JPH11298702A - Image formation device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To shorten printing time, printing interval, access time and processing time. SOLUTION: Data inputted from a data input device 1 are transferred to the buffer area 3a of a semiconductor memory 3, transferred to a CODEC 4, compressed and stored in the file area 3b of the semiconductor memory 3, however, when a data amount from the data input device 1 is large and a CPU determines that it can not be stored in the file area 3b of the semiconductor memory 3 in the middle of transfer, the data are temporarily stored in the buffer area 3a of the semiconductor memory 3, sent to an external storage device 7 whose entire area is used as a file area and stored, and then the data are read from the file area 3b of the semiconductor memory 3 so as to be printed in a printer 2. When a free area is formed in the file area 3b, the data are moved from the external storage device 7 to the file area 3b of the semiconductor memory 3 in the order which they were stored.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a copy / facsimile /
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a digital copier as a multifunction peripheral in which functions such as a printer are integrated.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an external storage device such as a hard disk (HDD) has been used for storing various data. On the other hand, a semiconductor memory such as a DRAM has a smaller data storage capacity than an external storage device, but has a higher access speed than an external storage device, and is therefore often used as a buffer for temporarily storing data.

In a digital copying machine (PPC) as an image forming apparatus, when both a semiconductor memory and an external storage device (HDD, etc.) are mounted, data is stored in the external storage device, and the semiconductor memory is used as a buffer. doing. FIG. 9 shows a hardware configuration of a conventional image forming apparatus. FIG. 10 shows a conventional data transfer path.
Shown in

Conventionally, when there is no external storage device, the semiconductor memory is divided into a "buffer region" and a "file region" for storing data instead of the external storage device. Data input from a data input device (1) such as a scanner is temporarily stored in a buffer area of a semiconductor memory (3) (path 1). Furthermore, once CODEC
After the data is compressed by (4), the data is stored in the "file area" of the same semiconductor memory (3) (paths 2, 3).

At the time of printing, after data is read from the file area and decompressed (path 4), the data is sent to the printer unit (2) via the buffer area (path 5,
6).

Conventionally, the sizes of the buffer area and the file area have been divided into predetermined sizes for use.
If there is an external storage device, a conventional semiconductor memory (3)
Are used as buffers, and the file area is allocated to the external storage device (7). Data input from a data input device (1) such as a scanner is temporarily stored in a buffer area of a semiconductor memory (3) (path 7).
Further, once the data is compressed by the CODEC (4) (path 8), the data is accumulated in the "file area" of the external storage device (7) via the buffer area (paths 9 and 10).

At the time of printing, data is read from the file area of the external storage device (7), and the
It is sent to EC (4) (paths 11, 12). CODEC
After decompression in (4), data is sent to the printer unit (2) via the buffer area (paths 13, 1).
4). Therefore, when both the external storage device and the semiconductor memory are provided, data is always stored in the external storage device.

However, an external storage device (such as an HDD)
However, there is a disadvantage that the access time is slower than that of the semiconductor memory, although the storage capacity is large. Therefore, access to an external storage device is becoming a bottleneck for speeding up as the speeding up of the device progresses. On the other hand, the price of semiconductor memories has decreased and large-capacity types have become widespread, but at present, they are still far from the capacity of external storage devices.

In digital PPC, the speed of each process is increasing, and the transfer speed of image data greatly affects the performance. Therefore, if data is always stored in the external storage device when both the external storage device and the semiconductor memory are provided, the access time to the external storage device greatly affects performance.

For example, when copying a plurality of originals,
When the read data is stored in the external storage device, the time required to access the external storage device for storage and the time required to access to read the data are required. As a result, printing takes time, and the printing interval becomes longer. .

Also, copy / facsimile (FAX) /
In a multifunction peripheral in which functions such as a printer are integrated, an external storage device is accessed for each function. Therefore, when a plurality of functions operate at the same time, the processing time becomes longer, and the time until printing is further increased. Therefore, the user has to wait for a while until printing is completed in front of the device.

[0012]

As described above, in an image forming apparatus as a multifunction peripheral having a semiconductor memory and an external storage device and integrated functions such as copy / facsimile / printer, input data is externally stored. If it accumulates in the device, access time is required, printing takes time and the printing interval becomes longer, and if multiple functions operate at the same time,
There is a problem that the processing time becomes longer and the time until printing is further increased.

