Patent ID: 8059299

Claim:
An image forming apparatus comprising: a storage unit that temporarily stores therein first image data input from an input device and second image data to be output to an output device; an image-data input/output processing unit that performs processes of inputting the first image data from the input device and outputting the second image data to the output device; and an execution-condition determining unit that determines a condition for the processes of inputting and outputting the image data, and switches processing modes between a normal processing mode and a low-speed processing mode based on a determined condition, wherein if the condition does not fulfill a speed-degradation condition for determining whether predetermined areas for the image data can be secured in the storage unit, the execution-condition determining unit switches to the normal processing mode in which an input-related area and an output-related area for the image data are secured in the storage unit, if the condition fulfills the speed-degradation condition, the execution-condition determining unit switches to the low-speed processing mode in which either one of the input-related area and output-related area for the image data is partially or fully secured after releasing an area secured in a last process; and wherein when the output device is a plotter, the execution-condition determining unit secures an area required for outputting the second image data in the storage unit prior to securing an area required for inputting the first image data in the storage unit.