IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS, CONTROL METHOD THEREFOR, AND PROGRAM

An image forming apparatus includes: an image processor that performs predetermined processing on image data; and an image former that forms an image of the image data that has been subjected to the predetermined processing, in which the image processor: includes a file memory; when image data has a low resolution, stores the image data in the file memory, and performs detection processing of detecting whether a predetermined pattern is contained on the image data; and when image data has a high resolution, performs resolution processing of converting the image data to have a predetermined resolution in parallel with binarization processing, and performs the detection processing on the image data.

The entire disclosure of Japanese patent Application No. 2019-113458, filed on Jun. 19, 2019, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Technological Field

The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly, to an image forming apparatus that performs detection processing of detecting whether a predetermined pattern is contained.

Description of the Related Art

In recent years, qualities of images formed by image forming apparatuses such as Multi-Functional Peripherals (MFPs) have been improved. In this sense, detection processing on image data for printing has had significant meaning. The detection processing is performed to avoid printing of images that are inhibited to be printed, such as securities and bank bills.

Regarding such detection processing, for example, JP 2002-335399 A discloses a technique that uses data buses in accordance with the input forms or resolutions of image data and improves print performance by using a low-resolution image in a part of detection processing.

In the technique in JP 2002-335399 A, print performance can be improved by acquiring pieces of data of a plurality of resolutions for one print job. Unfortunately, when print jobs having different resolutions are continually processed, a processing delay that occurs between the jobs cannot be prevented since the resolutions with which processing is performed are switched. For example, when a job containing a high-resolution image is sequentially processed after a job containing a low-resolution image, the difference between resolutions of images causes difference in the processing content. Detection processing on the high-resolution image thus needs to be performed after detection processing on the low-resolution image. The start of processing of printing the high-resolution image on a sheet is delayed.

It is also conceivable to provide a dedicated circuit for the detection processing on each of high-resolution image data and low-resolution image data. In such a case, however, the circuit scale in the image forming apparatus is increased. A situation of significantly increasing manufacturing costs for the image forming apparatus can be assumed.

SUMMARY

The disclosure has been devised in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a technique for reducing manufacturing costs while avoiding a delay in processing on image data.

To achieve the abovementioned object, according to an aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus reflecting one aspect of the present invention comprises: an image processor that performs predetermined processing on image data; and an image former that forms an image of the image data that has been subjected to the predetermined processing, in which the image processor: includes a file memory; when image data has a low resolution, stores the image data in the file memory, and performs detection processing of detecting whether a predetermined pattern is contained on the image data; and when image data has a high resolution, performs resolution processing of converting the image data to have a predetermined resolution in parallel with binarization processing, and performs the detection processing on the image data.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, one embodiment of an image forming apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the scope of the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. In the following description, the same parts and components are assigned the same sign. The same parts and components have the same name and function. The description thereof will thus not be repeated.

[Usage Aspect of Image Forming Apparatus]

FIG. 1illustrates one example of a usage aspect of an image forming apparatus. As illustrated inFIG. 1, an image forming system1000includes an image forming apparatus100and a user terminal200. The image forming apparatus100may be a combined machine such as an MFP, or may be a printer. The user terminal200may be a general-purpose computer, or a mobile terminal such as a smartphone. The image forming apparatus100and the user terminal200can communicate with each other via a network N.

[Hardware Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus]

FIG. 2illustrates one example of the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus100.

The image forming apparatus100includes a controller101for controlling the entire image forming apparatus100. The image forming apparatus100further includes a display102, an operation unit103, a communication unit104, a storage105, an imaging unit106, an image processor107, and an image former108. These components are connected to the controller101via an internal bus.

The controller101includes a central processing unit (CPU). The display102is implemented by a display device such as a liquid crystal display, an organic electro-luminescence (OEL) display, and/or a lamp. The operation unit103is implemented by an input device such as a display (software key) and/or a hardware key.

The communication unit104is implemented by a communication interface such as a local area network (LAN) card. The storage105is implemented by a storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) and/or a solid state drive (SSD). The imaging unit106is implemented by an imaging device such as an image sensor.

The image processor107is implemented by, for example, an arithmetic device (e.g., circuitry) and a memory. The arithmetic device performs processing such as rasterization and binarization on image data. The memory stores data of the arithmetic result.

