JP7172193B2 - Image forming device and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as an MFP (Multi-Functional Peripheral) and technology related thereto.

In order to speed up processing and reduce power consumption, it has been proposed to use a multi-core processor as a CPU for controlling an image forming apparatus such as an MFP (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2016-91305 A

By the way, in controlling an image forming apparatus using a CPU having four cores (“core 1” to “core 4”), for example, each job can be assigned to each of the plurality of cores according to its type. Conceivable.

For example, "core 1" is assigned a "real-time job" (a job that requires higher real-time performance than a predetermined degree) (for example, a copy job, a scan job, etc.). "Core 2" is assigned a "rasterized data generation job (also referred to as RIP processing or rasterization job)" (for example, RIP processing based on data transmitted by PC printing). Further, "core 3" is assigned execution jobs of various application programs (application execution jobs), and "core 4" is assigned jobs related to panel operations (panel operation management jobs).

In this case, some rasterization jobs (RIP processing) have a very high processing load, and depending on the content of the rasterization job, the processing load factor in "core 2" reaches a very high value. Possibilities exist. When the processing load factor of "core 2" reaches 100%, communication between cores is hindered, and other cores cannot operate. For example, when the processing load rate of "core 2" reaches 100% due to execution of a rasterize job, real-time jobs cannot be normally executed on "core 1."

Here, real-time jobs (copy jobs, scan jobs, etc.) are jobs that are preferably executed immediately in response to user operations and require high real-time performance. Obstruction of normal execution of the real-time job should be avoided.

One way to avoid such a situation is to completely eliminate overlapping execution of rasterization jobs and real-time jobs. Specifically, the execution of the real-time job is always prohibited while the rasterization job is already being executed, and the execution of the real-time job is started after the execution of the rasterization job is completed. Conversely, while the real-time job is already being executed, the execution of the rasterization job is always prohibited, and the execution of the rasterization job is started after the execution of the real-time job is completed.

However, such an operation reduces the efficiency of the image forming apparatus, such as delaying the completion of execution of a real-time job or a rasterization job.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of realizing more efficient operation in an image forming apparatus.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention of claim 1 is an image forming apparatus, comprising: a control means for controlling the operation of the image forming apparatus using a CPU having a plurality of cores; a first receiving means for receiving a first type job to be controlled using a first core; and a second receiving means for receiving a second type job to be controlled using a second core among the plurality of cores wherein the job of the second type is a rasterized data generation job for generating rasterized data related to a print output, and the job of the first type is a job of the second type whose immediate execution request is required. and the control means, when one of the first type job and the second type job is being executed and the other job is accepted, if the When the job of the second type is executed only by the second core , the period of execution of the job of the first type overlaps the period of execution of the job of the second type, and the overlap occurs after the other job is received. If it is predicted based on the content of the second type job that the processing load rate of the second core reaches a predetermined value during the period, the second type job is selected among the plurality of cores. executing the jobs of the first type and the jobs of the second type in parallel by dividing the work by two or more cores to keep the processing load rate of the second core lower than the predetermined value; characterized by

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention, the control means is configured to control the above-described When it is predicted that the processing load factor of the second core will not reach the predetermined value even if the second type of job is executed only by the second core , the second type of job is executed by the second core. and executing the first type job and the second type job in parallel.

A third aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect of the invention, wherein the control means divides the second type of job into a plurality of divided jobs, and divides the first type of job into If the execution period overlaps with the execution period of one of the plurality of classified jobs, and if the one classified job is executed only by the second core , the processing load rate of the second core is increased to the predetermined level. If it is predicted that the value will be reached, the one divided job is divided into a plurality of divided jobs, and two or more cores out of the plurality of cores share and execute the plurality of divided jobs. It is characterized in that the processing load factor in the core is kept lower than the predetermined value, and the first type job and the one classified job are executed in parallel.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided the image forming apparatus according to the third aspect of the invention, wherein although the execution period of the first type of job and the execution period of the one classified job overlap, If it is predicted that the processing load factor of the second core will not reach the predetermined value even if the one classified job is executed only by two cores, the one classified job is executed by the second core. and executing the first type job and the one classified job in parallel.

The invention of claim 5 is the image forming apparatus according to the invention of claim 3, wherein the second type of job is a rasterized data generation job for generating rasterized data relating to a plurality of pages of a printed output, and the control means is characterized in that the second type of job is classified into the plurality of classified jobs by page.

A sixth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the fifth aspect, wherein the control means divides the one divided job into the plurality of divided jobs in units of a predetermined number of lines.

A seventh aspect of the invention is the image forming apparatus according to the fifth aspect of the invention, wherein the control means divides the one divided job into the plurality of divided jobs in units of basic color components.

The invention of claim 8 is the image forming apparatus according to the invention of claim 3, wherein the second type of job is a rasterized data generation job for generating rasterized data relating to a print output, and the control means It is characterized in that the two types of jobs are classified into the plurality of classified jobs in units of a predetermined number of lines.

According to a ninth aspect of the invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the eighth aspect of the invention, the control means divides the one divided job into the plurality of divided jobs in units smaller than the predetermined number of lines. Characterized by

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the eighth aspect of the invention, the control means divides the one divided job into the plurality of divided jobs in units of basic color components.

(11) In the image forming apparatus according to any one of (1) to (10), the control means controls the second type of job based on the target image of the second type of job. It is characterized by predicting whether or not the processing load factor in the second core will reach the predetermined value by executing the above.

According to a twelfth aspect of the invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the eleventh aspect of the invention, the control means selects the resolution of the target image, the number of layers related to the target image, and the number of specific types of objects related to the target image. It is characterized by predicting whether or not the processing load factor of the second core will reach the predetermined value by executing the second type of job based on one or more of the above.

A thirteenth aspect of the invention is the image forming apparatus according to the third aspect . When it is predicted that the processing load factor of the second core will reach the predetermined value when the one classified job is executed only by two cores, and when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the one classified job is executed a plurality of times. and executing the plurality of divided jobs shared by two or more of the plurality of cores to keep the processing load rate of the second core lower than the predetermined value; type job and the one classified job are executed in parallel, and when the predetermined condition is not satisfied, the execution period of the one classified job and the execution period of the first type job do not overlap. It is characterized by changing the execution timing of one classified job.

A fourteenth aspect of the invention is the image forming apparatus according to the thirteenth aspect of the invention, wherein the predetermined condition is that each of the plurality of divided jobs related to the one classified job does not use image data of other divided jobs. It is characterized by including being independently executable.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the fourteenth aspect of the invention, the plurality of divided jobs are jobs for processing a plurality of divided areas obtained by dividing an image related to the one divided job. , the predetermined condition is that image processing for each divided job of the plurality of divided jobs does not include specific image processing using image data of divided areas of other divided jobs among the plurality of divided jobs. characterized by comprising

A sixteenth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the fifteenth aspect of the invention, wherein the specific image processing includes any one of error diffusion processing, image filtering processing, and gradation processing.

