is held in internal memory.

In step S2010, the processing unit 708 determines whether the remaining amount (free space) of the internal memory is insufficient. In this determination, for example, if the remaining amount (free space) of the internal memory is less than or equal to a predetermined data size, it is determined that the remaining amount (free space) of the internal memory is insufficient.

As a result of this determination, if the remaining amount (free space) of the internal memory is insufficient, the process proceeds to step S2011, and if the remaining amount (free space) of the internal memory is not insufficient, the process is continued. The process advances to step S2012.

In step S2011, the processing unit 708 reads the converted intermediate data stored in the internal memory or the external storage device 710, and performs image conversion processing on the read converted intermediate data. Image conversion processing is a process that generates one raster data by rendering complex or large amounts of intermediate data that causes memory shortage, and then converts that raster data into simplified intermediate data that uses coloring information. . Then, the processing unit 708 stores the intermediate data subjected to the image conversion process in the external storage device 710 if the conditions for "storing in the external storage device 710" are met, and if the conditions are not met, Intermediate data that has been subjected to image conversion processing is retained in internal memory.

In step S2012, the processing unit 708 determines whether there remains a drawing command for a page that has not been selected as a drawing command for the selected page. As a result of this determination, if there are any remaining, the process proceeds to step S2003, and if no, the process proceeds to step S2013.

In step S2013, the processing unit 708 determines whether the number of intermediate data stored in the internal memory or the external storage device 710 is plural. As a result of this determination, if the number of intermediate data stored in the internal memory or external storage device 710 is plural, the process advances to step S2014. On the other hand, if the number of intermediate data stored in the internal memory or external storage device 710 is singular, the process advances to step S2015.

In step S2014, the processing unit 708 reads "a plurality of intermediate data" stored in the internal memory or the external storage device 710, and merges the read "multiple intermediate data" into one intermediate data (data integration). processing). Then, if the conditions for "storing in the external storage device 710" are satisfied, the processing unit 708 stores one piece of intermediate data generated by the merging in the external storage device 710. On the other hand, if the condition is not satisfied, the processing unit 708 retains one piece of intermediate data generated by the merge in the internal memory.

In step S2015, the processing unit 708 confirms whether image conversion processing is necessary. Here, in addition to determining whether the remaining amount of internal memory is insufficient (same as step S2010), the rendering unit 709 determines whether intermediate data stored in the internal memory or external storage device 710 as a rendering target can be processed. Determine whether it is intermediate data.

If the remaining amount of internal memory is insufficient and the intermediate data stored in the internal memory or external storage device 710 as a rendering target is not intermediate data that can be processed by the rendering unit 709, image conversion processing is required. to decide. If it is determined that image conversion processing is necessary, the process proceeds to step S2016, and if it is determined that image conversion processing is not necessary, the process proceeds to step S2017.

In step S2016, the processing unit 708 performs the same image conversion process as in step S2011 on intermediate data stored in the internal memory or external storage device 710 as a rendering target.

The processing in step S2017 is performed in the rendering unit 709. In step S2017, the rendering unit 709 reads intermediate data stored in the internal memory or external storage device 710, and generates a raster image by performing rendering using the read intermediate data.

Here, regarding the rendering unit 709, several variations can be considered from the viewpoint of performance/cost, and the intermediate data that can be processed differs accordingly. For example, when using inexpensive hardware as part or all of the image processing apparatus 100, the intermediate data that can be processed is limited in order to reduce the scale of the hardware, so image conversion processing is performed in step S2015. is deemed necessary. The raster image generated by rendering by the rendering unit 709 is outputted as output data 212 by the output unit 207 to an appropriate output destination.

Next, details of the process in step S2005 above will be explained according to the flowchart of FIG. 8. In step S3001, the generation unit 707 acquires image information from the fill information generated from the drawing command of the selected page, and compresses the acquired image information. The compression format is not limited to a specific format, and for example, JPEG compression, PACKBITS compression, etc. can be applied.

Next, in step S3002, the generation unit 707 determines whether the conditions for "storing in the external storage device 710" are satisfied. The method for determining whether the conditions for "storing in the external storage device 710" are satisfied is not limited to a specific method. For example, if the amount of memory currently in use in the internal memory exceeds the standard value (70% of the available memory amount, etc.), or the rendering unit 709 is set to "use external storage device 710". If so, it is determined that the conditions for "storing in the external storage device 710" are satisfied.