Accordingly, the present invention provides an image forming apparatus as a multifunction peripheral having a semiconductor memory and an external storage device and having integrated functions such as a copy / facsimile / printer and the like. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus capable of reducing time.

[0014]

An image forming apparatus according to the present invention has a first storage means having a first area and a second area for storing information, and a second storage means for storing information. Means,
Compression / expansion means for compressing / expanding information; and input information stored in a first area of the first storage means.
The information stored in the area is compressed by the compression / expansion means, and the compressed information is stored in the second area of the first storage means. A first control unit that performs control to store the information in the second storage unit when the number exceeds the limit, and stores an image in the second area of the first storage unit when forming an image based on the input information. Second control means for reading the stored information, decompressing the information by the compression / decompression means, and transferring the information stored in the second storage means to a free area formed in the second area; and And an image forming means for forming an image based on the information read out and expanded by the second control means.

In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, when data is transferred from a plurality of data input devices, setting means for setting a priority order to the data input devices, and the data is transferred from the plurality of data input devices. A first storage unit for storing data from the data input device having a high priority set by the setting unit; and a storage unit for storing the high priority data when the high priority data is stored in the first storage unit. A second storage unit for storing data from a data input device having a low priority set in the step (a), and data stored in the first storage unit in preference to data stored in the second storage unit. And an image forming means for forming an image based on the data read under the control of the control means.

The image forming apparatus according to the present invention has a setting means for setting the priority of data processing transferred from a plurality of connected data input devices, and the plurality of data input means according to the priority set by the setting means. Control means for performing control for storing data transferred from the apparatus in the first storage means and the second storage means; and control means for storing the data transferred in the first storage means and the second storage means under the control of the control means. And image forming means for reading data in accordance with the priority order and forming an image.

An image forming apparatus according to the present invention comprises: a first storage unit for storing information divided into a buffer area and a file area; a second storage unit for storing information as a file area; Compressing / expanding means for expanding and storing input information in a buffer area of the semiconductor memory;
When the information stored in the buffer area is compressed by the compression / expansion means, and the compressed information is stored in the file area of the first storage means, and the input information amount exceeds the storage capacity of the file area. First control means for performing control for storing the information in the second storage means, and reading out information stored in a file area of the first storage means when forming an image based on the input information. A second control means for controlling the transfer of the information stored in the second storage means to a free area formed in the file area of the first storage means. And an image forming means for forming an image based on the information read and decompressed by the control means.

An image forming apparatus according to the present invention comprises: reading means for reading image data of a document; receiving means for receiving data from a connected input device; and processing of data from the reading means and data from the input device. Setting means for setting the priority order, and first storage means for storing, when data from the reading means and data from the input device are transferred, data having a high priority order set by the setting means. When high-priority data is stored in the first storage unit, a second storage unit that stores the low-priority data set by the setting unit, and a second storage unit that stores the low-priority data. Control means for performing control to read from the data stored in the first storage means in preference to the read data;
And an image forming means for forming an image based on the data read under the control of the control means.

The image forming apparatus according to the present invention has a setting means for setting the priority of data processing transferred from a plurality of connected data input devices, and the plurality of data in accordance with the priority set by the setting means. A first storage unit for storing high-priority data transferred from the input device; a second storage unit for storing data lower than the priority order of the data stored in the first storage unit; 2
Control means for controlling the reading of the data stored in the first storage means in preference to the data stored in the storage means, and forming an image based on the read data controlled by the control means. And image forming means.

An image forming apparatus according to the present invention comprises: a semiconductor memory that stores information divided into a buffer area and a file area; a hard disk that stores information as a file area; a compression / expansion circuit that compresses and expands information; The input information is stored in the buffer area of the semiconductor memory, the information stored in the buffer area is compressed by the compression / expansion circuit, and the compressed information is stored in the file area of the semiconductor memory. First control means for controlling storage in the hard disk when the amount of information exceeds the storage capacity of the file area; and storage in the file area of the semiconductor memory when forming an image based on the input information. The read out information is read out and decompressed by the compression / decompression circuit. A second control means for controlling the transfer of information stored in the hard disk, and an image forming means for forming an image based on the information read and decompressed by the second control means. I have.