The image former108is implemented by, for example, a printer unit. The printer unit includes a photoconductor, an ink cartridge driving circuit, a roller, and a motor. The photoconductor forms an electrostatic latent image. The ink cartridge driving circuit supplies ink for forming an image. The roller conveys printing paper. The motor drives the roller.

[Functional Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus]

FIG. 3illustrates one example of the functional configuration of the image processor107. The image processor107includes a raster image processor (RIP) processor301, a RIP processing buffer memory302, a direct memory access (DMA) controller303, a binarization processor304, a compression/decompression processor305, a file memory306, a resolution processor307, a print controller309, and a detection processor311.

Each of the RIP processor301, the DMA controller303, the binarization processor304, the compression/decompression processor305, the resolution processor307, the print controller309, and the detection processor311is implemented by one or more processors. Each of these components is implemented by a general-purpose processor and/or a dedicated processor (e.g., hardware such as an ASIC) executing a given program. Each of the RIP processing buffer memory302and the file memory306is implemented by a memory.

The RIP processor301rasterizes input image data, and stores the rasterized image data in the RIP processing buffer memory302. The RIP processing buffer memory302stores data in page units. The DMA controller303transfers the image data stored in the RIP processing buffer memory302to each component in the image processor107in page units.

More specifically, the DMA controller303transfers the image data that has been classified into high resolution to the binarization processor304, the resolution processor307, or the detection processor311, and transfers the image data that has been classified into low resolution to the compression/decompression processor305. In one example, the DMA controller303classifies image data having a resolution equal to or less than a given threshold to low resolution, and classifies image data having a resolution exceeding the threshold to high resolution. In one example, the threshold is 600 dot per inch (dpi). Although, in the present embodiment, the DMA controller303has a path for transferring image data to the detection processor311without using the resolution processor307, the DMA controller303is not required to have the path, and may transfer the image data to the detection processor311only by using the resolution processor307. The DMA controller303is not required to have the RIP processing buffer memory302. The DMA controller303may sequentially transfer the data that has been subjected to the RIP processing.

In one example, image data of 600 dpi and image data of 1200 dpi can be input to the image forming apparatus100. In this case, the image data of 600 dpi is handled as low-resolution image data. The image data of 1200 dpi is handled as high-resolution image data.

The binarization processor304binarizes the high-resolution image data. The DMA controller303transfers the image data that has been binarized by the binarization processor304to the compression/decompression processor305.

The compression/decompression processor305compresses the image data. The DMA controller303transfers the compressed image data to the file memory306.

When the image data input to the image processor107has a high resolution, the DMA controller303transfers the image data to the resolution processor307or the detection processor311in parallel with transferring the image data read from the RIP processing buffer memory302to the binarization processor304in accordance with the condition described later with reference toFIG. 4.

The resolution processor307converts the resolution of the high-resolution image data into a predetermined resolution so that the detection processor311performs detection processing. This is preprocessing for the detection processing.

The detection processor311performs detection processing of detecting a specific image pattern in the image data. The specific image pattern constitutes an image such as bank bills and securities whose output is prohibited. The detection processor311outputs a result of the detection processing to the DMA controller303.

The detection processor311makes an adjustment for converting the input image data such that the data has a predetermined resolution as preprocessing for detecting a specific image pattern. The predetermined resolution is the same as the resolution converted by the resolution processor307. When the resolution processor307has already converted the input image data such that the image has the predetermined resolution, the detection processor311does not perform processing of converting the resolution. In this case, the period of time for the detection processing performed by the detection processor311is reduced.

In the embodiment, the image data input to the detection processor311is not subjected to the binarization processing regardless of whether the image data has a low resolution or a high resolution. This does not impair accuracy of detection processing performed by the detection processor311.

The DMA controller303transfers the image data that has been decompressed by the compression/decompression processor305to the print controller309on condition that the image data is determined not to have the above-described specific image pattern in the detection processing. When the image data is determined to have the above-described specific image pattern in the detection processing, the DMA controller303does not transfer the image data to the print controller309.

This prevents an image in accordance with image data that may contain a specific image pattern from being formed in the image forming apparatus100. In this case, the DMA controller303may notify the controller101of detection processing for the image data. In response, the controller101may display, on the display102, information indicating that image data contains (possibly) an image whose printing is prohibited.

