Image forming apparatus

摘要

The memory capacity required for temporarily holding image data with respect to print means is reduced, and loads involved in supplying process of image data such as decoding and conversion process of data types are dispersed and reduced. The apparatus divides image data in parallel with a main scanning direction by image division means, stores said divided data in image data memory means, and supplies the divided image data to image data temporary memory means by image data supply means for performing a decoding process or the like. In order to provide a matching with a process speed, the image data temporary memory means temporarily retains the divided image data, and print means prints an image on a sheet of paper on the basis of the divided image data stored in the image data temporary memory means. Prediction means predicts a supply process time by way of image data supply means, and image data supply control means causes the image data supply means to start the supply process of the divided image data from the time preceded the time for the start of the print process by way of the print means according to the time predicted by image data supply and control means. <IMAGE>