Patent Publication Number: US-2004046987-A1

Title: Image processing apparatus and processing method therefor

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001] The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus which reads a document and outputs the data to a printing apparatus or external device, and a processing method therefor.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002] When printed matter which is output from a copying apparatus or printer and has halftone-processed image information is copied by a multifunctional system such as a copying apparatus using electrophotography or the like, granularity is conspicuous, resulting in serious image degradation. To prevent this, it is generally known as a conventional method to copy such printed matter in a mode in which the spatial filter or masking coefficient is changed, unlike a standard copying mode, so as to smooth the image and suppress visually unnatural roughness.  
       [0003] In transmitting the image of a document scanned by the above-mentioned multifunctional system to a device such as a host computer connected via a network, the scanned image is generally compressed, attached to E-mail, and then transmitted.  
       [0004] If printed matter which is copied and generated in the mode in which the spatial filter or masking coefficient is changed is repetitively copied, the image gradually degrades to a blurry image as a whole because the image is filtered to suppress roughness.  
       [0005] When a document is read by a read means such as a CCD and transmitted, the output image is always lower in quality than the document image.  
       [0006] In this manner, an image becomes lower in quality than the original document when printed matter output from a copying apparatus or printer is repetitively copied or a document is read and transmitted to an external device such as a host computer.  
       [0007] Monochrome printed matter obtained by outputting and generating a color document by a copying apparatus or printer can be transmitted as a color image only when a region to be output in color is designated and transmitted using, e.g., the editing function of an apparatus. Further, there is no system which can reproduce an original color document from generated monochrome printed matter.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008] The present invention has been made to overcome the conventional drawbacks, and has as its object to provide an image processing apparatus capable of searching for and outputting an original image on the basis of information which is added to a document and represents the storage location of the original image of the document when reading the document and outputting the data for copying or transmission, and a processing method therefor.  
       [0009] It is another object of the present invention to limit by user authentication the use of a function of searching for and outputting an original image.  
       [0010] To achieve the above objects, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus which reads a document and outputs the document to a printing device or external device, comprising; read means for reading an image on the document; authentication means for authenticating whether a user can utilize an original image of the document when the image read by the read means contains image storage information representing a location where the original image of the document is stored; search means for searching an image storage device which stores the original image of the document on the basis of the image storage information when the user is authenticated by the authentication means; and output means for outputting the original image of the document formed by search by the search means to the printing device or external device.  
       [0011] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a processing method for an image processing apparatus which reads a document and outputs the document to a printing device or external device, comprising; a read step of reading an image on the document; an authentication step of authenticating whether a user can utilize an original image of the document when the image read in the read step contains image storage information representing a location where the original image of the document is stored; a search step of searching an image storage device which stores the original image of the document on the basis of the image storage information when the user is authenticated in the authentication step; and an output step of outputting the original image of the document searched in the search step to the printing device or external device.  
       [0012] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the figures thereof. 
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
     [0013]FIG. 1 is a view showing the whole arrangement of an image input/output system according to an embodiment;  
     [0014]FIG. 2 is a side sectional view showing a reader section  200  and printer section  300 ;  
     [0015]FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the detailed arrangement of a control apparatus  110 ;  
     [0016]FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the detailed arrangement of a reader image processor  222 ;  
     [0017]FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of an ACS (Auto Color Select) counting unit  604 ;  
     [0018]FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the detailed arrangement of a part functioning as a scanner image processor  157 ;  
     [0019]FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the detailed arrangement of a printer image processor  153 ;  
     [0020]FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the detailed arrangement of a graphic processor  151 ;  
     [0021]FIG. 9 is a view for explaining transfer of an image having a unit of 32 pixels×32 lines;  
     [0022]FIG. 10 is a view for explaining rotation of an image of 32 pixels×32 lines;  
     [0023]FIG. 11 is a view showing the whole configuration of a network system according to the embodiment;  
     [0024]FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the software configuration of a composite apparatus according to the embodiment;  
     [0025]FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing installation applications concerning delivery in the embodiment;  
     [0026]FIG. 14 is a view showing the detailed arrangement of an operation section  180 ;  
     [0027]FIG. 15 is a view showing a display example of an operation window ( 3010 );  
     [0028]FIG. 16 is a view showing a display example of a COPY main window ( 3100 );  
     [0029]FIG. 17 is a view showing a display example of a SEND main window ( 3200 );  
     [0030]FIG. 18 is a view showing a display example of a SEND initial window  3201 ;  
     [0031]FIG. 19 is a view showing a display example of an Address Book subwindow ( 3220 );  
     [0032]FIG. 20 is a view showing a display example of a Detail subwindow ( 3235 );  
     [0033]FIG. 21 is a view showing a display example of a detailed destination window ( 3270 );  
     [0034]FIG. 22 is a view showing a display example of a detailed Person class subwindow ( 3290 );  
     [0035]FIG. 23 is a view showing a display example of a detailed Data Base class subwindow ( 3310 );  
     [0036]FIG. 24 is a view showing a display example of a detailed Group class subwindow ( 3320 );  
     [0037]FIG. 25 is a view showing a display example of an HD SETTING subwindow ( 3330 );  
     [0038]FIG. 26 is a view showing a display example of a Print Out subwindow ( 3340 );  
     [0039]FIG. 27 is a view showing a display example of a Scan Setting subwindow ( 3370 );  
     [0040]FIG. 28 is a view showing a display example of a RETRIEVE main window ( 3400 );  
     [0041]FIG. 29 is a view showing a display example of an E-mail subwindow ( 3430 );  
     [0042]FIG. 30 is a view showing a display example of a Fax subwindow ( 3440 );  
     [0043]FIG. 31 is a view showing a display example of an FTP Server subwindow ( 3450 );  
     [0044]FIG. 32 is a view showing a display example of a TASKS main window ( 3500 );  
     [0045]FIG. 33 is a flow chart showing PDL image output processing according to the embodiment;  
     [0046]FIG. 34 is a flow chart showing copy image output processing according to the embodiment; and  
     [0047]FIG. 35 is a flow chart showing scanned-image transmission processing according to the embodiment. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
     [0048] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.  
     [0049]FIG. 1 is a view showing the whole arrangement of an image input/output system according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, a reader section (image input apparatus)  200  optically reads a document image, converts it into image data, and outputs the data. The reader section  200  comprises a scanner unit  210  having a function of reading a document, and a document feed unit (DF unit)  250  having a function of conveying a document sheet.  
     [0050] A printer section (image output apparatus)  300  conveys a print sheet, prints image data as a visible image on the print sheet, and discharges the print sheet outside the apparatus. The printer section  300  comprises a sheet feed unit  360  having a plurality of types of print sheet cassettes, a marking unit  310  having a function of transferring and fixing image data onto a print sheet, and a sheet discharge unit  370  having a function of sorting and stapling a printed print sheet and outputting it outside the apparatus.  
     [0051] A control apparatus  110  is electrically connected to the reader section  200  and printer section  300 , and connected to host computers (PCs)  401  and  402  and a server  403  via a network  400 . The control apparatus  110  provides a copying function of controlling the reader section  200  to load document image data, and controlling the printer section  300  to output image data onto a print sheet. The control apparatus  110  further provides a scanner function of converting image data read by the reader section  200  into code data, and transmitting the code data to a host computer via the network  400 . The control apparatus  110  also provides a printer function of converting code data received from a host computer via the network  400  into image data, and outputting the image data to the printer section  300 .  
     [0052] An operation section  180  is connected to the control apparatus  110 , comprises a liquid crystal touch panel, and provides a user I/F for operating the image input/output system. The operation section  180  has a user authentication function of limiting for each user a function of outputting an original image from storage location information (to be described later) added to a document.  
