Patent Publication Number: US-2012026543-A1

Title: Image processing apparatus

Description:
This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2010-169257 filed with the Japan Patent Office on Jul. 28, 2010, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, an image processing system, an image processing method, and a recording medium having an image processing program recorded thereon, and more particularly to an image processing apparatus performing an image forming process based on image data, an image processing system, an image processing method, and a recording medium having an image processing program recorded thereon. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     When causing an image forming process to be performed using a printer, a copier, an MFP (Multi-Functional Peripheral) thereof or the like as an image processing apparatus, it may be desired that the image forming process be performed under the same processing condition as a document at hand from which an image has already been formed in the image processing apparatus and output. 
     Herein, in the case of so-called PC print of transmitting an instruction for the image forming process from a personal computer (hereinafter also called PC) as a control apparatus connected via LAN (Local Area Network) or the like, an operation for causing the image forming process to be performed includes an operation of inputting and setting a processing condition in a printer driver using a keyboard of PC or the like. 
     However, in the above-described conventional operation method, a user should discriminate a processing condition based on a document at hand, and set the discriminated processing condition in the printer driver. There is a problem in that a user unfamiliar to discrimination of a processing condition may find difficulty in discriminating a processing condition based on a document, and may be unable to set a desired processing condition. Another problem lies in that the setting operation is complicated. For solving these problems, the following inventions have been disclosed, for example. 
     More specifically, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2008-147954 discloses a technique of causing a scanner provided for an image forming apparatus to read a scan condition represented by a bar code or the like added to a document (prescan), and scanning the document based on the scan condition obtained by the process. Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication Nos. 2002-354212 and 2008-028706 each disclose an operation of inputting a processing condition by reading a dedicated sheet instead of a document. 
     However, the operation method disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2008-147954 requires a premise that the processing condition is previously added to the document by means of a bar code or the like. This operation method is therefore disadvantageous in that the same processing condition as that of a usual document without such treatment performed thereon cannot be set based on such document. 
     Similarly, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication Nos. 2002-354212 and 2008-028706 are also disadvantageous due to a premise that a dedicated sheet is prepared previously, and when there is no such sheet, the same processing condition as that of the document cannot be set. 
     Still another problem lies in that a user unfamiliar to discrimination of a processing condition may find difficulty in discriminating, based on the document at hand, a dedicated sheet corresponding to the processing condition thereof, and may be unable to set a desired processing condition. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention was made in view of such problems, and has an object to provide an image processing apparatus that enables easy condition setting for an image forming process, an image processing system, an image processing method, and a recording medium having an image processing program recorded thereon. 
     To achieve the above-described object, according to an aspect of the present invention, an image processing apparatus includes a controller and a memory, wherein information in which an executable output process is associated with a region on an image on which the executable output process is to be performed is previously stored in a predetermined region of the memory. The controller executes the processes of acquiring a first image, discriminating whether or not the executable output process has been performed on the first image by determining the region on the first image associated with the executable output process, and determining the executable output process discriminated as having been performed on the first image by the process of discriminating, as a setting for an output process on a second image different from the first image. 
     Preferably, the image processing apparatus is connectable to a control apparatus for making the setting for the output process on the second image for the image processing apparatus. The controller further executes a process of transmitting the setting for the executable output process determined by the process of determining to the control apparatus so as to be usable as the setting for the output process on the second image. 
     More preferably, the control apparatus makes the setting for the output process on the second image using a printer driver, and the controller transmits, in the process of transmitting, the setting for the executable output process determined by the process of determining to the control apparatus so as to be usable as a setting for the printer driver. 
     Preferably, the executable output process includes post-processing to be performed on a recording sheet on which the image has been formed, and information in which the post-processing as the executable output process is associated with a region on the image on which the post-processing can be performed is previously stored in the predetermined region of the memory. 
     More preferably, the post-processing to be performed on the recording sheet includes a stapling process, and information in which the stapling process as the executable output process is associated with a region on the image on which the stapling process can be performed is previously stored in the predetermined region of the memory. 
     More preferably, the post-processing to be performed on the recording sheet includes a punching process, and information in which the punching process as the executable output process is associated with a region on the image on which the punching process can be performed is previously stored in the predetermined region of the memory. 
     Preferably, the executable output process includes an image composing process of composing a predetermined image, and information in which the image composing process of composing the predetermined image as the executable output process is associated with a region on the image on which the image composing process can be performed is previously stored in the predetermined region of the memory. 
     Preferably, the executable output process includes a combining process of combining images of a plurality of pages into a single page, and information in which the combining process as the executable output process is associated with a blank region on the image occurring in the combining process is previously stored in the predetermined region of the memory. 
     Preferably, the controller acquires data of the first image by scanning a document in the process of acquiring. 
     Preferably, the controller acquires data of the first image from another apparatus in the process of acquiring. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, an image processing system includes an image processing apparatus, and a control apparatus connected to the image processing apparatus. Information in which an executable output process is associated with a region on an image on which the executable output process is to be performed is previously stored in a predetermined region of a memory of the image processing apparatus. A controller of the image processing apparatus executes the processes of acquiring a first image, discriminating whether or not the executable output process has been performed on the first image by determining the region on the first image associated with the executable output process, and transmitting a setting of the executable output process discriminated as having been performed on the first image by the process of discriminating, to the control apparatus. Upon receipt of the setting of the executable output process transmitted from the image processing apparatus, a controller of the control apparatus executes a process of determining the received setting of the executable output process, as a setting for an output process on a second image different from the first image. 
     Preferably, the control apparatus makes the setting for the output process on the second image using a printer driver, and the controller of the control apparatus determines the setting for the executable output process received from the image processing apparatus, as a setting for an output process in the printer driver. 
     According to still another aspect of the present invention, an image processing method is a processing method in an image processing apparatus. Information in which an executable output process is associated with a region on an image on which the executable output process is to be performed is previously stored in a predetermined region of a memory of the image processing apparatus. The image processing method includes the steps of acquiring a first image, discriminating whether or not the executable output process has been performed on the first image by determining the region on the first image associated with the executable output process, and determining the executable output process discriminated as having been performed on the first image by the step of discriminating, as a setting for an output process on a second image different from the first image. 
     Preferably, the image processing apparatus is connectable to a control apparatus for making the setting for the output process on the second image for the image processing apparatus. The image processing method further includes a step of transmitting the setting for the executable output process determined by the step of determining to the control apparatus so as to be usable as the setting for the output process on the second image. 
     More preferably, the control apparatus makes the setting for the output process on the second image using a printer driver. In the step of transmitting, the setting for the output process determined in the step of determining is transmitted to the control apparatus so as to be usable as the setting for the printer driver. 
     According to further aspect of the present invention, a recording medium having recorded thereon an image processing program is a recording medium having recorded thereon an image processing program for causing a controller of an image processing apparatus to execute image processing, the recording medium being readable by the controller. Information in which an executable output process is associated with a region on an image on which the executable output process is to be performed is previously stored in a predetermined region of a memory of the image processing apparatus. The image processing program causes the controller to execute the steps of acquiring a first image, discriminating whether or not the executable output process has been performed on the first image by determining the region on the first image associated with the executable output process, and determining the executable output process discriminated as having been performed on the first image by the step of discriminating, as a setting for an output process on a second image different from the first image. 
