Patent Publication Number: US-2011063676-A1

Title: Image forming apparatus associating with other apparatuses through network

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a divisional Application of, and claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 from, U.S. application Ser. No. 12/035,131, filed Feb. 21, 2008, which is a divisional of U.S. Pat. No. 7,359,074, issued Apr. 15, 2008, and claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 from Japanese priority applications No. 2001-249279 filed on Aug. 20, 2001, No. 2001-344977 filed on Nov. 9, 2001, No. 2002-236657 filed on Aug. 14, 2002, No. 2002-236658 filed on Aug. 14, 2002, No. 2002-236659 filed on Aug. 14, 2002, and No. 2002-236660 filed on Aug. 14, 2002. The entire contents of each of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention generally relates to apparatuses for forming an image and methods thereof, and more particularly to an apparatus for forming an image associating with other apparatuses through a network and a method thereof, in which an image input/output apparatus, such as a copier, a facsimile or a like connected through the network to each other, for inputting and outputting an image, an image outputting apparatus such as a printer for outputting an image, an image storing apparatus such as a file server, various databases or a like, or an image processing apparatus or an image input/output apparatus for sending image data to the other image processing apparatus which can be associated with each other through the network. 
     Also, the present invention relates to an apparatus for forming an image associating with other apparatuses through a network and a method thereof, so that based on the image data received from the other image processing apparatus or the image input/output apparatus, the image processing apparatus or the image input/output apparatus outputs an image, conducts a predetermined image process, or stores the image data by associating with each other. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     For example, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 2000-6496 discloses an invention as a conventional technique for processing the image data for the image processing apparatus or image input/output apparatus connected through the network. Objects of the invention disclosed by Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 2000-6496 are to provide the image processing apparatus connectable to an information outputting apparatus through the network in that when an image is output to all apparatuses on the network, an output image quality can be maintained. In the invention of Laid-Open Patent Application No. 2000-6496, correction data for an image process is obtained through the network, an optimum image correction is conducted to output, and then, have the apparatuses connected through the network output the image based on image data. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is a general object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for forming an image associating with other apparatuses and a method thereof in which the above-mentioned problems are eliminated. 
     A more specific object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for forming an image associating with other apparatuses through a network and a method thereof, in which an image input/output apparatus, such as a copier, a facsimile or a like connected through the network to each other, for inputting and outputting an image, an image outputting apparatus such as a printer for outputting an image, an image storing apparatus such as a file server, various databases or a like, or an image processing apparatus or an image input/output apparatus for sending image data to the other image processing apparatus which can be associated with each other through the network. 
     The above objects of the present invention are achieved by an image forming apparatus, comprising: a screen generating part generating screen information allowing a user to set at least one function option from a plurality of function options available for a predetermined process; a transmitting part transmitting a screen generating program realizing the screen generating part and option information showing the plurality of function options in response to an request from an apparatus that is connected through a network and the user uses; a process controlling part controlling the predetermined process by using a hardware resource for conducting the predetermined process based on a setting parameter when receiving, from the apparatus, the setting parameter indicating the function option set by the user from the plurality of the function options displayed at the apparatus by executing the screen generating program. 
     According to the present invention, since the screen generating program and the option information are transmitted the apparatus used by the user through the network, the user at the apparatus can set desired function options by utilizing a screen of the image forming apparatus through the network. In addition, it is possible for the user to have the image forming apparatus conduct the process through the network. Therefore, the apparatus used by the user is not required to have the screen generating programs providing the same screens as the image forming apparatus in order to utilize the process provided by the image forming apparatus. Moreover, the apparatus used by the user is not required to have the same process as the image forming apparatus. 
     The above objects of the present invention are achieved by an image forming apparatus, including: a screen generating part generating screen information allowing a user to set at least one first function option from a plurality of first function options available for a predetermined process; a replacing part replacing the screen generating part by executing a screen generating program based on option information showing a plurality of second function options sent from the apparatus; and a process requesting part requesting the predetermined process of the apparatus by sending a setting parameter showing at least one second function option set by the user from a screen displayed based on the screen information generated by the screen generating part, which is replaced by the replacing part. 
     According to the present invention, since an original screen generating part can be replaced by the screen generating program and the option information received from the apparatus (multi-functional image forming apparatus) connected through the network. 
     The above objects of the present invention are achieved by an image forming apparatus, including: a screen generating program generating screen information allowing the user to set at least one function option, based on option information showing a plurality of function option available for a predetermined process; a screen Web service providing process part providing the screen generating program and the option information as a first process result for a request received from an apparatus, that is connected through a network and the user uses; and a process Web service providing process part providing controlling the predetermined process by utilizing a hardware resource for conducting the predetermined process based on the setting parameter, and providing a result of the predetermined process as a second process result, when receiving a setting parameter indicating the function option set by the user from the plurality of the function options displayed at the apparatus by executing the screen generating program. 
     According to the present invention, as the Web service, it is possible to provide the screen generating program and the option information to the apparatus used by the user through the network, and to provide a process result of conducting the predetermined process when the setting parameter is received from the apparatus. 
     The above objects of the present invention are achieved by an image forming apparatus, including: 
     a Web server part controlling a request and a response with an apparatus connected through a network and an internal processing part; a Web browser part issuing the request by an input of the user and displaying the response received from the Web server part; and a Web service client part sending the request from the Web server part to the apparatus in accordance with a predetermined message exchanging protocol, and receiving the response for the request from the apparatus in accordance with the predetermined message exchanging protocol. 
     According to the present invention, since the image forming apparatus includes the Web server part, the Web browser part, and the Web service client part, it is possible to process the request and the response between the Web browser part and the internal processing part, and between the apparatus (multi-functional image forming apparatus) connected through the network and the apparatus itself. 
     The above objects of the present invention are achieved by an image forming apparatus, including: a screen generating part generating coordinate parameter showing a plurality of display components corresponding a plurality of function options to display at a display unit and position coordinates for arranging the plurality of display components based on option information showing the plurality of the function options available for a predetermined process; a transmitting part transmitting the option information and the coordinate parameter in response to an request from an apparatus that is connected through a network and the user uses; a process controlling part controlling the predetermined process by using a hardware resource for conducting the predetermined process based on a setting parameter when receiving, from the apparatus, the setting parameter indicating the function option set by the user from the plurality of the function options that the apparatus displays by using the coordinate parameter. 
     According to the present invention, since the option information and the coordinate parameter are transmitted the apparatus used by the user through the network, the user at the apparatus can set desired function options by utilizing a screen of the image forming apparatus through the network. In addition, it is possible for the user to have the image forming apparatus conduct the process through the network. Therefore, the apparatus used by the user is not required to have the screen generating programs providing the same screens as the image forming apparatus in order to utilize the process provided by the image forming apparatus. Moreover, the apparatus used by the user is not required to have the same process as the image forming apparatus. 
     The above objects of the present invention are achieved by an image forming apparatus, including: a screen generating part generating a first coordinate parameter showing a plurality of display components corresponding a plurality of first function options to display at a display unit and position coordinates for arranging the plurality of display components based on first option information showing the plurality of the first function options available for a predetermined process; a replacing part replacing the first coordinate parameter with second coordinate parameter showing a plurality of display components corresponding a plurality of second function options available for an apparatus selected by a user and position coordinates for arranging the plurality of display components, the position coordinates and the second coordinate parameter sent from the apparatus connected through a network; and a process requesting part requesting the apparatus to conduct the predetermined process by sending a setting parameter indicating at least one second function option that is set by the user from the plurality of the second function options displayed using the second coordinate parameter. 
     According to the present invention, the screen generating part, that generates the first coordinate parameter for displaying the function option of the image forming apparatus itself, can display the screen by using the second parameter for displaying the function options of the apparatus selected by the user and connected through the network. Moreover, the setting parameter indicating the second function options that is set by the user is sent to the apparatus. Therefore, it is possible to request the apparatus to conduct a process in accordance with the setting parameter. For example, even if the functions of this image forming apparatus are lower than those of the apparatus selected by the user and connected through the network, the user can utilize higher functions of the apparatus selected by the user from the image forming apparatus. 
     The above objects of the present invention are achieved by an image forming apparatus, including: 
     a screen Web service providing process part providing the option information showing a plurality of function options available for a predetermined process, and a coordinate parameter showing a plurality of display components corresponding to the plurality of the function options to display at a display unit and position coordinates for arranging the plurality of the display components, as a first process result for a request received from an apparatus, that is connected through a network and the user uses; and a process Web service providing process part controlling the predetermined process by utilizing a hardware resource for conducting the predetermined process based on the setting parameter, and providing a result of the predetermined process as a second process result, when receiving a setting parameter indicating the function option set by the user from the plurality of the function options displayed at the apparatus by using the coordinate parameter. 
     According to the present invention, it is possible for the image forming apparatus to provide functions as Web services to apparatuses connected through the network. 
     The above objects of the present invention are achieved by an image forming apparatus, including: a screen Web service providing process part providing a coordinate parameter showing a plurality of display components corresponding to the plurality of the function options to display at a display unit and position coordinates for arranging the plurality of the display components, as a first process result for a request received from an apparatus, that is connected through a network and the user uses; and a process Web service providing process part controlling the predetermined process by utilizing a hardware resource for conducting the predetermined process and providing a result of the predetermined process as a second process result, based on a setting parameter generated so as to indicate the function option corresponding to the setting position coordinate, when receiving, from the apparatus, a setting position coordinate of the function option set by the user from a screen that the apparatus displays using the coordinate parameter. 
     According to the present invention, the screen generating part, that generates the first coordinate parameter for displaying the function option of the image forming apparatus itself, can display the screen by using the second parameter for displaying the function options of the apparatus selected by the user and connected through the network. Moreover, the setting parameter indicating the second function options that is set by the user is sent to the apparatus. Therefore, it is possible to request the apparatus to conduct a process in accordance with the setting parameter. For example, even if the functions of this image forming apparatus are lower than those of the apparatus selected by the user and connected through the network, the user can utilize higher functions of the apparatus selected by the user from the image forming apparatus. 
     The above objects of the present invention are achieved by an image forming apparatus, including: 
     a Web service client part controlling a process request requesting an apparatus, that is connected through a network, to conduct a predetermined process and a process response providing a process result for the process request from the apparatus, in accordance with a predetermined message exchanging protocol; a screen processing part displaying a screen at a display unit based on a coordinate parameter showing a plurality of display components corresponding to a plurality of function options to display available for the predetermined process of the apparatus at a display unit and position coordinates for arranging the plurality of the display components, the coordinate parameter obtained from the apparatus; and a controlling part instructing the screen processing part to display the screen based on the process response concerning a screen display sent from the Web service client part, and instructing the Web service client part to send the process request to the apparatus in response to an event sent from the screen processing part. 
     According to the present invention, even if the functions of the image forming apparatus as Web service client is lower than those of an apparatus selected by the user and connected through the network, the user can utilize higher functions of the apparatus selected by the user from the image forming apparatus. 
     The above objects of the present invention are achieved by an image forming apparatus, including: a screen generating part generating screen information for displaying a plurality of function options based on option information showing the plurality of the function options available for a predetermined process; a transmitting part transmitting the option information in response to an request from an apparatus that is connected through a network and the user uses; a process controlling part controlling the predetermined process by using a hardware resource for conducting the predetermined process based on a setting parameter when receiving, from the apparatus, the setting parameter indicating the function options set by the user from the plurality of the function options that the apparatus displays by using the option information. 
     According to the present invention, since the option information is transmitted the apparatus used by the user through the network, the user at the apparatus can set desired function options by utilizing a screen of the image forming apparatus through the network. In addition, it is possible for the user to have the image forming apparatus conduct the process through the network. Therefore, the apparatus used by the user is not required to have the screen generating programs providing the same screens as the image forming apparatus in order to utilize the process provided by the image forming apparatus. Moreover, the apparatus used by the user is not required to have the same process as the image forming apparatus. 
     The above objects of the present invention are achieved by an image forming apparatus, including: a screen generating part generating first screen information for displaying a plurality of function options based on first option information showing the plurality of the first function options available for a predetermined process; a replacing part replacing the first screen information with second screen information for displaying a plurality of second function options available for an apparatus selected by a user, the second screen information sent from the apparatus connected through a network; and a process requesting part requesting the apparatus to conduct the predetermined process by sending a setting parameter indicating at least one second function options that are set by the user from the plurality of the second function options displayed based on the second screen information. 
     According to the present invention, the screen generating part, that generates the first screen information for displaying the function options of the image forming apparatus itself, can display the screen by using the second screen information for displaying the function options of the apparatus selected by the user and connected through the network. Moreover, the setting parameter indicating the second function options that are set by the user is sent to the apparatus. Therefore, it is possible to request the apparatus to conduct a process in accordance with the setting parameter. For example, even if the functions of this image forming apparatus are lower than those of the apparatus selected by the user and connected through the network, the user can utilize higher functions of the apparatus selected by the user from the image forming apparatus. 
     The above objects of the present invention are achieved by an image forming method, including the steps of: (a) generating screen information for displaying a plurality of function options based on option information showing the plurality of the function options available for a predetermined process; (b) transmitting the option information in response to an request from an apparatus that is connected through a network and the user uses; (c) controlling the predetermined process by using a hardware resource for conducting the predetermined process based on a setting parameter when receiving, from the apparatus, the setting parameter indicating the function options set by the user from the plurality of the function options that the apparatus displays by using the option information. 
     According to the present invention, since the option information are transmitted the apparatus used by the user through the network, the user at the apparatus can set desired function options by utilizing a screen of the image forming apparatus through the network. In addition, it is possible for the user to have the image forming apparatus conduct the process through the network. Therefore, the apparatus used by the user is not required to have the screen generating programs providing the same screens as the image forming apparatus in order to utilize the process provided by the image forming apparatus. Moreover, the apparatus used by the user is not required to have the same process as the image forming apparatus. 
     The above objects of the present invention are achieved by an image forming apparatus, including: a system information obtaining part obtaining system information concerning hardware resource, that is available to configure a system and used to determine a plurality of function options selectively set for a predetermined process conducted by utilizing the hardware resource; a transmitting part transmitting the system information in response to an request from an apparatus that is connected through a network and the user uses; a process controlling part controlling the predetermined process by using a hardware resource for conducting the predetermined process based on a setting parameter when receiving, from the apparatus, the setting parameter indicating the function option set by the user from the plurality of the function options that the apparatus displays by using the system information. 
     According to the present invention, since the system information is transmitted the apparatus used by the user through the network, the user at the apparatus can set desired function options by utilizing a screen of the image forming apparatus through the network. In addition, it is possible for the user to have the image forming apparatus conduct the process through the network. Therefore, the apparatus used by the user is not required to have the screen generating programs providing the same screens as the image forming apparatus in order to utilize the process provided by the image forming apparatus. Moreover, the apparatus used by the user is not required to have the same process as the image forming apparatus. 
     The above objects of the present invention are achieved by an image forming apparatus, including: a screen generating part generating first screen information for displaying a plurality of function option based on first option information showing the plurality of the first function options available for a predetermined process; a replacing part replacing the first screen information with second screen information for displaying a plurality of second function options available for an apparatus selected by a user, wherein the second screen information generated based on system information concerning hardware resource available to configure a system, the predetermined process is conducted by utilizing the hardware resource at the apparatus, the second screen information is sent from the apparatus connected through a network; and a process requesting part requesting the apparatus to conduct the predetermined process by sending a setting parameter indicating at least one second function option that is set by the user from the plurality of the second function options displayed based on the second screen information. 
     According to the present invention, the screen generating part, that generates the first screen information for displaying the function options of the image forming apparatus itself, can display the screen by using the second screen information for displaying the function options of the apparatus selected by the user and connected through the network. Moreover, the setting parameter indicating the second function options that is set by the user is sent to the apparatus. Therefore, it is possible to request the apparatus to conduct a process in accordance with the setting parameter. For example, even if the functions of this image forming apparatus are lower than those of the apparatus selected by the user and connected through the network, the user can utilize higher functions of the apparatus selected by the user from the image forming apparatus. 
     The above objects of the present invention are achieved by an image forming method, comprising the steps of: (a) obtaining system information concerning hardware resource, that is available to configure a system and used to determine a plurality of function options selectively set for a predetermined process conducted by utilizing the hardware resource; (b) transmitting the system information in response to an request from an apparatus that is connected through a network and the user uses; (c) controlling the predetermined process by using a hardware resource for conducting the predetermined process based on a setting parameter when receiving, from the apparatus, the setting parameter indicating the function option set by the user from the plurality of the function options that the apparatus displays by using the system information. 
     According to the present invention, since the system information is transmitted the apparatus used by the user through the network, the user at the apparatus can set desired function options by utilizing a screen of the image forming apparatus through the network. In addition, it is possible for the user to have the image forming apparatus conduct the process through the network. Therefore, the apparatus used by the user is not required to have the screen generating programs providing the same screens as the image forming apparatus in order to utilize the process provided by the image forming apparatus. Moreover, the apparatus used by the user is not required to have the same process as the image forming apparatus. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the following, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the MF-apparatus integrating multiple image forming functions according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the MF-apparatus shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a diagram showing functional configurations of the image input/output application and the transmission application according to the first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a diagram showing the process patterns in a case of utilizing the higher functions of the MF-apparatus; 
         FIG. 5  is a diagram showing the example of the input screen; 
         FIG. 6  is a flowchart diagram for explaining the process flow to realize a display of the input screen of the MF-apparatus at an SF-apparatus, according to the first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a diagram showing the example of the image process screen; 
         FIG. 8  is a flowchart diagram for explaining the process flow to realize a display of the image process screen of the MF-apparatus at the SF-apparatus, according to the first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a diagram showing the example of the output screen; 
         FIG. 10  is a flowchart diagram for explaining the process flow to realize a display of the output screen of the MF-apparatus at the SF-apparatus, according to the first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  is a diagram showing the example of the document list screen; 
         FIG. 12  is a flowchart diagram for explaining the process flow to realize a display of the document list screen of the MF-apparatus at the SF-apparatus, according to the first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13  is a diagram showing an example of the process pattern  1  shown in  FIG. 4 , according to the first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 14  is a diagram showing an example of the process pattern  2  shown in  FIG. 4 , according to the first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 15  is a diagram showing an example of the process pattern  3  shown in  FIG. 4 , according to the first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 16  is a diagram showing an example of the process pattern  4  shown in  FIG. 4 , according to the first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 17  is a diagram showing a functional configuration of the MF-apparatus providing the Web service concerning the image process, according to a second embodiment of the present invention, according to a second embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 18  is a diagram showing the example of the functional configuration of the SF-apparatus including a Web browser according to the second embodiment of the present invention, according to the second embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 19  is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed at the operation panel by the Web browser, according to the second embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 20  is a diagram showing a functional configuration of the MF-apparatus providing the Web service concerning the image process according to a third embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 21  is a diagram showing functional configurations of the image input/output application and the transmission application according to the fourth embodiment; 
         FIG. 22  is a flowchart diagram for explaining the process flow to realize a display of the input screen of the MF-apparatus at the SF-apparatus; 
         FIG. 23  is a flowchart diagram for explaining the process flow to realize a display of the image process screen of the MF-apparatus at SF-apparatus; 
         FIG. 24  is a flowchart diagram for explaining the process flow to realize a display of the output screen of the MF-apparatus  1200  at the SF-apparatus; 
         FIG. 25  is a diagram showing an example of the process pattern  1  shown in  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 26  is a diagram showing an example of the process pattern  2  shown in  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 27  is a diagram showing an example of the process pattern  3  shown in  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 28  is a diagram showing an example of the process pattern  4  shown in  FIG. 4   
         FIG. 29  is a diagram showing a first functional configuration of the MF-apparatus  1200  providing the Web service concerning the image process according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 30  is a diagram showing a first functional configuration of the client apparatus receiving the Web service form the MF-apparatus shown in  FIG. 29 ; 
         FIG. 31  is a diagram showing a second functional configuration of the MF-apparatus providing the Web service concerning the image process, according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 32  is a diagram showing a second functional configuration of the client apparatus receiving the Web service from the MF-apparatus shown in  FIG. 31 ; 
         FIG. 33  is a diagram showing an example a screen displayed at the client apparatus; 
         FIG. 34  is a diagram showing functional configurations of the image input/output application and the transmission application according to the sixth embodiment; 
         FIG. 35  is a flowchart diagram for explaining the process flow to realize a display of the input screen of the MF-apparatus at the SF-apparatus; 
         FIG. 36  is a flowchart diagram for explaining the process flow to realize a display of the image process screen of the MF-apparatus at SF-apparatus according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 37  is a flowchart diagram for explaining the process flow to realize a display of the output screen of the MF-apparatus at the SF-apparatus; 
         FIG. 38  is a diagram showing an example of the process pattern  1  shown in  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 39  is a diagram showing an example of the process pattern  2  shown in  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 40  is a diagram showing an example of the process pattern  3  shown in  FIG. 4   
         FIG. 41  is a diagram showing an example of the process pattern  4  shown in  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 42  is a diagram showing functional configurations of the image input/output application and the transmission application according to the seventh embodiment; 
         FIG. 43  is a diagram showing the example of the input screen; 
         FIG. 44  is a diagram showing the example of the image process screen; 
         FIG. 45  is a diagram showing the example of the output screen; 
         FIG. 46  is a flowchart diagram for explaining the process flow to realize a display of the output screen of the MF-apparatus at the SF-apparatus; 
         FIG. 47  is a flowchart diagram for explaining the process flow to realize a display of the output screen of the MF-apparatus at the SF-apparatus; and 
         FIG. 48  is a diagram showing an example of the process using the user interface realized by the screens and the process flow described in  FIG. 43  through  FIG. 47 . 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     In the following, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
     First Embodiment 
     A functional configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention, which integrates multiple image forming functions, is shown as  FIG. 1 . Hereinafter, the image forming apparatus is called an MF-apparatus (Multi-Functional image forming apparatus).  FIG. 1  is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the MF-apparatus integrating multiple image forming functions according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 
     In  FIG. 1 , an MF-apparatus  1200  includes software  1210  including a platform  1220 , an application  1230 , and a plotter  1321  as a hardware resource for conducting a printing process, a scanner  1324  as a hardware resource for conducting a scanning process. 
     A boot part  1240  is executed first when the MF-apparatus  1200  is powered on, and the boot part  1240  activates the platform  1220  and the application  1230 . 
     An API (Application Program Interface)  1205  provides an interface between the application  1230  and the platform  1220 . The platform  1220  receives a process request from the application  1230  sent via the API  1205 , and manages one or a plurality of the hardware resources. The platform  1220  includes an SRM (system resource manager)  1223  for mediating an obtaining request from a control service  1250  and an OS (Operating System)  1221 . 
     The control service  1250  is formed by a plurality of service modules. In detail, the control service  1250  includes an SCS (System control service)  1222 , an ECS (Engine Control Service)  1224 , an MCS (Memory Control Service)  1225 , an OCS (Operation panel Control Service)  1226 , an FCS (FAX Control Service)  1227 , an NCS (Network Control Service)  1228 , and an IMH (Imaging Memory Handler)  1229 . 
     The OS  1221  is an operating system such as UNIX™, and executes each software of the platform  1220  and the application  1230  as a process in parallel. By using UNIX™ as an open source, a program can be secured, an application to a network can be realized, and a source code of UNIX™ can be easily obtained. In addition, royalty of the OS  1221  and TCP/IP are not required. Also, an outsourcing can be easily realized. 
     SRM  1223  as well as SCS  1222  controls a system and manages hardware resources via an engine interface  1204  and a like, mediates a request from upper layers utilizing hardware resources: an engine part such as the scanner  1324 , the plotter  1321 , and the like, a memory, an HDD file, host I/Os (a centro I/F, a network I/F, an IEEE1394 I/F, RS232C I/F, and a like), and control the hardware resources based on the request. 
     In detail, the SRM  1223  determines whether or not a hardware resource respective to the request is available to a user (that is, the hardware resource is being used for another request). When the hardware resource is available, the SRM  1223  informs the upper layer conducing the request that the hardware resource respective to the request is available to use. In addition, the SRM  1223  may conduct a utilization scheduling of the hardware resources in respect to the request sent from the upper layers, and directly conducts an indication of the request (for example, operations for conveying paper sheets or forming an image by a printer engine (the plotter  1321 ), an operation of securing memory, an operation of generating a file, or a like). 
     The SCS  1222  conducts a plurality of functions: an application management (function  1 ), an operation panel control (function  2 ), a system screen display (a job list screen, a counter display screen, and a like) (function  3 ), an LED display (function  4 ), a resource management (function  5 ), an interruption application control (function  6 ), and a like. In detail, the application management (function  1 ) conducts processes for registering an application and informing information related to the registration of the application to other applications. The operation panel control (function  2 ) conducts an exclusive control for a use right of the operation panel in respect with the applications. The system screen display (function  3 ) displays a warning screen corresponding to a state of the engine part, in response to the request from the application having the use right of the operation panel. The LED display (function  4 ) controls a display of a system LED such as a warning LED, an application key, and a like. The resource management (function  5 ) provides service due to the exclusive control of the engine resources (the scanner  1324 , a stapler (not shown), and a like) that should be exclusive when the ECS  1224  (application) executes a job. The interruption application control (function  6 ) conducts a control or service for a priority operation in respect to a special application. 
     The ECS  1224  controls the engine part such as the plotter  1321 , the scanner  1324 , other hardware resources  1203 , and a like, and conducts an image reading operation and a printing operation, a state informing operation, a jam recovering operation, and a like. 