The print controller309transfers the image data to the image former108, and controls the image former108such that the image former108forms an image on a recording medium such as printing paper in accordance with the image data.

FIG. 4is a flowchart of processing of transferring input image data in the image processor107. The processing is executed by a hardware element that implements the DMA controller303. In one example, the processing is implemented by a given hardware element (circuitry) executing a given program.

The processing inFIG. 4is started in response to an instruction to execute a print job input from the user terminal200to the image forming apparatus100. The processing inFIG. 4is required to be started along with an instruction to execute a job including image formation. The processing may be started in response to an instruction (e.g., pressing a copy button) to execute a copy job in the image forming apparatus100.

In step S10, the DMA controller303determines whether the RIP processing (rasterization performed by the RIP processor301) for image data input to the image processor107has been completed. If determining that the RIP processing has not been completed, the DMA controller303keeps control in step S10(NO in step S10). If determining that the RIP processing has been completed, the DMA controller303advances the control to step S15(YES in step S10).

In step S15, the DMA controller303determines whether the image data, whose image is to be formed in a job, has a high resolution. In one example, when a file, for which a printing instruction is to be given in the job, contains a high-resolution image, the DMA controller303determines the above-described image data to have a high resolution (e.g., resolution exceeding 600 dpi). In another example, when the above-described image data does not contain a high-resolution image, the DMA controller303determines that the above-described image data does not have a high resolution. If determining that the above-described image data does not have a high resolution, the DMA controller303advances the control to step S20(NO in step S15). Otherwise, the DMA controller303advances the control to step S25(YES in step S15).

In step S20, the DMA controller303transfers the above-described image data to the compression/decompression processor305, and ends the processing.

In step S25, the DMA controller303determines whether the detection processor311is working. If determining that the detection processor311is working, the DMA controller303advances the control to step S30(YES in step S25). Otherwise, the DMA controller303advances the control to step S35(NO in step S25).

In step S30, the DMA controller303transfers the above-described image data to the binarization processor304and the resolution processor307, and ends the processing.

In step S35, the DMA controller303transfers the above-described image data to the binarization processor304, and ends the processing.

FIGS. 5 to 8illustrate examples of a timing chart of processing in an image processor in the image forming apparatus100according to the disclosure.FIG. 9illustrates one example of a timing chart of processing in an image processor in an image forming apparatus of a comparative example. Each ofFIGS. 5 to 9illustrates a timing chart at the time when two consecutive print jobs (“Job1” and “Job2” in each drawing) are executed. In each example inFIGS. 5 to 9, each of “Job1” and “Job2” represents a job of a file containing image data of three pages.

Each ofFIGS. 5 to 9illustrates processing performed on image data, such as “RIP processing”. More specifically, RIP processing (rasterization) A1performed by the RIP processor301, compression processing A2and decompression processing A3performed by the compression/decompression processor305, detection processing X performed by the detection processor311, and printing processing Y performed by the print controller309are illustrated as processing performed on low-resolution image data.

RIP processing (rasterization) B1performed by the RIP processor301, binarization processing B2performed by the binarization processor304, resolution processing B3performed by the resolution processor307, compression processing B4and decompression processing B5performed by the compression/decompression processor305, detection processing X performed by the detection processor311, and printing processing Y performed by the print controller309are illustrated as processing performed on high-resolution image data. The image forming apparatus of the comparative example inFIG. 9does not have the resolution processor307.

In each ofFIGS. 5 to 9, the horizontal axis represents passage of time.FIGS. 5 to 9illustrate image data of which page of which job each processing is directed to. Each ofFIGS. 5 to 9will be described below.

(FIG. 5: Case where Low-Resolution Jobs are Continually Executed)

FIG. 5is a timing chart in the case where low-resolution jobs are continually executed. In the example ofFIG. 5, both Job1and Job2are print jobs for printing low-resolution image data. As illustrated inFIG. 5, the RIP processing A1is first performed on image data of the first page of Job1. When the RIP processing on the image data of the first page of Job1is completed, the image data of the first page is transferred to the compression/decompression processor305, and the RIP processing A1on image data of the second page is performed. In this way, each of pieces of image data of the first to third pages of Job1is sequentially subjected to the RIP processing A1, the compression processing A2, and the decompression processing A3. Each image data is subjected to the detection processing X after the decompression processing A3is finished. When the detection processing X on each page is completed, the printing processing Y on the page is performed on condition that the above-mentioned specific image pattern has not been detected in the detection processing.