     Preferably, the image processing apparatus is connectable to a control apparatus for making the setting for the output process on the second image for the image processing apparatus. The image processing program causes the controller to further execute a step of transmitting the setting for the executable output process determined by the step of determining to the control apparatus so as to be usable as the setting for the output process on the second image. 
     More preferably, the control apparatus makes the setting for the output process on the second image using a printer driver. In the step of transmitting, the setting for the executable output process determined by the process of determining is transmitted to the control apparatus so as to be usable as the setting for the printer driver. 
     The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows a specific example of a configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic structural diagram of an image forming apparatus included in the image forming system according to the embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  shows a specific example of an operation panel of the image forming apparatus. 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic view showing a hardware configuration of a control unit in the image forming apparatus. 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic view showing a hardware configuration of a control apparatus. 
         FIG. 6  is a block diagram showing a control structure in a control unit of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  is a flow chart showing the procedure of a discrimination process in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  is a flow chart showing a specific example of the procedure of a process of discriminating a processing condition for a stapling process. 
         FIG. 9  is a flow chart showing a specific example of the procedure of a process of discriminating a processing condition for a stamping process. 
         FIG. 10  is a flow chart showing the procedure of a discrimination process in an image forming apparatus according to a first variation. 
         FIG. 11  is a flow chart showing the procedure of a discrimination process in an image forming apparatus according to a second variation. 
         FIG. 12  is a block diagram showing a control structure of a control apparatus according to a second embodiment. 
         FIG. 13  is a flow chart showing the procedure of a discrimination process in the control apparatus according to the second embodiment. 
         FIG. 14  shows specific examples of templates for determining a processing condition in the stapling process. 
         FIG. 15  shows specific examples of templates for determining a processing condition in the punching process. 
         FIG. 16  shows specific examples of templates for determining a processing condition in an Nin1 (combining) process. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, like parts and components are denoted by like reference characters. They are named and function identically as well. 
     &lt;Configuration of Image Forming System&gt; 
       FIG. 1  shows a specific example of a configuration of an image forming system according to the present embodiment. With reference to  FIG. 1 , the image forming system according to the present embodiment includes an image forming apparatus  100  and a control apparatus  200  for controlling the image forming apparatus, image forming apparatus  100  and control apparatus  200  being connected via a communication line  300 , such as LAN (Local Area Network). 
       FIG. 1  shows an example where a plurality of control apparatuses  200 A,  200 B, . . . are included. These plurality of control apparatuses  200 A,  200 B, . . . will be collectively referred to as a control apparatus  200 . It is noted that a plurality of control apparatuses  200  are not necessarily required, but the image forming system may include only a single control apparatus. 
     Control apparatus  200  may be embodied by any apparatus that can communicate with image forming apparatus  100  via communication line  300  and that has input means, such as a keyboard, for inputting control information, which is information for generating a control signal for image forming apparatus  100 . Specifically, control apparatus  200  is embodied by a typical personal computer. 
     &lt;Structure of Image Forming Apparatus&gt; 
     Image forming apparatus  100  may be embodied by any image forming apparatus that has a scanning function and a printing function. Specifically, image forming apparatus  100  is embodied by a copier, a multi-functional peripheral, or the like. The following will describe an example of an image forming apparatus embodied by a multi-functional peripheral with a plurality of functions mounted thereon, such as a copying function, a printing function, a facsimile function, and a scanner function, and with a print engine capable of full color printing mounted thereon. 
       FIG. 2  is a schematic structural diagram of image forming apparatus  100  according to the present embodiment. With reference to  FIG. 2 , image forming apparatus  100  includes an auto document feeder  2 , a scanner  3 , a print engine  4 , a sheet feeder  5 , an operation panel  6 , and a post-processing unit  7 . 
     Auto document feeder  2  is provided for performing continuous scanning of documents, and includes a document feed table  21 , a feed roller  22 , a resist roller  23 , a transport drum  24 , and a sheet discharge table  25 . Documents to be scanned are placed on document feed table  21 , and are fed one by one by the operation of feed roller  22 . Each fed document is stopped temporarily by resist roller  23  so that the leading edge is aligned, and then transported to transport drum  24 . Further, the document rotates integrally with the drum surface of transport drum  24 , while scanner  3 , which will be described later, scans an image surface. Then, the document is separated from the drum surface of transport drum  24  at a position where the document has made about a half turn on the drum surface, to be discharged to sheet discharge table  25 . 
     Scanner  3  includes a first mirror unit  31 , a second mirror unit  32 , an imaging lens  33 , an image pickup element  34 , and a platen glass  35 . First mirror unit  31  includes a light source  311  and a mirror  312 , and emits light from light source  311  at a position directly under transport drum  24  toward a passing document. Of light emitted from this light source  311 , a light beam reflected off the document is reflected off mirror  312  to enter second mirror unit  32 . Second mirror unit  32  includes mirrors  321  and  322  disposed in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the document, and reflected light from first mirror unit  31  is successively reflected off mirrors  321  and  322  to be led to imaging lens  33 . Imaging lens  33  images this reflected light on linear image pickup element  34 . 
     In image forming apparatus  100 , it is also possible to acquire image data from a document placed on platen glass  35 . In this case, a movable light source  351  and a mirror  352  scan the image surface of the document. With this scanning, light emitted from light source  351  is successively reflected off mirrors  353  and  354  disposed in the direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the document, to be led to imaging lens  33 . 
     Image pickup element  34  converts received reflected light into an electric signal for output to a control unit  10  which will be described later. Image data of the document acquired with scanner  3 , that is, an electric signal output from image pickup element  34  is subjected to various types of image processing at control unit  10 . 
     Print engine  4  is capable of full color printout as an example of an electrophotographic image forming process. That is, print engine  4  corresponds to an image forming unit executing an image forming process. Specifically, print engine  4  includes imaging (image forming) units  44 Y,  44 M,  44 C, and  44 K that generate toner images of respective colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), respectively. Imaging units  44 Y,  44 M,  44 C, and  44 K are disposed in the order presented along a transfer belt  27  extending and driven within print engine  4 . 
     Imaging units  44 Y,  44 M,  44 C, and  44 K include image writing units  43 Y,  43 M,  43 C, and  43 K and photosensitive drums  41 Y,  41 M,  41 C, and  41 K, respectively. Each of image writing units  43 Y,  43 M,  43 C, and  43 K includes a laser diode emitting a laser beam in accordance with an image of a corresponding color contained in target image data, and a polygon mirror deflecting this laser beam so that the surface of a corresponding one of photosensitive drums  41 Y,  41 M,  41 C, and  41 K is exposed in a main scanning direction. 