     [0053] As the feature of the embodiment, the scanner unit  210  comprises a function of reading original storage location information (represented by a barcode in the embodiment) of a document image that is printed at the edge of a document, in addition to a function of optically reading a document image. An original image is created by the host computer  401  or  402 , and stored in the server  403  in outputting the image by the printer section  300 . The printer section  300  prints, by a barcode at the end of a print sheet, information such as an IP address for specifying the server  403  and a directory and file name in the server  403 , as original storage location information. If the scanner unit  210  reads the original storage location information on the document and the operation section  180  authenticates the control apparatus  110 , the control apparatus  110  searches for address information of the original image stored in the server  403 , and outputs the original image by the printer section  300  from the server  403 .  
     [0054]FIG. 2 is a side sectional view showing the reader section  200  and printer section  300 . The document feed unit  250  of the reader section  200  feeds document sheets one by one onto a platen glass  211 . At the end of document read operation, the document sheet on the platen glass  211  is discharged. When a document sheet is conveyed onto the platen glass  211 , a lamp  212  is turned on, and movement of an optical unit  213  starts to expose and scan the document sheet. Light reflected by the document sheet is guided to a CCD image sensor (to be referred to as a CCD hereinafter)  218  by mirrors  214 ,  215 , and  216  and a lens  217 . The image of the scanned document sheet is read by the CCD  218 .  
     [0055] The reader section  200  comprises a reader image processing circuit  222  which performs predetermined processing for image data output from the CCD  218  and outputs the processed data to the control apparatus  110  via a scanner I/F.  
     [0056] The printer section  300  comprises a printer image processing circuit  352  which outputs to a laser driver  317  an image signal sent from the control apparatus  110  via a printer I/F. The laser driver  317  drives laser-emitting portions  313 ,  314 ,  315 , and  316 , and causes the laser-emitting portions  313 ,  314 ,  315 , and  316  to emit laser beams in accordance with image data output from the printer image processing circuit  352 . The laser beams irradiate photosensitive drums  325 ,  326 ,  327 , and  328  via mirrors  340 ,  341 ,  342 ,  343 ,  344 ,  345 ,  346 ,  347 ,  348 ,  349 ,  350 , and  351 , forming latent images corresponding to the laser beams on the photosensitive drums  325 ,  326 ,  327 , and  328 . Reference numerals  321 ,  322 ,  323 , and  324  denote developing units for developing latent images by black (Bk), yellow (Y), cyan (C), and magenta (M) toners. The developed toners in the respective colors are transferred onto a sheet, outputting a full-color print.  
     [0057] A sheet fed from any one of sheet cassettes  360  and  361  and a manual feed tray  362  at a timing synchronized with the start of laser beam irradiation is chucked and conveyed on a transfer belt  334  via a registration roller  333 . Developing agents attached to the photosensitive drums  325 ,  326 ,  327 , and  328  are transferred onto the print sheet. The print sheet bearing the developing agents is conveyed to a fixing portion  335 , and the developing agents are fixed onto the print sheet by the heat and pressure of the fixing portion,  335 . The print sheet having passed through the fixing portion  335  is discharged by a discharge roller  336 . A sheet discharge unit  370  bundles discharged print sheets, sorts the print sheets, staples the sorted print sheets, and sets the resultant print sheets on a tray  371 .  
     [0058] When double-sided printing is set, a print sheet is conveyed up to the discharge roller  336 , the rotational direction of the discharge roller  336  is reversed, and the print sheet is guided to a refeed convey path  338  by a flapper  337 . The print sheet guided to the refeed convey path  338  is fed to the transfer belt  334  at the above-described timing.  
     [0059] &lt;Description of Reader Image Processor&gt; 
     [0060]FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the detailed arrangement of the reader image processor  222 . In the reader image processor  222 , a document on the platen glass  211  is read by the CCD  218 , and converted into an electrical signal (when the CCD  218  is a color sensor, it may be constituted by arranging R, G, and B color filters in line on a 1-line CCD in the order of R, G, and B, arranging R, G, and B filters on the respective CCDs of a 3-line CCD, or arranging filters on a chip or separately from a CCD). The electrical signal (analog image signal) is input to the reader image processor  222 , sampled and held (S/H) by a clamp &amp; Amp. &amp; S/H &amp; A/D unit  401 . The dark level of the analog image signal is clamped to a reference potential, amplified to a predetermined amount (the processing order does not coincide with this described order), and A/D-converted into e.g., 8-bit R, G, and B digital signals. The R, G, and B signals are subjected shading correction and black correction by a shading unit  402 , and output to the control apparatus  110 .  
     [0061] &lt;Description of Control Apparatus&gt; 
     [0062] The function of the control apparatus  110  will be explained with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 3, a main controller  111  is mainly comprised of a CPU  112 , bus controller  113 , and various I/F controller circuits.  
     [0063] The CPU  112  and bus controller  113  control the overall control apparatus  110 , and the CPU  112  operates on the basis of a program loaded from a ROM  120  via a ROM I/F  121 . Operation of interpreting PDL (Page Description Language) code data received from a host computer and rasterizing the data into raster image data is also described in the program and processed by software. The bus controller  113  controls transfer of data input/output to/from each I/F, arbitrates bus contention, and controls DMA data transfer.  
     [0064] As the feature of the embodiment, when a print request is received from a host computer, the main controller  111  controls via a network controller  125  and connector  126  to store an original image at a predetermined address in the server  403  connected to a network. If printing of original storage location information on an output sheet is permitted, the main controller  111  transmits stored address information to a printer image processor  153  via an I/F  150 , graphic processor  151 , and printer bus  156 , and instructs the printer image processor  153  to print the address information as a barcode on an output sheet.  
     [0065] The main controller  111  receives user authentication information input from a panel I/F  141  via a key input I/F  171 , and determines whether the user is authorized to use a function according to the embodiment.  
     [0066] If the user is authenticated and reads a document having original storage location information, the main controller  111  receives via a scanner bus  161 , the graphic processor  151 , and the I/F  150  information on the address at which the original decoded by a scanner image processor  157  is stored. The main controller  111  searches via the network controller  125  and connector  126  for the original image stored in the server  403  connected to the network. The main controller  111  extracts the original image and transmits it to the printer image processor  153  via the I/F  150 , graphic processor  151 , and printer bus  156 .  
     [0067] A DRAM  122  is connected to the main controller  111  via a DRAM I/F  123 , and used as a work area for operating the CPU  112  and an area for accumulating image data.  
     [0068] A start-stop synchronization serial communication controller  114  in the main controller  111  exchanges control commands with the CPUs of the reader section  200  and printer section  300  via serial buses  172  and  173 , and performs communication of touch panel and key inputs with the operation section  180 .  
     [0069] The network controller  125  is connected to the main controller  111  via an I/F  127  and to an external network via the connector  126 . The network is generally an Ethernet®.  
     [0070] A serial connector  124  is connected to the main controller  111 , and communicates with an external device. The serial bus is generally a USB.  
     [0071] A fan  128  is connected to the main controller  111 , and used to cool the control apparatus  110  A temperature monitoring IC  142  is connected to the main controller  111  via a serial bus  143 . The temperature monitoring IC  142  is used to control the fan  128  and correct the temperature of a real-time clock module  137 .  
     [0072] A general-purpose high-speed bus  130  is connected to an expansion connector  135  for connecting an expansion board, an I/O controller  136 , an HD (Hard Disk) controller  131 , and a Codec  133 . The general-purpose high-speed bus is generally a PCI bus.  
     [0073] The Codec  133  compresses raster image data accumulated in the DRAM  122  by a method such as MH, MR, MMR, JBIG, or JPEG, and decompresses compressed/accumulated code data into raster image data. An SRAM  134  is used as a temporary work area for the Codec  133 . Data transfer between the SRAM  134  and the Codec  133  is controlled by the bus controller  113 , and data is DMA-transferred.  
     [0074] The HD controller  131  is used to connect an external storage device, and an HD drive  132  is connected via the HD controller  131 . The HD drive  132  is used to store programs and image data.  
     [0075] The I/O controller  136  controls a data bus  144 , port controller  145 , and interrupt controller  146 .  