A seventeenth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the fourteenth aspect of the invention, wherein the plurality of divided jobs are processing targets of a plurality of color component images obtained by dividing the image related to the one classified job for each basic color component. and the predetermined condition is that image processing for each divided job among the plurality of divided jobs uses image data of a color component image of another divided job among the plurality of divided jobs. It is characterized by including no image processing.

An eighteenth aspect of the invention is characterized in that, in the image forming apparatus according to the seventeenth aspect of the invention, the specific image processing includes color conversion processing.

A nineteenth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the third aspect of the invention, wherein the control means controls the execution period of the first type of job and the execution period of the one classified job to overlap , When it is predicted that the processing load factor of the second core will reach the predetermined value when the one classified job is executed only by two cores, and when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the one classified job is executed a plurality of times. and executing the plurality of divided jobs shared by two or more of the plurality of cores to keep the processing load rate of the second core lower than the predetermined value; type job and the one classified job are executed in parallel, and when the predetermined condition is not satisfied, the first type job is shared and executed by two or more cores among the plurality of cores. Changing the execution timing of the one classified job so that the execution period of the first type job and the execution period of the one classified job do not overlap while reducing the time required for the first type of job. Characterized by

20. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 19 , wherein the first type of job includes at least one of a scan job and a copy job. do.
A twenty-first aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the twenty-first aspect, wherein the second type of job is a rasterized data generation job for generating rasterized data relating to a printed output.
(22) In the image forming apparatus according to any one of (1) to (21), the first type of job has a greater need for an immediate execution request than the second type of job. It is characterized by being an expensive job.

According to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer incorporated in an image forming apparatus, the computer including a CPU having a plurality of cores; b) accepting a second type of job to be controlled using a second core of the plurality of cores; c) accepting the first type of job and the second type of job; When one of the types of jobs is being executed and the other job is accepted, if the second type of job is executed only by the second core , the execution period of the first type of job is reduced. The processing load factor of the second core reaching a predetermined value in a period overlapping with the execution period of the second type of job and occurring after the other job is received. when prediction is made based on the content of the type of job, the second type of job is shared by two or more cores among the plurality of cores, and the processing load rate of the second core is set to the predetermined value. and executing the first type of job and the second type of job in parallel.
A twenty-fourth aspect of the invention is characterized in that, in the program according to the twenty-third aspect of the invention, the first type of job includes at least one of a scan job and a copy job.
A twenty-fifth aspect of the invention is characterized in that, in the program according to the twenty-fourth aspect of the invention, the second type of job is a rasterized data generation job for generating rasterized data relating to a printout.
A twenty-sixth aspect of the invention is directed to the program according to any one of the twenty-third to twenty-fifth aspects of the invention, wherein the first type of job has a higher need for an immediate execution request than the second type of job. It is characterized by

According to the inventions of claims 1 to 26 , it is possible to realize more efficient operation in the image forming apparatus.

1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a printing system; FIG. 3 is a diagram showing functional blocks of the MFP; FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing cores (corresponding cores) that mainly execute each job; 4 is a flowchart showing operations according to the first embodiment; 4 is a flowchart showing operations according to the first embodiment; It is a figure which shows the example of 1 operation|movement which concerns on 1st Embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing divided areas in units of bands in a page; FIG. 10 illustrates an image filter; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a gradation object; It is a figure which shows another operation example. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing yet another operation example; It is a figure which shows the operation|movement which concerns on a modification. It is a figure which shows another operation|movement based on a modification. It is a figure which shows another operation example. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an operation example when a rasterization job is also accepted during a copy job; FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an operation example similar to FIG. 15; 9 is a flowchart showing part of the operation according to the second embodiment; It is a figure which shows the example of an operation|movement which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the other operation example which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the operation|movement which concerns on a comparative example. It is a figure which shows the operation|movement which concerns on another comparative example.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

<1. First Embodiment>
<1-1. System configuration>
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a printing system 1. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 1 , the printing system 1 includes a Multi-Functional Peripheral (also abbreviated as MFP) 10 and a computer 50 .

The MFP 10 and the computer 50 are connected via a network 108, and data can be transmitted and received between the devices 10 and 50. FIG. The network 108 includes various networks such as a LAN (Local Area Network) and the Internet.

The MFP 10 functions as a printer (printing device) that executes a print job based on print job data (print job data) from the computer 50 . That is, the MFP 10 can execute a print output job (also called a PC print job) based on a print instruction from a personal computer. Specifically, the computer 50 (print control device) transmits a print command to the MFP 10 based on the print command from the user. Based on the print command (including print data) transmitted from the computer 50, the MFP 10 executes RIP processing to generate rasterized data, and executes print output processing based on the rasterized data. As a result, the printout process by the MFP 10 is executed.

The MFP 10 can also execute a scan job, a copy job, etc. based on an instruction from the user using the touch panel 25 (FIG. 1) or the like.

<1-2. Configuration of MFP 10>
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing functional blocks of the MFP 10. As shown in FIG.

The MFP 10 is a device (also referred to as a multi-function device) having a scan function, a copy function, a facsimile function, a box storage function, and the like. Specifically, as shown in the functional block diagram of FIG. 2, the MFP 10 includes an image reading unit 2, a printout unit 3, a communication unit 4, a storage unit 5, an operation unit 6, a controller 9 (control unit), and the like. Various functions are realized by operating these units in combination. Note that the MFP 10 is also called an image forming apparatus or an image processing apparatus.

An image reading unit (also called a scanning unit) 2 optically reads a document placed at a predetermined position on the MFP 10 and generates image data of the document (also called a document image or a scanned image). It is a processing unit that

The printout unit 3 is an output unit that prints out an image on various media such as paper based on image data relating to an image to be printed.

A communication unit 4 is a processing unit capable of performing facsimile communication via a public line or the like. Furthermore, the communication unit 4 is capable of network communication via the communication network 108 . Various protocols such as TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) and FTP (File Transfer Protocol) are used in this network communication. 50, etc.) can exchange various data (print job data, etc.).

The storage unit 5 is configured by a storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD).

The operation unit 6 includes an operation input unit 6a that receives an operation input to the MFP 10, and a display unit 6b that displays and outputs various information. The MFP 10 is provided with a substantially plate-shaped operation panel portion 6c (see FIG. 1), and the operation panel portion 6c has a touch panel (operation panel) 25 (see FIG. 1) on its front side. there is The touch panel 25 is configured by embedding a piezoelectric sensor or the like in a liquid crystal display panel, and is capable of displaying various types of information and accepting operation input from an operator.

A controller (control unit) 9 is built in the MFP 10 and is a control device that controls the MFP 10 in an integrated manner. The controller 9 is configured as a computer system including a CPU and various semiconductor memories (RAM, ROM, etc.). The controller 9 realizes various processing units by executing a predetermined software program (hereinafter simply referred to as a program) stored in a ROM (for example, EEPROM (registered trademark)) in the CPU. The program (specifically, the program module group) may be recorded in a portable recording medium such as a USB memory, read out from the recording medium, and installed in the MFP 10 . Alternatively, the program may be downloaded via a network or the like and installed in the MFP 10 .