     The MCS  1225  conducts a memory control. In detail, the MCS  1225  obtains and releases an image memory, utilizes a hard disk device (HD), compresses and expands an image data. 
     The OCS  1226  is a module for controlling the operation panel as a communicating part between an operator (user) and a controller of the MF-apparatus  1200 . The OCS  1226  conducts a process for informing the controller an event occurred by a key operation of the operator, a process for providing library functions in order for each application to build a GUI, a process for managing GUI information for each application, and a process for reflecting a display to the operation panel. 
     The FCS  1227  provides the API  1205  for a facsimile sending/receiving operation to¥from each application using a PSTN/ISDN, for a registering/quoting operation in respect to various facsimile data managed in a BKM (BacKup SRAM), fora facsimile reading operation, for a facsimile receiving and printing operation, and for an integrated sending/receiving operation. 
     The NCS  1228  is a module group for providing service in order for the application requiring a network I/O to share the network I/O. The NCS  1228  distributes data received in accordance with each protocol from the network to each application, and mediates for the applications when the application send data to the network. For example, the NCS  1228  includes at least an httpd (HyperText Transfer Protocol Daemon)  2  for communicating with apparatuses connected through the network, and an FTP  2  (File Transfer Protocol)  3  for transmitting files related to image input/output interfaces. 
     The IMH  1229  maps image data from a virtual memory area to a physical memory area. When a process is activated, the IMH  1229  conducts a system call, maps the virtual memory area for the process, and releases the virtual memory area mapped for the process when the process is terminated. 
     The application  1230  includes a plurality of applications: a printer applications  1211  for a printer having a Page Description Language (PDL), PCL and Post Script (PS), a copy application  1212  for a copier, an FAX application  1213  for a facsimile, a scanner application  1214  for a scanner, a net file application  1215  for a network file, an image input/output application  1216  for controlling an image input/output, a transmission application  1217  for transmitting image input/output interface files, and a document list application  1218  for providing a list of documents managed in the MF-apparatus  1200 . Since each of the applications  1211  through  1218  is executed using each process on the platform  1220 , a screen display control program, which conducts a screen control, a key operation control, a job generation, and a like, is a main function. In addition, a new application can be loaded by the network to which the NCS  1228  is connected. Also, each application can be deleted and added. 
     As described above, the MF-apparatus  1200  has the platform  1220  centralize and manage necessary processes to be shared among the applications. 
     Next, a hardware configuration of the MF-apparatus  1200  will be described.  FIG. 2  is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the MF-apparatus shown in  FIG. 1 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , in the MF-apparatus  1200 , an operation panel  1310 , a USB (Universal Serial Bus)  1330 , the IEEE1394  1340 , the plotter  1321 , the scanner  1324  are connected to an ASIC (Application Specified IC)  1301  of a controller  1300  by a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus  1309 . 
     The controller  1300  connects the ASIC  1301  to a MEM-C  1302  and a HD (Hard Disk)  1303 , and connects the ASIC  1301  to a CPU  1304  via an NB  1305  of a CPU chip set. Because the CPU  1304  itself is not disclosed. 
     It should be noted that the ASIC  1301  is connected to the NB  1305  via an AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port)  1308 , instead of simply connecting via the PCI bus  1309 . Because a connection via the PCI bus  1309 , which is slower, ends up to too low performance to execute and control a plurality of processes forming the platform  1220  and the application  1230  shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     The CPU  1304  controls the entire MF-apparatus  1200 . In detail, the CPU  1304  activates and executes the SCS  1222 , the SRM  1223 , the ECS  1224 , the MCS  1225 , the OCS  1226 , the FCS  1227 , the NCS  1228 , and the IMH  1229 , all of which form the platform  1220  on the OS  1221 , as processes, respectively. Also, the CPU  1304  activates and executes the printer application  1211 , the copy application  1212 , the FAX application  1213 , the scanner application  1214 , the net file application  1215 , the image input/output application  1216 , transmission application  1217 , and the document list application  1218 . Also, the OS  1221  controls the scanner  1324 , the plotter  1321 , and other hardware resources  1203 . 
     In view that the OS  1221  of the MF-apparatus  1200  directly controls each of the hardware resources  1321 ,  1324 , and  1203 , the OS  1221  differs from an operating system of a personal computer (PC) or a like. Because generally, the PC controls a scanner, a printer, or a like as an image forming apparatus, which is connected thereto; but the PC cannot control hardware resources inside the image forming apparatus. 
     The NB  1305  serves as a bridge to connect the CPU  1304  with an MEM-P  1306 , an SB  1307 , and the ASIC  1301 , respectively. The MEM-P  1306  is a system memory used as a drawing memory of the MF-apparatus  1200 . The SB  1307  is a bridge to connect the NB  1305  with a ROM (Read Only Memory), a PCI device, and a peripheral device. The MEM-C  1302  is a local memory used as an image buffer for a copy and a coding buffer. The ASIC  1301  is an IC (Integrated Circuit) used for the image process including hardware parts. 
     The HD  1303  is storage to store image data, programs, font data, forms, and a like. The operation panel  1310  is an operation part to receive an input operation from the operator and display information for the operator. 
     Therefore, in the ASIC  1301 , a RAM interface to connect to the MEM-C  1302  and a hardware interface to connect to the HD  1303  are provided. When the image data is input or output to or from the MEM-C  1302  or the HD  1303 , the ASIC  1301  switches to the RAM interface or the hardware interface. 
     The AGP  1308  is a bus interface for a graphic accelerator card, which is provided to improve a speed of a graphic process. The AGP  1308  can realize improved speed of the graphic accelerator card by directly accessing the system memory by a higher throughput. 
     Functional configurations of the image input/output application  1216  and the transmission application  1217 , which other apparatuses connected to the MF-apparatus  1200  through the network can utilize an input process, an image process, and an output process provided by the MF-apparatus  1200  having the functional configuration shown in  FIG. 1  and the hardware configuration shown in  FIG. 2 , will be described.  FIG. 3  is a diagram showing functional configurations of the image input/output application  1216  and the transmission application  1217 . In  FIG. 3 , the image input/output application  1216  mainly includes a process flow control module  450  for controlling process flows of the input process, the image process, and the output process, and a UIF (User InterFace) control module  430  for controlling a screen flow to display information at an operation panel  1310  through the OCS  1226 . 
     The process flow control module  450  includes an input control module  410  for controlling the scanner  1324  as an image reading apparatus for inputting an image, an output control module  420  for controlling the plotter  1321  as the image forming apparatus for outputting the image, and an image process module  440  for conducting the image process to input input image data  601  and generating output image data  602 . The process flow control module  450  controls each process flow of the input process, the image process, and the output process conducted by the input control module  410 , the output control module  420 , and the image process module  440 , respectively, or controls a series of processes thereof as a single process of the entire process. For example, when the input process, the image process, and the output process are consecutively conducted in the MF-apparatus  1200 , the process flow control module  450  controls so that each process is conducted in accordance with a predetermined process flow. In addition, as described later, when the input process, the output process, or the image process is specifically required, the process flow control module  450  controls the input control module  410 , the output control module  420 , or the image process module  440  so as to conduct a required process alone in accordance with the predetermined process flow. 
     The UIF control module  430  includes an input UIF  460  for providing an input screen, an output UIF  470  for providing an output screen, and an image process UIF  480  for providing an image process screen. The UIF control module  430  controls the input UIF  460 , the output UIF  470 , and the image process UIF  480  so as to display a predetermined screen at the operation panel  1310  through the OCS  1226  in accordance with a display flow. 
     In  FIG. 3 , first, a method, in which the UIF control module  430  controls to display the input screen, the image process screen, and the output screen at the operation panel  1310  of the MF-apparatus  1200 , will be described. 
     When the MF-apparatus  1200  is booted, the process flow control module  450  obtains an available apparatus configuration of the scanner  1324 , the plotter  1321 , and the like as system information  452  from the SCS  1222 . The input control module  410  determines functions for the input process, which the scanner  1324  can provide, from the system information  452 . For example, the input control module  410  determines and obtains a document feeder function, both sides reading function, and a like as input option information  433 . The input UIF  460  of the UIF control module  430  generates an input screen coordinate parameter  462  including images such as texts, buttons, icons, and a like forming the input screen and showing position coordinates where the images are arranged, based on the input option information  433  obtained by the input control module  410 . The input screen displays functions, which the scanner  1324  can provide, for the input process. The input screen coordinate parameter  462  generated by the input UIF  460  is sent to the OCS  1226  by the UIF control module  430 . Based on the input screen coordinate parameter  462 , the OCS  1226  displays the input screen at the operation panel  1310 . When the user sets desired functions from the input screen displayed at the operation panel  1310 , the position coordinates displaying the images of texts, buttons, icons, or the like selected by the user are informed to the input UIF  460  of the UIF control module  430  through the OCS  1226 . 
     Based on the input option information  433  and the input screen coordinate parameter  462 , the input UIF  460  informs the functions corresponding to the position coordinates informed from the OCS  1226  as an input setting parameter  434  to the input control module  410 , and also instructs the input control module  410  to input an image. Based on the input setting parameter  434 , the input control module  410  executes the scanner application  1214  and controls the scanner  1324 . Then, the input control module  410  reads in an input image  600  and executes the function set by the user in respect to the input image  600 . As a result of an execution of the scanner  1324  controlled by the input control module  410 , the input image data  601  is generated. 
     Also, the image process module  440  determines functions for the image process, which the MF-apparatus  1200  can provide, from the system information  452 . For example, the image process module  440  determines and obtains a two-in-one printing function or a copy function, a frame eliminating function, a reverse function, a stamp function, and a like as an image process option information  435 , and sends the image process option information  435  to the image process UIF  480 . The image process UIF  480  of the UIF control module  430  generates an image process screen coordinate parameter  482  including images such as texts, buttons, icons, and a like forming the image process screen and showing position coordinates where the images are arranged, based on the image process option information  435  sent from the image process module  440 . The image process screen displays functions, which the MF-apparatus  1200  can provide, for the image process. The image process screen coordinate parameter  482  generated by the image process UIF  480  is sent to the OCS  1226  by the UIF control module  430 . Based on the image process screen coordinate parameter  482 , the OCS  1226  displays the image process screen at the operation panel  1310 . When the user sets desired functions from the image process screen displayed at the operation panel  1310 , the position coordinates displaying the images of texts, buttons, icons, or a like selected by the user are informed to the image process UIF  480  of the UIF control module  430  through the OCS  1226 . 
     Based on the image process option information  435  and the image process screen coordinate parameter  482 , the image process UIF  480  informs the functions corresponding to the position coordinates informed from the OCS  1226  as an image process setting parameter  436  to the image process module  440 , and also instructs the image process module  440  to conduct the image process in respect to the input image data  601 . The image process module  440  executes the image process in respect to the input image data  601  generated by the input control module  410 . As a result, the image process module  440  generates the output image data  602 . 
     Similarly, when the MF-apparatus  1200  is booted, the output control module  420  determines functions for the output process, which the plotter  1321  can provide, from the system information  452 . For example, the output control module  420  determines and obtains finisher functions such as a punching function, a staple function, or a like, a sorting function, a stack function, a print number setting function, types of sheet trays, a both-side sheet supplying function, and a like as output option information  431 . The output UIF  470  of the UIF control module  430  generates an output screen coordinate parameter  472  including images such as texts, buttons, icons, and a like forming the output screen and showing position coordinates where the images are arranged, based on the output option information  431  obtained by the output control module  420 . The output screen displays functions, which the plotter  1321  can provide, for the output process. The output screen coordinate parameter  472  generated by the output UIF  470  is sent to the OCS  1226  by the UIF control module  430 . Based on the output screen coordinate parameter  472 , the OCS  1226  displays the output screen at the operation panel  1310 . When the user sets desired functions from the output screen displayed at the operation panel  1310 , the position coordinates displaying the images of texts, buttons, icons, or a like selected by the user are informed to the output UIF  470  of the UIF control module  430  through the OCS  1226 . 
     Based on the output option information  431  and the output screen coordinate parameter  472 , the output UIF  470  informs the functions corresponding to the position coordinates informed from the OCS  1226  as an output setting parameter  432  to the output control module  420 , and also instructs the output control module  420  to output the output image data  602 . Based on the output setting parameter  432 , the output control module  420  executes the printer application  1211  and controls the plotter  1321  to form the output image data  602  generated by the image process module  440  to a paper sheet or a like and output the paper sheet on which an image is formed, from the plotter  1321 . 
     For example, the UIF control module  430  changes a screen flow so as to display a screen for setting a frame width to eliminate when the image process screen is displayed at the operation panel  1310 , or so as to display a screen showing positions of staples when the output screen is displayed at the operation panel  1310 . Also, the input option information  433 , the image process option information  435 , and the output option information  431  include programs for controlling the operation panel  1310 . the input option information  433  and the output option information  431  as described above are information of a scanner operation including sheet information and also include information related to an operation (control) of an ADF (Automatic Document Feeding device). The output option information  431  is information related to the finisher function of a printing form. Thus, the output option information  431  is similar information when a copy process is conducted. 
     In a case in which a regular copy is conducted at the MF-apparatus  1200 , from a screen displayed at operation panel  1310 , an input setting, for example, a setting of a one-side printed sheet or a both-side printed sheet, or a like, is conducted for the input process. And an image process setting, for example, a setting of frame elimination, is conducted for the image process. Subsequently, an output setting, for example, a setting of a staple or the tray, is conducted for the image process. Then, a copy is started when a start button is pressed. 
     By a copy start, the input control module  410  receives the input setting parameter  434 , and starts to input the input image  600  in accordance with the input setting parameter  434 . The input control module  410  generates the input image data  601  by inputting the input image  600  to the MF-apparatus  1200 . The image process module  440  conducts image process in respect to the input image data  601  in accordance with the image process setting parameter  436  and generates the output image data  602 . The output image data  602  is sent to the output control module  420 . The output image data  602  is output from the plotter  1321  by the output control module  420  in accordance with the output setting parameter  432 . 
     In order for another apparatuses connected to the MF-apparatus  1200  through the network to utilize the functions for the input process, the image process, and the output process provided by the MF-apparatus  1200 , in response to a request of a UIF program from another apparatus, the transmission application  1217  transmits a respective UIF program by the FTP  3  of the NCS  1228 . 
     When the transmission application  1217  receives a request of an input UIF program from another apparatus connected through the network, the transmission application  1217  transmits the input option information  433  obtained by the input control module  410  when the MF-apparatus  1200  is booted, and an input UIF program  461  realizing the input UIF  460  simultaneously by the FTP  3  to the other apparatus. Similarly, when the transmission application  1217  receives a request of an image process UIF program or an output UIF program from the other apparatus connected through the network, the transmission application  1217  simultaneously transmits an image process UIF program  481  and the image process option information  435 , or output UIF program  471  and the output option information  431  by the FTP  3  to the other apparatus. 
     The other apparatus downloads and executes the UIF programs  461 ,  471 , and  481 , respectively. Therefore, the user using the other apparatus can select a plurality of functions provided by the MF-apparatus  1200  at a side of the other apparatus. In addition, a setting parameter showing functions set by the user is sent to the MF-apparatus  1200 . The MF-apparatus  1200  replaces the setting parameter received from the other apparatus with a respective setting parameter of the input setting parameter  434 , the image process setting parameter  436 , and the output setting parameter  432 . Therefore, it is possible for the MF-apparatus  1200  to conduct a process in accordance with the setting parameter set by the user using the other apparatus. 
     In the functional configuration of the image input/output application  1216  shown in  FIG. 3 , the input control module  410 , the image process module  440 , the output control module  420 , and the UIF control module  430  may be realized by Java™ programs. In this case, a Java VM (Virtual Memory)  450 , which is shown by dashed lines, may be provided to execute the Java™ programs. The input UIF program  461 , the image process UIF program  481 , and the output UIF program  471  are also provided by the Java™ programs. Also, the input option information  433 , the image process option information  435 , and the output option information  431  are provided in a data structure readable by the Java™ programs. In the other apparatus connected through the network to the MF-apparatus  1200 , if the Java™ programs can be executable, the input UIF program  461 , the image process UIF program  481 , and the output UIF program  471  can be provided without depending on hardware of the other apparatus. 
     For example, in a case in which the other apparatus connected to the MF-apparatus  1200  through the network has a lower function than that of the MF-apparatus  1200  or only a single function (hereinafter, called a SF-apparatus (single function image processing apparatus)), this SF-apparatus downloads and executes the input UIF program  461 , the image process UIF program  481 , or the output UIF program  471  of the MF-apparatus  1200 . Therefore, it is possible for the SF-apparatus to provide the user higher functions provided by the MF-apparatus  1200 . Process patterns for utilizing the higher functions of the MF-apparatus  1200  at the SF-apparatus will be described with reference to  FIG. 4 .  FIG. 4  is a diagram showing the process patterns in a case of utilizing the higher functions of the MF-apparatus  1200 . It is presumed that the SF-apparatus is used by the user, that is, the SF-apparatus conducts a display process for the user. The input process, the image process, or the output process is conducted by the SF-apparatus or the MF-apparatus  1200 . 
     First, a first process pattern, in which the input process is conducted by the SF-apparatus, the image process is conducted by the MF-apparatus  1200 , and the output process is conducted by the SF-apparatus, will be described. For example, as fora state in which the process pattern  1  is conducted, it can be considered that the user wants to use the frame eliminating function of for the image process of the MF-apparatus  1200 ; but the MF-apparatus  1200  is located at a far distance from the user and the SF-apparatus is located near the user, or the MF-apparatus  1200  is being used by another user. 
     Next, a process pattern  2 , in which the input process is conducted by the MF-apparatus  1200 , the image process is conducted by the MF-apparatus  1200  or the SF-apparatus, and the output process is conducted by the MF-apparatus  1200 , will be described. For example, as for a state in which the process pattern  2  is conducted, it can be considered that the user wants to use the ADF provided to the MF-apparatus  1200  but not the SF-apparatus as a function for the input process, and wants to use the staple function of the MF-apparatus  1200  as a function for the output process. Alternatively, the user wants to use the frame elimination function provided by the MF-apparatus  1200  but not the SF-apparatus. In this state, the image process is conducted by the MF-apparatus  1200 . 
     Moreover, a process pattern  3  will be described in which the input process is conducted by the SF-apparatus, the image process is conducted by the MF-apparatus  1200  or the SF-apparatus, the output process is conducted by the MF-apparatus  1200 . For example, as for a state in which the process pattern  3  is conducted, it can be considered that the user wants to use the staple function of the MF-apparatus  1200  for the output process after the input process is conducted by the SF-apparatus. Moreover, the user wants to use the frame eliminating function for the image process provided by the MF-apparatus  1200  but not the SF-apparatus. 
     Furthermore, a process pattern  4 , in which the input process is conducted by the MF-apparatus  1200 , the image process is conducted by the MF-apparatus  1200  or the SF-apparatus, and the output process is conducted by the SF-apparatus, will be described. For example, as for a state in which the process pattern  4  is conducted, it can be considered that the user wants to use the ADF provided at the MF-apparatus  1200  but not a SF-apparatus as the function for the input process. In addition, in a case in that the user wants to use the frame elimination function provided by the MF-apparatus  1200  but not the SF-apparatus, the image process is conducted by the MF-apparatus  1200 . 
     Also, as other process patterns, it can be considered that the display process is conducted by the MF-apparatus  1200  or other combinations. However, the object of the present invention can be described well by the process patterns  1  through  4 . 
     Examples of screens and process flows for displaying the functions of the MF-apparatus  1200  at the operation panel of the SF-apparatus will be described, according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In the following explanations, it is assumed that the SF-apparatus is a copier. For the sake of convenience, examples of the screen displayed at the operation panel of the SF-apparatus will be described. However, since the input UIF program  461 , the output UIF  471 , and the image process UIF  481  for displaying the screens are provided from the MF-apparatus  1200 , it is possible to similarly display the screen shown in  FIGS. 5 ,  7 , and  9  at the operation panel  1310  of the MF-apparatus  1200 . 
     First, an example of the input screen by the input UIF program  461  and the input option information  433  will be described with reference to  FIG. 5 .  FIG. 5  is a diagram showing the example of the input screen. In  FIG. 5 , the input screen G 600  includes a button  61  for indicating an apparatus for conducting the input process, a button  62  for indicating an apparatus for conducting the image process, a button  63  for indicating an apparatus for conducting the output process, a display area  610  for showing a list of apparatuses existing on the network and allowing the user to select one of the apparatuses, and a display area  620  for showing functions processed by the apparatus selected by the user from the display area  610  and allowing the user to select one of the functions. 
     In the input screen G 600 , when the user selects the button  61 , the display area  610  displays the list of the apparatuses that exist on the network and are available for the input process. For example, the display area  610  displays “COPIER” as the single functional image process apparatus itself, “MF-APPARATUS” as the MF-apparatus  1200 , “APPARATUS 01”, “APPARATUS 02”, “APPARATUS 03”, and “APPARATUS 04” as apparatus names. For example, when the user selects “MF-apparatus”, the display area  620  displays the function that can be provided by the MF-apparatus  1200 . 
     For example, the display area  620  displays “TEXT” for reading in the input image  600  by a text mode, “PICTURE” for reading in the input image  600  by a picture mode, “AUTO DARKNESS” for allowing “MF-APPARATUS” to determine a darkness of the input image  600 , “LIGHT” and “DARK” for allowing the user to determine the darkness of the input image  600 , “ONE SIDE” for reading in one side of the input image  600 , and “BOTH SIDES” for reading in both sides of the input image  600 . For example, when the user selects “PICTURE”, “AUTO DARKNESS”, and “BOTH SIDES”, the input setting parameter showing “PICTURE”, “AUTO DARKNESS”, and “BOTH SIDES” is generated, and transmitted to the MF-apparatus  1200 . The MF-apparatus  1200  sets the input setting parameter received from the SF-apparatus  100  as the input setting parameter  434 , and the input control module  410  controls the scanner  1324  to read in the input image  600  in accordance with the input setting parameter  434 . 
     A process flow, which is conducted between the MF-apparatus  1200  and the SF-apparatus  100  in response to operations of the user at the input screen G 600 , will be described with reference to  FIG. 6 .  FIG. 6  is a flowchart diagram for explaining the process flow to realize a display of the input screen G 600  of the MF-apparatus  1200  at the SF-apparatus  100 . 
     In  FIG. 6 , when the user selects the button  61  to indicate one apparatus for conducting the input process at the input screen G 600  (step S 11 ), the SF-apparatus  100  confirms existence of available apparatuses for the input process in respect to all apparatuses connected through the network (step S 12 ). A method for confirming the existence of the available apparatuses may confirm all apparatuses existing on the network by a broadcast. Alternatively, the method may confirm specific apparatuses set beforehand. In response to an existence confirmation from the SF-apparatus  100 , the MF-apparatus  1200  existing on the network replies to the SF-apparatus  100  with apparatus specific information including an IP address identifying the MF-apparatus  1200 , an apparatus name, and a like (step S 13 ). When the SF-apparatus  100  receives the apparatus specific information from the MF-apparatus  1200  and other apparatuses on the network, the SF-apparatus  100  displays the list of the apparatus names in the display area  610  at the input screen G 600 . 
     For example, the user selects the MF-apparatus  1200  as the apparatus for conducting the input process from the display area  610  (step S 14 ), the SF-apparatus  100  requests the input UIF program  461  of the MF-apparatus  1200  (step S 15 ). The MF-apparatus  1200  sends the input UIF program  461  and the input option information  433  to the SF-apparatus  100  by the FTP  3  in response to the request from the SF-apparatus  100  (step S 16 ). 
     When the SF-apparatus  100  receives the input UIF program  461  and the input option information  433  from the MF-apparatus  1200 , the SF-apparatus  100  executes the input UIF program  461  (step S 17 ). By this execution, the functions that can be provided by the MF-apparatus  1200  are displayed in the display area  620  of the input screen G 600  at the operation panel of the SF-apparatus. From the display area  620  displaying the functions, for example, the user selects “PICTURE”, “AUTO DARKNESS”, and “ONE SIDE” (step S 18 ), the input UIF program  461  generates the input setting parameter showing “PICTURE”, “AUTO DARKNESS”, and “ONE SIDE”, and the input setting parameter is transmitted to the MF-apparatus  1200  (step S 19 ). 
     The MF-apparatus  1200  sets the input setting parameter  434  received from the SF-apparatus  100  as the input setting parameter  434 . Subsequently, the input control module  410  reads in the input image  600  from the scanner  1324  in accordance with the input setting parameter  434 , and generates the input image data  601  (step S 20 ). 
     Since the image input/output application  1216  sets the input setting parameter received from the SF-apparatus  100  as the input setting parameter  434 , the input control module  410  can conduct the input process as if the user sets at the operation panel  1310  of the MF-apparatus  1200 . When the MF-apparatus  1200  completes the input process, the MF-apparatus  1200  sends an input result to the SF-apparatus  100  (step S 21 ). At the operation panel, the SF-apparatus  100  displays the input result received from the MF-apparatus  1200  at the operation panel (step S 22 ). 
     Therefore, it is possible for the user to select the desired functions from the list of the functions, which the MF-apparatus  1200  can provide, displayed at the operation panel of the SF-apparatus. Also, it is possible to have the MF-apparatus  1200  conduct the input process based on the desired functions of the user. For example, even if the SF-apparatus  100  does not have “PICTURE” function, it is possible for user to have the MF-apparatus  1200  conduct the input process by “PICTURE” function as one of the input setting parameter  434 , from the SF-apparatus. 