     Exposure by image writing units  43 Y,  43 M,  43 C, and  43 K as described above forms electrostatic latent images on the surface of photosensitive drums  41 Y,  41 M,  41 C, and  41 K, respectively. These electrostatic latent images are developed as toner images by toner particles supplied from corresponding toner units  441 Y,  441 M,  441 C, and  441 K, respectively. 
     The toner images of the respective colors developed on the surface of photosensitive drums  41 Y,  41 M,  41 C, and  41 K, respectively, are successively transmitted to transfer belt  27 . This is called primary transfer. Further, the toner images superimposed on transfer belt  27  are further transferred to a recording sheet supplied from sheet feeder  5  with a matched timing. This is called secondary transfer. One of a pair of rollers on which transfer belt  27  is suspended serves as a secondary transfer roller, and the toner images on transfer belt  27  are subjected to the secondary transfer by the pair of rollers to be transferred to the recording sheet supplied to a nip part between the rollers. 
     The toner images transferred to this recording sheet are fixed at a fixing unit disposed downstream, and the recording sheet is then discharged to a tray  57 . 
     It is noted that the present invention is not limited to the print engine as described above in which toner images of full colors (four colors) are superimposed one upon another, but is also applicable to an image forming apparatus capable of forming toner images of two colors, “black” and “red”, for example. 
     In parallel with the operation at imaging units  44 Y,  44 M,  44 C, and  44 K described above, an area corresponding to a recording sheet to be used for image formation among feed rollers  52 ,  53 ,  54 , and a manual sheet feeder  26  respectively corresponding to sheet feed cassettes of sheet feeder  5  accommodating recording sheets is activated to supply a recording sheet. This supplied recording sheet is transported by a transport roller  55  and a timing roller, and is fed to the nip part (a secondary transfer unit) of the secondary transfer roller in synchronization with the toner images formed on transfer belt  27 . 
     A fixing device  47  includes a heating roller  471  and a pressure roller  472 . Heating roller  471  heats the recording sheet, thereby fusing toner transferred thereon. Further, fused toner is fixed onto the recording sheet through application of a compressive force by heating roller  471  and pressure roller  472 . The recording sheet after fixation is then discharged to tray  57  passing through post-processing unit  7 . It is noted that a fixing system using a fixing belt or the like, or a non-contact fixing system may be adopted as fixing device  47 , instead of the fixing system using the fixing roller as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     Post-processing unit  7  performs post-processing on the recording sheet with toner images formed thereon. The post-processing includes, for example, a punching function of making a hole (punched hole) at a predetermined position, a stapling function of binding a predetermined number of sheets with a staple, and a bookbinding function. 
     Operation panel  6  is provided on the upper surface of image forming apparatus  100 .  FIG. 3  shows a specific example of operation panel  6 . With reference to  FIG. 3 , operation panel  6  includes a display  61  and an input unit such as a numeric keypad  62 , and further includes a start key  63  for instructing start of reading of a document for discriminating a processing condition of the document, which will be described later. 
     As used herein, a “processing condition” refers to a condition for a process when processing image data in image forming apparatus  100 , details of which will be described later. As used herein, a “process” includes a process for a scanning process, a printing process or a facsimile transmission process, so-called post-processing on a recording sheet with toner images formed thereon, and the like. 
     &lt;Configuration of Control Unit of Image Forming Apparatus&gt; 
       FIG. 4  is a schematic view showing a hardware configuration of control unit  10  in image forming apparatus  100  according to the present embodiment. 
     With reference to  FIG. 4 , control unit  10  includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit)  102  as a processing unit, a RAM (Random Access Memory)  104 , a ROM (Read Only Memory)  106 , an EEPROM (Electrical Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory)  108 , and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive)  110  as storage units, and an external communication I/F (Interface)  112  and an internal communication I/F  114  as communication units. It is noted that these parts are connected together via an internal bus  116 . 
     In control unit  10 , CPU  102  develops a program previously stored in ROM  106  or the like for executing various processes to RAM  104  or the like for execution, so that image forming apparatus  100  is controlled. 
     RAM  104  is a volatile memory, and is used as a work memory of CPU  102 . More specifically, in addition to the program per se to be executed, RAM  104  temporarily stores image data to be processed and various types of variable data. EEPROM  108  is typically a nonvolatile semiconductor memory, and stores various set values, such as an IP address and a network domain of image forming apparatus  100 . HDD  110  is typically a nonvolatile magnetic memory, and accumulates print jobs received from control apparatus  200 , image data acquired with scanner  3 , and the like. 
     External communication I/F  112  typically supports a general-purpose communication protocol such as Ethernet®, and provides data communications with control apparatus  200  or another image forming apparatus via communication line  300 . 
     Internal communication I/F  114 , connected to operation panel  6  and the like, receives a signal in accordance with a user&#39;s operation on operation panel  6  for transmission to CPU  102 , and transmits a signal necessary for displaying a message or the like on operation panel  6  in accordance with a command from CPU  102 . 
     &lt;Configuration of Control Unit of Control Apparatus&gt; 
       FIG. 5  is a schematic view showing a hardware configuration of control apparatus  200  according to the present embodiment. 
     With reference to  FIG. 5 , control apparatus  200  includes a CPU  101  as a processing unit, a RAM  103 , a ROM  105 , an EEPROM  107 , and an HDD  109  as storage units, and an external communication I/F  112  and an internal communication I/F  114  as communication units. It is noted that these parts are connected together via an internal bus  115 . 
     CPU  101  controls control apparatus  200  by developing a program previously stored in ROM  105  or the like for executing various processes to RAM  103  or the like for execution. 
     RAM  103  is a volatile memory, and is used as a work memory of CPU  101 . More specifically, in addition to the program per se to be executed, RAM  103  stores a printer driver which is a program for causing image forming apparatus  100  to execute an image forming process, and the like. EEPROM  107  is typically a nonvolatile semiconductor memory, and stores various set values, such as an IP address and a network domain of control apparatus  200 . HDD  109  is typically a nonvolatile magnetic memory, and accumulates print jobs to be transmitted to image forming apparatus  100 , image data acquired from image forming apparatus  100 , processing conditions received from image forming apparatus  100 , and the like. 
     External communication I/F  111  typically supports a general-purpose communication protocol such as Ethernet, and provides data communications with image forming apparatus  100  or another control apparatus via communication line  300 . 
     Internal communication I/F  113 , connected to a keyboard and a display, neither shown, or the like, receives a signal in accordance with a user&#39;s operation on the keyboard or the like for transmission to CPU  101 , and transmits a signal necessary for displaying a message or the like on the display in accordance with a command from CPU  101 . 
     First Embodiment 
     &lt;Operation Procedure&gt; 
     The following procedure is assumed as the procedure of a user&#39;s operation in the first embodiment: 
     STEP 1 of causing image forming apparatus  100  to read a document for determining a processing condition; and 
     STEP 2 of causing image forming apparatus  100  to read a document different from the above-described document as an image processing target, or designating a document different from the above-described document from a predetermined region of HDD  110 , what is called BOX or the like, for execution of image processing under a processing condition determined from the previous document. 
