Abstract:
A client computer includes a storing part storing a code which is obtained by reversibly compressing and coding an image according to a predetermined coding way having a hierarchy configuration from a reversible part through a non-reversible part; a altering part generating, from the code, a non-reversible code; a transmission part transmitting the either reversible or non-reversible code, or the image obtained from decoding the code, to a predetermined transmission destination; and a selecting part selectively performing transmission of the non-reversible or the reversible code, or the image obtained therefrom.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0002]    The present invention relates to a network system including image processing apparatuses, to an image forming apparatus, to an image processing method, to a program and to a recording medium, for selectively providing reversible or non-reversible image compressed code for effectively processing image data.  
           [0003]    2. Description of the Related Art  
           [0004]    For example, Japanese laid-open patent application No. 11-144052 discloses an art, according to which, an average thinned-out image or a thinned-out contour image is obtained from a compressed fixed-length, and the image is output.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0005]    Recently, in a digital image processing apparatus, for the purpose of improving image quality, a tendency occurs in which a resolution in image data is increased or the number of available tone levels therein is increased. However, by such a tendency, the size of information of the image has increased accordingly. For example, when an image having two tone levels (white/black) is converted into an image having 256 tone levels, the size of the information increases 8 times. Increase in the information size 8 times results in an information storage capacity needed for storing the image data increases 8 times accordingly. As a result, the costs of an apparatus which is used for handling such image data increase accordingly. In order to solve this problem, image data compression and coding is performed for the purpose of reducing the required storage capacity.  
           [0006]    As a method of compressing and coding image data, there are techniques, through which, a multi-tone-level image is effectively coded. A typical one of these techniques is, for example, a JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) method, for which, a standard has been recommended by ISO and ITU-T, as being well known. In the JPEG method, there are a DCT method which is a basic way and a DPCM method which is an optional one. The DCT method is a so-called non-reversible coding method of lossy coding method in which the information size of an original image is partially reduced to the extent such that the image quality is not substantially degraded with a use of visual characteristics of human beings. The DPCM method is a so-called lossless or reversible method in which no reduction in the information contents of the original image is performed.  
           [0007]    According to the DCT method, image information is transformed into frequency information according to a discrete cosine transform (DCT) technique, and then, coding of the information is performed. On the other hand, according to the DPCM method, a target pixel level is predicted with a use of peripheral pixels, and a prediction error is coded. In terms of image quality, the DCT method is preferable having high processing efficiency. However, in terms of storage of information and applicability thereof afterwards, the DPCM method is preferable since the DCT method is a non-reversible method as mentioned above. Ideally, a reversible method with processing high efficiency is desired. However, there is a limit of improving the processing efficiency in the DPCM method in the current situation. Accordingly, the DCT method is mainly used for compressing a multi-tone-level image having a relatively increased number of tone levels with a use of a personal computer (PC) or so. However, in the case of applying the DCT method, a block distortion or a mosquito distortion in a contour part may occur which distortion is unique occurring when the DCT method is applied, in case the compression rate is increased, and thus, the image quality may be remarkably degraded in such a case. Especially for a text image, such a tendency may become remarkable, and thus, a serious problem may occur in terms of image quality.  
           [0008]    Furthermore, although the JPEG method is advantageous in terms of effectively reducing the required data storage capacity, it is not necessarily advantageous in a situation in which an image is edited or modified by a user which is printed out afterwards with a use of a digital copier or so. This is because, according to the JPEG method, a spatial position in an image cannot be identified in a coded state. In other words, according to the JPEG method, it is not possible to decode only a desired spatial part of a given coded image. Accordingly, in order to achieve editing or modifying a given coded image, it is necessary to once decode the entire coded image, then, desired editing or modifying is performed on the image thus obtained, and then, if necessary, again coding is performed on the thus-edited or modified decoded image. In such a case, a large data storage capacity is needed for temporarily storing the decoded (i.e., decompressed) image. For example, approximately 100 Mbytes are needed for an RGB color image in A4 size of 600 dpi.  
           [0009]    As a measure to solve this problem in terms of memory&#39;s storage capacity required in case of editing or modifying a given image, a fixed length coding method may be applied. There are two types in methods of coding an image in terms of a code length obtained through coding. One thereof is a variable-code-length coding method, and the other is a fixed-code-length coding method. The variable-code-length coding method is superior in terms of coding efficiency and reversible property. In contrast thereto, the fixed-code-length coding method is advantageous since a spatial position in a given image can be identified in a coded state. In fact, in the fixed-code-length coding method, it is thus possible to extract only a specific spatial part of the image from the coded image, and reproduce it. This means that it is possible to perform editing/modifying processing on the image in the coded state. However, the fixed-code-length coding method is disadvantageous in an aspect in which the coding efficiency is relatively low in general, and also, reversible coding is difficult.  
           [0010]    In order to solve these problems in the JPEG method, a coding method called JPEG 2000, derived from the above-described conventional JPEG method, has been recently taken attention. The method of JPEG 2000 is a transform coding method employing wavelet transform technique, and it is expected that JPEG 2000 will replace the conventional JPEG method in the future in a field of still image processing such as color image processing. According to JPEG 2000, in addition to avoiding image degradation even for a low bit rate zone which degradation may otherwise occur when applying the conventional JPEG, many new practical function are provided. One thereof is a tiling function, by which coding is performed for each tile obtained from spatially dividing a given original image independently, and thus, it becomes possible to identify a spatial position of the image even in a coded state. Thus, it becomes possible to perform editing/modifying a given image in the coded state. However, even according to the JPEG 2000 scheme, a problem may occur in terms of processing speed. As the JPEG 2000 scheme includes many functions and has high performance, the processing becomes complicated. In comparison with the conventional JPEG, approximately 4 times or 5 times of processing time is needed when the processing is executed by means of software. Especially in a case of applying an application prepared for an editing purpose, a serious problem may occur therefrom for a user therefrom.  
           [0011]    In order to solve this problem, the following method utilizing the above-mentioned feature of JPEG 2000 may be applied. That is, an image is first compressed and coded reversibly according to JPEG 2000. After that, when the image is displayed via a display screen or so, in which not so high image quality is needed for such a screen display purpose in general, a non-reversible code is produced from the above-mentioned code reversibly compressed and coded, according to JPEG 2000. Then, with a use of thus obtained non-reversible code having the thus-reduced size, the image is displayed. Thereby, since the non-reversible code has the reduced size in comparison to the original reversible code according to JPEG 2000, a storage capacity required can be reduced accordingly, and also, a processing speed can be improved accordingly for displaying the image. On the other hand, in case where the image is printed out in which a relatively increased image quality is needed in general for the purpose of printing out purpose, the original reversible code is used as it is. In this method, a non-reversible code having a reduced data size can be applied in case of an increased image quality is not necessarily required. Accordingly, it is possible to solve the above-mentioned problem of JPEG 2000 which originally requires a long processing time as mentioned above.  