An image forming apparatus according to the present invention comprises: reading means for reading image data of a document; first receiving means for receiving data from a connected input device; and data transmitted by being connected to a communication line. Second receiving means for receiving
Setting means for setting the priority of data processing from the reading means, data from the input device, and data processing received by the second receiving means; and data from the reading means and data from the input device. A first storage unit configured to store, when the data received by the second receiving unit is transferred, data having a high priority set by the setting unit;
When the high-priority data is stored in the first storage unit, the second storage unit stores the low-priority data set by the setting unit, and the second storage unit stores the low-priority data. Control means for performing control to read out the data stored in the first storage means in preference to data; and image forming means for forming an image based on the data read out under the control of the control means. ing.

According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, there is provided a setting means for setting the priority of data processing transferred from a plurality of connected data input devices, and the plurality of data in accordance with the priority set by the setting means. First control means for performing control of storing high-priority data transferred from an input device in a semiconductor memory and storing low-priority data in a hard disk; and data stored in the hard disk under the control of the first control means. A second control means for controlling the reading of the data stored in the semiconductor memory with priority to the above, and an image forming means for forming an image based on the read data under the control of the control means. I have.

[0023]

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows the configuration of a first embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
That is, the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment includes a data input device 1 such as a scanner, a printing device 2 such as a printer unit, a semiconductor memory 3 for temporarily storing data and storing compressed data, and an external storage for storing compressed data. A device 7, a CODEC (compression / expansion circuit) 4 used for compressing / expanding data, a memory control device 5 for managing the remaining memory of the semiconductor memory 3 and controlling access to the semiconductor memory 3, and a memory control device 5 and C controlling CODEC4
PU6. As will be described in detail later, the semiconductor memory 3 is provided with a buffer area 3a and a file area 3b.

Next, the data path of the image forming apparatus in such a configuration will be described with reference to FIG. First, in FIG. 2A, data input from the data input device 1 is temporarily transferred to the buffer area 3a of the semiconductor memory 3 (path 7). The data transferred to the buffer area 3a of the semiconductor memory 3 is transferred to the CODEC 4 and compressed (path 8). The compressed data is stored in the file area 3b of the semiconductor memory 3 (path 9).

Here, the data amount from the data input device 1 is large, and the file area 3b of the semiconductor memory 3 is transferred during the transfer.
If the CPU 6 determines that the data cannot be stored in the buffer area 3a of the semiconductor memory 3, the data is once sent to the external storage device 7 (path 10,
11). The external storage device 7 uses all areas as file areas.

In FIG. 2B, during printing, data in the file area 3b of the semiconductor memory 3 is read, and the read data is sent to the CODEC 4 (path 13). The data expanded by CODEC4 is
Buffered in the buffer area 3a of the semiconductor memory 3, and then transferred to the printing apparatus 2 for printing (path 1)
4, 15). The file area 3b of the semiconductor memory 3
When the data is read from the file area and a free area is created in the file area 3b, the CPU 6 moves the data from the external storage device 7 to the file area 3b of the semiconductor memory 3 in the order of accumulation (path 12).

The semiconductor memory 3 is used by being divided into the buffer area 3a and the file area 3b as described above, and the size of each area may be fixed to a predetermined size or a size set by a user. . The CPU 6 may control the memory control device 5 according to the characteristics of the input device (resource) to change the size. Also,
These can be used in combination.

FIG. 3 shows the configuration of a second embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. That is, the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment includes a data input device 1 such as a scanner, a printing device 2 such as a printer unit, a semiconductor memory 3 for temporarily storing data and storing compressed data, and an external storage for storing compressed data. A device 7; a CODEC 4 used for compressing / expanding data; a memory control device 5 for managing the remaining memory of the semiconductor memory 3 and controlling access to the semiconductor memory 3;
It comprises a CPU 6 for controlling C4, a data input device 8 such as a personal computer other than the data input device 1, a priority setting circuit 9, and a priority determination circuit 10. Further, the semiconductor memory 3 is provided with a buffer area 3a and a file area 3b. The same parts as in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description is omitted.

FIG. 4 shows an example of the configuration around the priority order setting circuit 9 and the priority order determining circuit 10. As will be described in detail later, when a plurality of input devices (resources) are used, it is necessary to determine the priority of the input devices. In the second embodiment, there are two input devices, a data input device 1 such as a scanner and a data input device 8 such as a personal computer.