     Hereinafter, the document read at STEP 1 above will be called a “condition setting document” as well, and the document read at STEP 2 above will be called a “to-be-processed document” as well. 
     At STEP 1 above, specifically, a user places a condition setting document on document feed table  21 , and presses start key  63 . Thus, in image forming apparatus  100 , a condition for an image forming process having been performed on original image data of the document is determined from the condition setting document, and is set as a processing condition. 
     At STEP 2 above, a document different from the condition setting document shall be read or designated as a to-be-processed document, however, it is needless to say that the same document may be read or designated. Moreover, the processing condition determined based on the condition setting document may be automatically applied to an image obtained by reading the condition setting document (without causing the condition setting document to be read as a to-be-processed document again) for execution of image processing. 
     &lt;Control Structure of Image Forming Apparatus&gt; 
     Image forming apparatus  100  receives an operation of pressing start key  63  to read a document placed on document feed table  21  as the condition setting document, and determines a condition for the image forming process having been performed on original image data of that document to set the condition as a processing condition. 
     A processing condition for a process for the scanning process, the printing process, or the facsimile transmission process includes, for example, a color condition indicating a color image or a monochrome image, a document size, a print surface condition indicating double-sided printing or single-sided printing, a layout condition such as a binding margin, a combined number (N) condition for the number of pages in printing image data of a plurality of (N) pages on a single recording sheet, a condition for the position and number of punched holes in the punching process, a condition for the position and number of staples in the stapling process, a condition for bookbinding, and the like. When information such as header, footer or the like is added to image data to form an image, or a predetermined stamp image such as a so-called watermark is added (composed), the processing condition includes a condition for the position and the contents. In the following description, these processes will be collectively referred to as an “image forming process”, and the conditions as described above will be referred to as a “processing condition.” 
     The control structure of image forming apparatus  100  for executing a process of discriminating and setting a processing condition based on image data obtained by reading a condition setting document will now be described. 
       FIG. 6  is a block diagram showing the control structure in control unit  10  of image forming apparatus  100  according to the first embodiment. 
     With reference to  FIG. 6 , control unit  10  includes a post-processing control unit  11  for controlling post-processing at post-processing unit  7 , a scanner control unit  13  for controlling scanner  3 , a printer control unit  14  for controlling print engine  4 , an operation input unit  15  for receiving an input of a signal in accordance with a user&#39;s operation on operation panel  6 , an image processing unit  16  for processing image data, an image information discrimination unit  17  for performing a discrimination process which will be described later to discriminate a processing condition based on image data, a FAX control unit  18  for controlling facsimile communications by controlling the facsimile function, a network control unit  19  for controlling network communications at external communication I/F  112 , an image storage unit  20  for storing image data, and a storage unit  12  for storing templates used in the discrimination process which will be described later. 
     Storage unit  12  and image storage unit  20  are provided as predetermined regions included in RAM  104 , EEPROM  108  or HDD  110  ( FIG. 4 ). The remaining portions are typically provided by CPU  102  ( FIG. 4 ) developing a program to RAM  104  ( FIG. 4 ) to execute each command. 
     Image processing unit  16  processes image data stored in image storage unit  20 . Image data processing performed by image processing unit  16  includes the Nin1 process of combining image data of a plurality of (N) pages on a single recording sheet, and the stamping process of composing a prescribed image or character string, such as “Confidential”, as a stamp image at a predetermined position on a recording sheet. The number of pages (N) laid out on a single recording sheet in the Nin1 process, the contents and the position of the stamp image displayed by the stamping process, and the like are included in the processing condition in the image forming process. 
     The position and/or number of punched holes in the punching process at post-processing unit  7 , the position and/or number of staples in the stapling process, and the like are also included in the processing condition in the image forming process. 
     As templates for determining the processing condition from a condition setting document, processing conditions available in image forming apparatus  100  concerned are previously stored in storage unit  12  as image information.  FIG. 14  shows specific examples of templates for determining the processing condition in the stapling process.  FIG. 15  shows specific examples of templates for determining the processing condition in the punching process.  FIG. 16  shows specific examples of templates for determining the processing condition in the Nin1 (combining) process. 
     With reference to  FIG. 14 , specific examples of processing conditions in the stapling process include nine types of processing conditions of: “Upper Left Single Position” for stapling sheets at an upper left position; “Left Two Positions” for stapling sheets at upper and lower two positions in proximity to the left side; “Upper Two Positions” for stapling sheets at right and left two positions in proximity to the upper side; “Left Central Single Position” for stapling sheets at a central position in proximity to the left side; “Upper Right Single Position” for stapling sheets at an upper right position; “Right Two Positions” for stapling sheets at upper and lower two positions in proximity to the right side, “Lower Two Positions” for stapling sheets at right and left two positions in proximity to the lower side; “Right Central Single Position” for stapling sheets at a central position in proximity to the right side; and “Upper Central Single Position” for stapling sheets at a central position in proximity to the upper side. Storage unit  12  stores templates, each defining a region (hereinafter referred to as a condition checking region) for checking whether or not the stapling process has been performed under each processing condition (presence or absence of a staple/staples on image data obtained by reading a condition setting document). That is, for the processing condition of “Upper Left Single Position”, a template that defines an upper left region of predetermined range of image data obtained by reading the condition setting document as a condition checking region is stored. For the processing condition of “Left Two Positions”, a template that defines a region of predetermined range of upper and lower two positions in proximity to the left side as a condition checking region is stored. For the processing condition of “Upper Two Positions”, a template that defines a region of predetermined range of right and left two positions in proximity to the upper side as a condition checking region is stored. For the processing condition of “Left Central Single Position”, a template that defines a region of predetermined range of a central position in proximity to the left side as a condition checking region is stored. For the processing condition of “Upper Right Single Position”, a template that defines a region of predetermined range of an upper right position as a condition checking region is stored. For the processing condition of “Right Two Positions”, a template that defines a region of predetermined range of upper and lower two positions in proximity to the right side as a condition checking region is stored. For the processing condition of “Lower Two Positions”, a template that defines a region of predetermined range of right and left two positions in proximity to the lower side as a condition checking region is stored. For the processing condition of “Right Central Single Position”, a template that defines a region of predetermined range of a central position in proximity to the right side as a condition checking region is stored. For the processing condition of “Upper Central Single Position”, a template that defines a region of predetermined range of a central position in proximity to the upper side as a condition checking region is stored. 