     In  FIG. 6 , as for the input process, the process flow between the SF-apparatus  100  and the MF-apparatus  1200  is described. Also, the process flow shown in  FIG. 6  can be realized between two MF-apparatuses  1200  and between two SF-apparatuses  100 . 
     Next, an example of the image process screen based on the image process UIF program  481  and the image process option information  435  will be described with reference to  FIG. 7 .  FIG. 7  is a diagram showing the example of the image process screen. In  FIG. 7 , an image process screen G 630  has the same screen structure as the input screen G 600 . In  FIG. 7 , parts that are the same as the ones in  FIG. 5  are indicated by the same reference numerals and the explanation thereof will be omitted. In the image process screen G 630 , when the user selects the button  62 , the list of the apparatuses, which exist on the network and can conduct the image process, is displayed in the display area  610 . When the user selects “MF-APPARATUS”, the functions, which can be set for the image process, are displayed in the display area  620 . 
     For example, the display area  620  displays “FRAME ELIMINATION” for eliminating shadows of a periphery of a sheet, “REVERSE” for copying by reversing image colors, “STAMP” for stamping the sheet to show that the image process is conducted, “NOISE ELIMINTION” for correcting noises for the input image, “ACTUAL SIZE” for processing the input image by a actual size, “OUTPUT SHEET SIZE” for processing the input image by an output sheet size, “100%” for allowing the user to indicate a magnification of the image by a ten-key, “DISPLAY” for indicating the image process including a displaying process, “EDIT” for repeating the image in a single sheet or synthesizing different images in a single sheet, “DIVIDE” for processing two pages at right and left sides into a single sheet, and a like. For example, when the user selects “FRAME ELIMINATION”, “ACTUAL SIZE”, and “DIVIDE”, the image process setting parameter indicating “FRAME ELIMINATION”, “ACTUAL SIZE”, and “DIVIDE” is generated. The image process setting parameter is sent to the MF-apparatus  1200 . The MF-apparatus  1200  sets the image process setting parameter received from the SF-apparatus  100  as the image process setting parameter  436 . Accordingly, the image process module  440  conducts the image process in respect to the input image data  601  in accordance with the image process setting parameter  436  and generates the output image data  602 . 
     A process flow between the MF-apparatus  1200  and the SF-apparatus  100  in accordance with operations of the user at the image process screen G 630  will be described with reference to  FIG. 8 .  FIG. 8  is a flowchart diagram for explaining the process flow to realize a display of the image process screen of the MF-apparatus  1200  at the SF-apparatus. 
     In  FIG. 8 , when the user selects the button  62  to indicate one apparatus for conducting the image process at the image process screen G 630  displayed at the operation panel of the SF-apparatus  100  (step S 51 ), the SF-apparatus  100  confirms existence of available apparatuses for the image process in respect to all apparatuses connected through the network (step S 52 ). The method for confirming the existence of the available apparatuses can be the same method described in a case of the process flow for realizing a display of the input screen in  FIG. 6 . In response to an existence confirmation from the SF-apparatus, the MF-apparatus  1200  existing on the network replies to the SF-apparatus  100  with apparatus specific information including an IP address identifying the MF-apparatus  1200 , an apparatus name, and a like (step S 53 ). When the SF-apparatus  100  receives the apparatus specific information from the MF-apparatus  1200  and other apparatuses on the network, the SF-apparatus  100  displays the list of the apparatus names in the display area  610  at the image process screen G 630 . 
     For example, the user selects the MF-apparatus  1200  as the apparatus for conducting the image process from the display area  610  (step S 54 ), the SF-apparatus  100  requests the image process UIF program of the MF-apparatus  1200  (step S 55 ). The MF-apparatus  1200  sends the image process UIF program  481  and the image process option information  435  to the SF-apparatus  100  by the FTP  3  in response to the request from the SF-apparatus  100  (step S 56 ). 
     When the SF-apparatus  100  receives the image process UIF program  481  and the image process option information  435  from the MF-apparatus  1200 , the SF-apparatus  100  executes the image process UIF program  481  (step S 57 ). By this execution, the functions that can be provided by the MF-apparatus  1200  are displayed in the display area  620  of the image process screen G 630  at the operation panel of the SF-apparatus. From the display area  620  displaying the functions, for example, the user selects “FRAME ELIMINATION”, “ACTUAL SIZE”, and “DIVIDE” (step S 58 ), the image process UIF program  481  generates the image process setting parameter showing “FRAME ELIMINATION”, “ACTUAL SIZE”, and “DIVIDE”, and the image process setting parameter is transmitted to the MF-apparatus  1200  (step S 59 ). 
     The MF-apparatus  1200  obtains the input image data  601  (step S 60 ). When the input process is not conducted by the MF-apparatus  1200 , the MF-apparatus  1200  obtains the input image data  601  from the SF-apparatus. The image input/output application  1216  sets the image process setting parameter received from the SF-apparatus  100  as the image process setting parameter  436 . The image process module  440  conducts the image process in respect to the input image data  601  in accordance with the image process setting parameter  436  and generates the output image data  602  (step S 61 ). 
     Since the image input/output application  1216  sets the image process setting parameter received from the SF-apparatus  100  as the image process setting parameter  436 , the image process module  440  can conduct the image process as if the user sets at the operation panel  1310  of the MF-apparatus  1200 . When the MF-apparatus  1200  completes the image process, the MF-apparatus  1200  sends an image process result to the SF-apparatus  100  (step S 62 ). At the operation panel, the SF-apparatus  100  displays the image process result received from the MF-apparatus  1200  (step S 63 ). 
     In  FIG. 8 , as for the image process, the process flow between the SF-apparatus  100  and the MF-apparatus  1200  is described. Also, the process flow shown in  FIG. 8  can be realized between two MF-apparatuses  1200  and between two SF-apparatuses. It is possible for the user to select the desired functions from the list of the functions, which the MF-apparatus  1200  can provide, displayed at the operation panel of the SF-apparatus. Also, it is possible to have the MF-apparatus  1200  conduct the image process based on the desired functions of the user. 
     Next, an example of the output screen based on the output UIF program  471  and the output option information  432  will be described with reference to  FIG. 9 .  FIG. 9  is a diagram showing the example of the output screen. In  FIG. 9 , an output screen G 640  has the same screen structure as the input screen G 600 . In  FIG. 9 , parts that are the same as the ones in  FIG. 5  are indicated by the same reference numerals and the explanation thereof will be omitted. 
     In the output screen G 640 , when the user selects the button  63 , the list of the apparatuses, which exist on the network and can conduct the output process, is displayed in the display area  610 . When the user selects “MF-APPARATUS”, the functions, which can be set for the output process, are displayed in the display area  620 . 
     For example, the display area  620  displays “SORT” for output in a page order for each document set, “STACK” for output for each page, “STAPLE” showing four stapling methods by four icons, “PUNCH” showing two punching methods by two icons, and a like. For example, when the user selects one of four icons showing the four stapling methods, the output setting parameter indicating “SORT” and one of methods of “STAPLE” is generated. The output setting parameter is sent to the MF-apparatus  1200 . The image input/output application  1216  of the MF-apparatus  1200  sets the output setting parameter received from the SF-apparatus  100  as the output setting parameter  432 . Accordingly, the output control module  420  conducts the output process in respect to the output image data  602  in accordance with the output setting parameter  432  so as to form an image on a sheet as the output image  603  and outputs the output image  603  by the plotter  1321 . 
     A process flow between the MF-apparatus  1200  and the SF-apparatus  100  in accordance with operations of the user at the output screen G 640  will be described with reference to  FIG. 10 .  FIG. 10  is a flowchart diagram for explaining the process flow to realize a display of the output screen of the MF-apparatus at the SF-apparatus. 
     In  FIG. 10 , when the user selects the button  63  to indicate one apparatus for conducting the output process at the output screen G 640  displayed at the operation panel of the SF-apparatus  100  (step S 71 ), the SF-apparatus  100  confirms existence of available apparatuses for the output process in respect to all apparatuses connected through the network (step S 72 ). The method for confirming the existence of the available apparatuses can be the same method described in a case of the process flow for realizing the display of the input screen G 600  in  FIG. 6 . In response to an existence confirmation from the SF-apparatus  100 , the MF-apparatus  1200  existing on the network replies to the SF-apparatus  100  with apparatus specific information including an IP address identifying the MF-apparatus  1200 , an apparatus name, and a like (step S 73 ). When the SF-apparatus  100  receives the apparatus specific information from the MF-apparatus  1200  and other apparatuses on the network, the SF-apparatus  100  displays the list of the apparatus names in the display area  610  at the output screen G 640 . 
     For example, the user selects the MF-apparatus  1200  as the apparatus for conducting the output process from the display area  610  (step S 74 ), the SF-apparatus  100  requests the output UIF program  471  of the MF-apparatus  1200  (step S 75 ). The MF-apparatus  1200  sends the output UIF program  471  and the output option information  431  to the SF-apparatus  100  by the FTP  3  in response to the request from the SF-apparatus  100  (step S 76 ). 
     When the SF-apparatus  100  receives the output UIF program  471  and the output option information  431  from the MF-apparatus  1200 , the SF-apparatus  100  executes the output UIF program  471  (step S 77 ). By this execution, the functions that can be provided by the MF-apparatus  1200  are displayed in the display area  620  of the output screen G 640  at the operation panel of the SF-apparatus. From the display area  620  displaying the functions, for example, the user selects one of four icons corresponding to the four stapling methods (step S 78 ), the output UIF program  471  generates the output setting parameter indicating “SORT” and “STAPLE”, and then the output setting parameter is transmitted to the MF-apparatus  1200  (step S 79 ). 
     The MF-apparatus  1200  obtains the output image data  602  (step S 80 ). When the output process is not conducted by the MF-apparatus  1200 , the MF-apparatus  1200  obtains the output image data  602  from the single functional processing apparatus. The output setting parameter, which is received from the SF-apparatus, is set to be the output setting parameter  432 . Then, the output control module  420  conducts the output process in respect to the output image data  602  in accordance with the output setting parameter  432  so as to form an image on the sheet as the output image  603  and then outputs the output image  603  (step S 81 ). 
     Since the output setting parameter received from the SF-apparatus  100  is set as the output setting parameter  432 , the output control module  420  can conduct the output process as if the user set at the operation panel  1310  of the MF-apparatus  1200 . When the MF-apparatus  1200  completes the output process, the output result is sent to the SF-apparatus  100  (step S 82 ). At the operation panel, the SF-apparatus  100  displays the output result received from the MF-apparatus  1200  (step S 83 ). 
     In  FIG. 10 , as for the output process, the process flow between the SF-apparatus  100  and the MF-apparatus  1200  is described. Also, the process flow shown in  FIG. 10  can be realized between two MF-apparatuses  1200  and between two SF-apparatuses. It is possible for the user to select the desired functions from the list of the functions, which the MF-apparatus  1200  can provide, displayed at the operation panel of the SF-apparatus. Also, it is possible to have the MF-apparatus  1200  conduct the output process based on the desired functions of the user. 
     Next, an example of a document list screen provided by the document list application  1218  of the MF-apparatus  1200  will be described.  FIG. 11  is a diagram showing the example of the document list screen. In  FIG. 11 , a document list screen G 660  has the same screen structure as the input screen G 600 . In  FIG. 11 , parts that are the same as the ones in  FIG. 5  are indicated by the same reference numerals and the explanation thereof will be omitted. The document list screen G 660  includes a button  651  for indicating one apparatus for displaying a document list, instead of the button  61  for indicating one apparatus for the input process at the input screen G 600 . In the document list screen G 660 , when the user selects the button  651 , the list of the apparatuses, which exist on the network and can store documents, is displayed in the display area  610  in the same manner as the input screen G 600 . When the user selects “MF-APPARATUS”, the list of the documents stored in the MF-apparatus  1200  is displayed in the display area  620 . 
     For example, the display area  620  displays “DOCUMENT 01”, “DOCUMENT 02”, “DOCUMENT 03”, . . . , “DOCUMENT 07”, as the document names. For example, when the user selects “DOCUMENT 02” and then selects the buttons  62  and  63 , it is possible for the user to have desired apparatuses conduct the image process and the output process, respectively. 
     A process flow between the MF-apparatus  1200  and the SF-apparatus  100  in accordance with operations of the user at the document list screen G 660  will be described with reference to  FIG. 12 .  FIG. 12  is a flowchart diagram for explaining the process flow to realize a display of the document list screen of the MF-apparatus at the SF-apparatus. The document list application  1217  has a similar functional configuration to the image input/output application  1216 . The document list application  1217  includes a UIF control module for controlling a display flow of the document list UIF that generates screen information configuring a screen for the document list, and a control module for obtaining document information specifying each document stored in HD  1303 . 
     In  FIG. 12 , when the user selects the button  651  to indicate one apparatus for managing the documents at the document list screen G 660  displayed at the operation panel of the SF-apparatus  100  (step S 91 ), the SF-apparatus  100  confirms existence of available apparatuses for the output process in respect to all apparatuses connected through the network (step S 92 ). The method for confirming the existence of the available apparatuses can be the same method described in the case of the process flow for realizing the display of the input screen G 600  in  FIG. 8 . In response to an existence confirmation from the SF-apparatus, the MF-apparatus  1200  existing on the network replies to the SF-apparatus  100  with apparatus specific information including an IP address identifying the MF-apparatus  1200 , an apparatus name, and a like (step S 93 ). When the SF-apparatus  100  receives the apparatus specific information from the MF-apparatus  1200  and other apparatuses on the network, the SF-apparatus  100  displays the list of the apparatus names in the display area  610  at the document list screen G 660 . 
     For example, the user selects the MF-apparatus  1200  as the apparatus for conducting the output process from the display area  610  (step S 94 ), the SF-apparatus  100  requests a document list UIF program of the MF-apparatus  1200  (step S 95 ). The MF-apparatus  1200  sends the document list UIF program and document list option information to the SF-apparatus  100  by the FTP  3  in response to the request from the SF-apparatus  100  (step S 96 ). 
     When the SF-apparatus  100  receives the document list UIF program and the document list option information from the MF-apparatus  1200 , the SF-apparatus  100  executes the document list UIF program (step S 97 ). By this execution, the documents that can be provided by the MF-apparatus  1200  are displayed in the display area  620  of the document list screen G 660  at the operation panel of the SF-apparatus. From the display area  620  displaying the documents, for example, the user selects “DOCUMENT 02” (step S 98 ), the document list UIF program generates the document list setting parameter indicating “DOCUMENT 02”. The document list setting parameter is transmitted to the MF-apparatus  1200  (step S 99 ). 
     The MF-apparatus  1200  sets the document list setting parameter received from the SF-apparatus  100  as a document list setting parameter of the MF-apparatus  1200 , and then obtains the document information from the HD  1303  in accordance with the document list setting parameter by the control module (step S 100 ). The document list setting parameter received from the SF-apparatus  100  as the document list setting parameter of the MF-apparatus  1200 . Therefore, the control module can conduct a process concerning the document list as if the user sets at the operation panel  1310  of the MF-apparatus  1200 . The MF-apparatus  1200  sends a document obtaining result to the SF-apparatus  100  (step S 101 ). At the operation panel, the SF-apparatus  100  displays the document obtaining result received from the MF-apparatus  1200  (step S 102 ). 
     In  FIG. 12 , as for the output process, the process flow between the SF-apparatus  100  and the MF-apparatus  1200  is described. Also, the process flow shown in  FIG. 12  can be realized between two MF-apparatuses  1200  and between two SF-apparatuses. It is possible for the user to select the desired documents from the list of the documents, which the MF-apparatus  1200  can provide, displayed at the operation panel of the SF-apparatus. Also, it is possible to have the MF-apparatus  1200  conduct the image process or the output process based on the document information of the desired documents by the user. 
     The process patterns  1  through  4  based on various combinations of the input process, the image process, and the output process shown in  FIG. 4  using user interfaces, which are realized by the screens G 600 , G 630 , and G 640  described in  FIG. 6  through  FIG. 12 , will be described in detail with reference to  FIG. 13  through  FIG. 16 . For example, an SF-apparatus (SF-apparatus)  100  shown in  FIG. 13  through  FIG. 16  is a single copier having only a copying function. For example, the SF-apparatus  100  includes an input processing part  102  for reading in the input image  600  formed on a sheet, an image processing part  104  for conducting the image process in respect to the input image data generated by reading in the input image  600 , an output processing part  106  for forming output image data  603 , which the image process is conducted to, on the sheet and outputting the sheet as the output image  603 , an operation panel  120  operated by the user, and an operation controlling part  110  for controlling a display of the operation panel  120 . 
     Moreover, the operation controlling part  110  includes at least an input UIF  112  for providing screen information to display the input screen G 600  as shown  FIG. 5 , an image process UIF  113  for providing the screen information to display the image process screen G 630  as shown in  FIG. 7 , an output UIF  114  for providing the screen information to display the output screen G 640  as shown in  FIG. 9 , an OCS  116  for controlling the operation panel  120  based on the screen information provided from each of the input UIF  112 , the image process UIF  113 , and the output UIF  114 , in respect to the operation panel  120 . 
     Furthermore, when each user interface program realizing the input UIF  112 , the image process UIF  113 , and the output UIF  114  is a Java™ program, the operation controlling part  110  includes a Java™ VM  118 . In the SF-apparatus  100 , all process parts including the OCS  116 , the input UIF  112 , the image process UIF  113 , and the output UIF  114  can be realized by the Java™ programs. In this case, even if the OCS  116  is not included in the SF-apparatus  100 , the SF-apparatus  100  can be compatible to the MF-apparatus  1200 . 
     In  FIG. 13  through  FIG. 16 , parts shown by dashed lines other than the Java™ VM  450  and the Java™ VM  118  are originally provided in the MF-apparatus  1200  and the SF-apparatus  100  but not used in each of the process patterns  1  through  4 . In addition, parts shown by double lines are replaced with data file sent from the MF-apparatus  1200  or the SF-apparatus  100 . 
     Process Pattern  1   
       FIG. 13  is a diagram showing an example of the process pattern  1  shown in  FIG. 4 . In  FIG. 3 , the display process, the input process, and the output process are conducted by the SF-apparatus  100 , and only the image process is conducted by the MF-apparatus  1200 . 
     First, when the user selects the SF-apparatus  100  itself as an apparatus for the input process at the operation panel  120 , by the input UIF  112  originally provided in the SF-apparatus  100 , the functions for the input process that the SF-apparatus  100  can provide are displayed at the operation panel  120 . When the user selects the functions, the input UIF  112  generates the input setting parameter (not shown) showing the functions set by the user. The input processing part  102  reads in the input image  600  in accordance with the input setting parameter (not shown) that is generated by the input UIF  112  so as to indicate the function set by the user and generates the input image data  601 . 
     Next, when the user selects the MF-apparatus  1200  as an apparatus for conducting the image process from the operation panel  120 , in accordance with the process flow shown in  FIG. 8 , the image process UIF  113  is replaced with the image process UIF  480  of the MF-apparatus  1200  realized by the image process UIF program  481  and the image process option information  435  that are obtained from the MF-apparatus  1200 . The image process UIF  480  displays the function that the MF-apparatus  1200  can provide, at the operation panel  120  through the OCS  116 . When the user selects the functions, the image process  480  generates an image process setting parameter  136  indicating the function set by the user. The SF-apparatus  100  transmits the input image data  601  generated by the image process setting parameter  136  and the input processing part  102 , to the MF-apparatus  1200 . The input image data  601  can be transmitted in response to a request from the image input/output application  1216  of the MF-apparatus  1200 . 
     The image input/output application  1216  of the MF-apparatus  1200  replaces the image process setting parameter  436  with the image process setting parameter  136  received from the SF-apparatus  100 . And the image process module  440  conducts the image process in respect to the input image data  601  received from the SF-apparatus  100  based on the image process setting parameter  436 , and generates the output image data  602  as a result. The output image data  602  is transmitted to the SF-apparatus  100 . The output image data  602  can be transmitted in response to a request from the SF-apparatus  100 . 
     When the user selects the SF-apparatus  100  itself as an apparatus for the output process at the operation panel  120 , by the output UIF  114  originally provided in the SF-apparatus  100 , the functions for the output process that the SF-apparatus  100  can provide are displayed, at the operation panel  120 . When the user selects the functions, the output UIF  114  generates the output setting parameter (not shown) indicating the functions set by the user. The output processing part  106  forms the output image data  602  on the sheet in accordance with the output setting parameter (not shown) that is generated by the output UIF  114  so as to indicate the functions set by the user, and then outputs the output image  603 . 
     As described above, the user can have the MF-apparatus  1200  conduct the image process only through a network  15 . 
     Process Pattern  2   
       FIG. 14  is a diagram showing an example of the process pattern  2  shown in  FIG. 4 . In  FIG. 14 , only the display process is conducted by the SF-apparatus  100 , and the input process, the image process, and the output process are conducted by the MF-apparatus  1200 . 
     In  FIG. 14 , when the user selects the MF-apparatus  1200  as an apparatus for the input process, the image process, and the output process at the operation panel  120  of the SF-apparatus  100 , in accordance with the process flow shown in  FIG. 6 , the original input UIF  112  (not shown) is replaced with the input UIF  460  of the MF-apparatus  1200  realized by the input UIF program  461  and the input option information  433  that are obtained from the MF-apparatus  1200 . The input UIF  460  displays the functions for the input process that the MF-apparatus  1200  can provide, at the operation panel  120  through the OCS  116 . After that, the input setting parameter  134 , which is generated by the input UIF  460  so as to indicate the functions set by the user, is sent to the MF-apparatus  1200 . 
     In the MF-apparatus  1200 , the input setting parameter  113  is replaced as the input setting parameter  434  of the image input/output application  1216 . The input control module  410  reads in the input image  600  and generates the input image data  601  at the MF-apparatus  1200 . 
     Similarly, in accordance with the process flow shown in  FIG. 8 , the image process UIF  480 , which replaces the original image process UIF  113  (not shown) at the SF-apparatus  100 , displays the image process screen of the MF-apparatus  1200 . The image process setting parameter  436  of the MF-apparatus  1200  is replaced with the image process setting parameter  136  that indicates the functions for the image process set by the user from the image process screen of the MF-apparatus  1200  and is received from the SF-apparatus  100 . The image process module  440  generates the output image data  602  based on the image process setting parameter  436 . 
     Similarly, in accordance with the process flow shown in  FIG. 10 , the output UIF  470 , which replaces the original output UIF  114  (not shown) at the SF-apparatus  100 , displays the output screen of the MF-apparatus  1200 . The output setting parameter  432  of the MF-apparatus  1200  is replaced with the output setting parameter  132 , that indicates the functions for the image process set by the user from the image process screen of the MF-apparatus  1200  and is received from the SF-apparatus  100 . The output control module  420  outputs the output image data  602  based on the output setting parameter  432 . 
     As described above, it is possible for the user to have the MF-apparatus  1200  conduct all of the input process, the image process, and the output process through the network  15 . Alternatively, the image process can be conducted at the SF-apparatus  100 . In this case, the SF-apparatus  100  may obtain the input image data  601  from the MF-apparatus  1200 , and send the output image data  602  generated after the image process is conducted to the input image data  601 , as well as the output setting parameter  132 . 
     Process Pattern  3   
       FIG. 15  is a diagram showing an example of the process pattern  3  shown in  FIG. 4 . In  FIG. 15 , the display process and the input process are conducted the SF-apparatus  100  and the image process and the output process are conducted by the MF-apparatus  1200 . 
     In  FIG. 15 , when the user selects the SF-apparatus  100  as an apparatus for conducting the input process at the operation panel  120  of the SF-apparatus  100  and selects the MF-apparatus  1200  as an apparatus for the image process and the output process, the input processing part  102  of the SF-apparatus  100  reads in the input image  600 , and generates the input image data  601 . After that, similar to the process pattern  1  shown in  FIG. 13 , the image process UIF  113  (not shown) originally provided in the SF-apparatus  100  is replaced with an image process UIF  480  of the MF-apparatus  1200 . After that, in the image input/output application  1216  of the MF-apparatus  1200 , in accordance with the image process setting parameter  436  replaced with the image process setting parameter  136  received from the SF-apparatus  100 , the image process module  440  generates the output image data  602 . Moreover, similar to the process pattern  2  shown in  FIG. 14 , the original output UIF  114  (not shown) of the SF-apparatus  100  is replaced with the output UIF  470  of the MF-apparatus  1200 . After that, in the image input/output application  1216  of the MF-apparatus  1200 , in accordance with the output setting parameter  432  replaced with the output setting parameter  132  received from the SF-apparatus  100 , the output control module  420  outputs the output image  603 . 
     As described above, the user can conduct the input process alone at the SF-apparatus  100 , and have the MF-apparatus  1200  conduct the image process and the output process. Alternatively, the image process can be conducted by the SF-apparatus  100 . In this case, the SF-apparatus  100  may send the output image data  602  generated after the image process is conduct to the input image data  601  generated by the input processing part  102 , with the output setting parameter  132 . 
     The Process Pattern  4   
       FIG. 16  is a diagram showing an example of the process pattern  4  shown in  FIG. 4 . In  FIG. 16 , the display process and output process are conducted by the SF-apparatus  100 , and the input process and the image process are conducted by the MF-apparatus  1200 . 