           [0012]    In contrast thereto, according to the art disclosed by the above-mentioned Japanese laid-open patent application No. 11-144052 in which an average thinned-out image or a thinned-out contour image is obtained from a fixed-length compressed code, it is difficult to achieve reversible coding processing because of the fixed length coding.  
           [0013]    Furthermore, Japanese laid-open patent application No. 11-144052 does not disclose a scheme in which a reversible code is produced from an original image and the image data is provided selectively in a non-reversible code which is produced from the previously produced reversible code in one case or in the original reversible code in another case according to a specific particular purpose for a predetermined destination which then uses the thus-provided image data.  
           [0014]    An object of the present invention is to achieve a configuration/scheme in which, an image is compressed and coded according to a coding way such as that of JPEG 2000, in which reversible coding can be easily performed, and also, a code thus produced can be easily processed or transmitted at a high speed, with saving a required data storage capacity.  
           [0015]    According to the present invention, a storing part storing a code which is obtained by reversibly compressing and coding an image according to a predetermined coding way having a hierarchy configuration from a reversible part through a non-reversible part; a altering part generating, from the code, a non-reversible code; a transmission part transmitting the either reversible or non-reversible code, or image data obtained from decoding the code, to a predetermined transmission destination; and a selecting part selectively performing transmission of the image data in the non-reversible code or in the reversible code thus obtained are provided.  
           [0016]    By applying the coding way having a hierarchy configuration from a reversible part through a non-reversible part, it is easy to produce a reversible code. Furthermore, such a coding way may provide a reversible code and a non-reversible code from a common original image at the same time. Furthermore, a reversible code or image is provided in case where a high image quality is needed, while a non-reversible code is provided in case where such a high image quality is not necessarily needed, as mentioned above. As a result, it is possible to effectively improve the processing speed in data processing or data transmission between related parts/devices and also to reduce the required data storage capacity especially in a case where the non-reversible code obtained therefrom is used.  
           [0017]    As the above-mentioned coding way having a hierarchy configuration from a reversible part through a non-reversible part, the above-mentioned method according to JPEG 2000 is preferably applied.  
           [0018]    Thus, according to the present invention, a reversible code or image is selected to be used in a case where a high image quality is needed, while, it is also possible to select a non-reversible code or image and use it in case where the image is displayed on a display device and an operation is performed for editing or modifying the image data with a use thereof. As a result, as mentioned above, it is possible to effectively improve the processing speed in the data processing or data transmission to the display device and also to reduce the required data storage capacity especially in a case where the non-reversible code or image is used. On the other hand, it is also possible to use even the reversible code or image for a case where a high image quality is needed, for example, for a printing-out purpose. Thus, it is possible to provide a high definition printed-out image in this case.  
           [0019]    Further, according to the present invention, the selecting part may transmit the reversible code having information indicating the contents of operation of editing or modifying the image data attached thereto. Thereby, in the transmission destination, for example, in a server apparatus, the contents of operation of editing or modifying the image data may be actually reflected onto the original image data in the reversible code according to the attached information. Accordingly, in a case where, even when instructions for operation of editing/modifying the image data are input in a client apparatus, it is determined that actual reflection of these contents of editing/modifying operation onto the original image data should be executed by a certain external another apparatus such as the server apparatus, and then, it is possible that the certain external other apparatus can be made to execute actual reflection of the contents of operation of editing/modifying the image data with the transmitted image data and instruction information.  
           [0020]    Furthermore, according to the present invention, the client apparatus may determine whether the contents of operation of editing or modifying for the image data are actually reflected on the image data by the own apparatus or by another external apparatus. Then, when it is determined that the actual reflecting operation of the contents of editing/modifying should be executed by the own apparatus, this reflecting operation is performed by the client apparatus by itself. On the other hand, when it is determined that the actual reflecting operation of the contents of editing/modifying should be executed by another certain external apparatus, this reflecting operation is performed by the other certain external apparatus such as the server apparatus according to the information indicating the contents of editing/modifying which is transmitted from the client apparatus together with the reversible code or image to be thus processed.  
           [0021]    Thus, according to the present invention, in case where a high image quality is not necessarily needed, for example, for the purpose of displaying the image on the display device or so for the purpose of editing or modifying the image with a use of the display of the image, the non-reversible code or image should be used for this purpose. Accordingly, required processing for this purpose, data transmission to the display device or so can be made at an increased processing speed, and also, the required data storage capacity can be effectively reduced. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0022]    Other objects and further features of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings:  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 1 shows an entire configuration of a network system according to one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 2 shows a block diagram illustrating an electrical connection in a digital copier included in the network system shown in FIG. 1;  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 3 shows a block diagram illustrating an electrical connection in each of a server computer and a client computer included in the network system shown in FIG. 1;  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 4 illustrates processing in a first specific example performed in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 5 shows an operation flow chart of operation performed by the client computer according to the first specific example shown in FIG. 4;  
         [0028]    [0028]FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate memory maps in the client computer according to the first specific example shown in FIG. 4;  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 7 illustrates processing in a second specific example performed in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 8 shows an operation flow chart of operation performed by the client computer according to the second specific example shown in FIG. 7;  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 9 shows a communication sequence according to the second specific example shown in FIG. 7;  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 10 illustrates a memory map in the client computer according to the second specific example shown in FIG. 7;  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 11 illustrates processing in a third specific example performed in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 12 shows an operation flow chart of operation performed by the client computer according to the third specific example shown in FIG. 11;  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 13 shows a communication sequence according to the third specific example shown in FIG. 11;  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 14 illustrates a memory map in the client computer according to the third specific example shown in FIG. 11;  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 15 illustrates processing in a fourth specific example performed in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 16 shows an operation flow chart of operation performed by the client computer according to the fourth specific example shown in FIG. 15;  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 17 shows an operation flow chart of operation performed by the server computer according to the fourth specific example shown in FIG. 15;  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 18 shows a communication sequence according to the fourth specific example shown in FIG. 15;  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 19 illustrates a memory map in the client computer according to the fourth specific example shown in FIG. 15;  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 20 illustrates a specific example of a configuration of a table used for load sharing processing according to the embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 21 illustrates a specific example of a screen display in case the load sharing processing is executed according to the embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 22 illustrates a configuration example in which other network resources are applied in the embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0045]    [0045]FIG. 23 shows an operation flow chart of operation performed by a digital copier according to another embodiment of the present invention; and  
         [0046]    [0046]FIG. 24 shows another operation flow chart of operation performed by the digital copier according to the other embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0047]    A first embodiment of the present invention will now be described.  
