Image processing apparatus

An image forming apparatus comprising:

• input means for inputting coded data from an external apparatus;
• first converting means for converting the input coded data into intermediate coded data;
• second converting means for converting said intermediate coded data into bit map data;
• a printing unit for printing an image in accordance with the bit map data;
• predicting means for predicting a prediction time needed by said second converting means for converting the intermediate coded data for one page into bit map data;
• and
• informing means for informing an operator of information relating to the prediction time.

An image processing method comprising the steps of:

• inputting coded data from an external apparatus;
• developing the coded data into bit map data;
• predicting a prediction time needed for developing the coded data for one page into bit map data;
• and
• informing an operator of information relating to the prediction time,
• wherein said developing step comprises a first converting step for converting the input coded data into intermediate coded data, and a second converting step for converting said intermediate coded data into bit map data, and wherein in said predicting step, a time needed for the conversion in said second converting step is calculated as the prediction time.