     In  FIG. 16 , when the user selects the SF-apparatus  100  as an apparatus for conducting the input process and the output process at the operation panel  120  of the SF-apparatus  100 , and selects the MF-apparatus  1200  as an apparatus for conducting the image process, similar to the process pattern  2  shown in  FIG. 14 , the input UIF  112  (not shown) originally provided in the SF-apparatus  100  is replaced with the input UIF  460  of the MF-apparatus  1200 . After that, in the image input/output application  1216  of the MF-apparatus  1200 , in accordance with the input setting parameter  434  replaced with the input setting parameter  134  received from the SF-apparatus  100 , the input control module  410  generates the input image data  601 . Moreover, the original image process UIF  113  (not shown) of the SF-apparatus  100  is replaced with the image process UIF  480  of the MF-apparatus  1200 . After that, in the image input/output application  1216  of the MF-apparatus  1200 , in accordance with the image process setting parameter  436  replaced with the image process setting parameter  136  received from the SF-apparatus  100 , the image process module  440  generates the output image data  602 . Subsequently, when the SF-apparatus  100  obtains the output image data  602  from the MF-apparatus  1200 , the output process is conducted by the output processing part  106 , and outputs the output image  603 . 
     As described above, it is possible for the user at the SF-apparatus  100  to have the MF-apparatus  1200  conduct the input process and the image process. Alternatively, the image process can be conducted by the SF-apparatus  100 . In this case, the SF-apparatus  100  obtains the input image data  601  from the MF-apparatus  1200 , and sends the output image data  602  generated after the image process is conducted to the input image data  601 , with the output setting parameter  132 . 
     Regarding the process patterns  1  through  4 , a case is described in that the MF-apparatus  1200  and the SF-apparatus  100  are connected to each other through the network  15 . Alternatively, the present invention can be applied to more than three image processing apparatuses connecting to each other through the network  15 . 
     As described above, in the first embodiment, it is possible to input the input image  600  by utilizing an option (the ADF, a both sides ADF, or a like) pertaining to the MF-apparatus  1200  connected to any image processing apparatus through the network  15 . For example, by using the MF-apparatus  1200  having the both sides ADF  1350 , the user can consecutively input the input image  600  (a plurality of documents) having an image on both sides, and also can output from the SF-apparatus  100  (copier) having only a press board. 
     Moreover, by using an option (finisher such as a punch or a stapler) pertaining to the MF-apparatus  1200 , the user can output the output image  603  at the MF-apparatus  1200  connected to any SF-apparatus  100  through the network  15 . For example, by using higher functions by full options, it is possible to output the output image  603  from the copier having a single function or a personal computer (PC). Since the output UIF program  471  and the output setting parameter  432  are obtained through the network  15 , a new user interface is not required for the SF-apparatus  100  at which the user operates. Accordingly, the user can instruct by the same operation under the interface provided by the MF-apparatus  1200  anywhere. Also, when a new function is added to the MF-apparatus  1200  connected to the network  15 , even if the SF-apparatus  100  where the user operates, the user can utilize the interface for operating the new function of the MF-apparatus  1200  and operate as if the user uses the MF-apparatus  1200 . 
     Furthermore, if the MF-apparatus  1200  having higher functions exists on the network  15 , by sending the input image data  601  to the MF-apparatus  1200  and the output image data  602  to the SF-apparatus  100 , even the SF-apparatus  100 , which does not have the image process as the higher functions, can realize the same higher functions as the MF-apparatus  1200 . In this case, means for providing and setting the higher functions for the image process is not required for the SF-apparatus  100  as an operation side. Accordingly, the user operates in the same way at any SF-apparatus  100 . 
     In the first embodiment, on the network  15 , only the plotter  1321  of the MF-apparatus  1200  as an output option, the scanner  1324  of the MF-apparatus  1200  as an input option, and the SF-apparatus  100  (copier) as the input option and the output option are provided, but a plurality of the input options and the output options can be provided. All options, for example, the apparatuses connected through the network  15  and the scanner, the printer, the copier, and the like can be shared as the functions. Also, as the output, it is not limited to printing on the sheet, but as an electronic data, output data can be stored to a server for managing a document. Also, the input side can be a document management server for managing the electronic data, instead of the paper sheet. As described above, by storing as a document, an existing image data can be utilized. Accordingly, data frequently used by the user are simply maintained on the network  15 , it is possible to utilize the data in many output methods by various options. 
     Second Embodiment 
     In a second embodiment, an MF-apparatus  1200 W provides equivalent processes to those in the first embodiment, as Web service. The MF-apparatus  1200 W providing the Web service will be described according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 
     A functional configuration and a hardware configuration of the MF-apparatus  1200 W providing Web services concerning the image process according to the second embodiment are the same as those of the MF-apparatus  1200  in the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, an IP-screen Web service providing process part  244  and an IP-Web service providing process parts  344 , that will be described later, conduct processes corresponding to the image input/output application  1216 . In the second embodiment, an input screen, an image process screen, and an output screen are provided to a Web browser, and the MF-apparatus  1200 W provides the input process, the image process, and the output process as the Web services based on settings of the user. The MF-apparatus  1200 W providing the Web services will be described with reference to  FIGS. 17 ,  18 , and  19 . In process examples described in  FIGS. 17 ,  18 , and  19 , on a network  15 , it is assumed that at least three image processing apparatuses; the MF-apparatus  1200 , the other MF-apparatus equivalent to the MF-apparatus  1200 , and the SF-apparatus  100 W, are connected to each other. In the process examples, it is also assumed that the input process is conducted by the SF-apparatus  100 W, the image process is conducted by the MF-apparatus  1200 , and the output process is conducted by the other MF-apparatus. 
       FIG. 17  is a diagram showing a functional configuration of the MF-apparatus providing the Web service concerning the image process, according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In  FIG. 17 , for the sake of convenience, the Web service concerning the image process will be described, but other Web services concerning the input process, the output process, and a document list process as described in  FIG. 11  and  FIG. 12  can be realized in a similar functional configuration. 
     In  FIG. 17 , the MF-apparatus  1200 W includes an IP-screen (Image Process screen) Web service providing process part  244 , an IP-Web service (Image Process Web service) providing process part  344  for executing the image process, and a Web server  500  for controlling communications with apparatuses connected through the network  15  by an HTTP request and an HTTP response in accordance with HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol). 
     The Web server  500  includes a distributor  30  for distributing a process to the Web service providing process part  244  or  344  corresponding to an URI (Uniform Resource Identifier) or an URL (Uniform Resource Locator) indicated by the HTTP request, and an httpd (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Daemon)  2  for controlling a communication in accordance with HTTP. Also, the MF-apparatus  1200 W includes an SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol) processing part  70  for analyzing the HTTP request and creating the HTTP response in accordance with SOAP, and XML (eXtensible Markup Language) processing part  50  for processing a message in accordance with XML, which are shared with the Web service providing process part  244  and  344 . Moreover, the Web service providing process part  244  and  344  include dispatchers  64  and  65 , respectively, for separately obtaining parameters and a data file in the message and dispatching the parameters and the data file thereto. 
     For example, when the httpd  2  of the MF-apparatus  1200 W receives the HTTP request indicating a request of the image process UIF program from the image process apparatus (for example, the SF-apparatus  100 W) connected through the network  15  in accordance with the SOAP (step S 110 ), the request is sent to the IP-screen Web service providing process part  244  by the distributor  30  (step S 111 ). The IP-screen Web service providing process part  244  processes the HTTP request by the SOAP processing part  70  (step S 112 ), and furthermore, the message described in XML in a SOAP body in XML processing part  50 . Subsequently, the request of the image process UIF program is dispatched to the image process UIF  480  by the dispatcher  64  (step S 113 ). 
     The image process UIF program  481 , which is described based on an XSLT (Extensible Stylesheet Language Transform), and image process option information  435  provided from the image process UIF  480  are sent to the XML processing part  50  (step S 114 ). The IP-screen Web service providing process part  244  creates an XML  26  describing the image process option information  435  in XML by the XML processing part  50 , includes the XML  26  indicating the image process option information  435  and an XSL of the image process UIF program  481  in an SOAP body by the SOAP processing part  70 , and then requests the httpd  2  to send the HTTP response (step S 115 ). The httpd  2  sends the HTTP response to the SF-apparatus  100 W (step S 130 ). 
     After sending the image process UIF program  481  and the image process option information  435 , the Web server  500  distributes an image process request indicated in the HTTP request to the IP-Web service providing process part  344  by the distributor  30  when the image process request is sent as the HTTP request from the SF-apparatus  100 W (step S 121 ). The IP-Web service providing process part  344  processes the HTTP request requesting the image process by the SOAP processing part  70  (step S 122 ). Subsequently, The IP-Web service providing process part  344  processes the message described in XML in the SOAP body by the XML processing part  50 , separately obtains the image process setting parameter  436  and the input image data  601  attached with the message by the dispatcher  65 , and sends the image Process request to the image process module  440  (step S 123 ). 
     The image process module  440  conducts the image process in respect to the input image data  601  in accordance with the image process setting parameter  436  (step S 124 ). The XML  26  as the message is created by describing a process result of the image process by the XML processing part  50 , and the output image data  602  is attached with the message by the SOAP processing part  70 . Then, the Web server  500  sends the XML  26  as HTTP response to the MF-apparatus  100  by the httpd  2  (step S 130 ). 
     By similar process flows to the IP-screen Web service providing process part  244  and the IP-Web service providing process part  344 , it is possible to provide processes by the input UIF  460  and the input control module  410 , and processes by the output UIF  470  and the output control module  420 , as the Web services to the apparatuses connected to through the network  15 . Also, the document list process can be provided as one of the Web services. It should be noted that the apparatuses are not limited to the image processing apparatus but the Web service can be provided to any computerized apparatus. 
     Next, an example of a functional configuration of the SF-apparatus  100 W connected to the MF-apparatus  1200 W providing the Web service through the network  15  will be described.  FIG. 18  is a diagram showing the example of the functional configuration of the SF-apparatus including a Web browser according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In  FIG. 18 , parts shown by dashed lines are originally provide in the SF-apparatus  100 W but not used in this process example. In  FIG. 18 , the SF-apparatus  100 W mainly includes an input processing part  102  for inputting an image, an image processing part  104  for conducting the image process, an output processing part  106  for outputting the image, an input UIF  112  for providing input image data, an image process UIF  113  for providing image process screen data, the output UIF  114  for providing output screen data, a Web service client  10  including a SOAP processing part  12 , a Web server  140 , a Web browser  122 , and an operation panel  120 . 
     The Web server  140  includes a distributor  124  for distributing a process in response to a request when the user inputs data to the Web browser  122 , an XML creating part  13 , and an HTML (HyperText Markup Language) creating part  502  for creating an HTML  24  by transforming an XML  26  based on an XSL  25  by the XSL processor  503 . 
     For example, when the user selects the SF-apparatus  100 W as an apparatus for the input process at the operation panel  120 , a request of the input UIF is set from the Web browser  122  to the distributor  124  of the Web server  140  (step S 210 ). When the distributor  124  receives the request from the Web browser  122 , the distributor  124  determines whether the request is a request of the user interface or one in respect to the processing parts  102 ,  104 , and  106 . In this case, it is determined that the request from the Web browser  122  is one of the user interface, the request is sent to the XML creating part  13  of the Web server  140  (step S 211 ). The XML creating part  13  creates an XML  28  describing the request in XML. The Web server  140  sends the request to the input UIF  112  when the XML creating part  13  determines that the request is a request of the input UIF of the SF-apparatus  100 W itself (step S 212 ). 
     The input UIF  112  sends the XML  26  indicating the input screen data described in XML and the XSLT  25  for transforming to the HTML  24  to the Web server  140  (step S 213 ). The Web server  140  sends the XML  26  and the XSL  25  received as a response to the HTML creating part  502  (step S 214 ). The HTML creating part  502  creates the HTML  24  by the XSL processor  503  based on the XML  26  and the XSL  25 . The HTML  24  created by the HTML creating part  502  is provided to the Web browser  122  and then the input screen is displayed at the operation panel  120  of the SF-apparatus  100 W (step S 215 ). 
     When the user sets the functions for the input process at the input screen displayed at the operation panel  120 , the Web server  140  receives a request from the Web browser  122  by the distributor  124  (step S 210 ). In this case, the distributor  124  determines that the request of the user indicates the input process, and the input setting parameter  434  is sent to the input processing part  102  (step S 231 ). The input processing part  102  reads in the input image  600  in accordance with the input setting parameter  134 , generates the input image data  601 , and sends the XML  26  describing an input process result and the XSL  25  for transforming to the HTML  24  to the Web server  140  (step S 232 ). By conducting the steps S 214  and S 215 , the input process result is displays at the operation panel  120 . 
     When the user selects the MF-apparatus  1200 W as an apparatus for the image process, the Web browser  122  sends a request corresponding to a selection of the user to the distributor  124  of the Web server  140  (step S 210 ). In this case, the distributor  124  determines that the request is a request of the user interface, the distributor  124  sends the request to the XML creating part  13  (step S 241 ). In this case, when the XML creating part  13  determines that the request is a request to the other apparatus other than the SF-apparatus  100 W, the Web server  140  sends the request to the SOAP processing part  12  of the Web service client  10  (step S 242 ). The SOAP processing part  12  sends the HTTP request including the XML  28  as a message to the MF-apparatus  1200 W connected through the network  15  in accordance with the SOAP (step S 243 ). 
     When the Web service client  10  receives the HTTP response from the MF-apparatus  1200 W (step S 244 ), the SOAP processing part  12  separately obtains the XML  26  and the XSL  26  from the SOAP body and sends to the Web server  140  (step S 245 ). In this case, the XML  26  describes the image process option information  435  shown in  FIG. 17 , the XSL  26  includes the image process UIF program  481  shown in  FIG. 17 , and HTML  24  created by transforming the XML  26  includes the image process UIF program  481  and the image process option information  435 . As the same as described above, the steps S 214  and S 215  are conducted. Accordingly, it is possible to realize the image process UIF  480  of the MF-apparatus  1200 W at the operation panel  120  of the SF-apparatus  100 W by the Web browser  122 . 
     Similarly, it is possible to realize the output UIF of the other image processing apparatus connected through the network  15 . As described above, the image process setting parameter  436  and the output setting parameter  432  are sent to the MF-apparatus  1200 W by the steps S 241  through S 243 , and a process result is displayed at the operation panel  120  by the steps S 214  and S 215 . 
     For example, the screen G 650  as shown in  FIG. 19  is displayed at the operation panel  120  of the SF-apparatus  100 W.  FIG. 19  is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed at the operation panel by the Web browser. In  FIG. 19 , the screen G 650  includes a display area  651  for indicating an apparatus for the input process, a display area  652  for indicating an apparatus for conducting the image process, and a display area  653  for indication an apparatus for the output process. Similar to the screen G 600 , G 630 , and G 640  in  FIG. 5 ,  FIG. 7 , and  FIG. 9 , each of the display areas  651 ,  652 , and  653  includes a display area  610  for displaying a list of apparatuses available for a respective process, and a display area  620  for displaying a list of apparatuses selected by the user. For example, each of the display area  651  through  653 ,  610  and  620  can be a frame realized by the Web browser  122 . 
     In the screen G 650 , the user selects the SF-apparatus  100 W from the display area  610  as an apparatus for conducing the input process, and selects functions available from the SF-apparatus  100 W. Moreover, the user selects the MF-apparatus  1200 W as an apparatus for conducing the image process from the display area  610 , and selects functions available from the MF-apparatus  1200 W from the display area  620 . Furthermore, the user selects the other apparatus as an apparatus for conducting the output process from the display area  610 , and selects functions available from the other apparatus. These selections of the user are sent to the SF-apparatus  100 W, the MF-apparatus  1200 , and the other apparatus, respectively, as the input setting parameter  434 , the image process setting parameter  436 , and the output setting parameter  432 . 
     According to the first embodiment and the second embodiment, it is possible to provide the user interface provided by each image processing apparatus even if different apparatus types provide different user interfaces. That is, even if the different apparatus types are a color and a white and black in that these original operations are provided by different user interfaces for the color and the white and black, the same processes can be realized at the image processing apparatuses. Moreover, by using a mechanism of the Web browser  122  instead of developing a special mechanism, it is possible to conduct the same processes even if the user interfaces are different from each other between the image processing apparatuses. Furthermore, it is possible to easily maintain and improve each module. 
     Third Embodiment 
     A third embodiment of the present invention, in which a computer internally mounted in an MF-apparatus  1200 W includes a high capacity storage such as a hard disk and a large amount of image data can be managed, will be described.  FIG. 20  is a diagram showing a functional configuration of the MF-apparatus providing a Web service concerning an image process according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In  FIG. 20 , parts that are the same as the ones in  FIG. 17  are indicated by the same reference numerals and the explanation thereof will be omitted. An IM-Web service providing process part  341  and an OM-Web service providing process part  342  conduct processes corresponding to the image input/output application  1216 . In the third embodiment, when a Web server  500  of the MF-apparatus  1200 W receives an input image data  601  or an output image data  602 , or when the Web server  500  receives an image process setting parameter  436  or the output setting parameter  432 , there is a state in that the Web server  500  can not process promptly because the image process module  440  or an output control module  420  is in use. In order to eliminate this problem, queues  441  and  421  are provided to the image process module  440  and the output control module  420 , respectively. 
     When the image process module  440  is in a process, the input image data  601  and the image process setting parameter  436  are maintained as one request in the queue  441 . Also, when the output control module  420  is in a process, the output image data  602  and the output setting parameter  432  are maintained as one request in the queue  421 . When the image process module  440  and the output control module  420  complete the processes, respectively, the image process module  440  and the output control module  420  obtain the requests from the queues  441  and  421 , respectively. 
     According to the first, the second, and the third embodiments, furthermore, the following configuration can be applied. An image data maintaining function for maintaining image data in the HD  1303  or an image data transmission function for transmitting image data to the other image processing apparatus can be provided in the MF-apparatus  1200 . In this case, each of a format, a compression type, a resolution, gradation of the input image data  601  and the output image data  602  will be changed depending on usages of the user later. Thus, characteristics of the input image data  601  and the output image data  602  can be indicated in the image process option information  435  and the output option information  431 . Accordingly, the input image data  601  and the output image data  602  can be processed based on the usages of the user. The image process module  440  and the output control module  420  process the input image data  601  and the output image data  602  by the image process setting parameter  436  and the output control module  420 , respectively. The input image data  601  and the output image data  602  are maintained or transmitted to the other image processing apparatus. 
     Moreover, if the MF-apparatus  1200 W for conducting the input process is an apparatus capable of storing image in the HD  1303 , the user can select and output data stored in the HD  1303  of the MF-apparatus  1200 W at the SF-apparatus  100 W for conducting the output process. Even if the SF-apparatus  100 W at the output side does not have means for selecting “BOTH SIDES” of the ADF  1350  or an image stored in the HD  1303 , the SF-apparatus  100 W can display the input interface of the input operation of the MF-apparatus  1200 , so as to conduct the input process at the MF-apparatus  1200 . 
     Furthermore, by a similar process flow to the image process UIF  480 , the image process module  440 , which can provide functions of a gamma correction or a color space correction corresponding to characteristics of the engine at a time of the image output, can be transmitted to the SF-apparatus  100 W. Accordingly, the image process is conducted by replacing the image processing part  104  originally provided in the SF-apparatus  100 W, so as to output the output image  603  having a high quality. In addition, in a case in which the noise elimination is set as an image correction, even if the input image  600  or the input image data  601  has lower quality, the output image data  602  having higher quality can be obtained. Also, a method of outputting the output image  603  is changed based on the characteristics of the engine. Thus, the gamma correction or a color correction is required when the input image  600  is input. However, by obtaining the image process module  440  of the MF-apparatus  1200 W for conducting the output process, various corrections can be conducted at the SF-apparatus  100 W for conducting the input process corresponding to the characteristics of the engine of the MF-apparatus  1200 , so as to output the output image  603  having higher quality. 
     Moreover, in a case in which an apparatus for conducting the image process is different from an apparatus for conducting the input process and the output process, the input image data  601  is transmitted to the apparatus for the image process once. After the image process is completed, the output image data  602  is transmitted to the apparatus for the output process. Therefore, the input process, the image process, and the output process can be conducted as a single process. Accordingly, the apparatus for the input process is not required to have an equivalent function for the image process, and it is possible to additionally provide a function dynamically. 
     Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the Web browser  122  is activated on a personal computer (PC) connected to the MF-apparatus  1200 W through the network  15  to access the Web server of each apparatus for the input process, the image process, and the output process. Then, Web contents provided by the Web server are displayed at a display unit of the PC. Therefore, the PC is not required to have any function for the image process, and it is possible to conduct operations concerning the image process. 
     Fourth Embodiment 
     In a fourth embodiment, a functional configuration and a hardware configuration of an MF-apparatus  1200  providing the screen coordinate parameters  462 ,  472 , and  482  according to the fourth embodiment are the same as those of the MF-apparatus  1200  in the first embodiment. 
     In the fourth embodiment, an MF-apparatus  1200  provides the screen coordinate parameters  462 ,  472 , and  482  with the option information  431 ,  433 , and  435 , instead of the UIF programs  461 ,  471 , and  481  with  482  with the option information  431 ,  433 , and  435 . 
       FIG. 21  is a diagram showing functional configurations of the image input/output application and the transmission application according to the fourth embodiment. In  FIG. 21 , parts that are the same as the ones in  FIG. 3  are indicated by the same reference numerals and explanation thereof will be omitted. In the MF-apparatus  1200  according to the fourth embodiment, in order for other apparatuses to utilize an input process, an image process, and an output process available at the MF-apparatus  1200  through a network  15 , the transmission application  1217  transmits the screen coordinate parameters  462 ,  472 , and  482  in response to a request of the screen coordinate parameter  462 ,  472 , and  482 , respectively, from the other apparatus used by a user. 
     When the transmission application  1217  receives a request of the input screen coordinate parameter  462 , the transmission application  1217  simultaneously transmits the input screen coordinate parameter  462  realizing a similar screen display of the MF-apparatus  1200  and the input option information  433  obtained by the input control module  410  when the MF-apparatus  1200  is booted, to the apparatus by the FTP  3 . In the same manner, when the transmission application  1217  receives a request of the image process screen coordinate parameter  462  or the output screen coordinate parameter  472 , the transmission application  1217  simultaneously transmits the image process screen coordinate parameter  482  or the output screen coordinate parameter  472  with the image process option information  435  or the output option information  431  by the FTP  3 . 
     By downloading each of the screen coordinate parameters  462 ,  482 , and  472 , it is possible for an other apparatus to display a plurality of functions available in the MF-apparatus  1200 . Then, the setting parameters  434 ,  436 , and  432  set by the user at the other apparatus are respectively transmitted to the MF-apparatus  1200 . The MF-apparatus  1200  replaces the input setting parameter  434 , the image process setting parameter  436 , and the output setting parameter  432  with the setting parameters received from the other apparatus, respectively. Accordingly, it is possible for the MF-apparatus  1200  to conduct in accordance with the setting parameters that are set by the user at the other apparatus. 
     In the functional configuration of the image input/output application  1216  shown in  FIG. 21 , the input control module  410 , the image process module  440 , the output control module  420 , and the UIF control module  430  may be realized by Java™ programs. In this case, a Java VM (Virtual Memory)  450 , which is shown by dashed lines, may be provided to execute the Java™ programs. The input screen coordinate parameter  462 , the image process screen coordinate parameter  482 , and the output screen coordinate parameter  472  are also provided in the data structure readable by the Java™ programs. Also, the input option information  433 , the image process option information  435 , and the output option information  431  are provided in the data structure readable by the Java™ programs. In the other apparatus connected through the network  15  to the MF-apparatus  1200 , if the Java™ programs can be executable, the input setting parameter  434 , the image process setting parameter  436 , and the output setting parameter  432  can be provided without depending on hardware of the other apparatus. 
     For example, in a case in which the other apparatus connected to the MF-apparatus  1200  through the network  15  has a lower function than that of the MF-apparatus  1200  or only a single function (hereinafter, called an SF-apparatus  100  (single functional image forming apparatus)), this SF-apparatus  100  obtains the input screen coordinate parameter  462 , the image process screen coordinate parameter  482 , and the output screen coordinate parameter  472  from the MF-apparatus  1200 . Therefore, it is possible for the SF-apparatus  100  to provide the user higher functions provided by the MF-apparatus  1200 . 
     Examples of process flows for displaying the functions of the MF-apparatus  1200  at the operation panel of the SF-apparatus  100  will be described, according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Also, in the fourth embodiment, the input screen coordinate parameter  462  and the input setting parameter  434  realize the input screen G 600  shown in  FIG. 5 , the image process screen coordinate parameter  482  and the image process setting parameter  436  realize the image process screen G 630  shown in  FIG. 7 , and the output screen coordinate parameter  472  and the output setting parameter  432  realize the output process screen G 640  shown in  FIG. 9 . Therefore, the explanations of the screens G 600 , G 630 , and G 640  will be omitted. 
     A process flow, which is conducted between the MF-apparatus  1200  and the SF-apparatus  100  in response to operations of the user at the input screen G 600  in  FIG. 5 , will be described with reference to  FIG. 22 .  FIG. 22  is a flowchart diagram for explaining the process flow to realize a display of the input screen G 600  of the MF-apparatus  1200  at the SF-apparatus  100 . 