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the controller 9 executes various functions including a communication control unit 11, an input control unit 12, a display control unit 13, an operation control unit 14, and an allocation processing unit 15 by executing the program. realize the processing unit of

The communication control unit 11 is a processing unit that controls communication operations with other devices (such as the computer 50).

The input control unit 12 is a control unit that controls an operation input operation for the operation input unit 6a.

The display control unit 13 is a processing unit that controls the display operation of the display unit 6b.

The operation control unit 14 is a processing unit that controls operations related to scan jobs, print jobs, PC print jobs, and the like.

The allocation processing unit 15 is a processing unit that executes processing (allocation processing) for allocating processes to be executed to the plurality of cores R1 to R4 when executing each job.

<1-3. Multi-core CPU>
The controller 9 has a multi-core CPU (a CPU having multiple cores). According to load distribution by multi-core CPUs, processing is executed using a cache memory common to a plurality of cores in one CPU. It is possible to speed up the processing.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, in principle, a plurality of jobs are processed by corresponding cores (cores corresponding to job types) among a plurality of cores (here, four cores R1 to R4). be. In other words, each job is in principle executed on a pre-assigned core (as the core to be used). FIG. 3 is a diagram showing cores (corresponding cores) that mainly execute each job.

Specifically, real-time jobs such as copy jobs and scan jobs (jobs that require higher real-time performance than a predetermined level) are basically executed by the core R1. The real-time job is a type of job that should be controlled using core R1 of the plurality of cores. In short, a real-time job is a job pre-assigned to core R1. The real-time job is also expressed as a job whose immediate execution request is more necessary than the rasterization job (described below). Note that when only the real-time job J1 is executed on the core R1, the processing load factor on the core R1 does not reach the predetermined value TH1 (for example, 95%).

A rasterized data generation job (also referred to simply as a rasterized job) executed by the MFP 10 as part of a PC print job is basically executed by the core R2. The rasterization job is a type of job that should be controlled using core R2 of the plurality of cores. In short, a rasterization job is a job pre-assigned to core R2.

Furthermore, jobs for executing various additional application programs (application execution jobs) are executed by the core R3, and jobs related to panel operations (panel operation management jobs) are executed by the core R4. Further, the process of allocating processes to be executed to a plurality of cores (allocation process) is executed by the core R4. Note that the allocation process may be executed by any one of the other cores R1 to R3.

Also, depending on the content of the rasterization job, there is a possibility that the processing load factor on the core R2 will reach a predetermined value TH1 (for example, 95%). Considering that inter-core communication will be hindered when the processing load factor of one core reaches a predetermined value TH1, in this embodiment, the rasterization data generation job (rasterization job) is executed in each core depending on the situation. It is executed using not only R2, but also another core (eg, core R3, etc.). Specifically, when it is determined that the processing load factor of the core R2 for a certain rasterization job J2 reaches a predetermined value TH1 (for example, 95%), the rasterization job J2 is processed by not only the core R2 but also other cores. (Among the plurality of cores, the core R3 having a processing load factor equal to or lower than the predetermined value TH2, etc.) is also used for execution. The value TH2 is a value smaller than the value TH1, for example 20%. With such load distribution, the processing load factor of the core R2 is suppressed to a value lower than the predetermined value TH1.

<1-4. Outline operation>
Here, first, it is assumed that the RIP process (rasterized data generation job J2) based on the PC print data from the computer 50 is started at time T0. After that, it is assumed that a real-time job J1 (here, a copy job including a scan task and a print task) is accepted at time T1. The following mainly describes how the real-time job J1 (first type job) and the rasterization job J2 (second type job) are executed in such a situation.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing operations according to a comparative example. In the operation according to the comparative example, execution of the real-time job J1 is always prohibited while the rasterization job J2 is already being executed. Therefore, even if the real-time job J1 is accepted at time T1, execution of the real-time job J1 is started at time T5 after the execution of the rasterization job J2 is completed. In this way, if the other job J1 is accepted during the execution period of one of the two types of jobs J2 (if the execution of the real-time job J1 is started immediately, the execution periods of the two types of jobs J1 and J2 are overlap each other), the execution of the other job J1 is started after the execution of the preceding job J2 is completed. As a result, the start and end of the other job (real-time job) J1 are greatly delayed.

On the other hand, FIG. 6 is a diagram showing one operation example according to the first embodiment. The operation control unit 14 and the allocation processing unit 15 of the controller 9 determine that the execution period of the real-time job J1 and the execution period of the rasterization job J2 overlap (if the accepted jobs J1 and J2 are to be executed immediately), and the execution period of the rasterization job J2 overlaps. Based on the contents of the rasterization job J2, it is estimated whether or not the processing load factor in the core R2 reaches a predetermined value TH1 (for example, 95% (may be 100%)) by executing J2. If this is presumed, the rasterization job J2 is shared by two or more cores (excluding core R1) among the plurality of cores (for example, a core group including cores R2 and R3). The processing load factor of the core R2 is kept lower than the value TH1, and the real-time job J1 and the rasterization job J2 are executed in parallel.

Specifically, the rasterization job J2 is divided into a plurality of divided jobs K1 to K4 (“RIP_1” to “RIP_4”). For example, if the rasterization job J2 is to generate rasterization data for a plurality of pages of a printed output, the rasterization job J2 is divided into a plurality of division jobs by page. More specifically, a partitioning job K1 (“RIP_1”) that generates rasterization data for the first page, a partitioning job K2 (“RIP_2”) that generates rasterization data for the second page, and rasterization for the third page It is divided into a division job K3 ("RIP_3") that generates data and a division job K4 ("RIP_4") that generates rasterized data for the fourth page.

Then, if both jobs are to be executed immediately, it is determined whether or not the execution period of the real-time job J1 overlaps the execution period of each of the classified jobs (K1 to K4). Further, if each job is executed on the corresponding core according to principle, execution of any one of the plurality of divided jobs K1 to K4 related to the rasterization job J2 causes the processing load rate of the core R2 to rise to a predetermined value. It is also determined whether TH1 is reached. If there is a classified job that satisfies all of these conditions (detailed later), the classified job (K1, K4, for example) is divided into a plurality of divided jobs.

Specifically, the classified job K1 (“RIP_1”) is further divided into a plurality of divided jobs (for example, two divided jobs K11 and K12 (“RIP_1_1” and “RIP_1_2”)), and the classified job K4 (“RIP_4”) is is further divided into a plurality of divided jobs (for example, two divided jobs K41 and K42 ("RIP_4_1" and "RIP_4_2")). Two or more cores (for example, two cores R2 and R3) among the plurality of cores share the plurality of divided jobs related to the classified job K1, and the processing load factor of the core R2 is lower than the value TH1. The real-time job J1 and the one division job K1 are executed in parallel. Similarly, a plurality of divided jobs related to the classified job K4 are shared by two or more cores (for example, two cores R2 and R3) among the plurality of cores, and the processing load factor on the core R2 is higher than the value TH1. The real-time job J1 and one partitioned job K4 are executed in parallel.