In the example ofFIG. 5, the RIP processing A1on the top page (first page) of Job2starts after the RIP processing A1on the last page (third page) of Job1. Each of pieces of image data of the first to third pages of Job2is also sequentially subjected to the RIP processing A1, the compression processing A2, and the decompression processing A3.

In the example ofFIG. 5, the decompression processing A3on the first page of Job2ends at a time t12. The detection processing X on the third page of Job1ends at a time t11before the time t12. That is, the detection processing X on the top page of Job2can start without waiting for the end of the detection processing X on the last page of Job1. In the example ofFIG. 5, the jobs have the same resolution, and thus no delay is caused by waiting for the processing on the image data of Job1in the processing on the image data of Job2.

(FIG. 6: Case where High-Resolution Jobs are Continually Executed)

FIG. 6is a timing chart in the case where high-resolution jobs are continually executed. In the example ofFIG. 6, both Job1and Job2are print jobs for printing high-resolution image data. As illustrated inFIG. 6, the RIP processing B1is first performed on image data of the first page of Job1. When the RIP processing on the image data of the first page of Job1is completed, the image data of the first page is transferred to the binarization processor304. At this time, there is no job that has been processed before Job1, and thus the detection processor311is not working. The image data is transferred to each of the binarization processor304and the detection processor311(NO in step S25inFIG. 4).

The image data of the first page of Job1is transferred to each of the binarization processing B2and the detection processor311, and the RIP processing B1on the image data of the second page is performed. In this way, each of pieces of image data of the first to third pages of Job1is sequentially subjected to the RIP processing B1, the binarization processing B2, the resolution processing B3, the compression processing B4, and the decompression processing B5. There is no job before Job1, and the detection processor311is thus not working.

Each image data of Job1is subjected to the detection processing X after the RIP processing B1is finished. When the detection processing X and the decompression processing B5on each page are completed, the printing processing Y on the page is performed on condition that the above-mentioned specific image pattern has not been detected in the detection processing.

In the example ofFIG. 6, the RIP processing B1on the top page (first page) of Job2starts after the RIP processing B1on the last page (third page) of Job1. Image data of the first to third pages of Job2has a high resolution, and each image data is sequentially subjected to the RIP processing B1, the binarization processing B2, the resolution processing B3, the compression processing B4, and the decompression processing B5.

In the example ofFIG. 6, the RIP processing B1on the first page of Job2ends at a time t22. In contrast, the detection processing X on the third page of Job1ends at a time t21before the time t22. That is, when trying to perform the binarization processing B2on the first page of Job2, the image processor107(DMA controller303) can determine that the detection processor311is not working (NO in step S25inFIG. 4). In the example ofFIG. 7, the DMA controller303transfers the image data of Job2not to the resolution processor307but to the detection processor311.

That is, the detection processing X on the top page of Job2can start without waiting for the end of the detection processing X on the last page of Job1. In the example ofFIG. 6, resolutions are the same between the jobs, and thus no delay is caused by waiting for the processing on the image data of Job1in the processing on the image data of Job2.

(Case of Executing Jobs with Different Resolutions)

The image processor107performs different contents of processing for a low-resolution job and a high-resolution job. As can be seen fromFIGS. 5 and 6, the start timing of the detection processing on a low-resolution job and that on a high-resolution job are different. In a low-resolution job, the DMA controller303transfers image data to the detection processor311after the completion of the decompression processing. In a high-resolution job, the DMA controller303transfers image data to the detection processor311after the completion of the RIP processing.

That is, the timing for starting the detection processing on a low-resolution job comes relatively later in the entire job. The timing for starting the detection processing on a high-resolution job comes relatively early in the entire job.

Due to the difference in the pieces of timing of starting the detection processing, the DMA controller303sometimes cannot transfer the high-resolution image data to the detection processor311since the detection processor311is performing processing on the low-resolution image data at the time when the DMA controller303tries to transfer the high-resolution image data to the detection processor311. The image processor107needs to wait for the detection processor311to finish the processing on the low-resolution image data, which may cause a delay in processing.

