Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and storage medium storing computer program for image area separation processing

An image processing method comprising:

• a separation step of separating input image data into image data and image area separation data;
• an image data compression step of compressing the image data in accordance with a given compression method;
• a storage step of storing the image area separation data in an image area storage device;
• an initial storage region securing step of securing an initial compressed image storage region of a predetermined data size in an image storage device;
• a sequential storage step of sequentially storing the compressed image data in the initial compressed image storage region;
• a monitoring step of monitoring a compressed image data amount;
• and
• an additional storage region securing step of securing an additional storage region in the image storage device upon determination that the compressed image data amount has reached or exceeded a data amount storable in the initial compressed image storage region.

A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing program codes that cause a computer to execute a method of processing an image, the method comprising:

• separating input image data into image data and image area separation data;
• compressing the image data in accordance with a compression method;
• storing the image area separation data in an image area storage device;
• securing an initial compressed image storage region of a predetermined data size in an image storage device;
• sequentially storing the compressed image data in the initial compressed image storage region;
• monitoring a compressed image data amount;
• and
• securing an additional storage region in the image storage device upon determination that the compressed image data amount has reached or exceeded a data amount storable in the initial compressed image storage region.