     In  FIG. 22 , when the user selects the button  61  to indicate one apparatus for conducting the input process at the input screen G 600  in  FIG. 5  (step S 311 ), the SF-apparatus  100  confirms existence of available apparatuses for the input process in respect to all apparatuses connected through the network (step S 312 ). A method for confirming the existence of the available apparatuses may confirm all apparatuses existing on the network by a broadcast. Alternatively, the method may confirm specific apparatuses set beforehand. In response to an existence confirmation from the SF-apparatus  100 , the MF-apparatus  1200  existing on the network replies to the SF-apparatus  100  with apparatus specific information including an IP address identifying the MF-apparatus  1200 , an apparatus name, and a like (step S 313 ). When the SF-apparatus  100  receives the apparatus specific information from the MF-apparatus  1200  and other apparatuses on the network, the SF-apparatus  100  displays the list of the apparatus names in the display area  610  at the input screen G 600  in  FIG. 5 . 
     For example, the user selects the MF-apparatus  1200  as the apparatus for conducting the input process from the display area  610  (step S 314 ), the SF-apparatus  100  requests the input screen coordinate parameter  462  of the MF-apparatus  1200  (step S 315 ). The MF-apparatus  1200  sends the input screen coordinate parameter  462  and the input option information  433  to the SF-apparatus  100  by the FTP  3  in response to the request from the SF-apparatus  100  (step S 316 ). 
     When the SF-apparatus  100  receives the input screen coordinate parameter  462  and the input option information  433  from the MF-apparatus  1200 , the SF-apparatus  100  displays the functions that the MF-apparatus  1200  can provide, in the display area  620  of the input screen G 600  ( FIG. 5 ) displayed at the operation panel of the SF-apparatus  100  by using the input screen coordinate parameter  462  (step S 317 ). From the display area  620  displaying the functions, for example, the user selects “PICTURE”, “AUTO DARKNESS”, and “ONE SIDE” (step S 318 ), an input UIF of the SF-apparatus  100  generates the input setting parameter showing “PICTURE”, “AUTO DARKNESS”, and “ONE SIDE” corresponding position coordinates thereof, and the input setting parameter is transmitted to the MF-apparatus  1200  (step S 319 ). 
     The MF-apparatus  1200  sets the input setting parameter  434  received from the SF-apparatus  100  as the input setting parameter  434 . Subsequently, the input control module  410  reads in the input image  600  from the scanner  1324  in accordance with the input setting parameter  434 , and generates the input image data  601  (step S 320 ). 
     Since the image input/output application  1216  sets the input setting parameter received from the SF-apparatus  100  as the input setting parameter  434 , the input control module  410  can conduct the input process as if the user sets at the operation panel  1310  of the MF-apparatus  1200 . When the MF-apparatus  1200  completes the input process, the MF-apparatus  1200  sends an input result to the SF-apparatus  100  (step S 321 ). At the operation panel, the SF-apparatus  100  displays the input result received from the MF-apparatus  1200  at the operation panel (step S 322 ). 
     Therefore, it is possible for the user to select the desired functions from the list of the functions, which the MF-apparatus  1200  can provide, displayed at the operation panel of the SF-apparatus. Also, it is possible to have the MF-apparatus  1200  conduct the input process based on the desired functions of the user. For example, even if the SF-apparatus  100  does not have “PICTURE” function, it is possible for user to have the MF-apparatus  1200  conduct the input process by “PICTURE” function as one of the input setting parameter  434 , from the SF-apparatus. 
     In  FIG. 22 , as for the input process, the process flow between the SF-apparatus  100  and the MF-apparatus  1200  is described. Also, the process flow shown in  FIG. 22  can be realized between two MF-apparatuses  1200  and between two SF-apparatuses. 
     A process flow between the MF-apparatus  1200  and the SF-apparatus  100  in accordance with operations of the user at the image process screen G 630  ( FIG. 7 ) will be described with reference to  FIG. 23 .  FIG. 23  is a flowchart diagram for explaining the process flow to realize a display of the image process screen of the MF-apparatus  1200  at SF-apparatus. 
     In  FIG. 23 , when the user selects the button  62  to indicate one apparatus for conducting the image process at the image process screen G 630  displayed at the operation panel of the SF-apparatus  100  (step S 351 ), the SF-apparatus  100  confirms existence of available apparatuses for the image process in respect to all apparatuses connected through the network (step S 352 ). The method for confirming the existence of the available apparatuses can be the same method described in a case of the process flow for realizing a display of the input screen in  FIG. 22 . In response to an existence confirmation from the SF-apparatus, the MF-apparatus  1200  existing on the network replies to the SF-apparatus  100  with apparatus specific information including an IP address identifying the MF-apparatus  1200 , an apparatus name, and a like (step S 353 ). When the SF-apparatus  100  receives the apparatus specific information from the MF-apparatus  1200  and other apparatuses on the network, the SF-apparatus  100  displays the list of the apparatus names in the display area  610  at the image process screen G 630  in  FIG. 7 . 
     For example, the user selects the MF-apparatus  1200  as the apparatus for conducting the image process from the display area  610  in  FIG. 7  (step S 354 ), the SF-apparatus  100  requests the image process screen coordinate parameter  482  of the MF-apparatus  1200  (step S 355 ). The MF-apparatus  1200  sends the image process screen coordinate parameter  482  and the image process option information  435  to the SF-apparatus  100  by the FTP  3  in response to the request from the SF-apparatus  100  (step S 356 ). 
     When the SF-apparatus  100  receives the image process screen coordinate parameter  482  and the image process option information  435  from the MF-apparatus  1200 , the SF-apparatus  100  displays the functions that the MF-apparatus  1200  can provide, in the display area  620  of the image process screen G 630  ( FIG. 7 ) displayed at the operation panel of the SF-apparatus  100  by using the image process screen coordinate parameter  482  (step S 357 ). From the display area  620  displaying the functions, for example, the user selects “ME ELIMINATION”, “ACTUAL SIZE”, and “DIVIDE” (step S 358 ), an image process UIF of the SF-apparatus  100  generates the image process setting parameter showing “FRAME ELIMINATION”, “ACTUAL SIZE”, and “DIVIDE” corresponding to position coordinates thereof, and the image process setting parameter is transmitted to the MF-apparatus  1200  (step S 359 ). 
     The MF-apparatus  1200  obtains the input image data  601  (step S 360 ). When the input process is not conducted by the MF-apparatus  1200 , the MF-apparatus  1200  obtains the input image data  601  from the SF-apparatus. The image input/output application  1216  sets the image process setting parameter received from the SF-apparatus  100  as the image process setting parameter  436 . The image process module  440  conducts the image process in respect to the input image data  601  in accordance with the image process setting parameter  436  and generates the output image data  602  (step S 361 ). 
     Since the image input/output application  1216  sets the image process setting parameter received from the SF-apparatus  100  as the image process setting parameter  436 , the image process module  440  can conduct the image process as if the user sets at the operation panel  1310  of the MF-apparatus  1200 . When the MF-apparatus  1200  completes the image process, the MF-apparatus  1200  sends an image process result to the SF-apparatus  100  (step S 362 ). At the operation panel, the SF-apparatus  100  displays the image process result received from the MF-apparatus  1200  (step S 363 ). 
     In  FIG. 23 , as for the image process, the process flow between the SF-apparatus  100  and the MF-apparatus  1200  is described. Also, the process flow shown in  FIG. 23  can be realized between two MF-apparatuses  1200  and between two SF-apparatuses. It is possible for the user to select the desired functions from the list of the functions, which the MF-apparatus  1200  can provide, displayed at the operation panel of the SF-apparatus. Also, it is possible to have the MF-apparatus  1200  conduct the image process based on the desired functions of the user. 
     A process flow between the MF-apparatus  1200  and the SF-apparatus in accordance with operations of the user at the output screen G 640  ( FIG. 9 ) will be described with reference to  FIG. 24 .  FIG. 24  is a flowchart diagram for explaining the process flow to realize a display of the output screen of the MF-apparatus  1200  at the SF-apparatus. 
     In  FIG. 24 , when the user selects the button  63  to indicate one apparatus for conducting the output process at the output screen G 640  ( FIG. 9 ) displayed at the operation panel of the SF-apparatus  100  (step S 371 ), the SF-apparatus  100  confirms existence of available apparatuses for the output process in respect to all apparatuses connected through the network (step S 372 ). The method for confirming the existence of the available apparatuses can be the same method described in a case of the process flow for realizing the display of the input screen G 600  in  FIG. 8 . In response to an existence confirmation from the SF-apparatus, the MF-apparatus  1200  existing on the network replies to the SF-apparatus  100  with apparatus specific information including an IP address identifying the MF-apparatus  1200 , an apparatus name, and a like (step S 373 ). When the SF-apparatus  100  receives the apparatus specific information from the MF-apparatus  1200  and other apparatuses on the network, the SF-apparatus  100  displays the list of the apparatus names in the display area  610  at the output screen G 640  in  FIG. 9 . 
     For example, the user selects the MF-apparatus  1200  as the apparatus for conducting the output process from the display area  610  (step S 374 ), the SF-apparatus  100  requests the output screen coordinate parameter  472  of the MF-apparatus  1200  (step S 375 ). The MF-apparatus  1200  sends the output screen coordinate parameter  472  and the output option information  431  to the SF-apparatus  100  by the FTP  3  in response to the request from the SF-apparatus  100  (step S 376 ). 
     When the SF-apparatus  100  receives the output screen coordinate parameter  472  and the output option information  431  from the MF-apparatus  1200 , the SF-apparatus  100  displays the functions that the MF-apparatus  1200  provide, in the display area  620  of the input screen G 640  ( FIG. 9 ) displayed at the operation panel of the SF-apparatus  100  by using the output screen coordinate parameter  472  (step S 377 ). From the display area  620  displaying the functions, for example, the user selects one of four icons corresponding to the four stapling methods (step S 378 ), the output UIF of the SF-apparatus  100  generates the output setting parameter indicating “SORT” and “STAPLE” corresponding to position coordinates thereof, and then the output setting parameter is transmitted to the MF-apparatus  1200  (step S 379 ). 
     The MF-apparatus  1200  obtains the output image data  602  (step S 380 ). When the output process is not conducted by the MF-apparatus  1200 , the MF-apparatus  1200  obtains the output image data  602  from the SF-apparatus. The output setting parameter, which is received from the SF-apparatus, is set to be the output setting parameter  432 . Then, the output control module  420  conducts the output process to the output image data  602  in accordance with the output setting parameter  432  so as to form an image on the sheet as the output image  603  and then outputs the output image  603  (step S 381 ). 
     Since the output setting parameter received from the SF-apparatus  100  is set as the output setting parameter  432 , the output control module  420  can conduct the output process as if the user set at the operation panel  1310  of the MF-apparatus  1200 . When the MF-apparatus  1200  completes the output process, the output result is sent to the SF-apparatus  100  (step S 382 ). At the operation panel, the SF-apparatus  100  displays the output result received from the MF-apparatus  1200  (step S 383 ). 
     In  FIG. 24 , as for the output process, the process flow between the SF-apparatus  100  and the MF-apparatus  1200  is described. Also, the process flow shown in  FIG. 24  can be realized between two MF-apparatuses  1200  and between two SF-apparatuses. It is possible for the user to select the desired functions from the list of the functions, which the MF-apparatus  1200  can provide, displayed at the operation panel of the SF-apparatus. Also, it is possible to have the MF-apparatus  1200  conduct the output process based on the desired functions of the user. 
     The process patterns  1  through  4  based on various combinations of the input process, the image process, and the output process shown in  FIG. 4  using user interfaces will be described in detail with reference to  FIG. 25  through  FIG. 28 , according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. For example, an SF-apparatus (single functional image processing apparatus)  100  shown in  FIG. 25  through  FIG. 28  is a single copier having only a copying function. For example, the SF-apparatus  100  includes an input processing part  102  for reading in the input image  600  formed on a sheet, an image processing part  104  for conducting the image process to the input image data generated by reading in the input image  600 , an output processing part  106  for forming output image data  603 , which the image process is conducted to, on the sheet and outputting the sheet as the output image  603 , an operation panel  120  operated by the user, and an operation controlling part  110  for controlling a display of the operation panel  120 . 
     Moreover, the operation controlling part  110  includes at least an input UIF  112  for generating the input screen coordinate parameter so as to display the input screen G 600  as shown  FIG. 5 , an image process UIF  113  for generating the image process screen coordinate parameter so as to display the image process screen G 630  as shown in  FIG. 7 , an output UIF  114  for generating the output screen coordinate parameter so as to display the output screen G 640  as shown in  FIG. 9 , an OCS  116  for controlling the operation panel  120  based on the screen information provided from each of the input UIF  112 , the image process UIF  113 , and the output UIF  114 , in respect to the operation panel  120 . 
     Furthermore, when each user interface program realizing the input UIF  112 , the image process UIF  113 , and the output UIF  114  is a Java™ program, the operation controlling part  110  includes a Java™ VM  118 . In the SF-apparatus  100 , all process parts including the OCS  116 , the input UIF  112 , the image process UIF  113 , and the output UIF  114  can be realized by the Java™ programs. In this case, even if the OCS  116  is not included in the SF-apparatus  100 , the SF-apparatus  100  can be compatible to the MF-apparatus  1200 . 
     In  FIG. 25  through  FIG. 28 , parts shown by dashed lines other than the Java™ VM  450  and the Java™ VM  118  are originally provided in the MF-apparatus  1200  and the SF-apparatus  100  but not used in each of the process patterns  1  through  4 . In addition, parts shown by double lines are replaced with data file sent from the MF-apparatus  1200  or the SF-apparatus  100 . 
     Process Pattern  1   
       FIG. 25  is a diagram showing an example of the process pattern  1  shown in  FIG. 4 . In  FIG. 25 , the display process, the input process, and the output process are conducted by the SF-apparatus  100 , and only the image process is conducted by the MF-apparatus  1200 . 
     First, when the user selects the SF-apparatus  100  itself as an apparatus for the input process at the operation panel  120 , based on the input screen coordinate parameter  146  produced by the input UIF  112  originally provided in the SF-apparatus  100 , the functions for the input process that the SF-apparatus  100  can provide is displayed at the operation panel  120 . When the user selects the functions, the input UIF  112  generates the input setting parameter (not shown) showing the functions set by the user. The input processing part  102  reads in the input image  600  in accordance with the input setting parameter (not shown) that is generated by the input UIF  112  so as to indicate the function set by the user and generates the input image data  601 . 
     Next, when the user selects the MF-apparatus  1200  as an apparatus for conducting the image process from the operation panel  120 , in accordance with the process flow shown in  FIG. 23 , the image process screen coordinate parameter (not shown) produced by the image process UIF  113  (not shown) is replaced with the image process screen coordinate parameter  482  obtained from the MF-apparatus  1200 . The image process UIF  480  displays the function that the MF-apparatus  1200  can provide, at the operation panel  120  through the OCS  116  based on the image process screen coordinate parameter  482 . When the user selects the functions, the image process  480  generates the image process setting parameter  136  indicating the function set by the user. The SF-apparatus  100  transmits the input image data  601  generated by the image process setting parameter  136  and the input processing part  102 , to the MF-apparatus  1200 . The input image data  601  can be transmitted in response to a request from the image input/output application  1216  of the MF-apparatus  1200 . 
     The image input/output application  1216  of the MF-apparatus  1200  replaces the image process setting parameter  436  with the image process setting parameter  136  received from the SF-apparatus  100 . And the image process module  440  conducts the image process in respect to the input image data  601  received from the SF-apparatus  100  based on the image process setting parameter  436 , and generates the output image data  602  as a result. The output image data  602  is transmitted to the SF-apparatus  100 . The output image data  602  can be transmitted in response to a request from the SF-apparatus  100 . 
     When the user selects the SF-apparatus  100  itself as an apparatus for the output process at the operation panel  120 , based on the output option information  431  generated by the output UIF  114  originally provided in the SF-apparatus  100 , the functions for the output process that the SF-apparatus  100  can provide is displayed, at the operation panel  120 . When the user selects the functions, the output UIF  114  generates the output setting parameter (not shown) indicating the functions set by the user. The output processing part  106  forms the output image data  602  on the sheet in accordance with the output setting parameter (not shown) that is generated by the output UIF  114  so as to indicate the functions set by the user, and then outputs the output image  603 . 
     As described above, the user can have the MF-apparatus  1200  conduct the image process only through a network  15 . 
     Process Pattern  2   
       FIG. 26  is a diagram showing an example of the process pattern  2  shown in  FIG. 4 . In  FIG. 26 , only the display process is conducted by the SF-apparatus  100 , and the input process, the image process, and the output process are conducted by the MF-apparatus  1200 . 
     In  FIG. 26 , when the user selects the MF-apparatus  1200  as an apparatus for the input process, the image process, and the output process at the operation panel  120  of the SF-apparatus  100 , in accordance with the process flow shown in  FIG. 22 , the input screen coordinate parameter (not shown) originally produced by the input UIF  112  is replaced with the input screen coordinate parameter  462  obtained from the MF-apparatus  1200 . The input UIF  112  displays the functions for the input process that the MF-apparatus  1200  can provide, at the operation panel  120  through the OCS  116  based on the input screen coordinate parameter  462 . After that, the input setting parameter  134 , which is generated by the input UIF  112  so as to indicate the functions set by the user, is sent to the MF-apparatus  1200 . 
     The input setting parameter  113  is replaced as the input setting parameter  434  of the image input/output  1216 . The input control module  410  reads in the input image  600  and generates the input image data  601  at the MF-apparatus  1200 . 
     Similarly, in accordance with the process flow shown in  FIG. 23 , the image process screen of the MF-apparatus  1200  is displayed at the SF-apparatus  100  by the image process screen parameter  482 , with which the image process screen coordinate parameter (not shown) generated by the image process UIF  113  originally provided in the SF-apparatus  100  is replaced. The image process setting parameter  136  is generated so as to indicate the function that the user sets for the image process from the image process screen. The image process setting parameter  436  of the MF-apparatus  1200  is replaced with the image process setting parameter  136  that indicates the functions for the image process set by the user from the image process screen of the MF-apparatus  1200  and is received from the SF-apparatus  100 . The image process module  440  generates the output image data  602  based on the image process setting parameter  436 . 
     Similarly, in accordance with the process flow shown in  FIG. 24 , the output screen of the MF-apparatus  1200  is displayed at the SF-apparatus  100  by the output screen parameter  472 , with which the image process screen coordinate parameter (not shown) generated by the output UIF  114  originally provided in SF-apparatus is replaced. The output setting parameter  432  is generated so as to indicate the function that the user sets for the output process from the output screen. The output setting parameter  432  of the MF-apparatus  1200  is replaced with the output setting parameter (not shown) that indicates the functions for the image process set by the user from the image process screen of the MF-apparatus  1200  and is received from the SF-apparatus  100 . The output module  420  outputs the output image data  602  based on the output setting parameter  432 . 
     As described above, it is possible for the user to have the MF-apparatus  1200  conduct all of the input process, the image process, and the output process through the network  15 . Alternatively, the image process can be conducted at the SF-apparatus  100 . In this case, the SF-apparatus  100  may obtain the input image data  601  from the MF-apparatus  1200 , and send the output image data  602  generated after the image process is conducted to the input image data  601 , as well as the output setting parameter  132 . 
     Process Pattern  3   
       FIG. 27  is a diagram showing an example of the process pattern  3  shown in  FIG. 4 . In  FIG. 27 , the display process and the input process are conducted by the SF-apparatus  100  and the image process and the output process are conducted by the MF-apparatus  1200 . 
     In  FIG. 27 , when the user selects the SF-apparatus  100  as an apparatus for conducting the input process at the operation panel  120  of the SF-apparatus  100  and selects the MF-apparatus  1200  as an apparatus for the image process and the output process, the input processing part  102  of the SF-apparatus  100  reads in the input image  600 , and generates the input image data  601 . After that, similar to the process pattern  1  shown in  FIG. 25 , the image process screen coordinate parameter (not shown) of the SF-apparatus  100  is replaced with the image process screen coordinate parameter  482  of the MF-apparatus  1200 . After that, in the image input/output application  1216  of the MF-apparatus  1200 , in accordance with the image process setting parameter  436  replaced with the image process setting parameter  136  received from the SF-apparatus  100 , the image process module  440  generates the output image data  602 . Moreover, similar to the process pattern  2  shown in  FIG. 26 , the output screen coordinate parameter (not shown) of the SF-apparatus  100  is replaced with the output screen coordinate parameter  472  of the MF-apparatus  1200 . After that, in the image input/output application  1216  of the MF-apparatus  1200 , in accordance with the output setting parameter  432  replaced with the output setting parameter  132  received from the SF-apparatus  100 , the output control module  420  outputs the output image  603 . 
     As described above, the user can conduct the input process alone at the SF-apparatus  100 , and have the MF-apparatus  1200  conduct the image process and the output process. Alternatively, the image process can be conducted by the SF-apparatus  100 . In this case, the SF-apparatus  100  may send the output image data  602  generated after the image process is conduct to the input image data  601  generated by the input processing part  102 , with the output setting parameter  132 . 
     The Process Pattern  4   
       FIG. 28  is a diagram showing an example of the process pattern  4  shown in  FIG. 4 . In  FIG. 28 , the display process and output process are conducted by the SF-apparatus  100 , and the input process and the image process are conducted by the MF-apparatus  1200 . 
     In  FIG. 28 , when the user selects the SF-apparatus  100  as an apparatus for conducting the input process and the output process at the operation panel  120  of the SF-apparatus  100 , and selects the MF-apparatus  1200  as an apparatus for conducting the image process, similar to the process pattern  2  shown in  FIG. 26 , the input screen coordinate parameter (not shown) of the SF-apparatus  100  is replaced with input screen coordinate parameter  462  of the MF-apparatus  1200 . After that, in the image input/output application  1216  of the MF-apparatus  1200 , in accordance with the input setting parameter  434  replaced with the input setting parameter  134  received from the SF-apparatus  100 , the input control module  410  generates the input image data  601 . Moreover, the image process screen coordinate parameter (not shown) of the SF-apparatus  100  is replaced with the image process screen coordinate parameter  482  of the MF-apparatus  1200 . After that, in the image input/output application  1216  of the MF-apparatus  1200 , in accordance with the image process setting parameter  436  replaced with the image process setting parameter  136  received from the SF-apparatus  100 , the image process module  440  generates the output image data  602 . Subsequently, when the SF-apparatus  100  obtains the output image data  602  from the MF-apparatus  1200 , the output process is conducted by the output processing part  106 , and outputs the output image  603 . 
     As described above, it is possible for the user at the SF-apparatus  100  to have the MF-apparatus  1200  conduct the input process and the image process. Alternatively, the image process can be conducted by the SF-apparatus  100 . In this case, the SF-apparatus  100  obtains the input image data  601  from the MF-apparatus  1200 , and sends the output image data  602  generated after the image process is conducted to the input image data  601 , with the output setting parameter  132 . 
     Regarding the process patterns  1  through  4 , a case in which the MF-apparatus  1200  and the SF-apparatus  100  are connected to each other through the network  15 . Alternatively, the present invention can be applied to more than three image processing apparatuses connecting to each other through the network  15 . 
     As described above, in the fourth embodiment, it is possible to input the input image  600  by utilizing an option (the ADF, a both sides ADF, or a like) pertaining to the MF-apparatus  1200  connected to any image processing apparatus through the network  15 . For example, by using the MF-apparatus  1200  having the both sides ADF  1350 , the user can consecutively input the input image  600  (a plurality of documents) having an image on both sides, and also can output from the SF-apparatus  100  (copier) having only a press board. 
     Moreover, by using an option (finisher such as a punch or a stapler) pertaining to the MF-apparatus  1200 , the user can output the output image  603  at the MF-apparatus  1200  connected to any SF-apparatus  100  through the network  15 . For example, by using higher functions by full options, it is possible to output the output image  603  from the copier having a single function or a personal computer (PC). Since the screen coordinate parameters  462 ,  472 , and  482  are obtained through the network  15 , a new user interface is not required for the SF-apparatus  100  at which the user operates. Accordingly, the user can instruct by the same operation under the interface provided by the MF-apparatus  1200  anywhere. Also, when a new function is added to the MF-apparatus  1200  connected to the network  15 , even if the SF-apparatus  100  where the user operates, the user can utilize the interface for operating the new function of the MF-apparatus  1200  and operate as if the user uses the MF-apparatus  1200 . 
     Furthermore, if the MF-apparatus  1200  having higher functions exists on the network  15 , by sending the input image data  601  to the MF-apparatus  1200  and the output image data  602  to the SF-apparatus  100 , even the SF-apparatus  100 , which does not have the image process as the higher functions, can realize the same higher functions as the MF-apparatus  1200 . In this case, means for providing and setting the higher functions for the image process is not required for the SF-apparatus  100  as an operation side. Accordingly, the user operates in the same way at any SF-apparatus  100 . 
     In the fourth embodiment, on the network  15 , only the plotter  1321  of the MF-apparatus  1200  as an output option, the scanner  1324  of the MF-apparatus  1200  as an input option, and the SF-apparatus  100  (copier) as the input option and the output option are provided, but a plurality of the input options and the output options can be provided. All options, for example, the apparatuses connected through the network  15  and a scanner, a printer, a copier, and a like can be shared as the functions. Also, as an output, it is not limited to printing on the sheet, but as an electronic data, output data can be stored to a server for managing a document. Also, the input side can be a document management server for managing the electronic data, instead of the paper sheet. As described above, by storing as a document, an existing image data can be utilized. Accordingly, data frequently used by the user are simply maintained on the network  15 , it is possible to utilize the data in many output methods by various options. 
     Fifth Embodiment 
     In a fifth embodiment, the MF-apparatus  1200  provides equivalent processes to those in the fifth embodiment, as Web service. The MF-apparatus  1200  providing the Web service will be described according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. 
