Patent ID: 6734989
Filing Date: 2004-05-11
Classification: G06K

Abstract:
An image output apparatus for receiving print data described in page description language from a host computer and outputting image data based on the print data, comprising:determination means for determining whether or not the print data includes a generation command instructing to generate form data; form generating means for generating form data as image data in a band unit on the basis of the print data when it is determined by said determination means that the print data includes a generation command instructing to generate form data, and encoding the image data in units of bands to generate encoded form data for a page composed of a plurality of bands; management means for storing, in storage means, the encoded form data in units of bands generated by said form generating means in units of bands and managing the encoded form data in units of bands stored in said form storage means, wherein the encoded form data can be read out from the storage means in units of bands; and overlay output means for decoding the encoded form data in a band that has been stored in the storage means, superposing print data in a band corresponding to the band of the decoded form data, on the decoded form data in the band and outputting the result in a case where the print data is to be output upon being overlaid on the form data.