     Similarly, with reference to  FIG. 15 , specific examples of processing conditions in the punching process include six types of processing conditions of: “Left Two Holes” for making punched holes at upper and lower two positions symmetrical with respect to the center in proximity to the left side of sheets; “Right Two Holes” for making punched holes at upper and lower two positions symmetrical with respect to the center in proximity to the right side; “Upper Two Holes” for making punched holes at right and left two positions symmetrical with respect to the center in proximity to the upper side; “Left Three Holes” for making punched holes at three positions in total of the center in proximity to the left side of sheets and upper and lower two positions symmetrical with respect to the center; “Right Three Holes” for making punched holes at three positions in total of the center in proximity to the right side of sheets and upper and lower two positions symmetrical with respect to the center; and “Upper Three Holes” for making punched holes at three positions in total of the center in proximity to the upper side of sheets and upper and lower two positions symmetrical with respect to the center. Storage unit  12  stores templates, each defining a region for checking whether or not the punching process has been performed under each processing condition (the presence or absence of punched holes on image data obtained by reading a condition setting document), as a condition checking region. Namely, for the processing condition of “Left Two Holes”, a template that defines a region of predetermined range of upper and lower two positions symmetrical with respect to the center in proximity to the left side of image data obtained by reading the condition setting document as a condition checking region is stored. For the processing condition of “Right Two Holes”, a template that defines a region of predetermined range of upper and lower two positions symmetrical with respect to the center in proximity to the right side as a condition checking region is stored. For the processing condition of “Upper Two Holes”, a template that defines a region of predetermined range of right and left two positions symmetrical with respect to the center in proximity to the upper side as a condition checking region is stored. For the processing condition of “Left Three Holes”, a template that defines a region of predetermined range of the three positions in total of the center in proximity to the left side and upper and lower two positions symmetrical with respect to the center as a condition checking region is stored. For the processing condition of “Right Three Holes”, a template that defines a region of predetermined range of the three positions in total of the center in proximity to the right side and upper and lower two positions symmetrical with respect to the center as a condition checking region is stored. For the processing condition of “Upper Three Holes”, a template that defines a region of predetermined range of the three positions in total of the center in proximity to the upper side and upper and lower two positions symmetrical with respect to the center as a condition checking region is stored. 
     Similarly, with reference to  FIG. 16 , specific examples of processing conditions in the Nin1 (combining) process include five types of processing conditions of: “1in1” for combining image data of a single page into a single recording sheet; “2in1” for combining image data of two pages; “4in1” for combining image data of four pages; “9in1” for combining image data of nine pages; and “16in1” for combining image data of sixteen pages. Storage unit  12  stores templates, each defining a region for checking whether or not the Nin1 (combining) process has been performed under each processing condition (the presence or absence of a blank/blanks between combined pages on image data obtained by reading the condition setting document), as a condition checking region. Namely, for the processing condition of “1in1”, a template that defines no condition checking region is stored since there is no blank between pages combined into image data obtained by reading the condition setting document. For the processing condition of “2in1”, a template that defines a linear region dividing a sheet longitudinally into two as a condition checking region is stored. For the processing condition of “4in1”, a template that defines a cross region dividing a sheet longitudinally into two and laterally into two as a condition checking region is stored. For the processing condition of “9in1”, a template that defines a lattice region dividing a sheet longitudinally into three and laterally into three as a condition checking region is stored. For the processing condition of “16in1”, a template that defines a lattice region dividing a sheet longitudinally into four and laterally into four as a condition checking region is stored. 
     As templates for reading a condition for the stamping process as a processing condition, a template that defines the position at which a stamp image is displayed by image processing unit  16  of image forming apparatus  100  concerned as image information, and a template that defines the contents of a stamp image which can be displayed by image processing unit  16  of image forming apparatus  100  concerned as image information are stored. 
     Upon receipt of an operation signal generated by pressing of start key  63 , operation input unit  15  outputs a signal indicating the receipt to scanner control unit  13  and image information discrimination unit  17 . Upon receipt of the signal, scanner control unit  13  starts a reading operation of a document (a condition setting document). 
     Image information discrimination unit  17  acquires image data obtained by scanning the condition setting document with scanner  3 , and binarizes the image data for comparison with templates stored in storage unit  12 , thereby discriminating a processing condition based on the image data. 
     As specific examples, image information discrimination unit  17  determines, by pattern matching, whether or not the image data obtained by scanning the condition setting document contains an image corresponding to a staple in each condition checking region in each of the nine types of templates shown in  FIG. 14 , thereby discriminating a condition for the stapling process corresponding to a template with which the pattern is matched. Similarly, image information discrimination unit  17  determines, by pattern matching, whether or not the image data contains an image corresponding to a punched hole in each condition checking region in each of the six types of templates shown in  FIG. 15 , thereby discriminating a condition for the punching process corresponding to a template with which the pattern is matched. Similarly, image information discrimination unit  17  determines that the Nin1 process has not been performed when a prescribed number or more of black pixels are present in the prescribed five types of condition checking regions of the image data shown in  FIG. 16 , and determines that a corresponding Nin1 process has been performed when a prescribed number or more of black pixels are absent at any erase location. 
     It is noted that cases are assumed where functions mounted on post-processing unit  7  vary with image forming apparatuses. For example, “Condition  1 ” shown in  FIG. 14  represents a case where functions for performing the stapling process under the conditions of “Upper Left Single Position” and “Left Two Positions” among the nine types of processing conditions shown in  FIG. 14  are mounted as functions for performing the stapling process, while functions for performing the stapling process under the remaining processing conditions are not mounted. “Condition  2 ” represents a case where functions for performing the stapling process under all the nine types of processing conditions shown in  FIG. 14  are mounted. Similarly, “Condition  1 ” shown in  FIG. 15  represents a case where functions for performing the punching process under the conditions of “Left Two Holes”, “Right Two Holes” and “Upper Two Holes” among the six types of processing conditions shown in  FIG. 15  are mounted as functions for performing the punching process, while functions for performing the punching process under the remaining processing conditions are not mounted. “Condition  2 ” represents a case where functions for performing the punching process under the conditions of “Left Three Holes”, “Right Three Holes” and “Upper Three Holes” are mounted, while functions for performing the punching process under the remaining processing conditions are not mounted. Similarly, “Condition  1 ” shown in  FIG. 16  represents a case where functions for performing the Nin1 (combining) process under the conditions of “1in1”, “2in1” and “4in1” among the six types of processing conditions shown in  FIG. 16  are mounted as functions for performing the Nin1 (combining) process, while functions for performing the Nin1 (combining) process under the remaining processing conditions are not mounted. “Condition  2 ” represents a case where functions for performing the Nin1 (combining) process under all the five types of processing conditions shown in  FIG. 16  are mounted. 
     Storage unit  12  only stores templates corresponding to functions mounted on image forming apparatus  100  concerned. As a result, image information discrimination unit  17  performs pattern matching using the templates stored in storage unit  12 , thereby discriminating a processing condition that is discriminated based on image data obtained by scanning a condition setting document and that can be processed by the functions mounted on image forming apparatus  100  concerned. 
     Alternatively, storage unit  12  may store the templates corresponding to all the processing conditions shown in  FIGS. 14 to 16  in association with information indicating whether or not a function corresponding to each processing condition is mounted. In this case, image information discrimination unit  17  makes discrimination only using templates corresponding to processing conditions that can be processed by functions mounted on image forming apparatus  100  concerned. It is noted that the following will describe the example (the former example) where storage unit  12  only stores templates corresponding to functions mounted on image forming apparatus  100 . 