In contrast, when executing a low-resolution job following a high-resolution job, the DMA controller303can transfer high-resolution image data to the detection processor311since the detection processor311has finished the processing on the high-resolution image data at the time when the DMA controller303tries to transfer the low-resolution image data to the detection processor311. The image processor107does not need to wait for the detection processor311to finish the processing on the high-resolution image data, and a delay in processing does not occur.

FIGS. 7 to 9illustrate examples of a timing chart in the case of executing a high-resolution job after a low-resolution job. An example in which the processing is delayed and a method of avoiding the delay will be described below with reference to these figures.

The example in which the processing is delayed will first be described with reference toFIG. 9.FIG. 9illustrates one example of a timing chart in the case where a high-resolution job is executed after a low-resolution job and a delay occurs. The example ofFIG. 9illustrates print jobs. Low-resolution image data is printed in Job1. High-resolution image data is printed in Job2.

FIG. 9illustrates an example for comparison with the image forming apparatus of the embodiment. The comparative example inFIG. 9will be described here in more detail with reference toFIGS. 10 and 11.FIG. 10illustrates one example of the configuration of an image processor107A corresponding to the example ofFIG. 9. The image processor107A corresponding to the example ofFIG. 9does not include the resolution processor307unlike the image processor107of the embodiment.

FIG. 11is a flowchart of processing, which corresponds to the example ofFIG. 9, of transferring input image data to the image processor107A. The configuration ofFIG. 10does not include the resolution processor307as compared to the configuration ofFIG. 3. In the example ofFIG. 10, when the image data has a high resolution, the DMA controller303transfers the image data to the binarization processor304and the detection processor311. When the detection processor311is performing detection processing on another piece of image data, the DMA controller303transfers the next image data to the detection processor311after the end of the detection processing on the image data.

In the processing ofFIG. 11, as compared to the processing ofFIG. 4, if the DMA controller303determines that the detection processor311is working (YES in step S25), the DMA controller303keeps control in step S25until the detection processor311stops working. The DMA controller303transfers the image data to the binarization processor304and the detection processor311on condition that the detection processor311is determined not to be working (NO in step S25).

Referring toFIG. 9, as in the example ofFIG. 5, each of pieces of image data of the first to third pages of Job1is sequentially subjected to the RIP processing A1, the compression processing A2, and the decompression processing A3. Each image data is subjected to the detection processing X after the decompression processing A3is finished. When the detection processing X on each page is completed, the printing processing Y on the page is performed on condition that the above-mentioned specific image pattern has not been detected in the detection processing.

In the example ofFIG. 9, the RIP processing B1of the first page of Job2is started at the timing when printing processing on the first page of Job1ends and a predetermined period of time has elapsed. Each of pieces of image data of the first to third pages of Job2is sequentially subjected to the RIP processing B1, the binarization processing B2, the resolution processing B3, the compression processing B4, and the decompression processing B5.

Even if the RIP processing B1on the image data of Job2ends at a time t51, the image data of Job1is subjected to the detection processing X. Consequently, the DMA controller303cannot transfer the image data of the first page of Job2from the RIP processing buffer memory302to the detection processor311. Since the image data of the first page of Job2is stored in the RIP processing buffer memory302, the RIP processor301cannot start the RIP processing B1on the image data of the second page of Job2.

The DMA controller303starts transferring the image data of the first page of Job1to the detection processor311at a time t52. This causes the DMA controller303to start the RIP processing on the image data of the second page of Job2at the time t52. That is, since the example ofFIG. 9does not include the resolution processing B3, there is no path that advances the image data to the compression processing B4and the decompression processing B5after the RIP processing B1. This greatly delays the start of the RIP processing B1on the image data of the second page of Job2compared to the example ofFIG. 8, and also delays the start of the processing after the binarization processing B2on the image data of the second page. This delays the end of the decompression processing B5compared to the example ofFIG. 8even if the detection processing X on each page is finished first in Job2. As a result, the start of the printing processing Y is delayed, and the processing is delayed (time t53).

In order to avoid the delay, the start timing of Job2is required to be delayed. Returning from the comparative example inFIGS. 9 to 11to the image forming apparatus100of the embodiment, an example in which no delay occurs will be specifically described below with reference toFIG. 7.FIG. 7illustrates one example of a timing chart in the case where a high-resolution job is executed after a low-resolution job and no delay occurs. The example ofFIG. 7illustrates print jobs. Low-resolution image data is printed in Job1. High-resolution image data is printed in Job2.

