Patent ID: 8264729
Filing Date: 2012-09-11
Classification: G06F,H04N

Abstract:
1. An image forming apparatus comprising: a connection unit into and from which an external memory is inserted and removed, said external memory storing (i) function information including information regarding a document, (ii) history information containing information indicating a version of said document, (iii) information for specifying an external apparatus having said document registered therein, and (iv) information for specifying a function related to said external apparatus for processing said document, as well as parameters; a read unit to read said function information from said external memory; an execution unit to execute a process for said document, obtained from said external apparatus, with the use of said function on the basis of said function information; and a write unit to write a process history, which indicates a version of said document, to said external memory when said execution unit executes said process, wherein said execution unit, prior to executing said process, compares a version of said document contained in said history information with a version of said document registered in said external apparatus, and executes said process when the version of said document registered in said external apparatus is newer than the version of said document contained in said history information.