         [0048]    [0048]FIG. 1 shows a general block configuration of a network system  1  in the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown, in the network system  1 , a communication network  2  such as a local area network has various types of apparatuses such as composite machines  3  and  4 , a printer  5 , a server computer  6 , a client computer  7 , and so forth, connected thereto. In this embodiment, the two composite machines  3  and  4  are included. However, a scanner may be applied instead of the composite machine  3 , and a printer may be applied instead of the composite machine  4 . In other words, the composite machine  3  should have a scanning function of reading in an original image, while the composite machine  4  should have a printing function of performing image formation onto a medium such as a paper based on given image data. Hereinafter, the composite machine  3  may be referred to as a scanner  8  while the composite machine  4  may be referred to as a printer  9 .  
         [0049]    [0049]FIG. 2 shows an electrical connection in each of the composite machines  3  and  4 . The composite machine  3 / 4  includes a reading unit  11  which is a scanner reading an original optically. In this reading unit  11 , reflected light obtained from applying light onto the original by a lamp or so is focused onto a photo-electric converting device such as a CCD (charge coupled device) via an optical system including mirrors and lenses. This photoelectric converting device is mounted in an SBU (sensor board unit)  12 , and an image signal (electric signal) obtained from the photoelectric converting device is converted into a digital signal there, and then, is output from the SBU  12 . The digital image signal thus output is provided to a CDIC (compression/decompression and data interface control part)  13 . The CDIC  13  controls all the data transfer of image data between functional devices and a data bus in the machine. The CDIC  13  performs data transfer among the SBU  12 , a parallel bus  14  and an IPP (image processing processor)  15 , and performs communications between a system controller (CPU)  16  which performs the entire control of the system) and a process controller  27  provided for image data. RAM  16 A and ROM  16 B are also connected to the parallel bus  14 . The image signal from the SBU  12  is transferred to the IPP  15  via the CDIC  13 , where signal degradation (assumed as being signal degradation in the scanner system) occurring in the optical system and occurring due to the quantization into the digital signal is corrected, and then, is output to the CDIC  13  again.  
         [0050]    The composite machine  3 / 4  performs a job of re-using an image once read in by the reading unit  11  and stored in a memory and a job of not storing read image in the memory. These jobs will now be described separately. As an example of the job of storing the read image in the memory, when one page of image is copied for a plurality of copies, original reading operation is performed only once by the reading unit  11 , the thus-read-in image is stored in the memory, and then, the thus-stored image data is read out a plurality of times therefrom for performing the copying operation for providing the plurality of copies. As an example of the above-mentioned job of not using the memory, a single original is copied once, and in this case, since the read-in image is printed out as it is, no memory access operation is needed.  
         [0051]    In the above-mentioned case of not using the memory, image data transferred to the CDIC  13  from the IPP  15  is returned to the IPP  15  from the CDIC  13 . In the IPP  15 , image quality processing is performed for the purpose of converting brightness data from the photoelectric converting device into area-tone data. The image data thus obtained from the image quality processing is transferred to a VDC (video data control unit)  17  from the IPP  15 . Then, post processing concerning dot allocation and pulse control processing for reproducing image dots is performed on the signal of area-tone data. Then, with the thus-obtained signal, a reproduced image is formed on a transfer paper by means of an image forming unit  18  which is a printer engine for forming an image in an electrophotographic technology. Other than the electrophotographic technology, various types of techniques such as an ink-jet technique, a sublimatic thermal transfer technique, a direct thermal transfer technique, a fusion thermal transfer technique, or so may be applied as the printing method in the image forming unit  18 .  
         [0052]    A flow of image data in the above-mentioned case of storing image data in the memory, and performing additional processing such as rotation of the image orientation, combining of images, or so, for example, performed when reading the stored image will now be described. In this case, image data transferred to the CDIC  13  from the IPP  15  is sent to an IMAC (image memory access control unit)  19  via the CDIC  13  and the parallel bus  14 . In the IMAC  19 , under control by the system controller  16 , access control operation for an MEM (memory module)  20  which is a storage device for image data, development of printing data for an external personal computer  21  and compression/decompression of image data for the purpose of effectively utilizing the MEM  20  are performed. The image data sent to the IMAC  19  is stored in the MEM  20  after being compressed, and the data thus stored is read out as is necessary. The image data thus read out is returned into the original image data through decompression, and then, is returned to the CDIC  13  via the parallel bus.  
         [0053]    After being transferred to the IPP  15  from the CDIC  13 , the image data has image quality processing and pulse control processing performed thereon by the VDC  17 , and then, according to the thus-obtained image data, an image is formed on a transfer paper by means of the image forming unit  18 .  
         [0054]    The composite machine  3 / 4  also has a facsimile transmission function. This function is to perform image processing on the read-in image data by the IPP  15 , and then transfer it to an FCU (facsimile control unit)  22  via the CDIC  13  and the parallel bus  14 . In the FCU  22 , data transform is performed on the given image data for transmitting it through a communication network, and then, the thus-obtained image data is transmitted out as facsimile data to a PN (public circuit)  23 . As to facsimile reception, circuit data received from the PN  23  is transformed into image data by the FCU  22 , and is transferred to the IPP  15  via the parallel bus  14  and the CDIC  13 . In this case, no special image processing is performed, but dot re-allocation processing and pulse control processing are performed by the VDC  17 , and then, a reproduced image is formed on a transfer paper by the image forming unit  18 .  
         [0055]    In a situation in which a plurality of jobs such as copying processing, facsimile transmission/reception processing and printing-out processing are performed in parallel, the system controller  16  and process controller  27  perform arbitration control for allocating usage rights for respective resources such as the reading unit, the image forming unit and the parallel bus  14  for the respective jobs.  
         [0056]    The process controller (CPU)  27  controls flow of image data, while the system controller  16  controls the entire system and manages starting of the respective resources. A ROM  27 A and a RAM  27 B are used by the process controller  27 .  
         [0057]    By operating an operation panel  24  appropriately, a user selects one of the varieties of functions of the composite machine  3 / 4 , and sets the particular contents of processing to be performed by the machine such as copying processing, facsimile processing or so.  
         [0058]    The system controller  16  and the process controller  27  make mutual communications therebetween via the parallel bus  14 , the CDIC  13  and the serial bus  25 . In this case, in the CDIC  13 , data format conversion processing is performed for the respective interfaces of the parallel bus  14  and the serial bus  25 .  
         [0059]    An MLC (media link controller)  26  performs a function of code transform for image data. Specifically, coding of image data, decoding of a code sequence obtained from the coding, and conversion between different coding systems (for example, conversion between the coding system specially provided for the composite machine  3 / 4  applied by the IMAC  19  and another coding system such as that according to a standard of JPEG 2000) are performed.  
         [0060]    A hardware configuration of the printer  5  shown in FIG. 1 is same as that described for the composite machines  3  and  4  with reference to FIG. 2 except that the printer  5  does not include the reading unit  11 , the SBU  12  and so forth.  
         [0061]    [0061]FIG. 3 shows a block diagram illustrating an electrical connection in each of the server computer  6  and the client computer  7 . The server computer  6  is a personal computer, a work station or so, while the client computer  7  is a personal computer or so. As shown in FIG. 3, each of the server computer  6  and the client computer  7  includes a CPU  31  performing varieties of operations, and also totally controlling respective parts/components of the computer itself, and memories  32  such as varieties of ROMs and RAMs, which are connected mutually via a bus  33 .  