     It is noted that the above-described discrimination methods at image information discrimination unit  17  are merely examples. When the base color of image data is black, for example, the processing condition is discriminated depending on whether or not white pixels are present. In the case of discriminating the document size as a processing condition, a printable region on a document is defined by a template, and the document size can be discriminated by scanning that region of image data upon binarization and finding whether or not a predetermined number or more of pixels of a color opposite to the base color (e.g., black pixels) are present outside that region. A binding margin and the like can be discriminated similarly. In the case of discriminating whether it is a color image or not, a printable region on a document is defined by a template, and whether it is a color image or not can be discriminated by scanning that region of image data and finding whether or not a predetermined number or more of pixels of a color other than white and black are present within that region. In the case of discriminating whether it is both-sided printing or not, image data on both the sides of a target document is acquired previously, and whether it is both-sided printing or not can be discriminated depending on whether or not a predetermined number or more of pixels of a color opposite to the base color (e.g., black pixels) are present in a printing region of the image data on both the sides. 
     Image information discrimination unit  17  transmits a discrimination result to image processing unit  16  and post-processing control unit  11  as a processing condition. Image processing unit  16  sets the received discrimination result as a processing condition at image processing unit  16 . Post-processing control unit  11  sets the received discrimination result as a processing condition at post-processing unit  7 . 
     &lt;Procedure&gt; 
       FIG. 7  is a flow chart showing the procedure of a discrimination process in image forming apparatus  100  according to the first embodiment. This process is started by pressing start key  63 . The flow chart of  FIG. 7  is provided by CPU  102  of control unit  10  ( FIG. 4 ) reading and executing a program stored previously. 
     With reference to  FIG. 7 , CPU  102  causes scanner  3  to read a condition setting document, thereby acquiring image data of the document (step S 101 ). 
     Then, CPU  102  executes a process for discriminating a processing condition for the stapling process based on the acquired image data when the function for performing the stapling process is mounted on image forming apparatus  100  (YES at step S 102 , step S 103 ), a process for discriminating a processing condition for the punching process when the function for performing the punching process is mounted (YES at step S 104 , step S 105 ), a process for discriminating a processing condition for the stamping process when the function for performing the stamping process is mounted (YES at step S 106 , step S 107 ), and a process for discriminating a processing condition for the Nin1 (combining) process when the function for performing the Nin1 process is mounted (YES at step S 108 , step S 109 ). The order of these processes is not limited to that shown in  FIG. 7 . 
     CPU  102  sets a processing condition(s) acquired by these processes as the processing condition for an image forming process (step S 110 ). Then, the process is terminated. It is noted that setting at step S 110  may be performed automatically, or a message for confirming whether or not the condition is to be set may be displayed on operation panel  6 , so that a setting may be made based on a user&#39;s operation in accordance with that message. That is, when a processing condition is discriminated based on the image data obtained from the condition setting document at any of above-described steps S 103 ,  105 ,  107 , and  109 , CPU  102  causes operation panel  6  to display a message, for example, for confirming whether or not that processing condition may be set as a processing condition for the image forming process of designated image data, together with buttons for selection between YES and NO, and waits for a user&#39;s operation input. When an operation input instructing YES is made, the discriminated condition may be set as a processing condition for the image forming process. When an operation input instructing NO is made, the discriminated condition may be canceled, or may be stored in HDD  110  or the like. 
     As a process for discriminating a specific processing condition, a process for discriminating the processing condition for the stapling process at step S 103  will now be described.  FIG. 8  is a flow chart showing a specific example of the procedure of a process for discriminating a processing condition for the stapling process. 
     With reference to  FIG. 8 , CPU  102  reads the templates shown in  FIG. 14  for discriminating the processing condition for the stapling process stored in storage unit  12  to determine, by pattern matching, whether or not an image corresponding to a staple is present in the condition checking region in the image data obtained at step S 101 , using each template. 
     As a result, when a portion in the condition checking region of image data included in a processing target template among the templates shown in  FIG. 14  is matched with an image corresponding to a staple (YES at step S 201 ), CPU  102  determines that the stapling process has been performed under the processing condition corresponding to that template (step S 203 ). On the other hand, when any portion in the condition checking region of image data is not matched with an image corresponding to a staple, CPU  102  determines that the stapling process has not been performed on that document under the processing condition corresponding to that template (step S 205 ). 
     CPU  102  repeats steps S 201  to S 205  for all the stored templates to specify the presence or absence of a staple for every condition checking region included in each template. Then, when pattern matching is completed for all the stored templates (NO at step S 207 ), CPU  102  returns, as a check result, whether or not the stapling process has been performed, and in the case where the stapling process has been performed, a processing condition that can specify the position and number (step S 209 ) to return the process to the main flow shown in  FIG. 7 . 
     Although  FIG. 8  shows the process of discriminating a processing condition for the stapling process as an example, the same applies to the process of discriminating a processing condition for another process, such as the punching process or the stamping process. 
     With such discrimination process performed, CPU  102  can discriminate the processing condition for the image forming process based on a document (a condition setting document) as read. Then, the discriminated processing condition is set as a processing condition for the image forming process in image forming apparatus  100  concerned. 
     Thereafter or simultaneously with the start of the discrimination process, CPU  102  receives designation of image data of an image processing target, to execute the image forming process of that image data using the discriminated processing condition as a processing condition for the designated image data. 
     The user can thereby cause the image forming process of the designated image data to be performed in a simple operation under the same processing condition as that of a document at hand, without discriminating the processing condition based on that document by himself/herself or performing a complicated setting operation. 
     It is noted that, as shown in  FIG. 9 , the processing condition discriminated based on the document as read may be updated to a new processing condition.  FIG. 9  is a flow chart showing a specific example of the procedure of the process for discriminating a processing condition for the stamping process. 
     With reference to  FIG. 9 , CPU  102  reads the stored templates for discriminating the processing condition for the stamping process to determine whether or not the image data obtained at step S 101  contains a stamp based on that template. Specifically, CPU  102  checks whether or not a predetermined number of black pixels are present for every condition checking region included in the templates. 
     When a predetermined number of black pixels are present in a condition checking region (YES at step S 301 ), CPU  102  determines that the stamping process has been performed on the condition checking region (step S 303 ). When a predetermined number of black pixels are absent, CPU  102  determines that the stamping process has not been performed on that condition checking region (step S 305 ). 
     In the process of discriminating the processing condition for the stamping process, when it is discriminated that the stamping process has been performed on the condition checking region, CPU  102  further reads out templates defining stamp images that can be composed in image forming apparatus  100  concerned for comparison with the condition checking region. When a match occurs with the stamp image of any of the stored templates (YES at step S 307 ), CPU  102  specifies the stamp image in that document as a matched stamp image (step S 309 ). When no match occurs with the stamp image of any template (NO at step S 307 ), CPU  102  discriminates that it is not a stamp image that can be composed in image forming apparatus  100  concerned (step S 311 ). It is noted that an exact match is not required herein, but a certain degree of correlation may be determined as a “match.” 