     [0076] The panel I/F  141  is connected to an LCD controller  140 , and constituted by an I/F for display on the liquid crystal screen of the operation section  180  and the key input I/F  171  for performing a hard key input and touch panel key input.  
     [0077] The operation section  180  comprises a liquid crystal display, a touch panel input device adhered onto the liquid crystal display, and a plurality of hard keys. A signal input from the touch panel or hard key is transmitted to the CPU  112  via the key input I/F  171 . The liquid crystal display displays image data sent from the panel I/F  141 . The liquid crystal display displays a function, image data, and user authentication window in the operation of the image forming apparatus.  
     [0078] The real-time clock module  137  updates and saves a date and time managed within the apparatus, and is backed up by a backup battery  138 .  
     [0079] An SRAM  139  is backed up by the backup battery  138 , and accumulates a user mode, pieces of various setting information, file management information of the HD drive  132 , and the like.  
     [0080] The graphic processor  151  performs image rotation, image zoom, color space transform, binarization, scanner image input, and printer image output for image data accumulated in the DRAM  122 . A DRAM  152  is used as a temporary work area for the graphic processor  151 . The graphic processor  151  is connected to the main controller  111  via the I/F  150 . Data transfer between the graphic processor  151  and the DRAM  122  is controlled by the bus controller  113 , and data is DMA-transferred.  
     [0081] Connectors  160  and  155  are respectively connected to the reader section  200  and printer section  300 , and comprised of start-stop synchronization serial I/Fs ( 173  and  172 ) and video I/Fs ( 163  and  162 ).  
     [0082] The scanner image processor  157  is connected to the reader section  200  via the connector  160  and to the graphic processor  151  via the scanner bus  161 . The scanner image processor  157  has a function of performing predetermined processing for an image received from the reader section  200 , and a function of outputting to the scanner bus  161  a control signal generated on the basis of a video control signal sent from the reader section  200 .  
     [0083] The scanner image processor  157  also has a function of extracting original storage location information added at a predetermined position in image data, decoding the information into address information, and transmitting the address information to the main controller  111  via the scanner bus  161 , graphic processor  151 , and I/F  150 .  
     [0084] A FIFO  158  is connected to the scanner image processor  157 , and used for line correction of a video signal sent from the reader section  200 .  
     [0085] The printer image processor  153  is connected to the printer section  300  via the connector  155  and to the graphic processor  151  via the printer bus  156 . The printer image processor  153  has a function of performing predetermined processing for image data output from the graphic processor  151  and outputting the resultant data to the printer section  300 , and a function of outputting to a printer bus  162  a control signal generated on the basis of a video control signal sent from the printer section  300 .  
     [0086] When printing of original storage location information is permitted in printing from a host computer, address information received from the main controller  111  via the I/F  150 , graphic processor  151 , and printer bus  156  is converted into a barcode, and an image is so formed as to add the barcode at a predetermined position on an output sheet.  
     [0087] A DRAM  154  is connected to the printer image processor  153 , and used to delay a video signal by a predetermined time.  
     [0088] Transfer of raster image data rasterized in the DRAM  122  to the printer section  300  is controlled by the bus controller  113 . The data is DMA-transferred to the printer section  300  via the graphic processor  151 , printer image processor  153 , and connector  155 .  
     [0089] &lt;Description of Scanner Image Processor&gt; 
     [0090] The scanner image processor  157  will be explained in detail. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the detailed arrangement of a part functioning as the scanner image processor  157 .  
     [0091] A connection &amp; MTF correction unit  601  adjusts the delay amount of each line in accordance with the read speed for an image signal sent from the reader section  200  via the connector  160 , and corrects changed MTF by the read speed. When the CCD  218  is a 3-line CCD, the signal timing is corrected by connection processing so as to make the read positions of three lines coincide with each other. The FIFO  158  is used as a line delay buffer. An input masking unit  602  corrects the spectral characteristic of the CCD  218  and the spectral characteristics of the lamp  212  and mirrors  214 ,  215 , and  216  for digital signals whose read position timings have been corrected. A barcode decoding unit  603  reads a barcode representing original storage location information printed at a predetermined position on a document, and converts the barcode into address information of the server  403  where the original is stored. An output from the barcode decoding unit  603  is sent to an ACS counting unit  604  and the graphic processor  151 . The address information generated by the barcode decoding unit  603  is sent to the main controller  111  via the graphic processor  151 .  
     [0092] &lt;Description of ACS Counting Unit&gt; 
     [0093] The ACS (Auto Color Select) counting unit  604  will be described with reference to FIG. 5.  
     [0094] In auto color select (to be referred to as ACS hereinafter), whether a document is color or monochrome is determined. That is, the color saturation of each pixel is obtained, and color determination is done on the basis of the number of pixels equal to or higher than a given threshold. Even a monochrome document microscopically contains many color pixels near the edge under the influence of MTF or the like, and it is difficult to perform ACS determination simply for each pixel. Various ACS methods are provided, but the embodiment adopts a general ACS method.  
     [0095] As described above, even a monochrome image microscopically contains many color pixels, and whether a pixel of interest is a color pixel must be determined from information on color pixels around the pixel of interest. In FIG. 5, reference numeral  501  denotes a filter which has a FIFO structure in order to refer to pixels around a pixel of interest;  502 , a circuit which generates an ACS region signal  505  on the basis of values set in registers  507  to  510  by the main controller  111  and a video control signal  512  sent from the reader section  200 ;  503 , a color determination unit which refers to pixels around the pixel of interest in the memory of the filter  501  on the basis of the ACS region signal  505  and determines whether the pixel of interest is a color or monochrome pixel; and  504 , a counter which counts the number of color determination signals  506  output from the color determination unit  503 .  
     [0096] The main controller  111  determines an ACS region within a loading range, and sets the region in the registers  507  to  510  (in the embodiment, the range is determined independently of a document). The main controller  111  compares with a predetermined threshold the value of the counter which counts the number of color determination signals in the ACS region, and determines whether the document is color or monochrome.  
     [0097] Positions at which the color determination unit  503  starts determination and positions at which determination ends are set in the registers  507  to  510  in the main scanning and subscanning directions on the basis of the video control signal  512  sent from the reader section  200 . In the embodiment, these positions are set inward by about 10 mm from an actual document size.  
     [0098] &lt;Description of Printer Image Processor&gt; 
     [0099] A part functioning as the printer image processor  153  will be explained in detail. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the detailed arrangement of the printer image processor  153 .  
     [0100] An image signal which is sent from the graphic processor  151  via the printer bus  156  is input to a LOG conversion unit  701 . The LOG conversion unit  701  LOG-converts R, G, and B signals into C, M, and Y signals. A moiré removal unit  702  removes moiré. The moiré-removed C, M, and Y signals are input to a UCR &amp; masking unit  703 , and subjected to UCR processing to generate C, M, Y, and K signals. The C, M, Y, and K signals are corrected to signals suitable for the printer by the masking processing unit. The signals processed by the UCR &amp; masking unit  703  undergo density adjustment by a γ correction unit  704 , and smoothing or edge processing by a filtering unit  705 . A barcode addition unit  706  receives address information at which an original image is stored in the server  403 , and a barcode printing permission signal. If barcode printing is permitted, the address information is converted into a barcode, and an image is formed at a predetermined position on a sheet. An output switch  707  temporarily accumulates respective C, M, Y, and K images in the DRAM  154  in order to correct the distances between the photosensitive drums  325  to  328 , and then sends to the printer section  300  via the connector  155  the images for which the distances between the drums are corrected.  
     [0101] &lt;Description of Graphic Processor&gt; 
     [0102] The graphic processor  151  will be described in detail. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the detailed arrangement of the graphic processor  151 .  
     [0103] The graphic processor  151  has modules for performing image rotation, image zoom, color space transform, binarization, scanner image input, and printer image output. The DRAM  152  is used as a temporary work area for the modules via a DRAM controller  808 . A work area is statistically assigned to each module in advance so as to prevent contention of the work areas of the DRAM  152  used by respective modules. The graphic processor  151  is connected to the main controller  111  via the I/F  150 . Data transfer between the graphic processor  151  and the DRAM  122  is controlled by the bus controller  113 , and data is DMA-transferred.  