As in the example ofFIG. 5, each of pieces of image data of the first to third pages of Job1in the example ofFIG. 7is sequentially subjected to the RIP processing A1, the compression processing A2, and the decompression processing A3. Each image data is subjected to the detection processing X after the decompression processing A3is finished. When the detection processing X on each page is completed, the printing processing Y on the page is performed on condition that the above-mentioned specific image pattern has not been detected in the detection processing.

In the example ofFIG. 7, printing processing on the first page of Job1ends, and the RIP processing B1of the first page of Job2is started. Each of pieces of image data of the first to third pages of Job2is sequentially subjected to the RIP processing B1, the binarization processing B2, the resolution processing B3, the compression processing B4, and the decompression processing B5.

In the example ofFIG. 7, the RIP processing B1on the first page of Job2ends, and the binarization processing B2is started at a time t32. In contrast, the detection processing X on the final page of Job1ends at a time t31before the time t32. That is, when performing the binarization processing B2on the first page of Job2, the image processor107(DMA controller303) can determine that the detection processor311is not working (NO in step S25inFIG. 4). In the example ofFIG. 7, the DMA controller303transfers the image data of Job2not to the resolution processor307but to the detection processor311. The detection processing on the image data of Job2is performed without waiting for the end of the detection processing on the image data of Job1.

In the example ofFIG. 7, however, the time required for the entire processing of Jobs1and2is increased compared to the example inFIG. 5 or 6. This is because the start time of the processing on the first page of Job2has been delayed. An example in which the delay is avoided by using the resolution processor307without increasing the entire processing time of Jobs1and2will be described below.

FIG. 8illustrates one example of a timing chart in the case where a high-resolution job is executed after a low-resolution job and resolution processing is performed. The example ofFIG. 8illustrates print jobs as in the example ofFIG. 7. Low-resolution image data is printed in Job1. High-resolution image data is printed in Job2.

Also in the example ofFIG. 8, as in the example ofFIG. 7, each of pieces of image data of the first to third pages of Job1is sequentially subjected to the RIP processing A1, the compression processing A2, and the decompression processing A3, and then subjected to the detection processing X. When the detection processing X on each page is completed, the printing processing Y on the page is performed on condition that the above-mentioned specific image pattern has not been detected in the detection processing.

In the example ofFIG. 8, the RIP processing B1on the image data of the first page of Job2starts relatively early after the end of the RIP processing A1on the last page (third page) of Job1. The detection processing X on the image data of the last page of Job1has not been finished yet at timing (time t41) when the RIP processing B1on the image data on the first page of Job2is finished and the binarization processing B2starts.

The detection processing X on the image data of the last page of Job1ends at a time t42after the time t41. That is, the detection processor311is determined to be working at time t41(YES in step S25).

In the example ofFIG. 8, the image processor107(DMA controller303) performs the resolution processing B3in parallel with the binarization processing B2and the detection processing X on the image data of Job2as described as the control of step S35. This causes the detection processing X on the image data of the first page of Job2to start at the timing of the time t42.

As described above, the resolution processing B3corresponds to preprocessing for performing the detection processing X. The processing time of the detection processing X on the image data of Job2is reduced since the processing of the resolution processing B3has been performed.

In other words, in the example ofFIG. 8, the DMA controller303can select whether to direct the image data to the binarization processing B2and the resolution processing B3or to the binarization processing B2and the detection processing X in accordance with the progress of the detection processing X on the image data of Job1before Job2. This can avoid degradation in accuracy of detection processing and processing delay as much as possible in the image forming apparatus100. Processing is performed in one circuit without providing a dedicated circuit for each of high-resolution data and low-resolution data, and thus a circuit scale is not increased, and a manufacturing cost is not significantly increased.

BRIEF SUMMARY

As described above, the image forming apparatus100according to the first embodiment includes the image processor107and the image former108. The image processor107performs predetermined processing on image data. The image former108forms an image of image data that has been subjected to the predetermined processing. The image processor107includes a file memory. When image data has a low resolution, the image processor107stores the image data in the file memory, and performs the detection processing X on the image data. In the detection processing X, it is detected whether the image data contains a predetermined pattern. When the image data has a high resolution, the image processor107performs the resolution processing B3in parallel with the binarization processing B2, and performs the detection processing X on the image data. In the resolution processing B3, the image data is converted to have a predetermined resolution. This avoids a delay in the processing on the image data, and reduces manufacturing costs.