     Further, when the stamp image of that document is specified, CPU  102  determines whether or not the stamp image is to be updated in accordance with the timing of the image forming process. When the contents of the stamp image represent the date, for example, it is assumed to acquire the date on which the image forming process is executed and updating the contents of the stamp image as read to the acquired date on which the image forming process is executed. When the contents of the stamp image represent user&#39;s login information, it is assumed to update the contents to login information of a user who has instructed the image forming process. When the contents of the stamp image represent the storage location of original image data of the condition setting document, it is assumed to update the contents of the stamp image to represent a current storage location of the image data designated as a to-be-processed document. Further, the stamp image may be a designated character string or image based on an operation signal from operation panel  6 . 
     Whether or not to update the stamp image may be determined based on a user&#39;s operation in accordance with a message displayed on operation panel  6 , for example, for confirming whether or not to update. Alternatively, the contents after update may be acquired dynamically in accordance with a setting made previously, and may be updated automatically. When CPU  102  determines that the stamp image is to be updated (YES at step S 313 ), CPU  102  specifies the stamp image specified from the document as an updated stamp image representing the instructed contents, the prescribed contents or the like (step S 315 ). 
     CPU  102  repeats steps S 301  to S 315  for every condition checking region defined by the templates to specify whether or not the stamping process has been performed and the contents for every condition checking region. Then, when specification has been performed for all the condition checking regions defined by the templates (NO at step S 317 ), CPU  102  returns, as a check result, whether or not the stamping process has been performed, and in the case where the stamping process has been performed, also returns the position and the contents as the processing condition for the stamping process (step S 319 ). CPU  102  repeats the above-described steps for each of a plurality of templates stored in storage unit  12 , and then returns the process to the main flow shown in  FIG. 7 . 
     With such discrimination process performed, CPU  102  can discriminate not only the processing condition in the document as read, but also a processing condition after update based thereon. Therefore, when the user wishes to perform the image forming process of image data under the same processing condition as that of the document having been subjected to the stamping process using a stamp image in accordance with timing of execution of the image forming process, such as the date and time of printing and information on a print executor, he/she can cause the image forming process of designated image data to be easily performed under that processing condition merely by performing a predetermined operation to cause image forming apparatus  100  to read the document, without discriminating the processing condition based on the document, or performing an operation of generating a new stamp image or the like. 
     It is noted that, when a condition setting document and a to-be-processed document are identical, and when the (original) storage location of image data obtained by reading the condition setting document is discriminated based on that image data, such as when the storage location of image data is composed as a stamp image, as a specific example, CPU  102  may read that image data from the discriminated storage location along with the process of discriminating the processing condition, to automatically set that image data as image data of image processing target. 
     &lt;First Variation&gt; 
     The above examples show the cases of setting the processing condition for the image forming process in image forming apparatus  100 . However, the image forming system of  FIG. 1  may cause control apparatus  200  to control the image forming process in image forming apparatus  100  using a program (driver) for controlling image forming apparatus  100  installed in control apparatus  200 . 
     Specifically, the user causes image forming apparatus  100  to read a condition setting document and to discriminate a processing condition. The processing condition discriminated by image forming apparatus  100  is transmitted to control apparatus  200 . Then, the user makes a setting by causing control apparatus  200  to select the processing condition transmitted from image forming apparatus  100  as a processing condition using the above-described driver, and designates image data to be processed, thereby causing control apparatus  200  to output a control signal to image forming apparatus  100 . The designated image data will thus be subjected to the image forming process in image forming apparatus  100  under the processing condition discriminated based on the condition setting document. 
     This case will now be described as a first variation. 
     In the first variation, network control unit  19  of image forming apparatus  100  outputs a processing condition to control apparatus  200  defined previously. 
       FIG. 10  is a flow chart showing the procedure of a discrimination process in image forming apparatus  100  according to the first variation. In the flow chart of  FIG. 10 , step S 110 ′ is performed instead of step S 110  in the flow chart of  FIG. 7 . That is, in the first variation, having discriminated a processing condition based on the image data obtained by reading a condition setting document (steps S 101  to S 109 ), CPU  102  of image forming apparatus  100  transmits the processing condition to control apparatus  200  previously stored in HDD  110  as a transmission destination (step S 110 ′). Then, the process is terminated. It is noted that each control apparatus  200  as a transmission destination is previously stored in HDD  110  in association with each user, and may be specified in correspondence with login information of a user who has operated image forming apparatus  100  concerned. Alternatively, information that specifies control apparatus  200  as a transmission destination may be input along with an operation input for causing image forming apparatus  100  to read the condition setting document. 
     Control apparatus  200  sets the processing condition received from image forming apparatus  100  in the driver to generate a control signal for image processing to be sent to image forming apparatus  100 . 
     Thus, in the case of causing image forming apparatus  100  to execute the image forming process using control apparatus  200 , merely by performing a predetermined operation to cause image forming apparatus  100  to read a document can similarly cause the processing condition to be also easily set in the driver of control apparatus  200 , without discriminating the processing condition based on the document by the user or performing a complicated setting operation in the driver. It is therefore possible to cause image forming apparatus  100  to execute image processing under that condition using control apparatus  200 . 
     It is noted that, in the first variation, control apparatus  200  may have functions for performing image forming processes, such as the Nin1 (combining) process and the process of composing a stamp image. In that case, control apparatus  200  may perform image processing on image data to be processed using a processing condition for an image forming process that can be executed by the functions mounted thereon, among processing conditions received from image forming apparatus  100 , and transmit the processed image data to image forming apparatus  100  for output. 
     Further, the discrimination process in the first variation can also be applied to the case of operating control apparatus  200  to transmit the image data read by image forming apparatus  100  to another apparatus. The method of transmission to another apparatus includes transmission of image data with a facsimile mechanism, transmission of image data with an Internet facsimile through an Internet mechanism, transmission of image data via E-mail, transmission of image data based on a communication protocol such as FPT (File Transfer Protocol), and writing of image data into a recording medium such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory or another storage device, and the like. 
     In this case, control apparatus  200  reflects the processing condition received from image forming apparatus  100  on a transmission condition setting, and then transmits the image data by the above-described method. Alternatively, image processing of image data may be performed as described above using the processing condition received from image forming apparatus  100  to transmit the processed image data by the above-described method. 
     Thus, a transmission condition can also be set in a simple operation similarly when transmitting image data, and image data can be transmitted in an intended state, since the state of image data to be transmitted can be previously checked using the document as an example. 
     &lt;Second Variation&gt; 
     The above examples show the cases where the target document is read by image forming apparatus  100 , and the processing condition is discriminated based on the image data. However, acquisition of image data by image forming apparatus  100  is not limited to reading of the document. As another example, image forming apparatus  100  may also acquire image data of a document which was originally a printed matter by, for example, receipt of image data with a facsimile mechanism, receipt of image data with an Internet facsimile through an Internet mechanism, receipt of image data via E-mail, receipt of image data based on a communication protocol such as FTP, acquisition of image data by reading a recording medium such as a USB memory or another storage device, or the like. Then, image forming apparatus  100  may discriminate a processing condition based on the acquired image data. This case will now be described as a second variation. 