     [0104] The bus controller  113  executes control of setting a mode or the like in each module of the graphic processor  151 , and timing control of transferring image data to each module.  
     [0105] An input interface  810  inputs image data from the I/F  150  to a cross bar switch  809 . The image data format includes binary raster image data, multilevel raster image data, and JPEG. For a JPEG image, image data is converted into raster image data by the input interface  810 , and the data is output to the cross bar switch  809 .  
     [0106] An output interface  811  outputs image data from the cross bar switch  809  to the I/F  150 . The image data format input from the cross bar switch  809  is raster image data. JPEG compression may be done by the output interface  811  to output data to the I/F  150 .  
     [0107] The processing procedures of an image rotation unit, image zooming unit, color space transform unit, binarization unit, scanner image input unit, and printer image output unit in the graphic processor  151  will be explained in detail.  
     [0108] &lt;Description of Image Rotation Unit&gt; 
     [0109] The processing procedures of an image rotation unit  801  will be described. Image rotation control settings are performed for the bus controller  113  by the CPU  112  via the I/F  150 . Upon these settings, the bus controller  113  performs settings (image size, rotational direction, angle, and the like) necessary for image rotation in the image rotation unit  801 . After necessary settings, the CPU  112  permits the bus controller  113  to transfer image data. In accordance with this permission, the bus controller  113  starts transfer of image data from the DRAM  122  or a device connected via each I/F. In this case, the rotation image size is 32 pixels×32 lines, and an image is transferred every 24 bytes (one pixel for 8-bit R, G, and B) in transferring image data onto the image bus.  
     [0110] As described above, in order to obtain an image of 32 pixels×32 lines, the above-mentioned unit data transfer must be executed 32×32 times, and image data must be transferred from inconsecutive addresses (see FIG. 9).  
     [0111] Image data transferred by inconsecutive addressing is written in the SRAM  136  as if the image was rotated at a desired angle in read. For example, for 90° counterclockwise rotation, transferred image data is written in the Y direction, and read out in the X direction in read, rotating the image, as shown in FIG. 10.  
     [0112] Upon the completion of rotating the image of 32 pixels×32 lines (write in the DRAM  152 ), the image rotation unit  801  reads out the image data from the DRAM  152  by the above read method, and transfers the image to the bus controller  113 . The bus controller  113  which has received the rotated image data transfers the data to the DRAM  122  or each device on an I/F by consecutive addressing.  
     [0113] A series of processes are repeated until no processing request is sent from the CPU  112  (a necessary number of pages are processed).  
     [0114] &lt;Description of Image Zooming Unit&gt; 
     [0115] The processing procedures of an image zooming unit  802  will be described. Image zooming control settings are performed for the bus controller  113  by the CPU  112  via the I/F  150 . Upon these settings, the bus controller  113  performs settings (main scanning zoom ratio, subscanning zoom ratio, image size after zoom, and the like) necessary for image zoom in the image zooming unit  802 . After necessary settings, the CPU  112  permits the bus controller  113  to transfer image data. In accordance with this permission, the bus controller  113  starts transfer of image data from the DRAM  122  or a device connected via each I/F.  
     [0116] The image zooming unit  802  temporarily stores the received image data in the DRAM  152 , and uses the DRAM  152  as an input buffer. The image zooming unit  802  achieves zoom processing by performing interpolation processing by necessary numbers of pixels and lines in accordance with the main scanning and subscanning zoom ratios for the stored data and enlarging/reducing the image. The image zooming unit  802  writes the zoomed data again in the DRAM  152 , and uses the DRAM  152  as an output buffer. The image zooming unit  802  reads out the image data from the DRAM  152 , and transfers the data to the bus controller  113 .  
     [0117] The bus controller  113  which has received the zoomed image data transfers the data to the DRAM  122  or each device on an I/F.  
     [0118] &lt;Description of Color Space Transform Unit&gt; 
     [0119] The processing procedures of a color space transform unit  803  will be described. Color space transform control settings are performed for the bus controller  113  by the CPU  112  via the I/F  150 . Upon these settings, the bus controller  113  performs settings (matrix operation coefficient to be described below, the table value of an LUT  804 , and the like) necessary for color space transform processing in the color space transform unit  803  and an LUT (Look Up Table)  804 . After necessary settings, the CPU  112  permits the bus controller  113  to transfer image data. In accordance with this permission, the bus controller  113  starts transfer of image data from the DRAM  122  or a device connected via each I/F.  
     [0120] The color space transform unit  803  executes the following 3×3 matrix operation for each pixel of the received image data.  
               [         X           Y           Z         ]     =         [           a   11           a   12           a   13               a   21           a   22           a   23               a   31           a   32           a   33           ]          [           R   +     b   1                 G   +     b   2                 B   +     b   3             ]       +     [           c   1               c   2               c   3           ]               (   1   )                       
 
     [0121] where R, G, and B are inputs, X, Y, and Z are outputs, and a 11 , a 12 , a 13 , a 21 , a 22 , a 23 , a 31 , a 32 , a 33 , b 1 , b 2 , b 3 , c 1 , c 2 , and c 3  are coefficients.  
     [0122] By operation of equation (1), various color space transforms such as transform from an RGB color space into a Yuv color space can be executed.  
     [0123] Transform using the LUT  804  is performed for the data having undergone matrix operation. This transform can also realize nonlinear transform. By setting a through table, LUT transform may be skipped in effect. After that, the color space transform unit  803  transfers the image data having undergone color space transform processing to the bus controller  113 .  
     [0124] The bus controller  113  which has received the image data having undergone color space transform processing transfers the data to the DRAM  122  or each device on an I/F.  
     [0125] &lt;Description of Image Binarization Unit&gt; 
     [0126] The processing procedures of an image binarization unit  805  will be described. Binarization control settings are performed for the bus controller  113  by the CPU  112  via the I/F  150 . Upon these settings, the bus controller  113  performs settings (various parameters corresponding to the transform method, and the like) necessary for binarization processing in the image binarization unit  805 . After necessary settings, the CPU  112  permits the bus controller  113  to transfer image data. In accordance with this permission, the bus controller  113  starts transfer of image data from the DRAM  122  or a device connected via each I/F.  
     [0127] The image binarization unit  805  performs binarization processing for the received image data. In the embodiment, as the binarization method, image data is compared with a predetermined threshold, and simply binarized. Needless to say, any method such as dithering, error diffusion, or an improvement of error diffusion can be adopted.  
     [0128] The image binarization unit  805  transfers the binarized image data to the bus controller  113 . The bus controller  113  which has received the binarized image data transfers the data to the DRAM  122  or each device on an I/F.  
     [0129] &lt;Description of Scanner Input Unit&gt; 
     [0130] The processing procedures of a scanner input unit  806  will be described. Scanner input control settings are performed for the bus controller  113  by the CPU  112  via the I/F  150 . Upon these settings, the bus controller  113  performs settings (various parameters corresponding to input processing, and the like) necessary for the scanner input unit  806 . After necessary settings, the CPU  112  permits the bus controller  113  to transfer image data. Image data is input to the scanner input unit  806  in synchronism with a sync signal input from the scanner image processor  157 . The scanner input unit  806  temporarily stores the received image data in the DRAM  152  serving as an output buffer. The scanner input unit transfers the image stored in the DRAM  152  to the bus controller  113 . The bus controller  113  which has received the scanner input image data transfers the data to the DRAM  122  or each device on an I/F.  
     [0131] &lt;Description of Printer Output Unit&gt; 
     [0132] The processing procedures of a printer output unit  807  will be described. Printer output control settings are performed for the bus controller  113  by the CPU  112  via the I/F  150 . Upon these settings, the bus controller  113  performs settings (various parameters corresponding to output processing, and the like) necessary for the printer output unit  807 . After necessary settings, the CPU  112  permits the bus controller  113  to transfer image data. In accordance with this permission, the bus controller  113  starts transfer of image data from the DRAM  122  or a device connected via each I/F.  