According to this operation, the rasterization job J2 is shared and executed by two or more cores out of a plurality of cores, and the processing load factor on the core R2 is kept lower than the value TH1. It is possible to avoid the occurrence of a situation in which other cores cannot operate due to After that, the real-time job J1 and the rasterization job J2 are executed in parallel. Therefore, the real-time job J1 does not need to wait for the completion of execution of the rasterization job J2, so the real-time job J1 can be started early (at time T1, for example) and completed early.

As will be described later, conversely, the concept of the present invention can also be applied to a situation where the rasterization job J2 is received while the real-time job J1 is being executed (see FIGS. 21 and 15). be.

<1-5. Detailed operation>
4 and 5 are flowcharts showing operations (operations of the MFP 10) according to the first embodiment.

When a new job is accepted in step S11, the process proceeds to step S12. In step S12, it is determined whether or not there is a job currently being executed (a job accepted before the new job).

If a job other than a new job has not been accepted, a normal job execution operation is executed (step S18).

If a job other than the new job has already been accepted, the process proceeds to step S13. In step S13, it is determined whether one of the new job and the job currently being executed (also referred to as the job being executed) is the real-time job J1 and the other is the rasterization job J2.

If one is the real-time job J1 and the other is the rasterization job J2, the process proceeds to step S14. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S18.

In step S14, the time required for remaining processing of the job being executed is estimated, and in step S15, the time required for the new job is estimated. The required time for the real-time job J1 is calculated based on the contents of the real-time job J1 (various parameters such as image resolution), and the required time for the rasterize job J2 is calculated based on the contents of the rasterize job J2 (various parameters such as image resolution). ).

Further, in step S16, the processing load factor of the core R2 when the rasterization job J2 is executed (more specifically, the processing load factor of the core R2 when the rasterization job J2 is executed using only the core R2 in principle) is estimated. The processing load rate may be calculated (estimated) based on the number of layers related to the target image of the rasterization job J2, the number of specific types of objects related to the target image, and the like. For example, considering that the processing load of transparency processing for an image composed of multiple layers is relatively large, when there is an image (transparent image) having a certain number of layers or more, the processing load ratio of core R2 is is 100%. Further, when the resolution (output resolution, etc.) of the target image is equal to or higher than a predetermined level, it may be calculated that the processing load factor of the core R2 is 100%. In this way, based on the target image of the rasterize job J2 (more specifically, its image data and/or image parameters), the processing load rate of the core R2 due to the execution of the rasterize job J2 (in other words, the rasterization of the core R2) The processing load factor of job J2) is estimated.

In step S17, it is determined whether or not the execution period of the real-time job J1 and the execution period of the rasterization job J2 overlap based on the estimation results of steps S14 and S15. Further, it is determined whether or not the processing load factor of the core R2 reaches a predetermined value TH1 (for example, 95%) due to the execution of the rasterization job J2, based on the transition result in step S16.

More specifically, in step S16, the processing load factor on core R2 is calculated for each of the plurality of classified jobs. That is, the processing load factor on the core R2 is calculated for each classified job. Then, it is determined for each classified job whether or not the processing load factor of the core R2 reaches a predetermined value TH1. Then, based on these determination results, it is determined whether or not the load factor of the core R2 reaches a predetermined value TH1 during overlapping processing of the rasterization job J2 (specifically, each classified job) and the real-time job J1. .

The load factor of the core R2 does not reach the predetermined value TH1 during overlapping processing of the rasterize job J2 and the real-time job J1 (more specifically, the load factor of the core R2 does not reach the predetermined value TH1 for any of the classified jobs Ki). ), the process proceeds to step S19. In step S19, execution of a new job is immediately started in addition to the job being executed. As a result, the real-time job J1 and the rasterization job J2 are executed in parallel. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of such operation. In FIG. 14, the processing load rate of classified job K1 is 70%, the processing load rate of classified job K2 is 50%, the processing load rate of classified job K3 is 30%, and the processing load rate of classified job K4 is 30%. The rate is 60%, and the processing load rate of any classified job is below the predetermined value TH1 (95%). In FIG. 14, real-time job J1 starts immediately at time T1, and classified jobs K1, K2, K3, and K4 (classified jobs whose processing load factor of core R2 does not reach predetermined value TH1) during real-time job J1. are executed in parallel with the real-time job J1.

As described above, when the execution period of the real-time job J1 and the execution period of the rasterization job J2 overlap, but it is estimated that the processing load factor of the core R2 does not reach the predetermined value TH1 due to the execution of the rasterization job J2, A real-time job J1 and a rasterization job J2 are executed in parallel. More specifically, it is estimated that the execution period of the real-time job J1 overlaps the execution period of each of the classified jobs K1 to K4, but the processing load factor of the core R2 does not reach the predetermined value TH1 even with the execution of each classified job. If so, the real-time job J1 is executed on the core R1 while each of the partitioned jobs K1 to K4 is executed on the core R2 (and core R3). That is, the real-time job J1 and the classified jobs K1 to K4 are executed in parallel. Therefore, it is possible to improve the efficiency of processing.

When it is determined that the load factor of the core R2 reaches the predetermined value TH1 during overlapping processing of the real-time job J1 (each classification job) and the rasterization job J2 (more specifically, when the load factor of the core R2 is When the load factor reaches the predetermined value TH1), the process proceeds to step S21 (FIG. 5).

In step S21, it is determined whether or not it is appropriate to divide the rasterization job J2 into a plurality of divided jobs (more specifically, each classified job that causes the load factor of the core R2 to reach a predetermined value TH1 is divided into a plurality of divided jobs). whether it is appropriate to do so) is determined based on whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied.

The plurality of divided jobs are divided into a plurality of divided areas (for example, the first page in units of "bands") obtained by dividing an image related to a certain divided job (for example, the divided job K1 related to the first page of the rasterization job J2). This is a job that targets the area after division). As shown in FIG. 7, one band is a divided area composed of a predetermined number (for example, 256) of pixel lines. For example, one page composed of 4096 pixel lines is divided into 16 divided areas (slender areas). However, here, for the sake of simplification of explanation, it is assumed that the classified job of each page is divided into two divided areas. For example, a classified job K1 ("RIP_1") is divided into two divided jobs K11 and K12 ("RIP_1_1" and "RIP_1_2"). As will be described later, each classified job may be divided into a plurality of divided jobs each including a job related to the left half area and a job related to the right half area of the page.

Further, the predetermined condition includes that each of the plurality of divided jobs related to the classified job to be determined can be executed independently without using image data of other divided jobs. Specifically, the image processing for each divided job among the plurality of divided jobs is not specific image processing using the image data of the divided areas of other divided jobs among the plurality of divided jobs (error diffusion processing, image It is a condition including the fact that neither filter processing nor gradation processing is performed.