         [0062]    Also, to the bus  33 , via predetermined interfaces, a magnetic storage device  34  such as a hard disk drive, an input device  35  such as a keyboard, a mouse or so, a display device  36  such as an LCD, a CRT or so, and a storage medium reading device  38  reading from a storage medium  37  such as an optical disk are connected. Further, a predetermined communication interface  39  for performing communications with the communication network  2  is also connected. The communication interface  39  can be connected with a WAN such as the Internet via the network  2 . As the above-mentioned storage medium, varieties of media such as an optical disk such as a CD or a DVD, a magneto-optical disk, a flexible disk, or so may be applied. The storage medium reading device  38  is, specifically, an optical disk drive, a magneto-optical disk drive, a flexible disk drive or so applied according to the type of the storage medium  37  applied.  
         [0063]    In the magnetic storage device  34 , an image processing program for causing the computer to execute the present invention is stored. This image processing program is read in from the storage medium  37  acting as a computer readable information recording medium according to the present invention through the storage medium reading device  38 , is downloaded therein through the WAN such as the Internet, or so, and then, is installed in the magnetic storage device  34 . After that, the server computer  6  or the client computer  7  enters a state in which it can perform by operation the following processing. This image processing program may be one which operates on a predetermined OS. Further, the image processing program may act as a part of specific application software.  
         [0064]    In the above-described network system  1  shown in FIG. 1, the scanner  8 , the printer  9 , the server computer  6 , the client computer  7  and so forth handle a code obtained from compressing and coding a given image or handle an image which is obtained from decoding the code in a manner as will be described. The code handled there is a reversible or non-reversible code obtained from compressing and coding according to a well-known algorithm of JPEG 2000. However, a coding method according to the present invention is not limited to that of JPEG 2000, and other various coding methods may be applied as long as they are coding method having a hierarchical configuration from a reversible level part through a non-reversible level part as mentioned above. For example, instead of JPEG 2000, a JBIG method may be applied.  
         [0065]    For example, in the case of JPEG 2000, through a well-known wavelet transform process-in a standard JPEG 2000 coding scheme, subband coefficients in respective decomposition levels are obtained. Therefrom, both a reversible code and various forms of non-reversible codes are available as well known, for example. Such a configuration of coding manner is referred to as a coding manner having a hierarchical configured]ion from a reversible part through a non-reversible part, for example.  
         [0066]    A plurality of specific examples of processing which are performed in the above-mentioned network system  1  in the first embodiment of the present invention will now be described one by one.  
         [0067]    A first specific example will now be described. FIG. 4 illustrates a data flow in the network system  1 . First, a user causes the scanner  8  to read in an original image  41 , the thus-read image  41  is compressed and coded in a reversible mode according to JPEG 2000 so that the image quality is maintained in the original highest level. Then, the thus-obtained reversible code  42  is once stored in the memory module  20 . The code  42  is then transmitted to the server computer  6  (arrow ( 1 )) via the network  2 , is stored in the magnetic storage device  34  of the server computer  6 , and is managed there. In the server computer  6 , the code  42  received is stored in the magnetic storage device  34  together with related information such as detailed information of the input device applied (the scanner  8  in this case), the coding method applied, the image size, the resolution of the image and so forth.  
         [0068]    A user who operates the client computer  7  accesses the server computer  6  via the client computer  7 , finds the desired image of the code  42  from among image data stored in the server computer  6 , and then, in order to perform a desired editing or modifying operation onto the image in the code  42 , the user causes the JPEG 2000 code  42  to be transferred to the own apparatus (client computer  7 ) (arrow ( 2 )). In order to find out the desired image as mentioned above, the user for example should receive a thumbnail image list of image data stored in the server computer  6 , and then, select the desired one therefrom. In the client computer  7 , the user then performs the desired editing or modifying operation for the received code  42 .  
         [0069]    The above-mentioned editing or modifying operation may include, for example, an editing operation of changing the size of the given image, adding a display of a page number thereto or so, or a modifying operation of various image processing to the given image. After undergoing the above-mentioned editing/modifying operation, the relevant image data in the code  42  is transmitted to the printer  5 , in which the corresponding image  43  is then printed out (arrow ( 3 )) according to a request by the user.  
         [0070]    [0070]FIG. 5 shows a flow chart illustrating processing performed by the client computer  7  acting as an image forming apparatus in the present first specific example. This processing is performed by the CPU  31  based on the image processing program described above. First, the CPU  3  in the client computer  7  selects the reversible code  42  in JPEG 2000 from the server computer  6  via the communication interface  39  according to the operation input by the user in the client computer, then, the code  42  is sent from the server computer  6  to the client computer  7  and is stored in the magnetic storage device  34  there (storing step). After that, the user can execute the predetermined editing/modifying operation on the image in the code  42  thus stored in the magnetic storage device  34  after designating the code  42  from the storage device  34  (Yes in Step s 1 ). Specifically, when the user operates the input device  35  and selects execution of editing/modifying operation for the code  42  (Yes in Step S 2 ) (selecting step), the reversible code  42  in JPEG 2000 is transformed into a non-reversible code in JPEG 2000 (altering step) suitable to be displayed on the display device  36  in the client computer. After that, the thus-obtained non-reversible code is decoded in Step S 3 . The thus-obtained non-reversible image  52  is transmitted to the display device  36  (transmitting step), is then displayed in Step S 4 , and then, the user uses the thus-displayed image for performing the predetermined editing/modifying operation thereon in Step S 5 . The predetermined editing/modifying operation may include, as mentioned above, an operation of changing the image size, adding a display of a page number or so, for example. The contents of the operation thus performed by the user for the image are once stored in the memory  32  (RAM). After the predetermined editing/modifying operation by the user is completed, the contents of the editing/modifying operation once stored in the memory  32  should be reflected on the image data in the original reversible code  42  (editing/modifying step) in Step S 7 . Specifically, in Step S 7 , one of the following two methods may be applied for this purpose: A first method is to decode the entire reversible code  42  in JPEG 2000, and after that, the contents of the editing/modifying operation are reflected on the thus-obtained image. Then, after that, if necessary, the thus-obtained image is again coded in the reversible mode in JPEG 2000. A second method is to decode the reversible code  42  only for a partial image part which should reflect the relevant contents of editing/modifying operation, the contents of editing/modifying operation are reflected on the thus-obtained image part, and then, the thus-obtained image part is again coded in the reversible mode of JPEG 2000.  
         [0071]    Then, when the user selects printing out of the relevant image (Yes in Step S 8 ) after the operation of reflecting the contents of editing/modifying operation on the image, or without performing any such reflecting operation, the JPEG 2000 code  42  or the image obtained from decoding this code  42  is transmitted to the printer  5  in Step S 9  (transmitting step), and then, the corresponding image is printed out there.  