When first image data has a high resolution, and if the detection processing X is being performed on second low-resolution image data at the time when the binarization processing B2on the first image data is performed, the image processor107performs the resolution processing B3and binarization processing B2in parallel on the first image data. If the detection processing X on the second low-resolution image data is not being performed, the image processor107performs the detection processing X on the first image data without performing the resolution processing B3. This enables the detection processing X without performing the resolution processing B3when the detection processing X is not being performed.

The image processor107further includes the RIP processing buffer memory302. The image processor107sequentially stores input image data in the RIP processing buffer memory302. The image processor107reads image data from the RIP processing buffer memory302in predetermined units, and determines whether the image data has a low resolution or a high resolution. This enables the DMA controller303to determine whether each job has a low resolution or a high resolution, and perform processing.

The image processor107also stores image data, which has been subjected to image expansion processing of expanding the image data into bitmap format data, in the RIP processing buffer memory302. This enables bitmap format image data to be subjected to processing.

When image data has a low resolution, the image processor107stores compressed image data in the file memory306without performing the binarization processing B2and the resolution processing B3. The image processor107performs compression/decompression processing of decompressing and acquiring the image data, and then performs the detection processing X. This enables the detection processing X without the binarization processing B2when the resolution is low, and the detection accuracy is not decreased.

When the image data has a high resolution, the image processor107performs the resolution processing B3, and performs the detection processing X without the compression/decompression processing on the image data. This enables the detection processing X without performing the compression/decompression processing on high-resolution image data.

A control method for the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment includes: performing resolution determination of determining whether image data to be processed has a high resolution or a low resolution; storing the image data in a file memory and performing detection processing of detecting whether a predetermined pattern is contained, when the image data has a low resolution; and performing the resolution processing B3of converting the image data to have a predetermined resolution in parallel with the binarization processing B2and performing the detection processing on the image data, when the image data has a high resolution. This avoids a delay in the processing on the image data, and reduces manufacturing costs.

The control method further includes determining, when predetermined processing is performed on the image data, whether the detection processing X on another piece of image data is being performed. The resolution processing B3is performed in parallel with the binarization processing B2, and the detection processing X is performed on the image data if the image data has a high resolution, the other image data has a low resolution, and the detection processing X is being performed. The detection processing X is performed without performing the resolution processing B3on the image data if the image data has a high resolution, the other image data has a low resolution, and the detection processing X is not being performed. This enables the detection processing X without performing the resolution processing B3when the detection processing X is not being performed.

The control method further includes performing buffer memory storage processing of sequentially storing input image data in the RIP processing buffer memory302. In the performing the resolution determination, the image data is read from the RIP processing buffer memory302in predetermined units, and it is determined whether the image data has a low resolution or a high resolution. This enables the DMA controller303to determine whether each job has a low resolution or a high resolution, and perform processing.

In the performing the buffer memory storage processing, the image data, which has been subjected to image expansion processing of expanding the image data into bitmap format data, is stored in the RIP processing buffer memory302. This enables bitmap format image data to be subjected to processing.

In the performing the detection processing X, when image data has a low resolution, compressed image data is stored in the file memory306without performing the binarization processing B2and the resolution processing B3on the image data. The compression/decompression processing of decompressing and acquiring the image data is performed, and then the detection processing X is performed. This enables the detection processing X without the binarization processing B2when the resolution is low, and the detection accuracy is not decreased.

In the performing the detection processing X, when the image data has a high resolution, the resolution processing B3is performed, and the detection processing X is performed without performing the compression/decompression processing on the image data. This enables the detection processing X without performing the compression/decompression processing on high-resolution image data.

A program according to the first embodiment causes one or more processors to perform the control method for the above-described image forming apparatus by being executed by the one or more processors. This avoids a delay in the processing on the image data, and reduces manufacturing costs.

Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described and illustrated in detail, the disclosed embodiment is made for purposes of illustration and example only and not limitation. The scope of the present invention should be interpreted by terms of the appended claims, and all modifications within a meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included in the scope of the present invention.