     A functional configuration and a hardware configuration of the MF-apparatus  1200  providing the Web service concerning the image process according to the fifth embodiment are the same as those of the MF-apparatus  1200  in the first embodiment. In the fifth embodiment, an IP-screen Web service providing process part  244  and an IP-Web service providing process part  344 , that will be described later, conduct processes corresponding to the image input/output application  1216 . In the fifth embodiment, an input screen, an image process screen, and an output screen are provided at the operation panel of a client apparatus connected through a network  15 . The MF-apparatus  1200  providing the input process, the image process, and the output process based on a setting of the user as Web service will be described with reference to  FIG. 29 ,  FIG. 30 ,  FIG. 31 , and  FIG. 32 . 
     In process examples shown in  FIG. 29 ,  FIG. 30 , and  FIG. 31 , it is assumed that at least three image processing apparatuses are connected through the network  15 . That is, the MF-apparatus  1200 W providing the Web service, other image processing apparatus having equivalent functions to the MF-apparatus  1200 W, and a client apparatus (described later as a client apparatus  1200 C) having a Web service client function are connected to each other. These process examples illustrate the image process in that the MF-apparatus  1200 W providing the image process screen and the image process as the Web service, the Web service client apparatus  1200 C that can receive the Web service from the MF-apparatus  1200 W. 
     First, in  FIG. 29  and  FIG. 30 , it is assumed that the client apparatus  1200 C includes the image process UIF  480 C realized by the same program as the MF-apparatus  1200 W. 
       FIG. 29  is a diagram showing a first functional configuration of the MF-apparatus  1200  providing the Web service concerning the image process according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. In  FIG. 29 , for the sake of convenience, the Web service concerning the image process will be described, but other Web service concerning the input process, and the output process can be realized in a similar functional configuration. 
     In  FIG. 29 , the MF-apparatus  1200 W includes an IP-screen (Image Process screen) Web service providing process part  244 , an IP-Web service (Image Process Web service) providing process part  344  for executing the image process, a service destination determining part  5  for determining whether or not a SOAP command is issued internally, and a Web server  500  for controlling communications with apparatuses connected through the network  15  by an HTTP request and an HTTP response in accordance with an http (Hypertext Transfer Protocol). 
     The Web server  500  includes a distributor  30  for distributing a process to the Web service providing process part  244  or  344  corresponding to a URI (Uniform Resource Identifier) or a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) indicated by the HTTP request, and an httpd (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Daemon)  2  for controlling a communication in accordance with the http (Hypertext Transfer Protocol). Also, the MF-apparatus  1200 W includes a SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol) processing part  70  for analyzing the HTTP request and creating the HTTP response in accordance with SOAP, and an XML (eXtensible Markup Language) processing part  50  for processing a message in accordance with an XML, which are shared with the Web service providing process parts  244  and  344 . Moreover, the Web service providing process parts  244  and  344  include dispatchers  64  and  65 , respectively, for separately obtaining parameters and a data file in the message and dispatching the parameters and the data file thereto. 
     First, a process flow will be described in that the MF-apparatus  1200 W displays the image process screen at the operation panel  1310  of the MF-apparatus  1200 W, and conducts the image process in accordance with the image process setting parameter  436  indicating a setting of the user. 
     In response to a request of the image process screen from the user, the image process UIF  480  generates the image process screen coordinate parameter  482  based on the image process option information  435 , and then display the image process screen at the operation panel  1310 . When the image process UIF  480  generates the image process screen coordinate parameter  482 , the image process UIF  480  sets request sender information showing that the MF-apparatus  1200 W itself made the request of the image process screen. From the image process screen displayed at the operation panel  1310 , the user sets the function options (step S 401 ). In order to internally issue a SOAP command in respect to the IP-Web service providing process part  344 , the image process UIF  480  sends a response in which a service destination is set as the IP-Web service providing process part  344 , to the XML processing part  50  (step S 402 ). The image process UIF  480  determines based on the request sender set in the image process screen coordinate parameter  482  (in this case, the MF-apparatus  1200 W) whether or not the SOAP command is to be issued internally. 
     The image process UIF  480  sends the XML processing part  50  a message including the function options corresponding to the position coordinates as image process setting parameter  436  and the input image data  601 , which is processed as an attachment, by using position coordinates received from the operation panel  1310 , the image process screen coordinate parameter  482 , and the image process option information  435 . The image process setting parameter  436  and the input image data  601  can be attachments. Alternatively, only the image process setting parameter  436  is processed by the XML processing part  50 , and the input image data  601  can be obtained by the IP-Web service providing process part  344  as necessary. 
     The XML processing part  50  generates an XML  26  showing the response and creates the SOAP command (step S 403 ). The service destination determining part  5  determines whether or not the SOAP command created by the SOAP processing part  70  is internally issued. In this case, it is determined that the SOAP command is internally issued. Accordingly, the service destination determining part  5  sends the SOAP command to the distributor  30  (step S 404 ). 
     When the distributor  30  receives the SOAP command from the service destination determining part  5 , the distributor  30  distributes a process to the IP-Web service providing process part  344  (step S 405 ). The SOAP processing part  70  processes the SOAP command issued by the image process UIF  480  received as an HTTP response in accordance with SOAP (step S 406 ). Moreover, the dispatcher  65  obtains the image process setting parameter  436  and the image data  601  from the message process by the XML processing part  50 , and then send to the image process control module  440 . The image process control module  440  conducts the image process in respect to the input image data  601  in accordance with the image process setting parameter  436 , and then generates the output image data  602 . 
     Next, a process flow will be described in that the HTTP request requesting the image process screen is received from the client apparatus  1200 C. 
     When the Web server  500  receives the HTTP request requesting the image process screen from the client apparatus  1200 C in accordance with HTTP by the httpd  2  (step S 410 ), the Web server  500  sends the HTTP request to the IP-screen Web service providing process part  244  by the distributor  30  (step S 411 ). The IP-screen Web service providing process part  244  processes the request in accordance with SOAP by the SOAP processing part  70 , and then send the request to the XML processing part  50  (step S 412 ). The XML processing part  50  processes a message described in XML, and then the dispatcher  64  obtains the message and sends the massage to the image process UIF  480  (step S 413 ). 
     The image process UIF  480  indicates the client apparatus  1200 C as destination in response to the request of the image process screen from the client apparatus  1200 C and then sends the image process option information  435  and the image process screen coordinate parameter  482  to the XML processing part  50  (step S 414 ). The XML processing part  50  generates the XML  26  as a message describing the image process option information  435  and the image process screen coordinate parameter  482  in XML. A response is generated in accordance with SOAP by the SOAP processing part  70  and sent to the service destination determining part  5  (step S 415 ). 
     In this case, the service destination determining part  5  determines that the destination is not any one of the Web service providing process parts  244  and  344 , and then sends the response to the httpd  2  (step S 416 ). The httpd  2  sends the response as a HTTP response in accordance with HTTP (step S 430 ). 
     Moreover, when the Web server  500  receives the HTTP request requesting the image process from the client apparatus  1200 C (step S 410 ), the steps S 405 , S 406 , and S 407  are conducted as described above. When the IP-Web service providing process part  344  receives the process request, the process control module  440  conducts the image process in respect to the input image data  601  based on the image process setting parameter  436 , sends a process result of generating the output image data  602  to the XML processing part  50  (step S 428 ). In this case, the output image data  602  can be provided as an attachment to the client apparatus  1200 C. Alternatively, the output image data  602  can be provided in response to a request of obtaining the output image data  602 . 
     The XML processing part  50  generates the XML  26  describing a process result in XML. Then, a response is sent to the httpd  2  of the Web server  500  in accordance with SOAP by the SOAP processing part  70  (step S 429 ). The httpd  2  sends the response received from the SOAP processing part  70  as the HTTP response in accordance with HTTP (step S 430 ). 
     For example, by a similar functional configuration, an input screen Web service providing process part for providing screen for the input process and an input Web service providing process part for conducting the input process can be realized. Also, an output screen web service providing process part for providing a screen for the output process and an output Web service providing process part for conducting the output process can be realized. Moreover, by providing the service destination determining part  5  for determining whether or not the SOAP command is internally issued in respect to the response provided from the input screen Web service providing process part or the output screen Web service providing process part, it is possible to internally utilize the input Web service providing process part and the output Web service providing process part. 
     Next,  FIG. 30  is a diagram showing a first functional configuration of the client apparatus receiving the Web service form the MF-apparatus shown in  FIG. 29 . In  FIG. 30 , the client apparatus  1200 C mainly includes an image process screen processing part  244 C for displaying the image process screen provided from the MF-apparatus  1200 W at the operation panel  1310 C and conducting the image process, a Web service client  10  for controlling a communication with the MF-apparatus  1200 W in accordance with SOAP, and a control module  430 C for controlling an event from the image process screen processing part  244 C. 
     The image process screen processing part  244 C includes an image process UIF  480 C for displaying the image screen at the operation panel  1310 C based on the image process screen coordinate parameter  482 . 
     The Web service client  10  includes a SOAP processing part  12  for controlling a message exchange in accordance with SOAP, and an XML processing part  13  for processing a message described in XML. 
     In  FIG. 30 , when the user selects an image process screen of the MF-apparatus  1200 W from an initial screen displayed at the operation panel  1310 C by the control module  430 C (step S 405 ), the image process UIF  480 C sends an event indicating a request of the image process screen to the control module  430 C (step S 406 ). The control module  430 C sends the request of the image process screen to the Web service client  10  based on the event (step S 407 ). The Web service client  10  generates the XML  26  describing a message in which contents of the request is indicated, in XML by the XML processing part  13 . The Web service client  10  sends the message to the SOAP processing part (step S 408 ). The SOAP processing part  12  sends the XML  26  to the MF-apparatus  1200 W in accordance with SOAP by the SOAP processing part  12  (step S 410 ). 
     When the Web service client  10  receives the HTTP response for the HTTP request showing the request of the image process screen from the client apparatus  1200 C (step S 430 ), the SOAP processing part  12  processes the HTTP response in accordance with SOAP (step S 431 ). The XML processing part  13  obtains the image process option information  435  and the image process screen coordinate parameter  482  from the message described in XML and sends those to the control module  430 C (step S 432 ). Moreover, the control module  430 C sends the image process screen coordinate parameter  482  to the image process UIF  480 C (step S 433 ). 
     When the image process UIF  480 C displays the image process at the operation panel  1310 C and the user sets the function for the image process (step S 434 ), the image process UIF  480 C generates the image process setting parameter  436  showing the function options corresponding to the position coordinates from the position coordinates where the user indicates on the operation panel  1310  based on the image process screen coordinate parameter  482  and the image process option information  435 , and sends the event to the control module  430 C (step S 435 ). 
     The control module  430 C sends the image process setting parameter  436  to the XML processing part  13  (step S 436 ). The XML processing part  13  generates the XML  26  describing the image process setting parameter  436  in XML. As described above, by conducting the steps S 405  and S 410 , the HTTP request showing the request of the image process is sent to the MF-apparatus  1200 W. After that, when the Web service client  10  of the client apparatus  1200 C receives the HTTP response showing the process result of the image process in respect to the HTTP request indicating the image process (step S 430 ), the SOAP processing part  12  processes the HTTP response in accordance with SOAP (step S 431 ), the XML processing part  13  obtains the message showing the process result and sends to the control module  430 C (step S 439 ). 
     Accordingly, the client apparatus  1200 C is not required to have the Web service functions such as the input control, the image process, the output control, and a like. And the client apparatus  1200 C can request the MF-apparatus  1200 W to conduct those processes as higher functions through the network  15 . 
     By providing the first functional configuration of the client apparatus  1200 C shown in  FIG. 30  to the MF-apparatus  1200 W shown in  FIG. 29 , the MF-apparatus  1200 W can share screens or functions among a plurality of MF-apparatus  1200 W since the MF-apparatus  1200 W includes the Web client function. 
     Next, in  FIG. 31  and  FIG. 32 , another process example will be described in that the client apparatus  1200 C includes an image process UIF  480 C- 1  different from the image process UIF  480  of the MF-apparatus  1200 W, and only a similar screen to the MF-apparatus  1200 C can be conducted at the client apparatus  1200 C. 
       FIG. 31  is a diagram showing a second functional configuration of the MF-apparatus providing the Web service concerning the image process, according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. In  FIG. 31 , for the sake of convenience, the Web service concerning the image process is illustrated, but by a similar configuration, other Web service concerning the input process and the output process can be realized. 
     In  FIG. 31 , the MF-apparatus  1200 W includes an IP-screen (Image Process screen) Web service providing process part  244 , an IP-Web service (Image Process Web service) providing process part  344  for executing the image process, and a Web server  500  for controlling communications with apparatuses connected through the network  15  by an HTTP request and an HTTP response in accordance with an http (Hypertext Transfer Protocol). 
     The Web server  500  includes a distributor  30  fro distributing a process to the Web service providing process part  244  or  44  corresponding to an URI (Uniform Resource Identifier) or an URL (Uniform Resource Locator) indicated by the HTTP request, and an httpd (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Daemon)  2  for controlling a communication in accordance with an http (Hypertext Transfer Protocol). Also, the MF-apparatus  1200 W includes an SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol) processing part  70  for analyzing the HTTP request and creating the HTTP response in accordance with SOAP, and an XML (eXtensible Markup Language) processing part  50  for processing a message in accordance with a XML, which are shared with the Web service providing process parts  244  and  344 . Moreover, the Web service providing process part  244  include a dispatcher  64 - 1  for separately obtaining parameters and a data file in the message and dispatching the parameters and the data file thereto. 
     First, a process flow will be described in that the MF-apparatus  1200 W displays the image process screen at the operation panel  1310  of the MF-apparatus  1200 W and the image process is conducted in accordance with the image process setting parameter  436 - 1  showing a setting of the user. In response to a request of the image process from the user, the image process UIF  480 - 1  generates the mage process screen coordinate parameter  482  based o the image process option information  435 , and display the image process screen at the operation panel  132 . When the image process UIF  480 - 1  generates the image process screen coordinate parameter  482 , the image process UIF  480 - 1  sets request sender information showing that the MF-apparatus  1200 W itself made the request of the image process screen, in the image process screen coordinate parameter  482 . The user set the function options from the image process screen displayed at the operation panel  1310  (step S 501 ). The image process UIF  480 - 1  generates position coordinates (pointer) where the user set, as the image process setting parameter  436 - 1 , and determines whether or not the request sender information of the image process screen coordinate parameter  482  indicate the MF-apparatus  1200 W itself. In this case, the request sender information indicates the MF-apparatus  1200 W itself, the image process UIF  480 - 1  sends an event to the image process Web service providing process part  344  (step S 502 ). 
     When the image process control module  440  receives the event, the image process control module  440  conducts the image process in respect to the input image data  601  based on the image process setting parameter  436 - 1 , and generates the output image data  602 . 
     Next, a process flow will be described in that the HTTP request requesting the image process screen from the client apparatus  1200 C is received. 
     When the Web server  500  receives the HTTP request for requesting the image process screen from the client apparatus  1200 C in accordance with HTTP by httpd  2  (step S 510 ), the distributor  30  sends the HTTP request as a request to the image process screen Web service providing process part  244  (step S 511 ). The IP-screen Web service providing process part  244  processes the request in accordance with SOAP by the SOAP processing part  70 , and sends to the XML processing part  50 . The XML processing part  50  processes the message describing in XML, the dispatcher  64 - 1  obtains the message and determines whether or not the message indicates the URL. In this case, since the message indicates the URL, the dispatcher  64 - 1  notices the image process UIF  480 - 1  by the URL (step S 513 ). 
     The image process UIF  480 - 1  generates the image process screen coordinate parameter  482  based on the image process option information  435 . The image process UIF  480 - 1  the client apparatus  1200 C as the request sender information of the image process screen coordinate parameter  482 , and sends the image process screen coordinate parameter  482  to the XML processing part  50  (step S 514 ). The XML processing part  50  generates the XML  26  as the message describing the image process screen coordinate parameter  482  in XML, and a response is generated in accordance with SOAP by the SOAP processing part  70 . The response is sent to the httpd  2  of the Web server  500  (step S 515 ). The httpd  2  sends the request as the HTTP response in accordance with HTTP (step S 530 ). 
     Moreover, when the Web server  500  receives the HTTP request requesting the image process from the client apparatus  1200 C (step S 510 ), similar to the process for the HTTP request requesting the image process screen, the steps S 511  and S 512  are conducted. The dispatcher  64 - 1  notices the image process UIF  480 - 1  that the request shows the position coordinate (pointer) where the user indicates on the screen (step S 520 ). In the same manner, the image process UIF  480 - 1  generates the image process setting parameter  436 - 1  showing the function options corresponding to the position coordinates (pointer) and sends an event the image process control module  440  (step S 502 ). 
     When the image process control module  440  receives the event, the image process control module  440  conducts the image process in respect to the input image data  602  based on the image process setting parameter  436 - 1  and generates the output image data  602 . The process result of the image process is sent to the XML processing part  50  (step S 528 ). In this case, the output image data  602  can be an attachment to provide to the client apparatus  1200 C. Alternatively, the output image data  602  can be provided in response to a request of obtaining output image data  602 . 
     The XML processing part  50  generates the XML  26  describing the process result in XML, the XML  26  as a response is processed by the SOAP processing part  70  in accordance with SOAP, the response is sent to the httpd  2  of the Web server  500  (step S 529 ). The httpd  2  sends the HTTP response in accordance with HTTP to the client apparatus  1200 C (step S 530 ). 
     For example, by the same functional configuration as the second functional configuration of the MF-apparatus  1200 W, an input screen Web service providing process part for providing screen for the input process and an input Web service providing process part for conducting the input process can be realized. Also, an output screen web service providing process part for providing a screen for the output process and an output Web service providing process part for conducting the output process can be realized. Moreover, by providing the service destination determining part  5  for determining whether or not the SOAP command is internally issued in respect to the response provided from the input screen Web service providing process part or the output screen Web service providing process part, it is possible to internally utilize the input Web service providing process part and the output Web service providing process part. 
     Next,  FIG. 32  is a diagram showing a second functional configuration of the client apparatus receiving the Web service from the MF-apparatus shown in  FIG. 31 . In  FIG. 32 , the client apparatus  1200 C mainly includes an image process screen processing part  244 C for displaying the image process screen provided from the MF-apparatus  1200 W at the operation panel  1310 C and conducting the image process, a Web service client  10  for controlling a communication with the MF-apparatus  1200 W in accordance with SOAP, and a control module  430 C for controlling an event from the image process screen processing part  244 C. 
     In  FIG. 32 , when the user select the image process screen of the MF-apparatus  1200  from an initial screen displayed at the operation panel  1310 C by the control module  430 C (step S 505 ), the image process UIF  480 C- 1  sends an event indicating a request of the image process screen to the control module  430 C (step S 507 ). The Web service client  10  generates the XML  26  describing a message showing contents of the request in XML by the XML processing part  13 , and sends to the SOAP processing part  12  (step S 508 ). The SOAP processing part  12  sends the XML  26  in accordance with SOAP to the MF-apparatus  1200 W (step S 510 ). 
     When the Web service client  10  receives the HTTP response for the HTTP request showing the request of the image process screen of the client apparatus  1200 C (step S 530 ), the HTTP response is process in accordance with SOAP by the SOAP processing part  12  (step S 531 ). XML processing part  13  obtains the image process option information  435  and the image process screen coordinate parameter  482  from the message described in XML and sends those to the control module  430 C (step S 532 ). Moreover, the control module  430 C sends the image process screen coordinate parameter  482  to the image process UIF  480 C- 1  (step S 533 ). 
     When the image process UIF  480 C- 1  displays the image process at the operation panel  1310 C and the user sets the function for the image process (step S 534 ), the image process UIF  480 C- 1  sends the position coordinates (pointer) where the user indicate on the operation panel  1310 C to the control module  430 C (step S 535 ). 
     The control module  430 C sends the image process setting parameter  436  to the XML processing part  13  (step S 536 ). The XML processing part  13  generates the XML  26  describing the image process setting parameter  436  in XML. As described above, by conducting the steps S 505  and S 510 , the HTTP request showing the request of the image process is sent to the MF-apparatus  1200 W. After that, when the Web service client  10  of the client apparatus  1200 C receives the HTTP response showing the process result of the image process in respect to the HTTP request indicating the image process (step S 530 ), the SOAP processing part  12  processes the HTTP response in accordance with SOAP (step S 531 ), the XML processing part  13  obtains the message showing the process result and sends to the control module  430 C (step S 539 ). 
     Accordingly, the client apparatus  1200 C is not required to have the Web service functions such as the input control, the image process, the output control, and a like. And the client apparatus  1200 C can request the MF-apparatus  1200 W to conduct those processes as higher functions through the network  15 . 
     By providing the first functional configuration of the client apparatus  1200 C shown in  FIG. 32  to the MF-apparatus  1200 W shown in  FIG. 31 , the MF-apparatus  1200 W can share screens or functions among a plurality of MF-apparatus  1200 W since the MF-apparatus  1200 W includes the Web client function. 
     For example, a screen G 650  shown in  FIG. 33  can be displayed at the operation panel  1310 C of the client apparatus  1200 C.  FIG. 33  is a diagram showing an example a screen displayed at the client apparatus. In  FIG. 33 , the screen G 650  includes a display area  651  for indicating one apparatus for input process, a display area  652  for indicating one apparatus for conducting the image process, and a display area  653  for indicating one apparatus for conducting the output process. Each of the display areas  651 ,  652 , and  653  includes a display area  610  for displaying a list of available apparatuses, and a display area  620  for displaying a list of functions that an apparatus selected by the user can provide. 
     In the screen G 650 , the user selects other image apparatus  1200 A, and then selects from functions that the other image processing apparatus  1200 A. In addition, the user selects the MF-apparatus  1200 W for conducting the image process at the display area  610 , and then selects from the function that the MF-apparatus  1200 W can provide. Moreover, the user selects other image processing apparatus  1200 B for conducting the output process at the display area  610 , and then selects from the functions that the MF-apparatus  1200 B can provide. These selections of the user are sent to the other image processing apparatus  1200 A, the MF-apparatus  1200 W, and the other image processing apparatus  1200 B as the input setting parameter  434 , the image process setting parameter  436 , the output setting parameter  432 , respectively. 
     According to the fourth embodiment and the fifth embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to utilize the user interfaces provided by each image processing apparatus having different user interface. And it is possible to conduct the same processes even if the user interfaces are different from each other such as user interfaces requiring originally different operations for a color process and a black and white process. Also, a special technique is not required to develop. Thus, even if the user interfaces are different from each other, it is possible for the user to conduct the same processes by using the operation panels  1321  and  1321 C originally provided in the MF-apparatus  1200 W and the client apparatus  1200 C. Furthermore, it is possible to easily maintain and improve each module. 
     Sixth Embodiment 
     In a sixth embodiment, a functional configuration and a hardware configuration of the MF-apparatus  1200  providing option information  431 ,  433 , and  435  according to the sixth embodiment are the same as those of the MF-apparatus  1200  in the first embodiment. 
     In the sixth embodiment, the MF-apparatus  1200  provides the option information  431 ,  433 , and  435  only. 
       FIG. 34  is a diagram showing functional configurations of the image input/output application and the transmission application according to the sixth embodiment. In  FIG. 34 , parts that are the same as the ones in  FIG. 3  are indicated by the same reference numerals and explanation thereof will be omitted. In the MF-apparatus  1200  according to the sixth embodiment, in order for an other apparatus to utilize an input process, an image process, and an output process available at the MF-apparatus  1200  through the network  15 , the transmission application  1217  transmits the option information  431 ,  433 , and  435 , respectively, in response to a request of the option information from the other apparatus used by a user. 
     When the transmission application  1217  receives a request of the input option information  433 , the transmission application  1217  transmits the input option information  433  realizing a similar screen display of the MF-apparatus  1200 , to the apparatus by the FTP  3 . In the same manner, when the transmission application  1217  receives a request of the image process option information  435  or the output option information  433 , the transmission application  1217  transmits the image process option information  435  or the output option information  433  by the FTP  3 . 
     By downloading each of the screen coordinate parameters  462 ,  482 , and  472 , it is possible for an other apparatus to display a plurality of functions available in the MF-apparatus  1200 . Then, the setting parameters  434 ,  436 , and  432  set by the user at the other apparatus are respectively transmitted to the MF-apparatus  1200 . The MF-apparatus  1200  replaces the input setting parameter  434 , the image process setting parameter  436 , and the output setting parameter  432  with the setting parameters received from the other apparatus, respectively. Accordingly, it is possible for the MF-apparatus  1200  to conduct in accordance with the setting parameters that are set by the user at the other apparatus. 
     In the functional configuration of the image input/output application  1216  shown in  FIG. 34 , the input control module  410 , the image process module  440 , the output control module  420 , and the UIF control module  430  may be realized by Java™ programs. In this case, a Java VM (Virtual Memory)  450 , which is shown by dashed lines, may be provided to execute the Java™ programs. The input option information  433 , the image process option information  435 , and the output option information  431  are also provided in the data structure readable by the Java™ programs. In the other apparatus connected through the network  15  to the MF-apparatus  1200 , if the Java™ programs can be executable, the input option information  433 , the image process option information  435 , and the output option information  431  can be provided without depending on hardware of the other apparatus. 
     For example, in a case in which the other apparatus connected to the MF-apparatus  1200  through the network  15  has a lower function than that of the MF-apparatus  1200  or only a single function (hereinafter, called an SF-apparatus  100  (single functional image forming apparatus)), this SF-apparatus  100  obtains the input option information  433 , the image process option information  435 , and the output option information  431  from the MF-apparatus  1200 . Therefore, it is possible for the SF-apparatus  100  to provide the user higher functions provided by the MF-apparatus  1200 . 