First, the CPU 6 and the ROM 14, and the user setting circuit 12 and the control panel 13 are connected to the priority setting circuit 9 for setting the priority. The priority order determination circuit 10 connected to the priority order setting circuit 9 to which the priority order is set outputs a priority order determination to the memory control unit 5 according to the set priority order. Further, the learning circuit 11 receives the priority information from the memory control device 5 and outputs the information to the priority selection circuit 10 by feedback.

In such a configuration, the priority order may be determined in advance in the ROM 14 or the like connected to the CPU 6 in consideration of the transfer speed and the data amount required for each input device. This is set in the priority setting circuit 9 by the CPU 6, and the priority selection circuit 10
Priority is set to the memory control device 5 via the. Further, the memory controller 5 feeds back the learning of the priority information to the learning circuit 11 so that the learning circuit 11 learns, so that the optimum priority can always be maintained. To turn on / off the learning function,
This is performed by switching the priority order selection circuit 10. Also,
The user may use the control panel 13 to set the priority desired by the user in the priority setting circuit 9. These can be used in combination.

FIG. 5 shows an example of the configuration for setting the priority order. FIG. 5A shows a case where two input devices occur simultaneously, in which the priority order (High) is set to the higher order and the low order (Low) is set to the lower order.
In Example 1, the priority is set to copy (Copy) and the row is set to facsimile (Fax). In Example 2, the priority is set to copy and the row is set to the printer (Printer). Prin
ter).

FIG. 5B shows a case where three input devices occur simultaneously, in which the high priority (High) is set to the higher priority, the middle (Mid) is set to the middle of the priority, and the low (Low) is set to the low. ) Is the lower priority. In Example 1, the priority high is set to copy (Copy), the priority middle is set to facsimile (Fax), and the priority low is set to the printer (Printe).
r) is shown.

Next, the data path of the image forming apparatus when a plurality of input devices are used in such a configuration will be described with reference to FIG. First, a case where a file area to be used is assigned to each input device in advance will be described. For example, data from the data input device 1 is allocated in advance so as to be transferred to the file area 3b of the semiconductor memory 3 and data from the data input device 8 is transferred to the external recording device 7 in advance. The assignment is set by the CPU 1 or the user from the user setting circuit 12 such as the control panel 13.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 6A, data input from the data input device 1 is temporarily transferred to the buffer area 3a of the semiconductor memory 3 (path 1).
The data transferred to the buffer area 3a of the semiconductor memory 3 is transferred to the CODEC 4 and compressed (path 2). The compressed data is stored in a file area 3b of the semiconductor memory 3.
(Path 3). Subsequently, the data stored in the file area 3b of the semiconductor memory 3 is read, and the read data is sent to the CODEC 4 (path 4). The data expanded by the CODEC 4 is temporarily buffered in the buffer area 3a of the semiconductor memory 3 and then transferred to the printing apparatus 2 for printing (path 5,
6).

In FIG. 6B, data input from the data input device 8 is temporarily stored in the semiconductor memory 3.
(Path 1). The data transferred to the buffer area 3a of the semiconductor memory 3 is COD
The data is transferred to the EC 4 and compressed (path 2). The compressed data is temporarily transferred to the buffer area 3a of the semiconductor memory 3, and further transferred to the external storage device 7 and accumulated (paths 3 and 4). Subsequently, the data stored in the external storage device 7 is read, and the read data is temporarily transferred to the buffer area 3a of the semiconductor memory 3 and further sent to the CODEC 4 (path 5). CODEC
The data decompressed in step 4 is temporarily buffered in the buffer area 3a of the semiconductor memory 3, and then transferred to the printing apparatus 2 for printing (paths 6, 7).

As described above, the file area on the semiconductor memory is shared between the input devices. When one input device is used, the file area of the semiconductor memory is used. When two or more input devices exist, the priority order is set. The highest input device uses the file area of the semiconductor memory.

Next, a data transfer process in the case where the input devices A, B, and C are present and the priorities are given in the order of A>B> C will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Will be explained. FIG. 8 shows the data storage state of the semiconductor memory and the external storage device in this case.