     [0133] The printer output unit  807  temporarily stores the received image data in the DRAM  152 . The printer output unit  807  outputs the image stored in the DRAM  152  to the printer image processor  153  in accordance with a sync signal input from the printer image processor  153 .  
     [0134] [Software] 
     [0135] &lt;Whole System&gt; 
     [0136] The whole configuration of a network system will be explained. FIG. 11 is a view showing the whole configuration of the network system according to the embodiment. Reference numeral  1001  denotes an apparatus according to the present invention which is constituted by a scanner and printer, can supply an image read by the scanner to a local area network  1010  (to be referred to as a LAN hereinafter), print out an image received from the LAN by the printer, transmit an image read by the scanner to a PSTN or ISDN ( 1030 ) by a FAX transmission means (not shown), and print out an image received by the PSTN or ISDN by the printer;  1002 , a database server which manages in a database a binary image and multilevel image loaded from the apparatus  1001 ; and  1003 , a database client for the database server  1002  that can browse and search for image data saved in the database server  1002 .  
     [0137] Reference numeral  1004  denotes an E-mail server which can receive an image read by the apparatus  1001  as a file attached to E-mail;  1005 , an E-mail client which can receive and browse mail received by the E-mail server  1004 , and transmit E-mail;  1006 , a WWW server which provides an HTML document to the LAN, and can print out by the apparatus  1001  an HTML document provided by the WWW server  1006 ; and  1007 , a router which couples the LAN  1010  to Internet/intranet  1012 . Apparatuses  1020 ,  1021 ,  1022 , and  1023  identical to the database server ( 1002 ), WWW server ( 1006 ), E-mail server ( 1004 ), and apparatus ( 1001 ) are coupled to the Internet/intranet. The apparatus  1001  can communicate with a FAX apparatus  1031  via the PSTN or ISDN ( 1030 ). A printer  1040  is also coupled to the LAN, and can print out an image read by the apparatus  1001 .  
     [0138] &lt;Whole Configuration of Software Block&gt; 
     [0139] The software configurations of the apparatuses (composite apparatuses)  1001  and  1023  according to the present invention shown in FIG. 11 will be described.  
     [0140]FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the software configuration of the composite apparatus according to the embodiment. Reference numeral  1501  denotes a UI module which controls a user interface, and mediates a device when the operator performs various operations and settings of the composite apparatus. This module transfers input information to various modules (to be described later) in accordance with the operation of the operator, and performs processing request, data setting, or the like.  
     [0141] Reference numeral  1502  denotes an Address-Book module, i.e., database module which manages a data sending destination, communication destination, and the like. The contents of the Address-Book  1502  are obtained by adding, deleting, and acquiring data by the operation of the UI  1501 , and provides data sending/communication destination information to each module (to be described later) in accordance with the operation of the operator.  
     [0142] Reference numeral  1503  denotes a Web-server module which is used to transmit management information of the composite apparatus in response to a request from a Web client (not shown). Management information is read via a Controll-API  1518 , and transmitted to the Web client via an HTTP  1512 , TCP/IP  1516 , and Network-Driver  1517  (to be described later).  
     [0143] Reference numeral  1504  denotes a Universal-Send module which delivers data, and distributes data designated by the operator via the UI  1501  to a similarly designated communication (output) destination. When the operator designates generation of distribution data by using the scanner function of the apparatus, the apparatus is operated via the Controll-API  1518  (to be described later) to generate data.  
     [0144] Reference numeral  1505  denotes a module which is executed when a printer is designated as an output destination in the Universal-Send  1504 ;  1506 , a module which is executed when an E-mail address is designated as a communication destination in the Universal-Send  1504 ;  1507 , a module which is executed when a database is designated as an output destination in the Universal-Send  1504 ; and  1508 , a module which is executed when a composite apparatus similar to the apparatus is designated as an output destination in the Universal-Send  1504 .  
     [0145] Reference numeral  1509  denotes a Remove-Copy-Scan module which uses the scanner function of the composite apparatus, uses another composite apparatus connected via a network or the like as an output destination, and performs the same processing as a Copy function realized by the single composite apparatus.  
     [0146] Reference numeral  1510  denotes a Remote-Copy-Print module which uses the printer function of the composite apparatus, uses another composite apparatus connected via a network or the like as an input source, and performs the same processing as a Copy function implemented by the single composite apparatus.  
     [0147] Reference numeral  1511  denotes a Web-Pull-Print module which reads out information of various homepages on the Internet or intranet and prints the information.  
     [0148] Reference numeral  1512  denotes a module which is used for HTTP communication by the composite apparatus, and provides communication to the Web-server module  1503  and Web-Pull-Print module  1511  by the TCP/IP communication module  1516  (to be described later);  1513 , an Ipr module which provides communication to the printer module  1505  in the Universal-Send  1504  by the TCP/IP module  1516 ;  1514 , a SMTP module which provides communication to the E-mail module  1506  in the Universal-Send  1504  by the TCP/IP  1516 ; and  1515 , a SLM, i.e., Salutation-Manager module which provides communication to the database module  1507 , DP module  1508 , Remove-Copy-Scan module  1509 , and Remote-Copy-Print module  1510  in the Universal-Send  1504  by the TCP/IP  1516 .  
     [0149] The TCP/IP communication module  1516  provides network communication to various modules described above by the Network-Driver (to be described next). The Network-Driver  1517  controls a portion physically connected to a network.  
     [0150] The Controll-API  1518  provides an interface with a downstream module such as a Job-Manager  1519  (to be described below) to an upstream module such as the Universal-Send  1504 . The Controll-API  1518  reduces dependence between upstream and downstream modules, enhancing their applications.  
     [0151] The Job-Manager  1519  interprets processes designated by various modules described above via the Controll-API  1518 , and supplies instructions to modules (to be described below). This module centralizes hardware processing executed in the composite apparatus.  
     [0152] Reference numeral  1520  denotes a CODEC-Manager which manages and controls various compression/decompression processes of data in processes designated by the Job-Manager  1519 .  
     [0153] Reference numeral  1521  denotes an FBE-Encoder which compresses, by an FBE format, data loaded by scan processing executed by the Job-Manager  1519  and a Scan-Manager  1524 ;  1522 , a JPEG-CODEC which performs JPEG compression processing of loaded data and JPEG decompression processing of print data in scan processing executed by the Job-Manager  1519  and Scan-Manager  1524  and print processing executed by a Print-Manager  1526 ; and  1523 , an MMR-CODEC which performs MMR compression processing of loaded data and MMR decompression processing of print data in scan processing executed by the Job-Manager  1519  and Scan-Manager  1524  and print processing executed by the Print-Manager  1526 .  
     [0154] The Scan-Manager  1524  manages and controls scan processing designated by the Job-Manager  1519 . Reference numeral  1525  denotes a SCSI driver which communicates with a scanner section internally connected in the composite apparatus.  
     [0155] The Print-Manager  1526  manages and controls print processing designated by the Job-Manager  1519 . Reference numeral  1527  denotes an Engine-I/F driver which provides an I/F between the Print-Manager  1526  and a printer section.  
     [0156] Reference numeral  1528  denotes a Parallel port driver which provides an I/F used when the Web-Pull-Print  1511  outputs data to an output device (not shown) via a parallel port.  
     [0157] &lt;Application&gt; 
     [0158] Installation applications according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.  
     [0159]FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing installation applications concerning delivery in the embodiment. In FIG. 13, reference numeral  4050  denotes a block representing a User Interface application;  4100 , a block representing a Remote Copy application transmitting side;  4150 , a block representing a Universal Send side;  4200 , a block representing a Web Pull Print module; and  4250 , a block representing a Web Server module.  