         [0072]    When the user selects finish of the series of operations (Yes in Step S 10 ), the processing is finished. In the other case (No in Step S 10 ), the processing is returned to Step S 2 .  
         [0073]    [0073]FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate memory maps in the memory  32  (RAM) in a comparative manner between a case ( 6 A) where the processing described with reference to FIG. 5 is performed according to the present invention and a comparative case ( 6 B) where the conventional JPEG scheme is applied. As shown in FIG. 6A, when the processing in FIG. 5 is performed, in the memory space  51 , other than the reversible code  42 , the non-reversible image  52  obtained from decoding the code  42  for the purpose of displaying the relevant image on the display device  36  and information  53  indicating the contents of the editing/modifying operation performed by the user in Step S 5  described above are stored. The non-reversible image  52  is obtained from the non-reversible code which is obtained from the reversible code  42 . In other words, according to the well-known coding method in JPEG 2000, the non-reversible code is obtained as a part of the reversible code  42 . As described above, according to the information  53  indicating the contents of the editing/modifying operation, the reversible code  41  is processed in Step S 7  so that the contents of editing/modifying operation are reflected thereon.  
         [0074]    On the other hand, in the comparison example shown in FIG. 6B, in the memory space  51 , a reversible code  54  according to conventional JPEG, a reversible image  55  obtained from decoding the reversible code  54 , and a non-reversible image  56  produced from the image  55  for the purpose of displaying on the display device  36  are stored. Then, based on the non-reversible image  56 , editing/modifying operation is reflected on the reversible image  55  in this case. With comparison between FIGS. 6A and 6B, it can be seen that, according to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to display an image on the display device  36  and to execute editing/modifying operation on an image with an effectively reduced memory capacity as shown.  
         [0075]    As a method of obtaining the non-reversible code from the reversible code according to the JPEG 2000 manner, a 2LL subband on a decomposition level  2 , a 3LL subband on a decomposition level  3  or so, obtained through wavelet transform according to the standard JPEG 2000 scheme, may be utilized, for example.  
         [0076]    Thus, in the client computer  7 , in order to perform display of the image on the display device  36  and editing/modifying operation on the image are performed based on the JPEG 2000 reversible code  42 , a non-reversible code is generated from the reversible code, and then, the editing/modifying operation is performed with the use of the image in the non-reversible code. Thereby, it is possible to effectively reduce the required memory capacity, and also, to improve the processing speed accordingly. Furthermore, even in a case where a high image quality is needed, for example, in a case of printing out of the resulting image by the printer  5 , the original reversible code can be used for this purpose after the relevant editing/modifying is reflected thereon. Accordingly, it is possible to even achieve a high image quality in the thus-printed out image.  
         [0077]    A second specific example in processing performed in the network system  1  according to the first embodiment of the present invention will now be described. FIG. 7 illustrates a data flow in the second specific example in the network system  1 . As to processing of arrows ( 1 ) and ( 2 ) shown in FIG. 7, the processing is same as the processing of arrows ( 1 ) and ( 2 ) described above with reference to FIG. 4.  
         [0078]    After that, in the client computer  7 , a desired editing/modifying operation will be performed on the reversible code  42  received from the server computer  6 . At this time, considering that the code  41  will be printed out by the printer  9  after the relevant image undergoing the editing/modifying operation, it is determined whether the actual operation of actually reflecting the contents of the editing/modifying operation (performed by a user of the client computer  6 ) onto the reversible code  42  is executed in the own apparatus (client computer  7 ) or in the printer  9  instead. The printer  9  is the composite machine  4  as mentioned above, and the composite machine  4  may be regarded as a special apparatus for executing image processing in general. Accordingly, when the printer  9  has no other job at the present time, it may be effective that the above-mentioned operation of actually reflecting the contents of the editing/modifying operation should be executed by the printer  9  instead of the client computer. Then, when it is determined that the above-mentioned operation of actually reflecting the contents of the editing/modifying operation should be executed by the printer  9 , the reversible code  42  to be processed and instructions  44  indicating the contents of the editing/modifying operation are output to the printer  9  (arrow ( 3 )) from the client computer. In the printer  9 , the image in the reversible code  42  thus received is processed according to the instructions also thus received, i.e., the code  42  is made to reflect the contents of the editing/modifying operation, and after that, the corresponding image is printed out according to the thus-processed code  42  therein.  
         [0079]    [0079]FIG. 8 shows an operation flow chart performed in the client computer  7  which acts as an image forming apparatus in this case. This processing is performed based on the above-mentioned image processing program by the CPU  31 . First, the CPU  31  in the client computer  7  selects the reversible code  42  in JPEG 2000 from the server computer  6  via the communication interface  39 , and then, the code  42  is sent from the server computer  6  to the client computer  7  and is stored in the magnetic storage device  34  (storing step) same as in the above-mentioned first specific example. After that, the user can execute a predetermined editing/modifying operation on the image in the form of the code  42  thus stored in the magnetic storage device  34  after selecting the code  42  from the storage device  34  (Yes in Step S 11 ). Specifically, when the user operates the input device  35  and selects execution of editing/modifying operation on the code  42  (Yes in Step S 12 ) (selecting step), and also, the user operates the input device  35  and selects ‘processing in the own apparatus (client computer  6 ’ (Yes in Step S 13 ), processing in Steps S 15  through S 22  is performed. Since the processing in Steps S 15  through S 22  is same as the processing S 3  through S 10  described above with reference to FIG. 5, the duplicated description is omitted. On the other hand, when the user operates the input device  35  and selects execution of final editing/modifying operation on the code  42  (Yes in Step S 12 ) (selecting step), and the user does not select ‘processing in the own apparatus (client computer  6 ’ (No in Step S 13 ), the reversible code  42  in JPEG 2000 is output to the printer  9  together with the instructions  44  indicating the contents of the editing/modifying operation which will then be performed by the user on the client computer  7 , in Step S 14 .  
         [0080]    [0080]FIG. 9 shows a communication sequence illustrating specific communications performed between the client computer  7  and the printer  9  when Step S 14  is performed. First, when the user of the client computer  7  selects ‘actual editing/modifying (actual reflection of the contents of the ex-give editing/modifying operation) in the printer  9 ’ (No in Step S 13  in FIG. 8), the client computer  7  inquires the printer  9  as to whether or not the printer  9  is of a type configured to execute such an actual reflectance of given editing/modifying operation, in an arrow  61 . After that, the printer  9  responds thereto, and the client computer  7  receives this response in an arrow  62 . When the response indicates that the printer is of a type configured to execute the reflectance operation, the client computer  7  outputs the reversible code  42  in JPEG 2000 as well as the instructions  44  which are information indicating the contents of editing/modifying operation given by the operator therefor on the client computer  7 , in an arrow  63 . Then, in the printer  9 , the code  42  is decoded into the corresponding original image, which is then processed according to the instructions  44 , i.e., the given editing/modifying operation contents are reflected on the image. The image thus processed is printed out from the printer  9 . On the other hand, when the response to the client computer  7  from the printer  9  in the arrow  62  indicates that the printer  9  is not of a type configured to executed such a reflectance operation, the client computer  7  by itself should execute the relevant operation of reflecting actually the contents of editing/modifying operation onto the reversible code  42  in the processing starting from Step S 15  in FIG. 8.  
