Patent ID: 7710584
Filing Date: 2010-05-04
Classification: G06F,H04N

Abstract:
1. An image forming apparatus comprising: a memory which includes at least one first storage area provided for a print start time; an interface which receives a print data in which a print start time is specified, from an external device; a search section which searches for the first storage area in which a set time is the same as the print start time in the print data from the external device which is received by the interface; and which searches, if the search section searches for the first storage area in which the set time is the same as the print start time in the print data, for a second storage area in which a set inherent value is the same as the inherent value in the print data; a creation section which creates a first storage area in which the print start time is to be set if the search section has not found the first storage area where the set time is the same as the print start time in the print data, and creates a second storage area in which the inherent value in the print data is to be set if the first storage area has been created or if the search section has not found an inherent value which is the same as the inherent value in the print data; a storing section which stores print data in the second storage area searched for by the search section and the second storage area created by the creation section, where there is at least one of the second storage area in the first storage area; a timer which counts the current time; and an image forming section which performs an image forming process to each item of print data stored in each second storage area in the first storage area if the print start time from the first storage area coincides with the current time counted by the timer.