For example, when one division job (for example, a rasterization job for an image of a certain page) is to be divided into a plurality of division jobs in units of bands, the predetermined condition is "each division of a plurality of division jobs The image processing related to the job is not specific image processing using the image data of the divided areas of other divided jobs among the plurality of divided jobs (none of image filter processing, error diffusion processing, gradation processing, etc.) condition" may be used.

Here, as shown in FIG. 8, when obtaining the pixel value of a certain target pixel in each divided area corresponding to each divided job using a certain image filter, the peripheral pixels of the target pixel are Pixel values are used. Peripheral pixels related to the pixel of interest in a certain divided area may include pixels in a divided area different from the certain divided area (such as an adjacent area of the certain divided area). Image processing for a divided area requires the use of pixels of other divided areas (image data of other divided areas). Therefore, it is difficult to perform image processing for a given divided area independently of image data for other divided areas. Therefore, in this embodiment, in such a case, it is determined not to divide one classified job into a plurality of divided jobs.

The same applies to other image processing such as error diffusion processing and gradation processing. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, a gradation object (an object whose color brightness (darkness) or hue gradually changes in a predetermined direction) spans a plurality of divided regions (a plurality of “band” regions, etc.). The same is true when there exists a

Further, in step S21, it is determined that the processing load factor of one of the cores R3 and R4 (the cores other than the cores R1 and R2 among the plurality of cores R1 to R4) of the processing load distribution destination candidates is equal to or less than a predetermined value TH2. Also as a condition, it is determined that it is appropriate to divide the rasterization job J2 into a plurality of divided jobs.

In step S21, if it is determined that it is appropriate to divide the rasterization job J2 (specifically, each classified job that causes the load factor of the core R2 to reach the predetermined value TH1) into a plurality of divided jobs, step Proceed to S22.

In step S22, a process of determining (setting) dividing each classified job (for example, K1, K4) that causes the load factor of core R2 to reach a predetermined value TH1 into a plurality of divided jobs, and dividing the divided jobs into two The processing (setting processing) for allocating the above cores and the like are executed.

For example, as also shown in FIG. 6, a classified job K1 (“RIP_1”) is divided into two divided jobs K11 and K12 (“RIP_1_1” and “RIP_1_2”), and a classified job K4 (“RIP_4”) is divided into two jobs. divided into two divided jobs K41 and K42 ("RIP_4_1" and "RIP_4_2").

Then, divided job K11 is assigned to core R2, and divided job K12 is assigned to core R3. As a result, the processing load factor of core R2 for divided job K11 is 50%, and the processing load factor of core R3 for divided job K12 is 50%. According to this, the processing load factor of the core R2 for the classified job K1 is reduced to 50% (does not reach the value TH1), and the processing load factor of the core R3 for the classified job K1 reaches the value TH1. do not do. In other words, it is possible to adjust the processing load factor of each core for the classified job K1 so as not to reach the value TH1 by sharing the execution of the classified job K1 by two or more cores.

Similarly, by dividing job K4 into two or more cores and executing it, it is possible to adjust the processing load factor of each core for classified job K4 so as not to reach value TH1. Specifically, the divided job K41 is assigned to the core R2, and the divided job K42 is assigned to the core R3. As a result, the processing load factor of core R2 for divided job K41 is 50%, and the processing load factor of core R3 for divided job K42 is 50%.

In step S22, the content of such allotment processing is determined, and reservation processing for the allotment processing (setting processing for allocating each divided job to two or more cores, etc.) is executed.

Then, in step S27, the real-time job J1 and the rasterization job J2 are executed under the new allocation set in step S22. Specifically, the execution of the real-time job J1 is immediately started, and the rasterization job J2 is shared and executed by two or more cores (for example, two cores R2 and R3) out of the plurality of cores R1 to R4. be. According to this, the real-time job J1 and the rasterization job J2 can be executed in parallel while the processing load factor of the core R2 is kept lower than the predetermined value TH1. Note that in FIG. 6, the processing result of the classified job K1 already started at time T0 is discarded at time T1, and two divided jobs K11 and K12 related to the classified job K1 are newly started at time T1. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, two divided jobs K11 and K12 may be executed by taking over the processing result of the divided job K1 that has already started at time T0.

Further, if it is determined in step S21 that it is not appropriate to divide the rasterization job J2 (specifically, each classified job that causes the load factor of the core R2 to reach the predetermined value TH1) into a plurality of divided jobs, The process proceeds to step S33.

In step S33, the real-time job J1 is preferentially executed, and the execution order and execution timing of each classified job of the rasterization job J2 are adjusted. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of such adjustment.

In FIG. 10, it is determined (in step S21) that the division of classified jobs K1 and K4 is not appropriate, and execution of real-time job J1 is started at time T3 after execution of classified job K1 is completed. Since it is predicted that the processing load factor of the core R2 regarding the division jobs K2 and K3 will not reach the predetermined value TH1, the division jobs K2 and K3 of the rasterization job J2 are executed in parallel with the real-time job J1. On the other hand, since the processing load factor of the core R2 for the classified job K4 is predicted to reach the predetermined value TH1, the execution of the classified job K4 is delayed until the execution of the real-time job J1 is completed. The classified job K4 is started immediately after the execution of the real-time job J1 is completed.

In FIG. 10, execution of the real-time job J1 is started after the execution of the classified job K1 is completed (time T3), but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 11 (a diagram showing another example of adjustment), even if the execution of the rasterization job J2 (classified job K1) is interrupted and the real-time job J1 is immediately started at time T1, good. During the real-time job J1, the classified jobs K2 and K3 (classified jobs whose processing load factor in the core R2 does not reach the predetermined value TH1) are executed in parallel with the real-time job J1, and after the real-time job J1 is completed, the classified jobs K1 and K4 (classified jobs in which the processing load factor in core R2 reaches a predetermined value TH1) may be executed. According to this, it is possible to start and complete the real-time job J1 relatively earlier than the operation of FIG.

As described above, when the execution period of the real-time job J1 and the execution period of the rasterization job J2 overlap and it is estimated that the processing load factor of the core R2 reaches the predetermined value TH1 due to the execution of the rasterization job J2 ( If YES in step S17), the process proceeds to step S21 and subsequent steps. Then, in steps S21, S22, and S27, the rasterization job J2 (more specifically, the divided jobs K1 and K4) is shared and executed by two or more cores (R2, R3, etc.). is suppressed to a value (for example, 50%) lower than the predetermined value TH1, and the real-time job J1 and the rasterization job J2 are executed in parallel (see also FIG. 6). Therefore, it is possible to appropriately avoid the processing load factor of the core R2 from reaching the predetermined value TH1, and avoid the delay in the completion of execution of the real-time job J1 and/or the delay in the completion of the rasterization job J2. Therefore, it is possible to realize more efficient operation in the image forming apparatus.

Among the plurality of classified jobs K1 to K4, the classified jobs K2 and K3 whose processing load factor of the core R2 does not reach the predetermined value TH1 are executed in parallel with the real-time job J1. Therefore, the rasterization job J2 including the classified jobs K2 and K3 can be completed relatively early while appropriately preventing the processing load factor of the core R2 from reaching the predetermined value TH1.

