Patent ID: 7221469
Filing Date: 2007-05-22
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
1. An image processing apparatus which includes conversion means for performing a predetermined conversion process on an input former image and outputting a conversion result image obtained by the conversion process, comprising: first storage means for storing the conversion result image; output control means for outputting the conversion result image; determination means for determining the number of references to each conversion result image stored in said first storage means in accordance with type of output destinations, the number of references being used for the image output by said output control means; second storage means for storing the number of references to each conversion result image stored in said first storage means determined by said determining means, said second storage means varying the number of references in accordance with outputting the conversion result image by said output controlling means; judging means for judging whether or not the conversion result image is to be referenced in accordance with the type of the output destinations; and control means for controlling said conversion means, said first storage means and said output control means such that said output control means outputs the conversion result image stored in said first storage means without performing the conversion process on the former image in accordance with the determined number of references in a case where it is judged that the conversion result is to be referenced, and outputs the conversion result image obtained from said conversion means in a case where it is judged that the conversion result image is not to be referenced such that said first storage means invalidates the conversion result image in a case where the number of references stored in said second storage means reaches the predetermined number.