     Examples of process flows for displaying the functions of the MF-apparatus  1200  at the operation panel of the SF-apparatus  100  will be described, according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. Also, in the sixth embodiment, the input option information  433  realizes the input screen G 600  shown in  FIG. 5 , the image process option information  435  realizes the image process screen G 630  shown in  FIG. 7 , and the output option information  431  realizes the output process screen G 640  shown in  FIG. 9 . Therefore, the explanations of the screens G 600 , G 630 , and G 640  will be omitted. 
     A process flow, which is conducted between the MF-apparatus  1200  and the SF-apparatus  100  in response to operations of the user at the input screen G 600  in  FIG. 5 , will be described with reference to  FIG. 35 .  FIG. 35  is a flowchart diagram for explaining the process flow to realize a display of the input screen G 600  of the MF-apparatus  1200  at the SF-apparatus  100 . 
     In  FIG. 35 , when the user selects the button  61  to indicate one apparatus for conducting the input process at the input screen G 600  in  FIG. 5  (step S 611 ), the SF-apparatus  100  confirms existence of available apparatuses for the input process in respect to all apparatuses connected through the network (step S 612 ). A method for confirming the existence of the available apparatuses may confirm all apparatuses existing on the network by a broadcast. Alternatively, the method may confirm specific apparatuses set beforehand. In response to an existence confirmation from the SF-apparatus  100 , the MF-apparatus  1200  existing on the network replies to the SF-apparatus  100  with apparatus specific information including an IP address identifying the MF-apparatus  1200 , an apparatus name, and a like (step S 613 ). When the SF-apparatus  100  receives the apparatus specific information from the MF-apparatus  1200  and other apparatuses on the network, the SF-apparatus  100  displays the list of the apparatus names in the display area  610  at the input screen G 600  in  FIG. 5 . 
     For example, the user selects the MF-apparatus  1200  as the apparatus for conducting the input process from the display area  610  (step S 614 ), the SF-apparatus  100  requests the input option information  433  of the MF-apparatus  1200  (step S 615 ). The MF-apparatus  1200  sends the input option information  433  to the SF-apparatus  100  by the FTP  3  in response to the request from the SF-apparatus  100  (step S 616 ). 
     When the SF-apparatus  100  receives the input option information  433  from the MF-apparatus  1200 , the SF-apparatus  100  generates the input screen coordinate parameter  462  by using the input option information  433  and displays the functions that the MF-apparatus  1200  can provide, in the display area  620  of the input screen G 600  ( FIG. 5 ) displayed at the operation panel of the SF-apparatus  100  by using the input screen coordinate parameter  462  (step S 617 ). From the display area  620  displaying the functions, for example, the user selects “PICTURE”, “AUTO DARKNESS”, and “ONE SIDE” (step S 618 ), an input UIF of the SF-apparatus  100  generates the input setting parameter showing “PICTURE”, “AUTO DARKNESS”, and “ONE SIDE” corresponding position coordinates thereof, and the input setting parameter is transmitted to the MF-apparatus  1200  (step S 619 ). 
     The MF-apparatus  1200  sets the input setting parameter  434  received from the SF-apparatus  100  as the input setting parameter  434 . Subsequently, the input control module  410  reads in the input image  600  from the scanner  1324  in accordance with the input setting parameter  434 , and generates the input image data  601  (step S 620 ). 
     Since the image input/output application  1216  sets the input setting parameter received from the SF-apparatus  100  as the input setting parameter  434 , the input control module  410  can conduct the input process as if the user sets at the operation panel  1310  of the MF-apparatus  1200 . When the MF-apparatus  1200  completes the input process, the MF-apparatus  1200  sends an input result to the SF-apparatus  100  (step S 621 ). At the operation panel, the SF-apparatus  100  displays the input result received from the MF-apparatus  1200  at the operation panel (step S 622 ). 
     Therefore, it is possible for the user to select the desired functions from the list of the functions, which the MF-apparatus  1200  can provide, displayed at the operation panel of the SF-apparatus  100 . Also, it is possible to have the MF-apparatus  1200  conduct the input process based on the desired functions of the user. For example, even if the SF-apparatus  100  does not have “PICTURE” function, it is possible for user to have the MF-apparatus  1200  conduct the input process by “PICTURE” function as one of the input setting parameter  434 , from the SF-apparatus  100 . 
     In  FIG. 35 , as for the input process, the process flow between the SF-apparatus  100  and the MF-apparatus  1200  is described. Also, the process flow shown in  FIG. 35  can be realized between two MF-apparatuses  1200  and between two SF-apparatuses. 
     A process flow between the MF-apparatus  1200  and the SF-apparatus  100  in accordance with operations of the user at the image process screen G 630  ( FIG. 7 ) will be described with reference to  FIG. 36 .  FIG. 36  is a flowchart diagram for explaining the process flow to realize a display of the image process screen of the MF-apparatus  1200  at SF-apparatus according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. 
     In  FIG. 36 , when the user selects the button  62  to indicate one apparatus for conducting the image process at the image process screen G 630  displayed at the operation panel of the SF-apparatus  100  (step S 651 ), the SF-apparatus  100  confirms existence of available apparatuses for the image process in respect to all apparatuses connected through the network (step S 652 ). The method for confirming the existence of the available apparatuses can be the same method described in a case of the process flow for realizing a display of the input screen in  FIG. 35 . In response to an existence confirmation from the SF-apparatus, the MF-apparatus  1200  existing on the network replies to the SF-apparatus  100  with apparatus specific information including an IP address identifying the MF-apparatus  1200 , an apparatus name, and a like (step S 653 ). When the SF-apparatus  100  receives the apparatus specific information from the MF-apparatus  1200  and other apparatuses on the network, the SF-apparatus  100  displays the list of the apparatus names in the display area  610  at the image process screen G 630  in  FIG. 7 . 
     For example, the user selects the MF-apparatus  1200  as the apparatus for conducting the image process from the display area  610  in  FIG. 7  (step S 654 ), the SF-apparatus  100  requests the image process option information  435  of the MF-apparatus  1200  (step S 655 ). The MF-apparatus  1200  sends the image process option information  435  to the SF-apparatus  100  by the FTP  3  in response to the request from the SF-apparatus  100  (step S 656 ). 
     When the SF-apparatus  100  receives the image process option information  435  from the MF-apparatus  1200 , the SF-apparatus  100  generates the image process screen coordinate parameter  482  by using the image process option information  435  and displays the functions that the MF-apparatus  1200  can provide, in the display area  620  of the image process screen G 630  ( FIG. 7 ) displayed at the operation panel of the SF-apparatus  100  by using the image process screen coordinate parameter  482  (step S 657 ). From the display area  620  displaying the functions, for example, the user selects “ME ELIMINATION”, “ACTUAL SIZE”, and “DIVIDE” (step S 658 ), an image process UIF of the SF-apparatus  100  generates the image process setting parameter showing “FRAME ELIMINATION”, “ACTUAL SIZE”, and “DIVIDE” corresponding to position coordinates thereof, and the image process setting parameter is transmitted to the MF-apparatus  1200  (step S 659 ). 
     The MF-apparatus  1200  obtains the input image data  601  (step S 660 ). When the input process is not conducted by the MF-apparatus  1200 , the MF-apparatus  1200  obtains the input image data  601  from the SF-apparatus. The image input/output application  1216  sets the image process setting parameter received from the SF-apparatus  100  as the image process setting parameter  436 . The image process module  440  conducts the image process in respect to the input image data  601  in accordance with the image process setting parameter  436  and generates the output image data  602  (step S 661 ). 
     Since the image input/output application  1216  sets the image process setting parameter received from the SF-apparatus  100  as the image process setting parameter  436 , the image process module  440  can conduct the image process as if the user sets at the operation panel  1310  of the MF-apparatus  1200 . When the MF-apparatus  1200  completes the image process, the MF-apparatus  1200  sends an image process result to the SF-apparatus  100  (step S 662 ). At the operation panel, the SF-apparatus  100  displays the image process result received from the MF-apparatus  1200  (step S 663 ). 
     In  FIG. 36 , as for the image process, the process flow between the SF-apparatus  100  and the MF-apparatus  1200  is described. Also, the process flow shown in  FIG. 36  can be realized between two MF-apparatuses  1200  and between two SF-apparatuses. It is possible for the user to select the desired functions from the list of the functions, which the MF-apparatus  1200  can provide, displayed at the operation panel of the SF-apparatus  100 . Also, it is possible to have the MF-apparatus  1200  conduct the image process based on the desired functions of the user. 
     A process flow between the MF-apparatus  1200  and the SF-apparatus in accordance with operations of the user at the output screen G 640  ( FIG. 9 ) will be described with reference to  FIG. 37 .  FIG. 37  is a flowchart diagram for explaining the process flow to realize a display of the output screen of the MF-apparatus  1200  at the SF-apparatus. 
     In  FIG. 37 , when the user selects the button  63  to indicate one apparatus for conducting the output process at the output screen G 640  ( FIG. 9 ) displayed at the operation panel of the SF-apparatus  100  (step S 671 ), the SF-apparatus  100  confirms existence of available apparatuses for the output process in respect to all apparatuses connected through the network (step S 672 ). The method for confirming the existence of the available apparatuses can be the same method described in a case of the process flow for realizing the display of the input screen G 600  in  FIG. 8 . In response to an existence confirmation from the SF-apparatus, the MF-apparatus  1200  existing on the network replies to the SF-apparatus  100  with apparatus specific information including an IP address identifying the MF-apparatus  1200 , an apparatus name, and a like (step S 673 ). When the SF-apparatus  100  receives the apparatus specific information from the MF-apparatus  1200  and other apparatuses on the network, the SF-apparatus  100  displays the list of the apparatus names in the display area  610  at the output screen G 640  in  FIG. 9 . 
     For example, the user selects the MF-apparatus  1200  as the apparatus for conducting the output process from the display area  610  (step S 674 ), the SF-apparatus  100  requests the output option information  431  of the MF-apparatus  1200  (step S 675 ). The MF-apparatus  1200  sends the output option information  431  to the SF-apparatus  100  by the FTP  3  in response to the request from the SF-apparatus  100  (step S 676 ). 
     When the SF-apparatus  100  receives the output option information  431  from the MF-apparatus  1200 , the SF-apparatus  100  generates the output screen coordinate parameter  472  by using the output option information  431  and displays the functions that the MF-apparatus  1200  provide, in the display area  620  of the input screen G 640  ( FIG. 9 ) displayed at the operation panel of the SF-apparatus  100  by using the output screen coordinate parameter  472  (step S 677 ). From the display area  620  displaying the functions, for example, the user selects one of four icons corresponding to the four stapling methods (step S 678 ), the output UIF of the SF-apparatus  100  generates the output setting parameter indicating “SORT” and “STAPLE” corresponding to position coordinates thereof, and then the output setting parameter is transmitted to the MF-apparatus  1200  (step S 679 ). 
     The MF-apparatus  1200  obtains the output image data  602  (step S 680 ). When the output process is not conducted by the MF-apparatus  1200 , the MF-apparatus  1200  obtains the output image data  602  from the SF-apparatus  100 . The output setting parameter  100 , which is received from the SF-apparatus  100 , is set to be the output setting parameter  432 . Then, the output control module  420  conducts the output process to the output image data  602  in accordance with the output setting parameter  432  so as to form an image on the sheet as the output image  603  and then outputs the output image  603  (step S 681 ). 
     Since the output setting parameter received from the SF-apparatus  100  is set as the output setting parameter  432 , the output control module  420  can conduct the output process as if the user set at the operation panel  1310  of the MF-apparatus  1200 . When the MF-apparatus  1200  completes the output process, the output result is sent to the SF-apparatus  100  (step S 682 ). At the operation panel, the SF-apparatus  100  displays the output result received from the MF-apparatus  1200  (step S 683 ). 
     In  FIG. 37 , as for the output process, the process flow between the SF-apparatus  100  and the MF-apparatus  1200  is described. Also, the process flow shown in  FIG. 37  can be realized between two MF-apparatuses  1200  and between two SF-apparatuses. It is possible for the user to select the desired functions from the list of the functions, which the MF-apparatus  1200  can provide, displayed at the operation panel of the SF-apparatus. Also, it is possible to have the MF-apparatus  1200  conduct the output process based on the desired functions of the user. 
     The process patterns  1  through  4  based on various combinations of the input process, the image process, and the output process shown in  FIG. 4  using user interfaces will be described in detail with reference to  FIG. 38  through  FIG. 41 , according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. For example, an SF-apparatus (single functional image processing apparatus)  100  shown in  FIG. 38  through  FIG. 41  is a single copier having only a copying function. For example, the SF-apparatus  100  includes an input processing part  102  for reading in the input image  600  formed on a sheet, an image processing part  104  for conducting the image process to the input image data generated by reading in the input image  600 , an output processing part  106  for forming output image data  603 , which the image process is conducted to, on the sheet and outputting the sheet as the output image  603 , an operation panel  120  operated by the user, and an operation controlling part  110  for controlling a display of the operation panel  120 . 
     Moreover, the operation controlling part  110  includes at least an input UIF  112  for generating the input screen coordinate parameter (not shown) so as to display the input screen G 600  as shown  FIG. 5 , an image process UIF  113  for generating the image process screen coordinate parameter (not shown) so as to display the image process screen G 630  as shown in  FIG. 7 , an output UIF  114  for generating the output screen coordinate parameter (not shown) so as to display the output screen G 640  as shown in  FIG. 9 , an OCS  116  for controlling the operation panel  120  based on the screen information provided from each of the input UIF  112 , the image process UIF  113 , and the output UIF  114 , in respect to the operation panel  120 . 
     Furthermore, when each user interface program realizing the input UIF  112 , the image process UIF  113 , and the output UIF  114  is a Java™ program, the operation controlling part  110  includes a Java™ VM  118 . In the SF-apparatus  100 , all process parts including the OCS  116 , the input UIF  112 , the image process UIF  113 , and the output UIF  114  can be realized by the Java™ programs. In this case, even if the OCS  116  is not included in the SF-apparatus  100 , the SF-apparatus  100  can be compatible to the MF-apparatus  1200 . 
     In  FIG. 38  through  FIG. 41 , parts shown by dashed lines other than the Java™ VM  450  and the Java™ VM  118  are originally provided in the MF-apparatus  1200  and the SF-apparatus  100  but not used in each of the process patterns  1  through  4 . In addition, parts shown by double lines are replaced with data file sent from the MF-apparatus  1200  or the SF-apparatus  100 . 
     Process Pattern  1   
       FIG. 38  is a diagram showing an example of the process pattern  1  shown in  FIG. 4 . In  FIG. 38 , the display process, the input process, and the output process are conducted by the SF-apparatus  100 , and only the image process is conducted by the MF-apparatus  1200 . 
     First, when the user selects the SF-apparatus  100  itself as an apparatus for the input process at the operation panel  120 , the input UIF  112  originally provided in the SF-apparatus  100  produces the input screen coordinate parameter (not shown) based on input option information  156  and the functions for the input process that the SF-apparatus  100  can provide is displayed at the operation panel  120  by the input screen coordinate parameter. When the user selects the functions, the input UIF  112  generates the input setting parameter (not shown) showing the functions set by the user. The input processing part  102  reads in the input image  600  in accordance with the input setting parameter (not shown) that is generated by the input UIF  112  so as to indicate the function set by the user and generates the input image data  601 . 
     Next, when the user selects the MF-apparatus  1200  as an apparatus for conducting the image process from the operation panel  120 , in accordance with the process flow shown in  FIG. 36 , the image process option information (not shown) of the image process UIF  113  (not shown) is replaced with the image process option information  435  obtained from the MF-apparatus  1200 . The image process UIF  480  displays the function that the MF-apparatus  1200  can provide, at the operation panel  120  through the OCS  116  based on the image process option information  435 . When the user selects the functions, the image process  480  generates the image process setting parameter  136  indicating the function set by the user. The SF-apparatus  100  transmits the input image data  601  generated by the image process setting parameter  136  and the input processing part  102 , to the MF-apparatus  1200 . The input image data  601  can be transmitted in response to a request from the image input/output application  1216  of the MF-apparatus  1200 . 
     The image input/output application  1216  of the MF-apparatus  1200  replaces the image process setting parameter  436  with the image process setting parameter  136  received from the SF-apparatus  100 . And the image process module  440  conducts the image process in respect to the input image data  601  received from the SF-apparatus  100  based on the image process setting parameter  436 , and generates the output image data  602  as a result. The output image data  602  is transmitted to the SF-apparatus  100 . The output image data  602  can be transmitted in response to a request from the SF-apparatus  100 . 
     When the user selects the SF-apparatus  100  itself as an apparatus for the output process at the operation panel  120 , the output UIF  114  originally provided in the SF-apparatus  100  produces the output screen coordinate parameter (not shown) based on output option information  157  and the functions for the output process that the SF-apparatus  100  can provide is displayed, at the operation panel  120  by the output screen coordinate parameter. When the user selects the functions, the output UIF  114  generates the output setting parameter (not shown) indicating the functions set by the user. The output processing part  106  forms the output image data  602  on the sheet in accordance with the output setting parameter (not shown) that is generated by the output UIF  114  so as to indicate the functions set by the user, and then outputs the output image  603 . 
     As described above, the user can have the MF-apparatus  1200  conduct the image process only through a network  15 . 
     Process Pattern  2   
       FIG. 39  is a diagram showing an example of the process pattern  2  shown in  FIG. 4 . In  FIG. 39 , only the display process is conducted by the SF-apparatus  100 , and the input process, the image process, and the output process are conducted by the MF-apparatus  1200 . 
     In  FIG. 39 , when the user selects the MF-apparatus  1200  as an apparatus for the input process, the image process, and the output process at the operation panel  120  of the SF-apparatus  100 , in accordance with the process flow shown in  FIG. 35 , the input option information (not shown) of the input UIF  112  (not shown) is replaced with the input option information  433  obtained from the MF-apparatus  1200 . The input UIF  112  displays the functions for the input process that the MF-apparatus  1200  can provide, at the operation panel  120  through the OCS  116  based on the input option information  433 . After that, the input setting parameter  134 , which is generated by the input UIF  112  so as to indicate the functions set by the user, is sent to the MF-apparatus  1200 . 
     Similarly, in accordance with the process flow shown in  FIG. 36 , the image process screen of the MF-apparatus  1200  is displayed at the SF-apparatus  100  base on image process option information  435 , with which the image process option information (not shown) of the image process UIF  113  originally provided by the image process UIF  113  is replaced. The image process setting parameter  136  is generated so as to indicate the function that the user sets for the image process from the image process screen. The image process setting parameter  436  of the MF-apparatus  1200  is replaced with the image process setting parameter  136  that indicates the functions for the image process set by the user from the image process screen of the MF-apparatus  1200  and is received from the SF-apparatus  100 . The image process module  440  generates the output image data  602  based on the image process setting parameter  436 . 
     Similarly, in accordance with the process flow shown in  FIG. 24 , the output screen of the MF-apparatus  1200  is displayed at the SF-apparatus  100  base on output option information  435 , with which the output option information (not shown) of the output UIF  114  originally provided by the output UIF  114  is replaced. The output setting parameter  432  is generated so as to indicate the function that the user sets for the output process from the output screen. The output setting parameter  432  of the MF-apparatus  1200  is replaced with the output setting parameter (not shown) that indicates the functions for the image process set by the user from the image process screen of the MF-apparatus  1200  and is received from the SF-apparatus  100 . The output module  420  outputs the output image data  602  based on the output setting parameter  432 . 
     As described above, it is possible for the user to have the MF-apparatus  1200  conduct all of the input process, the image process, and the output process through the network  15 . Alternatively, the image process can be conducted at the SF-apparatus  100 . In this case, the SF-apparatus  100  may obtain the input image data  601  from the MF-apparatus  1200 , and send the output image data  602  generated after the image process is conducted to the input image data  601 , as well as the output setting parameter  132 . 
     Process Pattern  3   
       FIG. 40  is a diagram showing an example of the process pattern  3  shown in  FIG. 4 . In  FIG. 40 , the display process and the input process are conducted by the SF-apparatus  100  and the image process and the output process are conducted by the MF-apparatus  1200 . 
     In  FIG. 40 , when the user selects the SF-apparatus  100  as an apparatus for conducting the input process at the operation panel  120  of the SF-apparatus  100  and selects the MF-apparatus  1200  as an apparatus for the image process and the output process, the input processing part  102  of the SF-apparatus  100  reads in the input image  600 , and generates the input image data  601 . After that, similar to the process pattern  1  shown in  FIG. 38 , the image process option information (not shown) of the SF-apparatus  100  is replaced with the image process option information  435  of the MF-apparatus  1200 . After that, in the image input/output application  1216  of the MF-apparatus  1200 , in accordance with the image process setting parameter  436  replaced with the image process setting parameter  136  received from the SF-apparatus  100 , the image process module  440  generates the output image data  602 . Moreover, similar to the process pattern  2  shown in  FIG. 26 , the output option information (not shown) of the SF-apparatus  100  is replaced with the output option information  431  of the MF-apparatus  1200 . After that, in the image input/output application  1216  of the MF-apparatus  1200 , in accordance with the output setting parameter  432  replaced with the output setting parameter  132  received from the SF-apparatus  100 , the output control module  420  outputs the output image  603 . 
     As described above, the user can conduct the input process alone at the SF-apparatus  100 , and have the MF-apparatus  1200  conduct the image process and the output process. Alternatively, the image process can be conducted by the SF-apparatus  100 . In this case, the SF-apparatus  100  may send the output image data  602  generated after the image process is conduct to the input image data  601  generated by the input processing part  102 , with the output setting parameter  132 . 
     The Process Pattern  4   
       FIG. 41  is a diagram showing an example of the process pattern  4  shown in  FIG. 4 . In  FIG. 41 , the display process and output process are conducted by the SF-apparatus  100 , and the input process and the image process are conducted by the MF-apparatus  1200 . 
     In  FIG. 41 , when the user selects the SF-apparatus  100  as an apparatus for conducting the input process and the output process at the operation panel  120  of the SF-apparatus  100 , and selects the MF-apparatus  1200  as an apparatus for conducting the image process, similar to the process pattern  2  shown in  FIG. 39 , the input option information (not shown) of the SF-apparatus  100  is replaced with input option information  433  of the MF-apparatus  1200 . After that, in the image input/output application  1216  of the MF-apparatus  1200 , in accordance with the input setting parameter  434  replaced with the input setting parameter  134  received from the SF-apparatus  100 , the input control module  410  generates the input image data  601 . Moreover, the image process option information (not shown) of the SF-apparatus  100  is replaced with the image process option information  435  of the MF-apparatus  1200 . After that, in the image input/output application  1216  of the MF-apparatus  1200 , in accordance with the image process setting parameter  436  replaced with the image process setting parameter  136  received from the SF-apparatus  100 , the image process module  440  generates the output image data  602 . Subsequently, when the SF-apparatus  100  obtains the output image data  602  from the MF-apparatus  1200 , the output process is conducted by the output processing part  106 , and outputs the output image  603 . 
     As described above, it is possible for the user at the SF-apparatus  100  to have the MF-apparatus  1200  conduct the input process and the image process. Alternatively, the image process can be conducted by the SF-apparatus  100 . In this case, the SF-apparatus  100  obtains the input image data  601  from the MF-apparatus  1200 , and sends the output image data  602  generated after the image process is conducted to the input image data  601 , with the output setting parameter  132 . 
     Regarding the process patterns  1  through  4 , a case in which the MF-apparatus  1200  and the SF-apparatus  100  are connected to each other through the network  15 . Alternatively, the present invention can be applied to more than three image processing apparatuses connecting to each other through the network  15 . 
     As described above, in the sixth embodiment, it is possible to input the input image  600  by utilizing an option (the ADF, a both sides ADF, or a like) pertaining to the MF-apparatus  1200  connected to any image processing apparatus through the network  15 . For example, by using the MF-apparatus  1200  having the both sides ADF  1350 , the user can consecutively input the input image  600  (a plurality of documents) having an image on both sides, and also can output from the SF-apparatus  100  (copier) having only a press board. 
     Moreover, by using an option (finisher such as a punch or a stapler) pertaining to the MF-apparatus  1200 , the user can output the output image  603  at the MF-apparatus  1200  connected to any SF-apparatus  100  through the network  15 . For example, by using higher functions by full options, it is possible to output the output image  603  from the copier having a single function or a personal computer (PC). Since the option information  431 ,  433 , and  435  are obtained through the network  15 , a new user interface is not required for the SF-apparatus  100  at which the user operates. Accordingly, the user can instruct by the same operation under the interface provided by the MF-apparatus  1200  anywhere. Also, when a new function is added to the MF-apparatus  1200  connected to the network  15 , even if the SF-apparatus  100  where the user operates, the user can utilize the interface for operating the new function of the MF-apparatus  1200  and operate as if the user uses the MF-apparatus  1200 . 
     Furthermore, if the MF-apparatus  1200  having higher functions exists on the network  15 , by sending the input image data  601  to the MF-apparatus  1200  and the output image data  602  to the SF-apparatus  100 , even the SF-apparatus  100 , which does not have the image process as the higher functions, can realize the same higher functions as the MF-apparatus  1200 . In this case, means for providing and setting the higher functions for the image process is not required for the SF-apparatus  100  as an operation side. Accordingly, the user operates in the same way at any SF-apparatus  100 . 