     [0160] Reference numeral  4300  denotes a block representing a Remote Copy receiving side (Print side);  4350 , a block which receives and prints a universally sent image by a general-purpose printer;  4400 , a block representing a Remote Print receiving side (Print side);  4450 , a block which receives and stores a universally sent image by a known Notes Server;  4500 , a block which receives and stores a universally sent binary image;  4550 , a block which receives and stores a universally sent image by a known Mail Server;  4600 , a block which receives and stores a universally sent multilevel image;  4650 , a block representing a known Web Server containing information contents; and  4700 , a known Web Browser which accesses the Web Server according to the embodiment.  
     [0161] Applications will be explained in detail with reference to the respective blocks.  
     [0162] &lt;User Interface Application&gt; 
     [0163] The User Interface (to be referred to as a UI hereinafter)  4050  has been described in detail above, and an Address Book  4051  will be explained. The Address Book is saved in a nonvolatile storage device (nonvolatile memory, hard disk, or the like) in the apparatus according to the present invention. The Address Book describes the feature of a device connected to a network. For example, the Address Book contains the following features.  
     [0164] Formal name and alias name of a device  
     [0165] Network address of a device  
     [0166] Network protocol processible by a device  
     [0167] Document format processible by a device  
     [0168] Compression type processible by a device  
     [0169] Image resolution processible by a device  
     [0170] Feedable paper size for printer device, and sheet feed stage information  
     [0171] Folder name capable of storing document for server (computer) device  
     [0172] Each of the following applications can determine the feature of a delivery destination by information described in the Address Book  4051 . The Address Book  4051  can be edited, and can be used by downloading or directly referring to one saved in a server computer or the like on a network.  
     [0173] &lt;Remote Copy Application&gt; 
     [0174] The Remote Copy application determines from the Address Book  4051  resolution information processible by a device designated as a delivery destination, and compresses a binary image read by a scanner by known MMR compression in accordance with the resolution information. The Remote Copy application converts the compressed image by known TIFF (Tagged Image File Format), and transmits the TIFF image to a printer device on a network via an SLM  4103 . Although not described in detail, the SLM  4103  is a kind of network protocol containing device control information called known Salutation Manager (or Smart Link Manager).  
     [0175] &lt;Universal Send Application&gt; 
     [0176] The Universal Send application can transmit an image to a plurality of delivery destinations by one image scanning, unlike the Remote Copy application. The delivery destination is not limited to a printer device, and can directly deliver an image to a so-called server computer. The Universal Send application will be explained in accordance with the delivery destination.  
     [0177] When it is determined from the Address Book  4051  that a delivery destination device can process a known network printer protocol “LPD (Line Printer Daemon)” and a known printer control command “LIPS”, an image is read in accordance with the image resolution similarly determined from the Address Book  4051 . In the embodiment, the image is compressed using known FBE (First Binary Encoding), converted into an LIPS code, and transmitted to a partner device by a known network printer protocol “LPR”.  
     [0178] When the delivery destination device can communicate by SLM and is a server device, designation of a server address and a folder in the server is determined from the Address Book  4051 . Similar to the Remote Copy application, a binary image read by a scanner is compressed using known MMR compression, converted by known TIFF (Tagged Image File Format), and stored in a specific folder in the server device on the network via SLM.  
     [0179] When the server as a partner device is determined to be able to process a multilevel image compressed by known JPEG, the device according to the embodiment can convert a read multilevel image by known JFIF using known JPEG compression, and store the resultant image in a specific folder in the server device on the network via SLM, similar to the above-described binary image.  
     [0180] When the delivery destination device is a known E-Mail server, a mail address described in the Address Book  4051  is determined. A binary image read by a scanner is compressed using known MMR compression, converted by known TIFF (Tagged Image File Format), and transmitted to the E-Mail server by using a known SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol)  4153 . The subsequent delivery is executed in accordance with the Mail Server  4550 .  
     [0181] &lt;Outline of Operation Section&gt; 
     [0182] The arrangement of the operation section  180  will be described. FIG. 14 is a view showing the detailed arrangement of the operation section  180 . An LCD display ( 3001 ) is constituted by adhering a touch panel sheet onto the LCD, and displays the operation window of the system. When a displayed key is touched, the LCD display transmits the position information to a controller CPU. A start key ( 3002 ) is used to start document image read operation. Two, green and red LEDs are arranged at the center of the start key, and the color exhibits whether the start key is available. A stop key ( 3003 ) is used to stop the current operation. An ID key ( 3004 ) is used to input the user ID of the user. A reset key ( 3005 ) is used to initialize settings from the operation section.  
     [0183] Each window in the operation section  180  will be explained in detail.  
     [0184] &lt;Operation Window&gt; 
     [0185] Functions provided by the composite apparatus according to the embodiment are classified into six large categories: Copy, Send, Retrieve, Tasks, Management, and Configuration. These categories correspond to six main tabs (COPY, SEND, RETRIEVE, TASKS, MGMT, and CONFIG) ( 3011  to  3016 ) displayed at an upper portion in an operation window ( 3010 ) shown in FIG. 15. These main tabs are touched to switch the window to the window of each category. When switching to another category is not permitted, the display color of the main tab is changed, and the window does not react to touch on the main tab.  
     [0186] Copy includes a function of performing standard document copying by using the scanner and printer of the apparatus itself, and a function (remote copy) of copying a document by using the scanner of the apparatus itself and a printer connected via a network. Send is a function of transferring a document set on the scanner of the apparatus itself to E-mail, a remote printer, a facsimile apparatus, file transfer (FTP), and a database. A plurality of destinations can be designated. Retrieve is a function of acquiring an external document and printing it by the printer of the apparatus itself. As a document acquisition means, the WWW, E-mail, file transfer, and a facsimile apparatus are available. In Tasks, a task for automatically processing a document externally transmitted from a facsimile apparatus, Internet printer, or the like and periodically executing Retrieve is generated and managed. In Management, a job, address book, bookmark, document, account information, and the like are managed. In Configuration, settings (network, timepieces, and the like) for the apparatus are executed.  
     [0187] A method of setting these functions will be explained using examples of the LCD window display.  
     [0188] &lt;ID Input Window&gt; 
     [0189] An ID input window is displayed immediately after power-on operation or when the ID key is pressed. If a user ID and password are correctly input on the ID input window and an OK button is touched, the above-mentioned operation window is displayed, allowing operation. The ID input region and password input region can be switched by directly touching the input region.  
     [0190] &lt;COPY Window&gt; 
     [0191] When the start button is touched upon displaying a COPY window shown in FIG. 16, the scanner operates to output a copy from a selected printer in accordance with setting parameters displayed in the window.  
     [0192] A COPY main window ( 3100 ) comprises a printer selection button ( 3103 ), a printer display region ( 3102 ), an Image Quality selection button ( 3105 ), an Image Quality display region ( 3104 ), a copy parameter display ( 3101 ) similar to a conventional copying apparatus, enlargement/reduction setting buttons ( 3106  and  3107 ), a paper selection button ( 3108 ), a sorter setting button ( 3110 ), a 2-sided copy setting button ( 3112 ), a density indicator &amp; density setting button ( 3109 ), and a numeric key region ( 3114 ).  
     [0193] When the printer selection button ( 3103 ) is touched, a list ( 3120 ) of available printers (a printer of the apparatus itself and printers connected via a network) is displayed as a pull-down menu. If a desired printer is selected from the list, the list disappears, and the selected printer name is displayed in the printer display region ( 3102 ).  
     [0194] When the Image Quality setting button ( 3105 ) is touched, an Image Quality list ( 3125 ) is displayed, and a desired Image Quality can be selected from the list.  
     [0195] When the copy parameter setting button is touched, a subwindow (enlargement/reduction setting, paper selection, sorter setting, or 2-sided copy setting) for a corresponding setting is displayed. Parameters can be set similarly to setting in a conventional copying apparatus. The density can also be set similarly to a conventional copying apparatus.  
     [0196] &lt;SEND Window&gt; 
     [0197] When the start button is touched upon displaying a Send window shown in FIG. 17, the scanner operates, and processing of transmitting read image data to a set destination by a designated transmission method starts.  