       FIG. 11  is a flow chart showing the procedure of a discrimination process in image forming apparatus  100  according to the second variation. In the flow chart of  FIG. 11 , step S 101 ′ is performed instead of step S 101  of the flow chart of  FIG. 7 . That is, in the second variation, when image data is acquired in image forming apparatus  100  with a facsimile, an Internet facsimile, or the like, CPU  102  stores the image data. Then, CPU  102  discriminates a processing condition for the stapling process based on the received image data when the function for performing the stapling process is mounted (YES at step S 102 , step S 103 ), a processing condition for the punching process when the function for performing the punching process is mounted (YES at step S 104 , step S 105 ), a processing condition for the stamping process when the function for performing the stamping process is mounted (YES at step S 106 , step S 107 ), and a processing condition for the Nin1 (combining) process when the function for performing the Nin1 (combining) process is mounted (YES at step S 108 , step S 109 ), to set the discriminated processing condition (step S 110 ). Then, the process is terminated. At step S 110 , the processing condition may be transmitted to control apparatus  200  defined previously, similarly to the first variation. 
     Second Embodiment 
     The first embodiment has described the examples where the processing condition for the image forming process is discriminated in image forming apparatus  100 . However, the process of discriminating the processing condition is not only executed in image forming apparatus  100 , but also may be performed in control apparatus  200  that is in communication with image forming apparatus  100 . This example will now be described in the second embodiment. 
     &lt;Control Structure of Control Apparatus&gt; 
       FIG. 12  is a block diagram showing a control structure of control apparatus  200  according to the second embodiment. 
     With reference to  FIG. 12 , control apparatus  200  includes an image acquisition unit  211  for acquiring image data, a storage unit  212  for storing templates used in the discrimination process, a control unit  213  for controlling image forming apparatus  100 , an operation input unit  215  for receiving an input of a signal in accordance with a user&#39;s operation on a keyboard not shown or the like, an image information discrimination unit  217  for performing a discrimination process to discriminate a processing condition based on image data, and a network control unit  219  for controlling network communications via external communication I/F  111 . 
     Storage unit  212  is provided as a predetermined region included in RAM  103 , EEPROM  107  or HDD  109  ( FIG. 5 ). The remaining portions are provided typically by CPU  101  ( FIG. 5 ) developing a program to RAM  103  ( FIG. 5 ) to execute each command. 
     In the second embodiment, storage unit  212  of control apparatus  200  stores templates for determining a processing condition in image forming apparatus  100 . It is noted that, when the image forming system includes a plurality of image forming apparatuses, storage unit  212  stores templates for each image forming apparatus. In this case, templates corresponding to an image forming apparatus in which the image forming process is to be performed are used. 
     Image acquisition unit  211  accesses image forming apparatus  100  or the like in accordance with a signal based on an operation signal from operation input unit  215  to acquire designated image data. A target from which image data is to be acquired may be changed by image forming apparatus  100  or the like. 
     Image information discrimination unit  217  binarizes the image data acquired by image acquisition unit  211 , and then discriminates a processing condition based on that image data using the templates stored in storage unit  212 . Image information discrimination unit  217  is similar to image information discrimination unit  17  included in image forming apparatus  100  according to the first embodiment. 
     &lt;Procedure&gt; 
       FIG. 13  is a flow chart showing the procedure of the discrimination process in control apparatus  200  according to the second embodiment. This process is started by an input device, such as a keyboard not shown, designating target image data and inputting an instruction to start the process. The flow chart shown in  FIG. 13  is provided typically by CPU  101  ( FIG. 5 ) reading and executing a program (driver) for controlling image forming apparatus  100  stored previously. 
     With reference to  FIG. 13 , CPU  101  accesses a predetermined apparatus, such as image forming apparatus  100 , to acquire designated image data having been obtained by reading a condition setting document (step S 401 ). 
     Then, CPU  101  executes a process for discriminating a processing condition for the stapling process based on the acquired image data when the function for performing the stapling process is mounted on image forming apparatus  100  in which image data processing is to be executed (YES at step S 402 , step S 403 ), a process for discriminating a processing condition for the punching process when the function for performing the punching process is mounted (YES at step S 404 , step S 405 ), a process for discriminating a processing condition for the stamping process when the function for performing the stamping process is mounted (YES at step S 406 , step S 407 ), and a process for discriminating a processing condition for the Nin1 (combining) process when the function for performing the Nin1 process is mounted (YES at step S 408 , step S 409 ). These processes are similar to those executed in image forming apparatus  100  according to the first embodiment described with reference to steps S 103  to S 109  in  FIG. 7 . The order of processes is not limited to that shown in  FIG. 13 . 
     Further, CPU  101  sets the processing condition(s) acquired by these processes in the driver as the processing condition for the image forming process (step S 413 ). Then, the process is terminated. 
     Thereafter or simultaneously with the start of the above-described discrimination process, control apparatus  200  receives designation of image data of an image processing target to transmit the designated image data or information that specifies the image data to image forming apparatus  100  as image data to be subjected to the image forming process, along with an output process based on the above-described processing condition. Control apparatus  200  can thus cause image forming apparatus  100  to perform the image forming process on the designated image data under the discriminated processing condition. 
     With such discrimination process performed, CPU  101  of control apparatus  200  can discriminate the processing condition for the image forming process that can be processed in image forming apparatus  100  based on image data stored in image forming apparatus  100  or the like having been obtained by reading the condition setting document. Then, CPU  101  automatically sets the discriminated processing condition in the driver. The user can thus cause image processing to be executed easily under the processing condition for image data stored, even in the case of causing control apparatus  200  to control the image forming process in image forming apparatus  100 . 
     Further, a program for causing image forming apparatus  100  or control apparatus  200  to execute the above-described discrimination process can also be provided. Such a program can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, such as a flexible disk attached to a computer, a CD-ROM (Compact Disk-Read Only Memory), a ROM, a RAM, a memory card, or the like, and can be offered as a program product. Alternatively, a program can be offered as recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk built in a computer. Still alternatively, the program can also be offered by downloading through a network. 
     It is noted that the program according to the present invention may cause the process to be executed by invoking a necessary module among program modules offered as part of an operating system (OS) of a computer with a predetermined timing in a predetermined sequence. In that case, the program itself does not include the above-described module, but the process is executed in cooperation with the OS. Such a program not including a module may also be covered by the program according to the present invention. 
     Moreover, the program according to the present invention may be offered as incorporated into part of another program. Also in such a case, the program itself does not include the module included in the above-described other program, and the process is executed in cooperation with the other program. Such a program incorporated into another program may also be covered by the program according to the present invention. 
     An offered program product is installed in a program storage unit, such as a hard disk, and is executed. It is noted that the program product includes a program itself and a recording medium on which the program is recorded. 
     Although the present invention has been described and illustrated in detail, it is clearly understood that the same is by way of illustration and example only and is not to be taken by way of limitation, the scope of the present invention being interpreted by the terms of the appended claims.