         [0081]    [0081]FIG. 10 illustrates a memory map in the memory of the client computer  7  in this case. In the memory space  51  in the memory  32  (RAM) of the client computer  7 , the JPEG 2000 reversible code  42 , the non-reversible image  52  which may be obtained from partially decoding the reversible code  42  as mentioned above with reference to FIG. 6A for example, and the above-mentioned instructions  44 .  
         [0082]    According to the above-described second specific example of processing, in case where processing of actually reflecting the contents of given editing/modifying operation on the reversible code  42  can be executed only by the printer  9  or it is preferable that processing of actually reflecting the contents of given editing/modifying operation on the reversible code  42  should be executed only by the printer  9  in terms of processing speed or so, it is possible that the relevant processing is made to be executed by the printer  9  instead of the client computer.  
         [0083]    A third specific example of processing performed in the network system  1  according to the first embodiment of the present invention will now be described. FIG. 11 illustrates a data flow in the network system  1  in this case. Processing of arrows ( 1 ) and ( 2 ) is same as the processing of arrows ( 1 ) and ( 2 ) described above with reference to FIG. 4.  
         [0084]    After that, it is determined whether the contents of editing/modifying operation given should be reflected onto the image in the form of reversible code  42  by the own apparatus (client computer  7 ) or by the printer  9 , for each processing step of the contents of the relevant editing/modifying operation, in consideration of the processing contents to be reflected onto the image in the form of reversible code  42  the processing contents which should be actually performed on the image in the form of reversible code  42 . Then, according to the determination result, when it is determined that the editing/modifying operation contents should be reflected on the reversible code  42  by the own apparatus, it is executed by the client computer  7  itself. On the other hand, when it is determined that the editing/modifying operation contents should be reflected on the reversible code  42  by the printer  9 , it is executed by the printer  9  instead. In the latter case, the code  45  obtained already through some steps of the contents of given editing/modifying operation reflected by the client computer  7  itself or through no such steps, and instructions  46  indicating other steps of the contents of editing/modifying operation given determined to be reflected on the code  45  by the printer  9  are transmitted to the printer  9  in an arrow ( 3 ).  
         [0085]    This determination of distributing between the client computer  7  and the printer  9  the reflectance job or the job of actually editing/modifying the reversible code may be made by the user of the client computer  7  with corresponding operation instructions given to the input device thereof manually, or may be determined automatically by the client computer itself. In the latter case, for example, after the user inputs the contents of editing/modifying operation to be reflected or actually performed on the reversible code  45  in the client computer  7 , the client computer  7  automatically determines by itself in consideration of the actual processing contents of the editing/modifying reflectance operation, as to whether this job should be executed by its own or by the printer  9 , and then, according to the determination result, the client computer  7  automatically executes the relevant operation of reflecting the given editing/modifying operation contents on the code  45  by itself or transmits the code  45  and the instructions  46  for causing the printer  9  to execute the relevant operation of reflecting the given editing/modifying operation contents on the code  45  instead.  
         [0086]    [0086]FIG. 12 shows an operation flow chart of processing performed by the client computer  7  acting as an image forming apparatus in this case. The processing is executed by the CPU  31  according to the image processing program same as the above. First, processing in Steps S 31  and S 32  same as the processing in Steps S 1  and S 2  described above with reference to FIG. 5 is performed.  
         [0087]    After that, when the user inputs an editing/modifying operation to be reflected on the code  42  via the input device  35 , it is determined whether or not this job of reflecting or actual performance of the thus-input contents of editing/modifying operation should be performed only by the own apparatus (client computer  7 ) in Step S 33  (determining step). When it is determined that this job should be performed only by the own apparatus (Yes in Step S 33 ), processing in Steps S 34  through S 41  is performed. This processing is same as the processing in Steps S 3  through S 10  described above with reference to FIG. 5. When it is determined that this job should not be performed only by the own apparatus (No in Step S 33 ), it is then determined whether or not the relevant job should be performed only by the printer  9  instead in Step S 42  (determining step). When it is determined that this job should be performed only by the printer  9  (Yes in Step S 42 ), the relevant reversible code  42  in JPEG 2000 as well as instructions  44  which are information indicating the contents of the relevant editing/modifying operation is output to the printer  9  in Step S 43 . When it is determined that this job should be performed not only by the own apparatus (No in Step S 33 ) nor only by the printer  9  (No in Step S 42 ), that is, the reflectance processing or the actual performance of relevant editing/modifying operation should be executed by both the client computer  7  and the printer  9  in a load sharing manner, processing in Steps S 44  through S 49  is performed. Thereamong, the processing in Steps S 44  through S 48  is same as the processing in Steps S 8  through S 10  described above with reference to FIG. 5, while the processing in Step S 49  is same as the processing in Step S 43 .  
         [0088]    The above-mentioned determination processing in Steps S 33  and S 42  is executed based on a predetermined table in which executable contents (functions) of editing/modifying reflectance operation are listed up for each of the client computer  7  and the printer  9 , and also, the priority order is set for each function which is executable by both the client computer  7  and the printer  9  as to which thereof should be selected with a priority for actually executing the relevant function. The printer  9  has a capability of executing many items of image editing/modifying operation by means of hardware, and thus, in many cases, the printer is superior to be charged in terms of processing speed. Accordingly, in such a case, the higher priority is given to the printer. Then, according to the table contents, the client computer  7  makes the relevant determination for each item of editing/modifying operation contents which the user inputs to reflect on the code  42  as to which of the apparatuses should be charged or whether both should be charged in a load shading manner.  
         [0089]    [0089]FIG. 13 shows a communication sequence illustrating specific communications performed between the client computer  7  and the printer  9  when Step S 42  results in No. First, the client computer  7  inquires the printer  9  as to whether or not the printer  9  is of a type configured to execute the reflectance or actual performance of relevant editing/modifying operation in an arrow  71 . After that, the printer  9  responds thereto, and the client computer  7  receives this response in an arrow  72 . When the response indicates that the printer is of a type configured to execute the relevant reflectance operation, the client computer  7  determines for each item of the contents of relevant editing/modifying operation whether it should be executed by the own apparatus or by the printer  9 . Then, the client computer  7  executes the relevant editing/modifying reflectance operation on the code  42  by itself for the relevant item which should be executed by itself according to the determination result, in response to the relevant input by the user in Steps S 44  through S 48  in an arrow  73 . After that, the reversible code  45  in JPEG 2000 obtained through the above-mentioned processing is transmitted to the printer  9  together with instructions  46  indicating the remaining items of the contents of relevant editing/modifying operation given by the user on the client computer  7  in an arrow  74 . In the printer  9 , the code  45  received is decoded into the corresponding original image, which is then processed according to the instructions  46 , i.e., the given editing/modifying operation contents are actually reflected on the image. In case where the result of Step S 42  is Yes, the communication processing same as that described above with reference to FIG. 9 is performed.  