First, the input device B is transferring data to the file area on the semiconductor memory (ST1).
When the data transfer of document 1 starts (ST2), the transfer data from input device B using the semiconductor memory first
If it is a sheet (ST3), the data is stored in the semiconductor memory as it is, and then the transfer data from the input device A is stored in the semiconductor memory (ST4). When the data transfer from the input device A is completed (ST5), the data of the input device A is printed (ST6).

When the transfer data from the input device B is two or more originals (ST3), the first one is stored in the file area on the semiconductor memory, but the storage destination is changed to the external storage device for the second and subsequent sheets. (ST7). The transfer data from the input device A is stored after the first sheet transferred from the input device B, and is read out from the input device A first when reading.

After the data transfer from the input device B is completed (ST8), when the printing of the first sheet of data from the input device A is completed (ST9), the data of the input device B stored in the external storage device is stored. Is moved to the file area of the semiconductor memory (ST10). When the printing of the data from the input device A is completed (ST11), the data of the input device B moved to the file area of the semiconductor memory is printed (S11).
T12).

In both cases in step ST3,
After the printing process of the input device A is started, the data stored in the external storage device is moved to the file area of the semiconductor memory. When moving, data is moved from the data of the input device B having the next highest priority after the input device A.

Further, when there are a plurality of input devices, it is necessary to divide the file area of the external storage device into a size determined according to the number of input devices, and determine an area to be used for each input device. is there.

As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, when a semiconductor memory and an external storage device are provided, the semiconductor memory is divided into a buffer area and a file area, and the file area of the semiconductor memory is given priority. It is possible to shorten the time until printing by moving the data in the external storage device onto the semiconductor memory in the background during the printing process by using the data stored in the semiconductor memory during the printing process. .

Further, a plurality of data input devices (resources)
In the case where is present, it is necessary to determine whether to store data in a semiconductor memory with a short access time or to store data in an external storage device according to the characteristics of each input device by assigning a priority to each input device. Can be.

Further, at the time of printing, since data is read from the stored data in the semiconductor memory and transferred to the printing apparatus, the time from data input to printing can be reduced. Also, if the data stored in the external storage device has a free space in the file area of the semiconductor memory, the data can be sequentially transferred from the external storage device to the semiconductor memory in the background during printing of the high-priority data. Can be shortened.

Further, by setting the priorities by a learning function or user setting without fixing the priorities, it is possible to perform data transfer in a priority order suitable for the user's use environment. Also,
By allowing the buffer area and file area of the semiconductor memory to be set according to the characteristics of the input device (resource) or by the user, the memory can be used without waste.

[0048]

As described in detail above, according to the present invention,
In an image forming apparatus as a multifunction peripheral having a semiconductor memory and an external storage device and integrated functions such as a copy / facsimile / printer, an image capable of shortening a printing time, a printing interval, an access time, and a processing time. A forming device can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a first embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a data path of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a first embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration around a priority order setting circuit and a priority order determining circuit;

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration for setting priorities.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a data path of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a data transfer process when a plurality of input devices are assigned priorities.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a data storage state of a semiconductor memory and an external storage device.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a conventional image forming apparatus.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a conventional data transfer path.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1, 8 data input device 2 printing device (image forming means) 3 semiconductor memory (first storage means) 4 CODEC (compression / expansion means) 5 memory control device (control means) 6 CPU (control means) 7) External storage device (second storage means) 9 ... Priority determination circuit 10 ... Priority setting circuit (setting means)