     In the sixth embodiment, on the network  15 , only the plotter  1321  of the MF-apparatus  1200  as an output option, the scanner  1324  of the MF-apparatus  1200  as an input option, and the SF-apparatus  100  (copier) as the input option and the output option are provided, but a plurality of the input options and the output options can be provided. All options, for example, the apparatuses connected through the network  15  and a scanner, a printer, a copier, and a like can be shared as the functions. Also, as an output, it is not limited to printing on the sheet, but as an electronic data, output data can be stored to a server for managing a document. Also, the input side can be a document management server for managing the electronic data, instead of the paper sheet. As described above, by storing as a document, an existing image data can be utilized. Accordingly, data frequently used by the user are simply maintained on the network  15 , it is possible to utilize the data in many output methods by various options. 
     Seventh Embodiment 
     In a seventh embodiment, a functional configuration and a hardware configuration of the MF-apparatus  1200  providing system information  452  according to the seventh embodiment are the same as those of the MF-apparatus  1200  in the first embodiment. 
     In the seventh embodiment, the MF-apparatus  1200  provides system information  452  only. 
       FIG. 42  is a diagram showing functional configurations of the image input/output application and the transmission application according to the seventh embodiment. In  FIG. 42 , parts that are the same as the ones in  FIG. 3  are indicated by the same reference numerals and explanation thereof will be omitted. In the MF-apparatus  1200  according to the seventh embodiment, in order for an other apparatus to utilize an input process, an image process, and an output process available at the MF-apparatus  1200  through the network  15 , the transmission application  1217  transmits the system information  452 , respectively, in response to a request of the system information  452  from the other apparatus used by a user. 
     When the transmission application  1217  receives a request of the system information  452 , the transmission application  1217  transmits the system information  452  realizing similar screen displays of the MF-apparatus  1200 , to the apparatus by the FTP  3 . In the same manner, when the transmission application  1217  receives a request of the system information  452 , the transmission application  1217  transmits the system information  452  by the FTP  3 . 
     By downloading each of the system information  452 , it is possible for another apparatus to display a plurality of functions available in the MF-apparatus  1200 . Then, the setting parameters  434 ,  436 , and  432  set by the user at the other apparatus are respectively transmitted to the MF-apparatus  1200 . The MF-apparatus  1200  replaces the input setting parameter  434 , the image process setting parameter  436 , and the output setting parameter  432  with the setting parameters received from the other apparatus, respectively. Accordingly, it is possible for the MF-apparatus  1200  to conduct in accordance with the setting parameters that are set by the user at the other apparatus. 
     In the functional configuration of the image input/output application  1216  shown in  FIG. 34 , the input control module  410 , the image process module  440 , the output control module  420 , and the UIF control module  430  may be realized by Java™ programs. In this case, a Java VM (Virtual Memory)  450 , which is shown by dashed lines, may be provided to execute the Java™ programs. The system information  452  is also provided in the data structure readable by the Java™ programs. In the other apparatus connected through the network  15  to the MF-apparatus  1200 , if the Java™ programs can be executable, the system information  452  can be provided without depending on hardware of the other apparatus. 
     For example, in a case in which the other apparatus connected to the MF-apparatus  1200  through the network  15  has a lower function than that of the MF-apparatus  1200  or only a single function (hereinafter, called an SF-apparatus  100  (single functional image forming apparatus)), this SF-apparatus  100  obtains the system information  452  from the MF-apparatus  1200 . Therefore, it is possible for the SF-apparatus  100  to provide the user higher functions provided by the MF-apparatus  1200 . 
     Examples of screens and process flows for displaying the functions of the MF-apparatus  1200  at the operation panel of the SF-apparatus will be described, according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. In the following explanations, it is assumed that the SF-apparatus  100  is a copier. For the sake of convenience, examples of the screen displayed at the operation panel of the SF-apparatus  100  will be described. However, since the system information  452  provided from the MF-apparatus  1200 , it is possible to similarly display the screen shown in  FIGS. 43 ,  44 , and  45  at the operation panel  1310  of the MF-apparatus  1200 . 
     First, an example of the input screen by the system information  452  will be described with reference to  FIG. 43 .  FIG. 43  is a diagram showing the example of the input screen. In  FIG. 43 , the input screen G 600 - 1  includes a button  61 - 1  for setting functions for the input process, a button  62 - 1  for setting functions for the image process, a button  63 - 1  for setting functions for the output process, a display area  610  for showing a list of apparatuses existing on the network and allowing the user to select one of the apparatuses, and a display area  620  for showing functions processed by the apparatus selected by the user from the display area  610  and allowing the user to select one of the functions. 
     In the input screen G 600 - 1 , the display area  610  displays the list of the apparatuses that exist on the network and are available to process image. For example, the display area  610  displays “COPIER” as the single functional image process apparatus itself, “MF-APPARATUS” as the MF-apparatus  1200 , “APPARATUS 01”, “APPARATUS 02”, “APPARATUS 03”, and “APPARATUS 04” as apparatus names. For example, when the user selects “MF-apparatus” and then selects the button  61 - 1  for setting functions for the input process, the display area  620  displays the function that can be provided by the MF-apparatus  1200 . 
     For example, the display area  620  displays “TEXT” for reading in the input image  600  by a text mode, “PICTURE” for reading in the input image  600  by a picture mode, “AUTO DARKNESS” for allowing “MF-APPARATUS” to determine a darkness of the input image  600 , “LIGHT” and “DARK” for allowing the user to determine the darkness of the input image  600 , “ONE SIDE” for reading in one side of the input image  600 , and “BOTH SIDES” for reading in both sides of the input image  600 . For example, when the user selects “PICTURE”, “AUTO DARKNESS”, and “BOTH SIDES”, the input setting parameter showing “PICTURE”, “AUTO DARKNESS”, and “BOTH SIDES” is generated, and transmitted to the MF-apparatus  1200 . The MF-apparatus  1200  sets the input setting parameter received from the SF-apparatus  100  as the input setting parameter  434 , and the input control module  410  controls the scanner  1324  to read in the input image  600  in accordance with the input setting parameter  434 . 
     Next, an example of the image process screen for image process based on the system information  452  of the MF-apparatus  1200  will be described with reference to  FIG. 44 .  FIG. 44  is a diagram showing the example of the image process screen. In  FIG. 44 , an image process screen G 630 - 1  has the same screen structure as the input screen G 600 - 1 . In  FIG. 44 , parts that are the same as the ones in  FIG. 43  are indicated by the same reference numerals and the explanation thereof will be omitted. In the display area of the image process screen G 630 - 1 , since “MF-APPARATUS” has been selected, the apparatuses names are displayed in gray and cannot be selected by the user. 
     In the image process screen G 630 - 1 , when the user selects the button  62 - 1  for setting the functions for the image process, the list of the apparatuses, which exist on the network and can conduct the image process, is displayed in the display area  610 . When the user selects “MF-APPARATUS”, the functions, which can be set for the image process, are displayed in the display area  620 . 
     For example, the display area  620  displays “FRAME ELIMINATION” for eliminating shadows of a periphery of a sheet, “REVERSE” for copying by reversing image colors, “STAMP” for stamping the sheet to show that the image process is conducted, “NOISE ELIMINTION” for correcting noises for the input image, “ACTUAL SIZE” for processing the input image by a actual size, “OUTPUT SHEET SIZE” for processing the input image by an output sheet size, “100%” for allowing the user to indicate a magnification of the image by a ten-key, “DISPLAY” for indicating the image process including a displaying process, “EDIT” for repeating the image in a single sheet or synthesizing different images in a single sheet, “DIVIDE” for processing two pages at right and left sides into a single sheet, and a like. For example, when the user selects “FRAME ELIMINATION”, “ACTUAL SIZE”, and “DIVIDE”, the image process setting parameter indicating “FRAME ELIMINATION”, “ACTUAL SIZE”, and “DIVIDE” is generated. The image process setting parameter is sent to the MF-apparatus  1200 . The MF-apparatus  1200  sets the image process setting parameter received from the SF-apparatus  100  as the image process setting parameter  436 . Accordingly, the image process module  440  conducts the image process in respect to the input image data  601  in accordance with the image process setting parameter  436  and generates the output image data  602 . 
     Next, an example of the output screen based on the system information  452  of the MF-apparatus  1200  will be described with reference to  FIG. 45 .  FIG. 45  is a diagram showing the example of the output screen. In  FIG. 45 , an output screen G 640 - 1  has the same screen structure as the input screen G 600 - 1 . In  FIG. 45 , parts that are the same as the ones in  FIG. 43  are indicated by the same reference numerals and the explanation thereof will be omitted. In the display area of the output screen G 640 - 1 , since “MF-APPARATUS” has been selected, the apparatuses names are displayed in gray and cannot be selected by the user. 
     In the output screen G 640 - 1 , when the user selects the button  63 - 1  for setting the functions for the output process, the list of the apparatuses, which exist on the network and can conduct the output process, is displayed in the display area  610 . When the user selects “MF-APPARATUS”, the functions, which can be set for the output process, are displayed in the display area  620 . 
     For example, the display area  620  displays “SORT” for output in a page order for each document set, “STACK” for output for each page, “STAPLE” showing four stapling methods by four icons, “PUNCH” showing two punching methods by two icons, and a like. For example, when the user selects one of four icons showing the four stapling methods, the output setting parameter indicating “SORT” and one of methods of “STAPLE” is generated. The output setting parameter is sent to the MF-apparatus  1200 . The image input/output application  1216  of the MF-apparatus  1200  sets the output setting parameter received from the SF-apparatus  100  as the output setting parameter  432 . Accordingly, the output control module  420  conducts the output process in respect to the output image data  602  in accordance with the output setting parameter  432  so as to form an image on a sheet as the output image  603  and outputs the output image  603  by the plotter  1321 . 
     A process flow between the MF-apparatus  1200  and the SF-apparatus  100  in accordance with operations of the user at the input screen G 600 - 1 , the image process screen G 630 - 1 , and the output screen G 640 - 1  will be described with reference to  FIG. 46  and  FIG. 47 .  FIG. 46  is a flowchart diagram for explaining the process flow to realize a display of the output screen of the MF-apparatus at the SF-apparatus. 
     In  FIG. 46 , when the input screen G 600 - 1  is displayed at the operation panel of the SF-apparatus  100  (step S 711 ), the SF-apparatus  100  confirms existence of available apparatuses for the output process in respect to all apparatuses connected through the network (step S 712 ). The method for confirming the existence of the available apparatuses can be the same method described in a case of the process flow for realizing the display of the input screen G 600  in  FIG. 6  in the first embodiment. In response to an existence confirmation from the SF-apparatus  100 , the MF-apparatus  1200  existing on the network replies to the SF-apparatus  100  with apparatus specific information including an IP address identifying the MF-apparatus  1200 , an apparatus name, and a like (step S 713 ). When the SF-apparatus  100  receives the apparatus specific information from the MF-apparatus  1200  and other apparatuses on the network, the SF-apparatus  100  displays the list of the apparatus names in the display area  610  at the input screen G 600 - 1 . 
     For example, the user selects the MF-apparatus  1200  as an available apparatus from the display area  610  (step S 714 ), the SF-apparatus  100  requests the system information  452  of the MF-apparatus  1200  (step S 715 ). The MF-apparatus  1200  sends the system information  452  to the SF-apparatus  100  by the FTP  3  in response to the request from the SF-apparatus  100  (step S 716 ). 
     As described above, available apparatuses are displayed in the display area  610  at the input screen G 600 - 1 . 
       FIG. 47  is a flowchart diagram for explaining the process flow to realize a display of the output screen of the MF-apparatus at the SF-apparatus. In  FIG. 47 , when the SF-apparatus  100  receives the system information  452  from the MF-apparatus  1200 , the SF-apparatus  100  generates input option information and an input screen coordinate parameter based on the system information  452 , and displays the functions that the MF-apparatus  1200  can provide, in the display area  620  of the input screen G 600  ( FIG. 5 ) displayed at the operation panel of the SF-apparatus  100  by using the input screen coordinate parameter  462  (step S 717 ). From the display area  620  displaying the functions, for example, the user selects “PICTURE”, “AUTO DARKNESS”, and “ONE SIDE” (step S 718 ), an input UIF  112  ( FIG. 48 ) of the SF-apparatus  100  generates the input setting parameter showing “PICTURE”, “AUTO DARKNESS”, and “ONE SIDE” corresponding position coordinates thereof, and the input setting parameter is transmitted to the MF-apparatus  1200  (step S 719 ). 
     The MF-apparatus  1200  sets the input setting parameter  434  received from the SF-apparatus  100  as the input setting parameter  434 . Subsequently, the input control module  410  reads in the input image  600  from the scanner  1324  in accordance with the input setting parameter  434 , and generates the input image data  601  (step S 720 ). 
     Since the image input/output application  1216  sets the input setting parameter received from the SF-apparatus  100  as the input setting parameter  434 , the input control module  410  can conduct the input process as if the user sets at the operation panel  1310  of the MF-apparatus  1200 . When the MF-apparatus  1200  completes the input process, the MF-apparatus  1200  sends an input result to the SF-apparatus  100  (step S 721 ). At the operation panel, the SF-apparatus  100  displays the input result received from the MF-apparatus  1200  at the operation panel (step S 722 ). 
     Therefore, it is possible for the user to select the desired functions from the list of the functions, which the MF-apparatus  1200  can provide, displayed at the operation panel of the SF-apparatus  100 . Also, it is possible to have the MF-apparatus  1200  conduct the input process based on the desired functions of the user. For example, even if the SF-apparatus  100  does not have “PICTURE” function, it is possible for user to have the MF-apparatus  1200  conduct the input process by “PICTURE” function as one of the input setting parameter  434 , from the SF-apparatus  100 . 
     Subsequently, when the user select the button  62 - 1  for setting the functions of the image process, the SF-apparatus  100  generates image process option information and an image process screen coordinate parameter based on the system information  452 , and displays the functions that the MF-apparatus  1200  can provide, in the display area  620  of the image process screen G 630 - 1  ( FIG. 44 ) displayed at the operation panel of the SF-apparatus  100  by using the image process screen coordinate parameter (step S 757 ). From the display area  620  displaying the functions, for example, the user selects “ME ELIMINATION”, “ACTUAL SIZE”, and “DIVIDE” (step S 758 ), an image process UIF of the SF-apparatus  100  generates the image process setting parameter showing “FRAME ELIMINATION”, “ACTUAL SIZE”, and “DIVIDE” corresponding to position coordinates thereof, and the image process setting parameter is transmitted to the MF-apparatus  1200  (step S 759 ). 
     The MF-apparatus  1200  obtains the input image data  601  (step S 760 ). When the input process is not conducted by the MF-apparatus  1200 , the MF-apparatus  1200  obtains the input image data  601  from the SF-apparatus. The image input/output application  1216  sets the image process setting parameter received from the SF-apparatus  100  as the image process setting parameter  436 . The image process module  440  conducts the image process in respect to the input image data  601  in accordance with the image process setting parameter  436  and generates the output image data  602  (step S 761 ). 
     Since the image input/output application  1216  sets the image process setting parameter received from the SF-apparatus  100  as the image process setting parameter  436 , the image process module  440  can conduct the image process as if the user sets at the operation panel  1310  of the MF-apparatus  1200 . When the MF-apparatus  1200  completes the image process, the MF-apparatus  1200  sends an image process result to the SF-apparatus  100  (step S 762 ). At the operation panel, the SF-apparatus  100  displays the image process result received from the MF-apparatus  1200  (step S 763 ). 
     Subsequently, when the user select the button  63 - 1  for setting the functions of the output process, the SF-apparatus  100  generates output option information and an output screen coordinate parameter based on the system information  452 , and displays the functions that the MF-apparatus  1200  provide, in the display area  620  of the input screen G 640 - 1  ( FIG. 45 ) displayed at the operation panel of the SF-apparatus  100  by using the output screen coordinate parameter (step S 777 ). From the display area  620  displaying the functions, for example, the user selects one of four icons corresponding to the four stapling methods (step S 778 ), the output UIF of the SF-apparatus  100  generates the output setting parameter indicating “SORT” and “STAPLE” corresponding to position coordinates thereof, and then the output setting parameter is transmitted to the MF-apparatus  1200  (step S 779 ). 
     The MF-apparatus  1200  obtains the output image data  602  (step S 780 ). When the output process is not conducted by the MF-apparatus  1200 , the MF-apparatus  1200  obtains the output image data  602  from the SF-apparatus  100 . The output setting parameter, which is received from the SF-apparatus  100 , is set to be the output setting parameter  432 . Then, the output control module  420  conducts the output process to the output image data  602  in accordance with the output setting parameter  432  so as to form an image on the sheet as the output image  603  and then outputs the output image  603  (step S 781 ). 
     Since the output setting parameter received from the SF-apparatus  100  is set as the output setting parameter  432 , the output control module  420  can conduct the output process as if the user set at the operation panel  1310  of the MF-apparatus  1200 . When the MF-apparatus  1200  completes the output process, the output result is sent to the SF-apparatus  100  (step S 682 ). At the operation panel, the SF-apparatus  100  displays the output result received from the MF-apparatus  1200  (step S 683 ). 
     In  FIG. 46  and  FIG. 47 , as for the output process, the process flow between the SF-apparatus  100  and the MF-apparatus  1200  is described. Also, the process flow shown in  FIG. 37  can be realized between two MF-apparatuses  1200  and between two SF-apparatuses. It is possible for the user to select the desired functions from the list of the functions, which the MF-apparatus  1200  can provide, displayed at the operation panel of the SF-apparatus. Also, it is possible to have the MF-apparatus  1200  conduct the output process based on the desired functions of the user. 
     An example of the process using the user interface realized by the screens and the process flow described in  FIG. 4  through  FIG. 8  will be described with reference to  FIG. 48 , according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 48  is a diagram showing an example of the process using the user interface realized by the screens and the process flow described in  FIG. 43  through  FIG. 47 . For example, an SF-apparatus (single functional image processing apparatus)  100  shown in  FIG. 48  is a single copier having only a copying function. For example, the SF-apparatus  100  includes an input processing part  102  for reading in the input image  600  formed on a sheet, an image processing part  104  for conducting the image process to the input image data generated by reading in the input image  600 , an output processing part  106  for forming output image data  603 , which the image process is conducted to, on the sheet and outputting the sheet as the output image  603 , an operation panel  120  operated by the user, and an operation controlling part  110  for controlling a display of the operation panel  120 . 
     Moreover, the operation controlling part  110  includes at least an input UIF  112  for generating the input screen coordinate parameter (not shown) so as to display the input screen G 600 - 1  as shown  FIG. 43 , an image process UIF  113  for generating the image process screen coordinate parameter (not shown) so as to display the image process screen G 630  as shown in  FIG. 44 , an output UIF  114  for generating the output screen coordinate parameter (not shown) so as to display the output screen G 640  as shown in  FIG. 45 , an OCS  116  for controlling the operation panel  120  based on the screen information provided from each of the input UIF  112 , the image process UIF  113 , and the output UIF  114 , in respect to the operation panel  120 . 
     Furthermore, when each user interface program realizing the input UIF  112 , the image process UIF  113 , and the output UIF  114  is a Java™ program, the operation controlling part  110  includes a Java™ VM  118 . In the SF-apparatus  100 , all process parts including the OCS  116 , the input UIF  112 , the image process UIF  113 , and the output UIF  114  can be realized by the Java™ programs. In this case, even if the OCS  116  is not included in the SF-apparatus  100 , the SF-apparatus  100  can be compatible to the MF-apparatus  1200 . 
     In  FIG. 48 , parts shown by dashed lines other than the Java™ VM  450  and the Java™ VM  118  are originally provided in the MF-apparatus  1200  and the SF-apparatus  100  but not used in this example of the process. In addition, parts shown by double lines are replaced with data file sent from the MF-apparatus  1200  or the SF-apparatus  100 . In  FIG. 48 , only the display process is conducted by the SF-apparatus  100 , and the input process, the image process, and the output process are conducted by the MF-apparatus  1200 . 
     In  FIG. 48 , when the user selects the MF-apparatus  1200  as an apparatus for the input process, the image process, and the output process at the operation panel  120  of the SF-apparatus  100 , the input UIF  112  originally provided in the SF-apparatus  100  generates the input option information  433  from the system information  452  obtained from the MF-apparatus  1200  and the generates the input screen coordinate parameter (not shown) similar to that of the MF-apparatus  1200  based on the input option information  433 . The input UIF  112  displays the functions for the input process that the MF-apparatus  1200  can provide, at the operation panel  120  through the OCS  116  based on the input option information. When the user select the functions, the input UIF  12  generates the input setting parameter  134  indicating the function that is set by the user. The SF-apparatus  100  transmits the input setting parameter  134  to the MF-apparatus  1200 . 
     In the MF-apparatus  1200 , the input setting parameter  434  of the image input/output application  1216  is replaced with the input setting parameter  134  received from the SF-apparatus  100 . The input image  600  is read in by the input control module  410  and then the input image data  601  is generated in the MF-apparatus  1200 . 
     Similarly, the image process UIF  113  originally provided in the SF-apparatus generates the image process option information  435 , which is the same as the MF-apparatus  1200 , based on the system information  452 . The image process screen of the MF-apparatus  1200  is displayed at the SF-apparatus  100  base on image process option information  435  generated in the SF-apparatus  100 . The image process setting parameter  136  is generated so as to indicate the functions for the image process when the user sets the functions from the image process screen. The image process setting parameter  436  of the MF-apparatus  1200  is replaced with the image process setting parameter (not shown) that indicates the functions for the image process set by the user from the image process screen of the MF-apparatus  1200  and is received from the SF-apparatus  100 . The image process module  440  generates the output image data  602  based on the image process setting parameter  436 . 
     Similarly, the output UIF  114  originally provided in the SF-apparatus generates the output option information  431 , which is the same as the MF-apparatus  1200 , based on the system information  452 . The output screen of the MF-apparatus  1200  is displayed at the SF-apparatus  100  base on output option information  431  generated in the SF-apparatus  100 . The output setting parameter  136  is generated so as to indicate the functions for the output process when the user sets the functions from the output screen. The output setting parameter  432  of the MF-apparatus  1200  is replaced with the output setting parameter (not shown) that indicates the functions for the image process set by the user from the image process screen of the MF-apparatus  1200  and is received from the SF-apparatus  100 . The output module  420  outputs the output image data  602  based on the output setting parameter  432 . 
     As described above, it is possible for the user to have the MF-apparatus  1200  conduct all of the input process, the image process, and the output process through the network  15 . Alternatively, the image process can be conducted at the SF-apparatus  100 . In this case, the SF-apparatus  100  may obtain the input image data  601  from the MF-apparatus  1200 , and send the output image data  602  generated after the image process is conducted to the input image data  601 , as well as the output setting parameter  132 . 
     In the seventh embodiment, a case in which the MF-apparatus  1200  and the SF-apparatus  100  are connected to each other through the network  15 . Alternatively, the present invention can be applied to more than three image processing apparatuses connecting to each other through the network  15 . 
     As described above, in the seventh embodiment, it is possible to input the input image  600  by utilizing an option (the ADF, a both sides ADF, or a like) pertaining to the MF-apparatus  1200  connected to any image processing apparatus through the network  15 . For example, by using the MF-apparatus  1200  having the both sides ADF  1350 , the user can consecutively input the input image  600  (a plurality of documents) having an image on both sides, and also can output from the SF-apparatus  100  (copier) having only a press board. 
     Moreover, by using an option (finisher such as a punch or a stapler) pertaining to the MF-apparatus  1200 , the user can output the output image  603  at the MF-apparatus  1200  connected to any SF-apparatus  100  through the network  15 . For example, by using higher functions by full options, it is possible to output the output image  603  from the copier having a single function or a personal computer (PC). Since the system information  452  is obtained through the network  15 , a new user interface is not required for the SF-apparatus  100  at which the user operates. Accordingly, the user can instruct by the same operation under the interface provided by the MF-apparatus  1200  anywhere. Also, when a new function is added to the MF-apparatus  1200  connected to the network  15 , even if the SF-apparatus  100  where the user operates, the user can utilize the interface for operating the new function of the MF-apparatus  1200  and operate as if the user uses the MF-apparatus  1200 . 
     Furthermore, if the MF-apparatus  1200  having higher functions exists on the network  15 , by sending the input image data  601  to the MF-apparatus  1200  and the output image data  602  to the SF-apparatus  100 , even the SF-apparatus  100 , which does not have the image process as the higher functions, can realize the same higher functions as the MF-apparatus  1200 . In this case, means for providing and setting the higher functions for the image process is not required for the SF-apparatus  100  as an operation side. Accordingly, the user operates in the same way at any SF-apparatus  100 . 
     In the seventh embodiment, on the network  15 , only the plotter  1321  of the MF-apparatus  1200  as an output option, the scanner  1324  of the MF-apparatus  1200  as an input option, and the SF-apparatus  100  (copier) as the input option and the output option are provided, but a plurality of the input options and the output options can be provided. All options, for example, the apparatuses connected through the network  15  and a scanner, a printer, a copier, and a like can be shared as the functions. Also, as an output, it is not limited to printing on the sheet, but as an electronic data, output data can be stored to a server for managing a document. Also, the input side can be a document management server for managing the electronic data, instead of the paper sheet. As described above, by storing as a document, an existing image data can be utilized. Accordingly, data frequently used by the user are simply maintained on the network  15 , it is possible to utilize the data in many output methods by various options. 
     The present invention is not limited to the specifically disclosed embodiments; and variations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.