         [0090]    [0090]FIG. 14 illustrates a memory map in the memory  32  (RAM) in the client computer  7  in this case. In the memory space  51  in the memory  32  of the client computer  7 , the above-mentioned code  45  in JPEG 2000, the non-reversible image  52  obtained from partially decoding the code  45  for example for displaying on the display device, information  53  indicating the contents of the editing/modifying operation input by the user in Step S 36  or S 46  and the instructions  46  to be transmitted to the printer  9  as mentioned above are stored.  
         [0091]    Thus, according to the specific example 3 of the processing, among relevant items of editing/modifying (reflectance) processing to be actually reflected or performed on the reversible code those which can be executed only by the client computer  7  or those which should be preferably executed by the client computer  7  can be executed by the client computer  7  itself, while those which can be executed only by the printer  9  or those which should be preferably executed by the printer  9  in terms of available processing speed or so can be made to be executed by the printer  9  instead.  
         [0092]    A specific example 4 of processing executed in the network system  1  in the first embodiment of the present invention will now be described. FIG. 15 illustrates a data flow in the network system  1  in this case. Processing of arrows ( 1 ) and ( 2 ) same as the processing of arrows ( 1 ) and ( 2 ) described above with reference to FIG. 4 is performed first.  
         [0093]    After that, a user of the client computer  7  finds a desired image from among those stored in the server computer  6 , and causes the image data to be transferred to the client computer  7 . In this case, different from the above-described specific example  1 , the client computer  7  brings a non-reversible code  81  obtained from a reversible code in JPEG 2000 stored in the server computer  6  (arrow ( 2 )). As the non-reversible code  81  is brought instead of the reversible code in this example, the code amount, i.e., the size of data to be brought can be effectively reduced. As the code amount is reduced, it is possible to reduce a time required for transfer thereof accordingly. Furthermore, a required work area in the memory  32  (RAM) in the client computer  7  for handling the thus-brought non-reversible code  81  can also be reduced accordingly. As an example of such a non-reversible code  81 , a code representing an image having the same size but having a reduced image quality, an image having the same image quality but having a reduced image size, an image having a reduced size and having a reduced image quality, or so according to JPEG 2000 may be applied.  
         [0094]    Then, in the client computer  7 , with a use of the thus-brought non-reversible code  81 , a desired editing/modifying operation is performed. At this time, the user of the client computer  7  executes input of the editing/modifying operation with a use of the non-reversible code  81  displaying the corresponding image on the display device  36  therefrom, as if he/she executes the same operation onto the code  42  stored in the server computer  6 . The contents of the thus-input editing/modifying operation are stored in the memory  32  (RAM). After the input operation, the same editing/modifying processing should be reflected on the reversible code  42  stored in the server computer  6 , and for this purse, instructions  82  indicating the thus-stored contents of the input editing/modifying operation are transmitted to the server computer  6  in an arrow ( 3 ). The server computer  6  receiving the instructions  82  performs relevant processing of reflecting the contents of the ex-input editing/modifying operation on the original reversible code  42  according to the instructions  82 . The code  83  thus obtained through the editing/modifying reflectance processing is then sent to the printer  9 , from which the corresponding image  73  is then printed out, in an arrow ( 4 ). In this case, it is also possible that the server computer  6  causes the printer  6  to execute all of or a part of the above-mentioned editing/modifying reflectance processing for reflecting the contents of the editing/modifying operation input by the user from the client computer  7  as mentioned above, instead of the server computer  6  itself.  
         [0095]    [0095]FIG. 16 shows an operation flow chart of processing executed by the client computer  6  in this case. This processing is executed by the CPU  31  based on the above-mentioned image processing program same as the above. First, when the user operates the client computer  7 , selects the reversible code  42  stored in the magnetic storage device  34  of the server computer  6  (Yes in Step S 51 ), and selects execution of editing/modifying of the code  42  (Yes in Step S 52 ), the non-reversible code  81  produced from the code  42  is transmitted to the client computer  7  from the server computer  6 . The thus-transmitted code  81  is received by the client computer  7  in Step S 53 , is decoded there, is output to the display device  36  in Step S 54 , and then, is displayed therewith.  
         [0096]    In Step S 55 , the user of the client computer  7  inputs editing/modifying operation to the client computer  7  with a use of the thus-displayed image, and the thus-input editing/modifying operation is accepted by the client computer  7 . Information  53  (see FIG. 19) indicating the contents of the thus-input and accepted editing/modifying operation is stored in the memory  32  (RAM). When the processing of accepting the input editing/modifying operation is finished (Yes in Step S 56 ), the client computer  7  transmits instructions  82  reflecting the information  53  indicating the contents of the input and accepted editing/modifying operation stored in the memory  32  as mentioned above, to the server computer  6  in Step S 57 .  
         [0097]    When the user selects printing out of the code  42  after performing such input of editing/modifying operation or without performing such input operation (Yes in Step S 58 ), the client computer  7  transmits instructions for printing out of the relevant code  42  to the server computer  6  in Step S 59 .  
         [0098]    Then, when the user selects end of the series of processing via the input device  35  (Yes in Step S 60 ), the processing is finished, while, in the other case the processing is returned to Step S 52 .  
         [0099]    [0099]FIG. 17 shows a flow chart of processing executed by the server computer  6  acting as an image processing apparatus in this case. The system controller  16  in the server computer  6  receives the code  42  from the scanner  8 , and stores it first (storing step). Then, when receiving a request for transmitting the code  42  with designation of this code from the client computer  7  (selecting step) (Yes in Step S 61 ), the system controller  16  produces the non-reversible code  81  from the reversible code  42  (altering step) in Step S 62 , and transmits it to the client computer  7  according to the request in Step S 63  (transmission step).  
         [0100]    Then, when receiving the instructions  82  reflecting the information  53  concerning the input and accepted editing/modifying operation from the client computer  7  in Step S 57  (Yes in Step S 64 ), the system controller  16  in the server computer performs processing of reflecting the relevant editing/modifying processing (actual performance of the input editing/modifying) according to the instructions  82  (editing/modifying step) in Step S 65 .  
         [0101]    When receiving the instructions of printing out of the code  42  transmitted from the client in Step S 59  (Yes in Step S 63 ), the system controller  16  in the server computer transmits the relevant designated code  42  after decoding or without decoding to the printer  9  together with the printing instructions in Step S 64  (transmitting step). Thereby, the printer  9  is made to print out the relevant image.  