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A first storage means having a first area and a second area for storing information, a second storage means for storing information, and a compression / expansion means for compressing and expanding information. The input information is stored in a first area of the first storage means, the information stored in the first area is compressed by the compression / expansion means, and the compressed information is stored in the first storage means. Stored in the second area of the means, and the input information amount is stored in the second area.
A first control unit that performs control to store the data in the second storage unit when the storage capacity of the first storage unit is exceeded, and a second control unit that controls the first storage unit when forming an image based on the input information. A second control for reading the information stored in the second area and decompressing the information by the compression / expansion means, and transferring the information stored in the second storage means to a free area formed in the second area. And an image forming means for forming an image based on the information read and decompressed by the second control means. 2. When data is transferred from a plurality of data input devices, setting means for setting a priority order to the data input device, and when data is transferred from the plurality of data input devices,
First storage means for storing data from the data input device having a higher priority set by the setting means; and setting the higher priority data by the setting means when the higher priority data is stored in the first storage means. Second storage means for storing the data from the data input device having a lower priority, and reading out the data stored in the first storage means in preference to the data stored in the second storage means. An image forming apparatus comprising: control means for performing control; and image forming means for forming an image based on data read under the control of the control means. 3. Setting means for setting priorities of data processing transferred from a plurality of connected data input devices, and data transferred from the plurality of data input devices in accordance with the priorities set by the setting means. For controlling the storage of the data in the first storage means and the second storage means, and the control means controls the data stored in the first storage means and the second storage means in accordance with the priorities. An image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming unit configured to read and form an image. 4. A first storage means for storing information divided into a buffer area and a file area, a second storage means for storing information as a file area, and a compression / expansion means for compressing and expanding information. Storing the input information in a buffer area of the semiconductor memory, compressing the information stored in the buffer area by the compression / expansion means, and storing the compressed information in a file area of the first storage means; First control means for performing control to store the information in the second storage means when the input information amount exceeds the storage capacity of the file area; and when forming an image based on the input information, The information stored in the file area of the first storage means is read out and decompressed by the compression / decompression means, and the information is stored in a free area in the file area of the first storage means. Second control means for controlling transfer of the stored information; and image forming means for forming an image based on the information read and decompressed by the second control means. Image forming apparatus. 5. A reading means for reading image data of a document, a receiving means for receiving data from a connected input device, and setting a priority of data processing from the reading means and data processing from the input device. Setting means; first storage means for storing data having a high priority set by the setting means when data from the reading means and data from the input device are transferred; A second storage unit for storing the low-priority data set by the setting unit when high-priority data is stored in the unit; Control means for controlling reading from data stored in the first storage means; and image forming means for forming an image based on the data read by control of the control means. An image forming apparatus characterized in that. 6. A setting means for setting priorities of data processing transferred from a plurality of data input devices connected thereto, and the data processing is transferred from the plurality of data input devices in accordance with the priorities set by the setting means. First storage means for storing data having a higher priority, second storage means for storing data having a lower priority than the data stored in the first storage means, and storage in the second storage means Control means for controlling the reading of the data stored in the first storage means prior to the read data; and image forming means for forming an image based on the read data controlled by the control means. An image forming apparatus comprising: 7. A semiconductor memory for storing information divided into a buffer area and a file area, a hard disk for storing information as a file area, a compression / expansion circuit for compressing / expanding information, The information stored in the buffer area of the semiconductor memory is compressed by the compression / expansion circuit, and the compressed information is stored in the file area of the semiconductor memory. First control means for performing control for storing data in the hard disk when the storage capacity of the semiconductor memory is exceeded, and reading out information stored in a file area of the semiconductor memory when forming an image based on the input information. The data is decompressed by the compression / decompression circuit and stored in the hard disk in a free space in the file area of the semiconductor memory. An image, comprising: second control means for controlling information transfer; and image forming means for forming an image based on the information read and decompressed by the second control means. Forming equipment. 8. A reading means for reading image data of a document, a first receiving means for receiving data from a connected input device, and a second means for receiving data transmitted by being connected to a communication line. Receiving means; setting means for setting the priority of data processing from the reading means, data from the input device and data processing received by the second receiving means; data from the reading means and the input device A first storage unit for storing data having a high priority set by the setting unit when the data received from the first unit and the data received by the second reception unit are transferred; When high-priority data is stored, a second storage unit that stores the low-priority data set by the setting unit; and the second storage unit stores the second data by prioritizing the data stored in the second storage unit. Memory of 1 An image forming apparatus, comprising: a control unit that controls reading from data stored in the unit; and an image forming unit that forms an image based on data read under the control of the control unit. 9. A setting means for setting a priority of data processing transferred from a plurality of data input devices connected thereto, and the data is transferred from the plurality of data input devices in accordance with the priority set by the setting means. First control means for performing control of storing high-priority data in a semiconductor memory and low-data in a hard disk; and controlling the semiconductor to control data stored in the hard disk under the control of the first control means. An image characterized by comprising: second control means for controlling reading of data stored in a memory; and image forming means for forming an image based on the data read under the control of the control means. Forming equipment.