     [0198] A SEND main window ( 3200 ) comprises a destination display region ( 3202 ), a detailed destination count display region ( 3203 ), a destination scroll button ( 3204 ), an Address Book button ( 3208 ), a New button ( 3209 ), an Edit button ( 3210 ), a Delete button ( 3211 ), a Subject input region ( 3205 ), a Message input region ( 3206 ), a File Name input region ( 3207 ), a Cover page check button ( 3212 ), a Put Into HD check button ( 3213 ), a Print Out check button ( 3214 ), and a Scan Setting button ( 3215 ). In initialization including reset, no destination is displayed in a destination display region  3201 , and an operation instruction window is displayed, as shown in FIG. 18.  
     [0199] The destination display region ( 3202 ) displays a list of input destinations. Inputs are sequentially added to the last. The detailed destination count display region ( 3203 ) displays a currently set destination count. If the Delete button ( 3211 ) is touched after a given destination is selected from the destination display region ( 3202 ), the selected destination is deleted. If the Subject input region ( 3205 ), Message input region ( 3206 ), or File Name input region ( 3207 ) is touched, a full keyboard is displayed, allowing an input.  
     [0200] &lt;Address Book Subwindow&gt; 
     [0201] When the Address Book button ( 3208 ) is touched in the window shown in FIG. 17, an Address Book subwindow ( 3220 ) shown in FIG. 19 is displayed. A destination with a selection mark ( 3232 ) in an Address Book display region ( 3221 ) is added to the destination display region ( 3202 ) of the SEND main window shown in FIG. 17 by touching an OK button ( 3231 ). The display of the Address Book shown in FIG. 19 is sorted by the class in the name ascending order or name descending order by touching sort item setting buttons ( 3224  to  3226 ). An item selection count display region ( 3227 ) displays the number of items with selection marks.  
     [0202] If the OK button ( 3231 ) or a cancel button ( 3230 ) is touched, the Address Book subwindow is closed, and the SEND main window is displayed. If a Detail button ( 3229 ) is touched while one item in the Address Book is selected, a Detail subwindow ( 3235 ) shown in FIG. 20 is displayed. The Detail subwindow displays all pieces of information obtained from the Address Book as pieces of information of selected items.  
     [0203] &lt;Detailed Destination Subwindow&gt; 
     [0204] When the New button ( 3209 ) in the SEND main window shown in FIG. 17 is touched, a detailed destination window ( 3270 ) shown in FIG. 21 is displayed, and a new destination can be set. To input a destination, transmission method selection buttons ( 3271  to  3274 ) corresponding to transmission methods (E-mail, facsimile, printer, and FTP) are touched, or detailed destination input regions ( 3275  to  3278 ) are touched. For facsimile, a numeric keyboard is displayed; otherwise, a full keyboard is displayed, allowing an input. Reference numerals  3279  to  3282  denote buttons for performing transmission options of respective transmission methods, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.  
     [0205] When the Edit button ( 3210 ) is touched while the destination of a Person class is selected in the SEND main window, a detailed Person class subwindow ( 3290 ) shown in FIG. 22 is displayed. Details of a selected destination are displayed in a corresponding one of the detailed destination input regions ( 3275  to  3278 ). A keyboard is displayed by the above-mentioned method, and the destination can be edited.  
     [0206] When the Edit button ( 3210 ) is touched while the destination of a Data Base class is selected in the SEND main window, a detailed Data Base class subwindow ( 3310 ) shown in FIG. 23 is displayed. The detailed Data Base class subwindow displays a Data Base name ( 3311 ) and folder list ( 3312 ).  
     [0207] When the Edit button ( 3210 ) is touched while the destination of a Group class is selected in the SEND main window, a detailed Group class subwindow ( 3320 ) shown in FIG. 24 is displayed. The detailed Group class subwindow displays a Group member display ( 3321 ).  
     [0208] &lt;HD SETTING Subwindow&gt; 
     [0209] When the Put Into HD check button ( 3213 ) in the SEND main window shown in FIG. 17 is touched, an HD SETTING subwindow ( 3330 ) shown in FIG. 25 for setting for transmission to a hard disk is displayed. This subwindow is not directly related to the embodiment, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.  
     [0210] &lt;Print Out Subwindow&gt; 
     [0211] When the Print Out check button ( 3214 ) in the SEND main window shown in FIG. 17 is touched, a Print Out subwindow ( 3340 ) shown in FIG. 26 is displayed. The number of prints, paper size, enlargement/reduction ratio, 2-sided printing, sorting, resolution, and the like are set in the Print Out subwindow. When a paper size selection button ( 3345 ) is touched, a list of paper sizes is displayed, and a desired size is selected from the list. When a sorter selection button ( 3350 ) is touched, a list of selectable sorters is displayed.  
     [0212] &lt;Scan Setting Subwindow&gt; 
     [0213] When the Scan Setting button ( 3215 ) in the SEND main window shown in FIG. 17 is touched, a Scan Setting subwindow ( 3370 ) shown in FIG. 27 is displayed. One scan setting is selected from a Preset mode selection region ( 3371 ) in the Scan Setting subwindow, and then a corresponding resolution, scan mode, and density set in advance are displayed in display regions ( 3377 ,  3379 , and  3381 ). These values can also be manually changed.  
     [0214] &lt;RETRIEVE Window&gt; 
     [0215] When the RETRIEVE tab ( 3013 ) is touched in the operation window ( 3010 ) shown in FIG. 15, a RETRIEVE main window ( 3400 ) shown in FIG. 28 is displayed. The RETRIEVE main window displays the subtabs of WWW ( 3401 ), E-mail ( 3402 ), Fax ( 3403 ), and FTP ( 3404 ), and a Put Into HD check button ( 3405 ) and Print Setting button ( 3406 ) commonly used for the subcategories. By touching the subtabs, corresponding WWW, E-mail, Fax, and FTP subwindows are displayed. In initialization including reset, the WWW subwindow is displayed.  
     [0216] &lt;E-mail Subwindow&gt; 
     [0217] When the E-mail subtab ( 3402 ) shown in FIG. 28 is touched, an E-mail subwindow ( 3430 ) shown in FIG. 29 is displayed, and setting for receiving E-mail can be done. If each of input regions ( 3431  to  3433 ) is touched in this window, a full keyboard is displayed, allowing an input.  
     [0218] &lt;Fax Subwindow&gt; 
     [0219] When the Fax subtab ( 3403 ) shown in FIG. 28 is touched, a Fax subwindow ( 3440 ) shown in FIG. 30 is displayed, and a Fax number can be input. If an input region ( 3441 ) is touched in this window, a numeric keyboard is displayed, and a Fax number can be input.  
     [0220] &lt;FTP Server Subwindow&gt; 
     [0221] When the FTP subtab ( 3404 ) shown in FIG. 28 is touched, an FTP Server subwindow ( 3450 ) shown in FIG. 31 is displayed, and setting for receiving data from a server can be performed. If each of input regions ( 3451  to  3453 ) is touched in this window, a full keyboard is displayed, allowing an input.  
     [0222] &lt;HD Setting Subwindow&gt; 
     [0223] When the Put Into HD check button ( 3405 ) common to the categories in FIGS.  28  to  31  is touched, the HD Setting subwindow ( 3330 ) shown in FIG. 25 is displayed. The function is the same as that of the HD Setting subwindow in the Send main window.  
     [0224] &lt;TASKS Window&gt; 
     [0225] When the start key is touched while the TASKS window shown in FIG. 32 is displayed, automatic RETRIEVE operation is executed in accordance with parameters set in the TASKS window.  
     [0226] A TASKS main window ( 3500 ) displays WWW, E-mail, Print Receive, Fax Receive, and Fax Polling subtabs ( 3501  to  3505 ). In initialization including reset, the WWW subwindow ( 3501 ) is displayed.  
     [0227] &lt;PDL Image Output Sequence&gt; 
     [0228]FIG. 33 is a flow chart showing PDL image output processing according to the embodiment. In FIG. 33, reference symbols S 3301  to S 3312  denote steps.  