If the conditions for "storing in the external storage device 710" are met, the process advances to step S3003; if the conditions for "storing in the external storage device 710" are not met, the compression The image information is retained in internal memory. In step S3003, the generation unit 707 stores the compressed image information in the external storage device 710, and erases the compressed image information from the internal memory.

Next, details of the process in step S2006 above will be explained according to the flowchart of FIG. 9. In step S4001, the generation unit 707 generates composition information related to composition of objects on the selected page from the drawing command of the selected page.

Next, in step S4002, the generation unit 707 determines whether the conditions for "storing in the external storage device 710" are satisfied using the same determination method as in step S3002 described above. Note that the determination method in step S4002 and the determination method in step S3002 described above may be different.

If the conditions for "storing in the external storage device 710" are met, the process advances to step S4003; if the conditions for "storing in the external storage device 710" are not met, the process proceeds to step S4003; Keep information in internal memory. In step S4003, the generation unit 707 stores the composite information in the external storage device 710 and erases the composite information from the internal memory.

Next, details of the process in step S2009 above will be explained according to the flowchart of FIG. 10. In step S5001, the processing unit 708 determines whether the conditions for "storing in the external storage device 710" are satisfied using the same determination method as in steps S3002 and S4002 described above. Note that the determination method in step S5001 and the determination method in steps S3002 and S4002 described above may be different.

If the conditions for "storing in the external storage device 710" are met, the process advances to step S5003, and if the conditions for "storing in the external storage device 710" are not met, the process proceeds to step S5003. The process advances to step S5002.

In step S5002, the processing unit 708 converts the intermediate data stored in the internal memory.

On the other hand, in step S5003, the processing unit 708 reads intermediate data stored in the external storage device 710. Then, in step S5004, the processing unit 708 converts the intermediate data read out in step S5003. Then, in step S5005, the processing unit 708 stores the intermediate data converted in step S5004 in the external storage device 710, and erases the intermediate data converted in step S5004 from the internal memory.

Next, details of the process in step S2011 (step S2016) described above will be explained according to the flowchart in FIG. 11. In step S6001, the processing unit 708 determines whether the conditions for "storing in the external storage device 710" are satisfied using the same determination method as in steps S3002, S4002, and S5001 described above. Note that the determination method in step S6001 may be different from the determination method in steps S3002, S4002, and S5001 described above.

If the conditions for "storing in the external storage device 710" are met, the process advances to step S6006, and if the conditions for "storing in the external storage device 710" are not met, the process proceeds to step S6006. The process advances to step S6002.

In step S6002, the processing unit 708 erases "unnecessary intermediate data" from the intermediate data stored in the internal memory. Here, "unnecessary intermediate data" refers to information that does not affect the three processes of step S2009, step S2011 (step S2016), and step S2014, in the intermediate data that is the target of the three processes. For example, "unnecessary intermediate data" is the filling information (including images) of the drawing command that is covered by the opaque drawing command, the composition information, and the edge information (a group of information that does not affect the drawing result).

In step S6003, the processing unit 708 generates a raster image by performing rendering using intermediate data stored in the internal memory (intermediate data from which "unnecessary intermediate data" has been deleted in step S6002).

In step S6004, the processing unit 708 generates intermediate data having "the raster image generated in step S6003" as coloring information.

In step S6005, the processing unit 708, in the same manner as in step S6002 above, extracts "unnecessary intermediate data" (for example, fill information to be subjected to image conversion processing, composition information, etc.) in the intermediate data stored in the internal memory. edge information).

On the other hand, in step S6006, the processing unit 708 reads intermediate data from the external storage device 710 into the internal memory. Then, in step S6007, the processing unit 708 generates a raster image by performing rendering using the intermediate data read into the internal memory in step S6006.

In step S6008, the processing unit 708 generates intermediate data having "the raster image generated in step S6007" as coloring information. In step S6009, the processing unit 708 stores the intermediate data generated in step S6008 in the external storage device 710, and erases the intermediate data from the internal memory.

