Patent ID: 8189227
Filing Date: 2012-05-29
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
1. An image forming apparatus, comprising: a plurality of image output units; a plurality of output image data converting units connected to the corresponding image output units and configured to convert image data of a predetermined first format into image data of a second format compatible with the corresponding image output units; a first memory unit shared by the output image data converting units; a second memory unit configured to store image data; a control unit configured to transmit a reservation request to a memory area adjusting unit; the memory area adjusting unit which, in response to receipt of the reservation request from the control unit, handles the reservation request for the memory area in the first memory unit; and a document storage unit configured to move or copy image data stored in the first memory unit to the second memory unit and release a memory area storing the moved or copied image data in the first memory unit, wherein in response to the control unit failing to obtain a reservation response for the memory area in the first memory unit during a predetermined time duration beginning at a transmission of the reservation request, the control unit determines that the memory area has not been reserved.