In the above-described embodiment, in step S21, it is determined whether it is appropriate to divide all of the classified jobs that cause the load factor of the core R2 to reach the predetermined value TH1 among the rasterizing jobs J2 into a plurality of divided jobs. is determined, and processing is performed according to the determination result, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, among the classified jobs that cause the load factor of the core R2 to reach the predetermined value TH1 in the rasterization job J2, the classified job determined to be appropriate to be divided into a plurality of divided jobs is divided. and assign it to two or more cores, and for a classified job determined to be inappropriate to be divided into a plurality of divided jobs, the execution period of the classified job and the execution period of the real-time job J1 do not overlap. The execution timing of the classified job may be changed.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing such a modified example. In this modified example, among the classified jobs K1 and K4 (each classified job that causes the load factor of the core R2 to reach the predetermined value TH1), the division of the classified job K4 is inappropriate and the division of the classified job K1 is appropriate. (in step S21). Execution of the real-time job J1 is immediately started at time T1, and the classified jobs K1 (K11, K12), K2, and K3 are sequentially executed. The classified jobs K1 (K11, K12), K2, and K3 are executed in parallel with the real-time job J1. Further, the execution of the classified job K4 is started after the completion of the real-time job J1 so that the execution period of the classified job K4 and the execution period of the real-time job J1 do not overlap.

Further, contrary to FIG. 12, among the classified jobs K1 and K4 (each classified job that causes the load factor of the core R2 to reach the predetermined value TH1), the division of the classified job K1 is inappropriate and the division of the classified job K4 is not appropriate. If it is determined to be appropriate (in step S21), the operation shown in FIG. 13 may be performed. In FIG. 13, the execution of the real-time job J1 is started at a time T3 after the completion of the classification job K1 so that the execution period of the classification job K1 and the execution period of the real-time job J1 do not overlap, and the classification jobs K2 and K3 are executed. , K4 (K41, K42) are executed in parallel with the real-time job J1.

Further, in the above embodiment, an operation example (FIGS. 6 and 10 to 14) in which the real-time job J1 is accepted while the rasterization job J2 is being executed is mainly illustrated. Not limited. Conversely, the same concept as above can be applied to the operation in the situation where the rasterization job J2 is accepted while the real-time job J1 is being executed.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing operations according to a comparative example different from FIG. The real-time job J1 is started from the time T0, and the operation in the situation where the rasterization job J2 is accepted at the time T1 during the execution of the real-time job J1 is shown. In the comparative example shown in FIG. 21, the rasterization job J2 is started after the real-time job J1 being executed is completed in order to avoid parallel processing of the real-time job J1 and the rasterization job J2. Therefore, the start of execution of the rasterization job J2 is delayed, and the completion of execution of the rasterization job J2 is delayed.

On the other hand, FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an operation example when the present invention is applied to a similar situation. In FIG. 15, the classified jobs K1 and K4 are determined to be classified jobs that cause the load factor of the core R2 to reach the predetermined value TH1 (step S17). Then, the classified job K1 is divided into divided jobs K11 and K12, and the classified job K4 is divided into divided jobs K41 and K42 (steps S21 and S22). As a result, the processing load factor on each core of each of the divided jobs K11, K12, K41, and K42 does not reach the predetermined value TH1. This makes it possible to avoid the occurrence of inter-core communication obstruction events. The classified jobs K1, K2, K3, and K4 are executed in parallel with the real-time job J1. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the delay in the completion of execution of the rasterization job J2 (and/or the delay in the completion of execution of the real-time job J1), and it is possible to realize more efficient operation in the image forming apparatus.

Further, when the rasterization job J2 is accepted at time T1 during the execution of the real-time job J1 (see FIGS. 21 and 15), the same operations as those of the first embodiment and its modified example are executed. may For example, as shown in FIG. 16, among the plurality of classified jobs K1 and K4 that cause the load factor of the core R2 to reach the predetermined value TH1, the classified job K1 determined to be appropriate to be divided into a plurality of divided jobs. Regarding, the classified job K1 may be divided into a plurality of divided jobs K11 and K12, and the plurality of divided jobs K11 and K12 may be assigned to two or more cores. On the other hand, regarding the classified job K4 determined to be inappropriate for division into a plurality of divided jobs, the execution timing of the classified job K4 is adjusted so that the execution period of the classified job K4 and the execution period of the real-time job J1 do not overlap. may be changed.

<2. Second Embodiment>
The second embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment. Below, it demonstrates centering around difference with 1st Embodiment.

In the second embodiment, when it is determined that the division processing of the rasterization job J2 is not appropriate (see step S21 in FIG. 5), the real-time job J1 is not only the core R1 but also another core (for example, core R4). (in other words, the real-time job J1 is divided into a plurality of divided jobs and executed by a plurality of cores).

Also in the second embodiment, the same operation as in the first embodiment is executed (see FIG. 4, etc.). However, instead of the operation of FIG. 5, the operation of FIG. 17 is executed.

In FIG. 17, when it is determined in step S21 that the division of the rasterization job J2 is not appropriate (predetermined condition is not satisfied), the process proceeds to step S31.

In step S31, it is determined whether the division of the real-time job J1 is appropriate. Then, if it is determined that it is appropriate to divide the real-time job J1, the process proceeds to step SS32, and if it is determined that it is not appropriate, the process proceeds to step S33. Note that whether or not to divide the real-time job J1 may be determined based on preset setting contents (“division permitted”/“division not permitted”) for permitting or denying division.

In step S32, it is determined that the real-time job J1 should be divided and processed, and a setting process regarding the division process is executed. Specifically, a process of determining (setting) the division of the real-time job J1 (for example, the scan task of the real-time job J1 into a plurality of divided jobs (also referred to as divided tasks), and dividing the divided jobs into a plurality of cores. Processing such as allocation to two or more cores (excluding core R2) among R1 to R4 is executed.

In the real-time job J1 (specifically, its scan task) after the division processing, first, color pixel values (R (red) component, G (green) component, B (blue) component) is converted into another color system expression (C (cyan) component, M (magenta) component, Y (yellow) component, K (black) component) and is temporarily stored in the image memory. be. In other words, the RGB color system of the RGB image of the input device is converted into the CMYK color system of the CMYK image of the output device and stored in the image memory. After that, the image processing in the scan task is separated into first image processing for the C and M components and second image processing for the Y and K components, the first image processing is performed by the core R1, and the second image processing is performed by the core R1. Processing is performed in core R4. It is set in step S32 that such sharing processing should be performed. In step S27, the temporary storage processing in the image memory and the subsequent image processing for each basic color component are repeatedly executed, for example, for each predetermined number of pixel lines.