         [0102]    [0102]FIG. 18 shows a communication sequence of communications executed among the server computer  6 , the client computer  7  and the printer  9  in this case. As described above, upon receiving the request given by the client computer  7  for causing the server computer  6  to transfer the non-reversible code  81  (arrow  91 ), the code  81  is transmitted to the client computer  7  in arrow  92 . The client computer  7  accepts editing/modifying operation input by the user as mentioned above with a use of the code  81 .  
         [0103]    When the client computer  7  transfers the printing instructions to the server computer  6  in arrow  94 , the code  42  (or image data obtained from decoding the code  42 ) and the printing instructions are transmitted to the printer  9  from the server computer  6  in arrow  95 .  
         [0104]    [0104]FIG. 19 illustrates a memory map in the memory  32  (RAM) in the client computer  7  in this case. In the memory space  51 , the non-reversible image  52  used for displaying the relevant image on the display device  36 , and the information  53  indicating the contents of editing/modifying operation input by the user on the client computer  7  based on the display of the image on the display device  36  as mentioned above are stored.  
         [0105]    According to the specific example 4 of processing, as only the reduced size of the non-reversible code is transferred between the server computer  6  and the client computer  7  instead of the original reversible code (complete set of coded data), it is possible to effectively reduce the required data transfer amount therebetween. Also, in the server computer  6 , input contents of editing/modifying operation are reflected on the reversible image, thus, the corresponding editing/modifying processing is performed on the reversible image which has the full image size and full image quality then. Accordingly, it is possible to achieve the network system  1  providing high image quality and high processing speed.  
         [0106]    In each of the above-mentioned specific examples 2 through 4, it is possible to utilize a resource which is currently free of load in the network system  1 , and thus, a load sharing processing may be achieved. In other words, a table such as that  101  shown in FIG. 20 is managed in the server computer  6 , and relevant processing of reflecting a once input editing/modifying operation is made to be executed by a resource which is currently free of load.  
         [0107]    This table is a table for registering, for each apparatus in the network system  1 , an operation state  102  (whether the apparatus is under operation or free of job) and the contents of executable items of image editing/modifying processing  103 . Then, in each of the specific examples  2  through  4 , apparatuses which can execute relevant image editing/modifying processing are searched for from the table item  103 , it is determined whether or not these apparatuses can be used currently, from the table item  102 , and thus, load sharing processing for the relevant image editing/modifying processing is achieved in the network system  1 . For the table item  102  for operation states of the respective apparatuses, the server computer  6  obtains the information by periodically inquiring of the respective apparatuses, and thus, the contents are updated. The table item  103  for the executable processing contents should be previously registered.  
         [0108]    The client computer  7  can then refer to the contents of this table  101 . Specifically, on the display device  36  in the client computer  7 , as shown in FIG. 21, the contents of the table  101  are displayed on the screen. When a user of the client computer  7  may press an automatic allocation button  104  thereon, the server computer  6  executes allocation processing for achieving the above-described load sharing processing automatically. When the user presses a designated allocation button  105  thereon on the other hand, another operation page is displayed, and therewith, the user can select a type of apparatus to be actually applied. According to the selection by the user, the server computer  6  executes allocation processing for achieving the above-described load sharing processing automatically.  
         [0109]    Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 22, in case where the above-mentioned network system  1  (Group A shown) is further connected with another network  106 , it is also possible to also utilize apparatus resources connected with the network  106  other than those included in the network system  1 . These apparatuses applicable may be apparatuses connected to another network  107  (Group B) connected to the network  106 , apparatuses  108  (Group C) which is connected to the network  106  in a manner of one-to-one connection as shown, an apparatus  109  (Group D) connected with the network  106  alone, or so.  
         [0110]    In a case where the above-described specific example 2 is applied to the specific example of FIG. 22, the above-mentioned processing of arrows ( 1 ) and ( 2 ) is performed in the same manner. However, when the client computer  7  outputs the code  42  and the instructions  44  to the server computer  6  in arrow ( 3 ), the server computer  6  in this case looks up the above-mentioned table  101 , requests execution of the actual editing/modifying reflectance processing with the code  42  and instructions  44  of the apparatuses  108  in arrow ( 5 ) according to a determination based on the above-mentioned table contents  101 , and a copier  108   a  of the apparatuses  108  may actually execute the relevant processing in arrow ( 5 ), as shown in FIG. 22, for example.  
         [0111]    It is noted that, in each of the above-described specific examples, instead of transmitting a reversible code or a non-reversible code itself from one apparatus to another apparatus, a reversible or non-reversible image obtained from decoding the reversible or non-reversible code should be transmitted in case where the destination apparatus has not a function of decoding such a code.  
         [0112]    A second embodiment of the present invention will now be described. A copier  111  according to the second embodiment has a hardware configuration same as the copier  3  or  4  described with reference to FIG. 2, same reference numerals are given here as those in the above-described first embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 2, and duplicated descriptions are omitted.  
         [0113]    As the copier  111  also acts as an image forming apparatus according to the present invention, processing corresponding to the processing in the above-described specific example 1 is executed inside thereof. FIGS. 23 and 24 show flow charts of the processing. This processing is executed by a system controller  16  based on a control program stored in a ROM  16   a  acting as a storage medium. First, the system controller  16  causes a reading unit  11  to read an original image in Step S 71 , and the image  41  thus obtained is compressed and coded with a reversible mode in JPEG 2000 so that an image quality as high as possible is maintained in Step S 72 . The thus-obtained code is stored in a memory module  20  (storing step) in Step S 73 .  
         [0114]    When the reversible code thus obtained from compressing and coding according to an algorithm of JPEG 2000 is processed by an IPP  15  for performing therein predetermined image processing or is used for printing out a corresponding image by the image forming unit  18  (selecting step) (Yes in Step S 74 ), the system controller  16  transmits this code to a relevant device in the state of the reversible code or after decoding it into a reversible image via the MLC  26  (transmitting step) in Step S 75 .  
         [0115]    On the other hand, when the image in the form of reversible code stored in the memory module is displayed on a liquid crystal device in an operation panel  24  or on a display device in an external personal computer (selection step) (Yes in Step S 76 ), since not so high image quality is required for the purpose, the reversible code is once converted into a non-reversible code by the MLC  26  (altering step) in Step S 77 , is then decoded into image data, and then is transmitted to the relevant display device (transmitting step) in Step S 78 .  
         [0116]    Thus, according to the second embodiment, since the non-reversible image is generated for the purpose of displaying on the operation panel  24  or so, and thus, the relevant processing is performed with the non-reversible image which has a reduced data size accordingly, it is possible to improve the data processing speed in the related transmission step or so. On the other hand, in a case of printing out by the image forming unit  18  or so where a high image quality is needed accordingly in general, the reversible image is used as it is. Thus, even a high image quality can be achieved in such a case.  
         [0117]    Further, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and variations and modifications may be made without departing from the claimed concepts of the present invention.  
         [0118]    The present application is based on Japanese priority application No. 2003-066583 filed on Mar. 12, 2003, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.