Next, details of the process in step S2014 above will be explained according to the flowchart of FIG. 12. In step S7001, the processing unit 708 determines whether the conditions for "storing in the external storage device 710" are satisfied using the same determination method as in steps S3002, S4002, S5001, and S6001 described above. Note that the determination method in step S7001 may be different from the determination method in steps S3002, S4002, S5001, and S6001 described above.

If the conditions for "storing in the external storage device 710" are met, the process advances to step S7005; if the conditions for "storing in the external storage device 710" are not met, the process proceeds to step S7005. The process advances to step S7002.

In step S7002, the processing unit 708 erases "unnecessary intermediate data" from the intermediate data stored in the internal memory in the same manner as in step S6002 described above. In step S7003, the processing unit 708 integrates a plurality of intermediate data stored in the internal memory to generate one intermediate data. In step S7004, the processing unit 708 erases "unnecessary intermediate data" from the intermediate data stored in the internal memory (one piece of intermediate data integrated in step S7003), similarly to step S6002 above.

On the other hand, in step S7005, the processing unit 708 reads intermediate data from the external storage device 710 into the internal memory. In step S7006, the processing unit 708 integrates the intermediate data read into the internal memory in step S6006 to generate one piece of intermediate data. In step S7007, the processing unit 708 stores the piece of intermediate data integrated in step S7006 in the external storage device 710, and erases the piece of intermediate data from the internal memory. [Second embodiment]
Information other than the information described above as information to be stored in the external storage device 710 according to conditions (compressed image information, composite information, intermediate data, etc.) is also stored in the external storage device 710 according to conditions. You can do it like this.

In addition, the numerical values, processing timing, processing order, etc. used in the above explanation are given as examples to provide concrete explanations, and are intended to be limited to these numerical values, processing timing, processing order, etc. It's not something I did.

Furthermore, some or all of the embodiments described above may be used in combination as appropriate. Moreover, some or all of the embodiments described above may be selectively used.

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

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the following claims are hereby appended to disclose the scope of the invention.

100: Image processing device 704: Input section 705: Processing section 706: Analysis section 707: Generation section 708: Processing section 709: Rendering section 710: External storage device 711: Output section

Claims (11)

An image processing device,
Information used in generating intermediate data based on the PDL data is generated based on the PDL data, and the information is stored in the internal memory of the image processing device or in the external storage of the image processing device, depending on conditions. a first generating means stored in the device;
The intermediate data is generated based on information held in the internal memory or stored in the external storage device, and the generated intermediate data is held in the internal memory according to conditions. or a second generation means for storing in the external storage device;
An image processing apparatus comprising: a rendering unit that generates a raster image by performing rendering based on intermediate data held in the internal memory or stored in the external storage device. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first generation means generates the information based on a drawing command generated from the PDL data. When storing the information held in the internal memory in the external storage device, the first generating means stores the information in the external storage device and then erases the information from the internal memory. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. When storing intermediate data held in the internal memory in the external storage device, the second generating means stores the intermediate data in the external storage device and then erases the intermediate data from the internal memory. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: 5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second generating means integrates a plurality of intermediate data into one intermediate data. 6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second generation means deletes information that does not affect a drawing result from among the information generated by the first generation means. 7. The information includes coloring information regarding coloring on a page, composition information regarding composition of objects on the page, and edge information regarding edges of objects on the page. The image processing device described. The image according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the second generation means generates intermediate data having as coloring information a raster image obtained by rendering using the intermediate data. Processing equipment. moreover,
The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a printing unit that prints the raster image generated by the rendering unit. An image processing method performed by an image processing device, the method comprising:
A first generating means of the image processing device generates information used in generating intermediate data based on the PDL data, and stores the information in an internal memory of the image processing device according to conditions. a first generation step of storing the image in an external storage device of the image processing device;
A second generation means of the image processing device generates the intermediate data based on information held in the internal memory or stored in the external storage device, and uses the generated intermediate data according to a condition. a second generation step of retaining in the internal memory or storing in the external storage device according to the
and a rendering step in which the rendering means of the image processing device generates a raster image by performing rendering based on intermediate data held in the internal memory or stored in the external storage device. image processing method. A computer program for causing a computer to function as each means of the image processing apparatus according to claim 1.

Images