Then, the process proceeds to step S33 following step S32. Even if the real-time job J1 is divided, an inter-core communication obstruction event may occur due to the processing load factor of the rasterization job J2 reaching the predetermined value TH1. Therefore, in the second embodiment as well, the parallelization of the real-time job J1 and the rasterization job J2 (more specifically, the division job that causes the load factor of the core R2 to reach the predetermined value TH1 among the plurality of division jobs of the rasterization job J2) no processing is performed. In step S33, the execution order, execution timing, and the like of each classified job of the rasterization job J2 are adjusted. It should be noted that the execution order of each classified job of the rasterization job J2 and Execution timing and the like are adjusted.

In step S33, after the execution order and execution timing of each classified job of the rasterization job J2 are adjusted, the process proceeds to step S27.

In step S27, the real-time job J1 and the rasterization job J2 are executed at the above timing.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an operation example according to the second embodiment. FIG. 18 shows the same operation as in FIG. However, in FIG. 18, the scan task of the real-time job J1 is divided into two divided jobs (divided tasks), which are shared and executed by the cores R1 and R4. After that, the execution timings of the division jobs K1 and K4 are changed so that the execution period of the real-time job J1 and the execution period of the division jobs K1 and K4 of the rasterization job J2 do not overlap each other. For example, the classification job K4 is executed immediately after the execution of the real-time job J1 is completed.

In this way, the real-time job J1 is shared by two or more cores (for example, core R1 and core R4) out of the plurality of cores R1 to R4, thereby shortening the time required (execution period) of the real-time job J1. Therefore, it is possible to complete the real-time job J1 relatively early. Therefore, it is possible to complete the classification job K4 (and thus the rasterization job J2), which is executed after the real-time job J1, relatively early.

Among the plurality of classified jobs K1 to K4, the classified jobs K2 and K3 whose processing load factor of the core R2 does not reach the predetermined value TH1 are executed in parallel with the real-time job J1. , K3 can be completed relatively early.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing another operation example according to the second embodiment. FIG. 19 shows the same operation as in FIG. However, in FIG. 19, the scan task of the real-time job J1 is divided into two divided jobs (divided tasks), and the two divided jobs are shared between the cores R1 and R4 and executed.

<3. Modifications, etc.>
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the contents described above.

For example, in each of the embodiments described above, the rasterization job J2 relating to a plurality of pages is divided into a plurality of division jobs on a page-by-page basis, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the rasterization job J2 of one or more pages may be divided into a plurality of division jobs in units of bands (in units of a predetermined number of lines) (for example, in units of 256 pixel lines). Alternatively, the one-page rasterization job J2 may be divided into two divided jobs, one for the left half area and one for the right half area. Alternatively, the one-page rasterization job J2 may be divided into two divided jobs, a job related to the upper half area and a job related to the lower half area. Alternatively, the one-page rasterization job J2 may include "basic color components" (basic color components of the final output image (specifically, Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black)). Each component)) may be divided into a plurality of division jobs. Specifically, the rasterization job J2 may be divided into four divided jobs: a job related to the C component, a job related to the M component, a job related to the Y component, and a job related to the K component.

In addition, in each of the above-described embodiments and the like, a classified job (K1, etc.) is divided into a plurality of divided jobs in units of "bands" (in units of a predetermined number of lines), but the present invention is not limited to this.

For example, a division job may be divided into a plurality of division jobs by being divided by unit areas smaller than the division unit area of the division job. More specifically, a divided job obtained by dividing the rasterization job J2 in units of a predetermined number of lines (for example, units of "256 lines") is divided into a plurality of divided jobs in units finer than the units of the predetermined number of lines (for example, units of "128 lines"). may be divided into Alternatively, after the rasterization job J2 is divided into a division job for the right half area and a division job for the left half area, at least one division job divides the division job into two areas, a division area for the upper half area and a division area for the lower half area. It may be split into split jobs. Alternatively, each divided job divided by page is divided into two jobs, one for the left half area and one for the right half area within each page (or one for the upper half area and the other for the lower half area within each page). may be further divided into two split jobs, such as a job for . Alternatively, each divided job divided by band is divided into two divided jobs, a job related to the left half area and a job related to the right half area in each band (or a job related to the upper half area and a job related to the lower half area in each band). may be further divided into two split jobs, such as a job for .

Alternatively, each divided job divided by page (or each divided job divided by band, etc.) is divided into multiple divided jobs by "basic color component" (each component of Y, M, C, and K). may be divided into Specifically, the classified job K1 may be divided into four divided jobs: a divided job for the C component, a divided job for the M component, a divided job for the Y component, and a divided job for the K component.

Alternatively, each classified job divided in units of "basic color components" may be divided into a plurality of divided jobs in units of predetermined regions (for example, units of pages, units of bands, etc.).

Then, the plurality of divided jobs may be shared and executed by two or more cores among the plurality of cores.

Moreover, the determination condition in step S21 may be appropriately determined according to the dividing method.

For example, when dividing a classified job into a plurality of divided jobs based on areas smaller than the divided area corresponding to the classified job, the following determination conditions may be used. Specifically, the image processing for each divided job among the plurality of divided jobs uses the image data of the divided area of another divided job (a divided job other than the self-divided job) among the plurality of divided jobs. It is only necessary to use the fact that the image processing (error diffusion processing, image filter processing, gradation processing, etc.) is not performed as a condition for the division suitability determination in step S21. This condition is also expressed as a condition for determining that each of a plurality of divided jobs related to the classified job to be determined can be executed independently without using image data of other divided jobs. .

Alternatively, if you want to divide a classification job into multiple division jobs in units of "basic color components" (in other words, multiple color component images (color component images obtained by dividing an image related to a classification job for each basic color component) In the case where the classified job is to be divided into a plurality of divided jobs to be processed respectively, the following condition may be used as the condition for determining whether or not the division is appropriate in step S21. Specifically, the image processing for each divided job among the plurality of divided jobs is specific image processing (RGB color system) using image data of color component images of other divided jobs among the plurality of divided jobs. and the Lab colorimetric system, and between the CMYK colorimetric system and the Lab colorimetric system).

In each of the above-described embodiments and the like, in step S21, it is determined whether or not each of the plurality of divided jobs related to the classified job to be determined can be executed independently without using the image data of the other divided jobs. Although the appropriateness of division into the plurality of divided jobs is determined based on consideration, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the propriety of the division is determined without considering whether or not each of the plurality of divided jobs related to the classified job to be determined can be executed independently without using the image data of the other divided jobs. may More specifically, whether or not the division is appropriate may be determined only on the condition that the processing load rate of the core that is the processing load distribution destination candidate is equal to or less than a predetermined value TH2. In that case, each divided job may be executed while also using the image data of other divided jobs.

Also, assignment of each job to each core R1 to R4 in each of the above embodiments is not limited to the above mode. For example, the rasterization job J2 may be mainly assigned to core R4, and the panel operation management job may be mainly assigned to core R2.

Also, in each of the above-described embodiments and the like, the rasterization job J2 is exemplified as the second type of job, but the job is not limited to this. For example, the second type of jobs may be jobs related to various image processing applications.

1 printing system 10 MFP
50 Computer J1 Real-time job J2 Rasterize job K1, K2, K3, K4 Divided job K11, K12, K41, K42 Divided job R1~R4 (CPU) core

Claims (26)

An image forming apparatus,
a control means for controlling the operation of the image forming apparatus using a CPU having a plurality of cores;
a first receiving means for receiving a first type of job to be controlled using a first core among the plurality of cores;
a second receiving means for receiving a second type of job to be controlled using a second core among the plurality of cores;
with
When one of the first type job and the second type job is being executed and the other job is accepted, the control means temporarily performs the second type job with only the second core. When the second job is executed, during the overlapping period of the execution period of the first type of job and the execution period of the second type of job, which occurs after the other job is accepted, the second core is predicted to reach a predetermined value based on the content of the second type of job, the second type of job is shared by two or more of the plurality of cores and executed. and suppressing the processing load factor of the second core to be lower than the predetermined value, and executing the first type job and the second type job in parallel. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
Although the execution period of the first type of job overlaps with the execution period of the second type of job, the control means controls the execution of the second type of job even if the second type of job is executed only by the second core. When it is predicted that the processing load factor in the core will not reach the predetermined value, the first type job and the second type job are executed while the second type job is executed by the second core. An image forming apparatus characterized by parallel execution. In the image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2,
The control means classifies the second type of job into a plurality of classified jobs, wherein an execution period of the first type of job overlaps with an execution period of one of the plurality of classified jobs, and If it is predicted that the processing load factor of the second core will reach the predetermined value if the one classified job is executed only by the second core , the one classified job is divided into a plurality of divided jobs. and executing the plurality of divided jobs shared by two or more cores out of the plurality of cores to keep the processing load factor of the second core lower than the predetermined value; 1. An image forming apparatus characterized by executing one classified job in parallel. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3,
Although the execution period of the first type job and the execution period of the one classified job overlap, even if the one classified job is executed only by the second core, is predicted not to reach the predetermined value, the first type of job and the one classified job are executed in parallel while causing the one classified job to be executed by the second core. An image forming apparatus characterized by: The image forming apparatus according to claim 3,
The second type of job is a rasterized data generation job that generates rasterized data for a plurality of pages of a printed output,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the control unit divides the second type of job into the plurality of divided jobs by page. In the image forming apparatus according to claim 5,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the control unit divides the one divided job into the plurality of divided jobs in units of a predetermined number of lines. In the image forming apparatus according to claim 5,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the control unit divides the one divided job into the plurality of divided jobs in units of basic color components. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3,
the second type of job is a rasterized data generation job for generating rasterized data related to a printed output;
The image forming apparatus, wherein the control unit divides the second type of job into the plurality of divided jobs in units of a predetermined number of lines. In the image forming apparatus according to claim 8,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the control unit divides the one divided job into the plurality of divided jobs in units smaller than the predetermined number of lines. In the image forming apparatus according to claim 8,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the control unit divides the one divided job into the plurality of divided jobs in units of basic color components. In the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
The control means predicts , based on the target image of the second type job, whether or not the processing load factor of the second core reaches the predetermined value due to the execution of the second type job. An image forming apparatus characterized by: The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein
Based on any one or more of the resolution of the target image, the number of layers related to the target image, and the number of specific types of objects related to the target image, the control means performs An image forming apparatus characterized by predicting whether or not a processing load factor in said second core will reach said predetermined value. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3,
If the execution period of the first type job overlaps with the execution period of the one classified job, and if the one classified job is executed only by the second core , the control unit controls the processing by the second core. When the load factor is expected to reach the predetermined value,
When a predetermined condition is satisfied, the one classified job is divided into a plurality of divided jobs, and two or more of the plurality of cores share and execute the plurality of divided jobs, and the second core performs processing. suppressing the load factor below the predetermined value, executing the first type of job and the one classified job in parallel;
An image forming method, wherein when the predetermined condition is not satisfied, the execution timing of the one classified job is changed so that the execution period of the one classified job and the execution period of the first type job do not overlap. Device. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13, wherein
The image forming apparatus, wherein the predetermined condition includes that each of the plurality of divided jobs related to the one divided job can be executed independently without using image data of other divided jobs. 15. The image forming apparatus according to claim 14,
The plurality of divided jobs are jobs that target a plurality of divided areas obtained by dividing an image related to the one divided job, and
The predetermined condition is that image processing for each divided job of the plurality of divided jobs does not include specific image processing using image data of divided areas of other divided jobs among the plurality of divided jobs. an image forming apparatus comprising: 16. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the specific image processing includes any one of error diffusion processing, image filter processing, and gradation processing. 15. The image forming apparatus according to claim 14,
The plurality of divided jobs are jobs for processing a plurality of color component images obtained by dividing an image related to the one divided job for each basic color component, and
The predetermined condition is that image processing for each divided job among the plurality of divided jobs does not include specific image processing using image data of color component images of other divided jobs among the plurality of divided jobs. An image forming apparatus comprising: 18. The image forming apparatus according to claim 17,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the specific image processing includes color conversion processing. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3,
If the execution period of the first type job overlaps with the execution period of the one classified job, and if the one classified job is executed only by the second core , the control unit controls the processing by the second core. When the load factor is expected to reach the predetermined value,
When a predetermined condition is satisfied, the one classified job is divided into a plurality of divided jobs, and two or more of the plurality of cores share and execute the plurality of divided jobs, and the second core performs processing. suppressing the load factor below the predetermined value, executing the first type of job and the one classified job in parallel;
When the predetermined condition is not satisfied, two or more of the plurality of cores share the job of the first type to execute the job of the first type, thereby reducing the time required for the job of the first type. and changing the execution timing of the one classified job so that the execution period of the first job and the execution period of the one classified job do not overlap. In the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 19,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the first type of job includes at least one of a scan job and a copy job. The image forming apparatus according to claim 20, wherein
The image forming apparatus, wherein the job of the second type is a rasterized data generation job for generating rasterized data relating to a printed output. In the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 21,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first type of job is a job whose immediate execution request is higher than that of the second type of job. A computer incorporated in an image forming apparatus and having a CPU having a plurality of cores,
a) accepting a first type of job to be controlled using a first core of the plurality of cores;
b) accepting a second type of job to be controlled using a second core of the plurality of cores;
c) when one of the first type job and the second type job is being executed and the other job is accepted, if only the second core is used to execute the second type job; When executed, the processing load on the second core during the overlapping period of the execution period of the first type of job and the execution period of the second type of job, which occurs after the other job is received. If it is predicted based on the content of the second type job that the rate will reach a predetermined value, the second type job is shared by two or more cores among the plurality of cores, and the suppressing the processing load factor of the second core below the predetermined value, and executing the first type of job and the second type of job in parallel;
program to run the 24. The program according to claim 23,
A program, wherein the first type of job includes at least one of a scan job and a copy job. 25. The program of claim 24,
A program, wherein the job of the second type is a rasterized data generation job for generating rasterized data relating to a printed output. In the program according to any one of claims 23 to 25,
A program according to claim 1, wherein said first type of job is a job whose immediate execution request is higher in necessity than said second type of job.

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