     [0229] In outputting a PDL image, the user performs print setting of a PDL image output job in the PC  401  in S 3301 . Print setting contents are the number of copies, paper size, 1-sided/2-sided printing, page output order, sorting, stapling, and whether to store a PDL image in the server  403  and print a barcode as storage location information.  
     [0230] In S 3302 , whether the user has set barcode printing is determined. If NO in S 3302 , the flow advances to S 3303 , and driver software installed in the PC  401  converts code data to be printed in the PC  401  into so-called PDL data upon reception of a print instruction in the PC  401 . The PDL data is transferred to the control apparatus  110  of the image input/output apparatus via the network  400  together with print setting parameters set in S 3301 .  
     [0231] If YES in S 3302 , the flow advances to S 3304 , and PDL data is transferred to the control apparatus  110  of the image input/output apparatus via the network  400 , similar to S 3303 . At the same time, the PDL data is also transferred to the server  403 , and the server  403  stores the PDL data as original image information at a predetermined address.  
     [0232] In S 3305 , the CPU  112  of the main controller  111  of the control apparatus  110  rasterizes the PDL data transferred via the connector  126  and network controller  125  into image data on the basis of the print setting parameters. Rasterization into image data is executed in the DRAM  122 . Upon the completion of image data rasterization, the flow advances to S 3306 . In S 3306 , the main controller  111  transfers the image data rasterized in the DRAM  122  to the graphic processor  151 .  
     [0233] In S 3307 , the graphic processor  151  performs image processing independently of the print setting parameters. For example, when the paper size designated by the print setting parameter is A4 but the sheet feed unit  360  of the printer section  300  has only A4R sheets, the graphic processor  151  rotates the image through 90°, outputting an image complying with an output sheet. Upon the completion of image processing of the image data, the flow advances to S 3308 , and the graphic processor  151  transfers the processed image data to the main controller  111 . The main controller  111  stores the transferred image data in the DRAM  122 .  
     [0234] In S 3309 , whether barcode printing has been set is determined. If NO in S 3309 , the flow advances to S 3310 , and the main controller  111  transfers the image data in the DRAM  122  to the printer section  300  at a proper timing while controlling the printer section  300  via the graphic processor  151 , printer image processor  153 , and connector  155 . If YES in S 3309 , the flow advances to S 3311 , and the main controller  111  transfers the image data in the DRAM  122  to the printer section  300  at a proper timing while controlling the printer section  300  via the graphic processor  151 , printer image processor  153 , and connector  155 . At this time, the printer image processor  153  adds to a predetermined position on a sheet a barcode representing address information of the server  403  where the original image is stored.  
     [0235] In S 3312 , the control apparatus  110  controls the printer section  300  to print out the image data. After the image data is printed out, i.e., the PDL job ends, PDL image output processing ends.  
     [0236] &lt;Copy Image Output Sequence&gt; 
     [0237]FIG. 34 is a flow chart showing copy image output processing according to the embodiment. In FIG. 34, reference symbols S 3401  to S 3412  denote steps.  
     [0238] In outputting a copy image, the user performs copy setting of a copy image output job from the operation section  180  in step S 3401 . Copy setting contents are the number of copies, paper size, 1-sided/2-sided printing, enlargement/reduction ratio, sorting, stapling, and whether to print an original image instead of standard copying.  
     [0239] In S 3402 , whether printing of an original image has been set is determined. If NO in S 3402 , the flow advances to S 3404 ; if YES, to S 3403  to display on the operation section  180  an authentication window for limiting the use of original printing by the user. The user inputs a user ID via the authentication window displayed on the operation section  180 , and is authenticated.  
     [0240] In S 3403 , whether the user has been authenticated by the input user ID is determined. If NO in S 3403 , the flow advances to step S 3404 . Upon reception of a copy start instruction from the operation section  180 , the main controller  111  of the control apparatus  110  controls the reader section  200  via the connector, and performs document image data loading operation. The document feed unit  250  feeds set document sheets one by one onto the platen glass  211 , and at the same time detects the document size. The document sheet is exposed and scanned on the basis of the detected document size, reading image data. The read image data is compressed in an image format designated by the graphic processor  151 , and stored in the DRAM  122 . Thereafter, the flow advances to S 3408 .  
     [0241] If YES in S 3403 , the flow advances to S 3405 . Upon reception of a copy start instruction from the operation section  180 , the main controller  111  of the control apparatus  110  controls the reader section  200  via the connector, and performs document image data loading operation. The scanner image processor  157  scans a barcode-printed region printed at a predetermined position on the document, and decodes the barcode into address information of the server  403  where the original image is stored. The address information is stored in the DRAM  122  via the graphic processor  151 . In S 3406 , the main controller  111  searches for the original image stored in the server  403  via the network  400  on the basis of the address information stored in the DRAM  122 . The server  403  transfers PDL data to the control apparatus  110  of the image input/output apparatus via the network  400 . In S 3407 , the CPU  112  of the main controller  111  of the control apparatus  110  rasterizes the transferred PDL data into image data. Rasterization into image data is executed in the DRAM  122 . Upon the completion of image data rasterization, the flow advances to S 3408 .  
     [0242] In S 3408 , the main controller  111  transfers the image data in the DRAM  122  to the graphic processor  151 . In S 3409 , the graphic processor  151  performs image processing on the basis of copy setting parameters. For example, for 400% enlargement setting, zoom processing is executed in both the main scanning and subscanning directions using the image zooming unit serving as a module in the graphic processor  151 . Upon the completion of image processing of the image data, the flow advances to S 3410 , and the graphic processor  151  transfers the processed image data to the main controller  111 . In S 3411 , the main controller  111  transfers the image data in the DRAM  122  to the printer section  300  at a proper timing while controlling the printer section  300  via the graphic processor  151 , printer image processor  153 , and connector  155 . In S 3412 , the control apparatus  110  controls the printer section  300  to print out the image data.  
     [0243] After all image data are transferred, i.e., the copy job ends, copy image output processing ends.  
     [0244] &lt;Scanned-Image Transmission Sequence&gt; 
     [0245]FIG. 35 is a flow chart showing scanned-image transmission processing according to the embodiment. In FIG. 35, reference symbols S 3501  to S 3509  denote steps.  
     [0246] In transmitting a scanned image via a network, in S 3501 , the user performs network transmission setting of a scanned-image transmission job based on the Send window shown in FIG. 17 on the operation section  180 . Network transmission setting contents are monochrome/color data, document type, resolution, image compression ratio, and whether to transmit an original image instead of standard scan transmission.  
     [0247] In S 3502 , whether transmission of an original image has been set is determined. If NO in S 3502 , the flow advances to S 3504 ; if YES, to S 3503  to display on the operation section  180  an authentication window for limiting the use of original image transmission by the user. The user inputs a user ID via the authentication window displayed on the operation section  180 , and is authenticated.  
     [0248] In S 3503 , whether the user has been authenticated by the input user ID is determined. If NO in S 3503 , the flow advances to step S 3504  to perform setting of designating a scan transmission destination on the operation section  180 . In S 3505 , upon reception of a scan start instruction from the operation section  180 , the main controller  111  of the control apparatus  110  controls the reader section  200  via the connector, and performs document image data loading operation. The document feed unit  250  feeds set document sheets one by one onto the platen glass  211 , and at the same time detects the document size. The document sheet is exposed and scanned on the basis of the detected document size, reading image data. The read image data is compressed in an image format designated by the graphic processor  151 , and stored in the DRAM  122 . In S 3506 , the image data stored in the DRAM  122  is transferred to the host computers  401  and  402  via the network  400 .  
     [0249] After all image data are transferred, i.e., the scan transmission job ends, scan transmission ends.  
     [0250] If YES in S 3503 , the flow advances to S 3507 , and the control apparatus  110  automatically selects the address of the authenticated user as a transmission destination. In S 3508 , upon reception of a scan start instruction from the operation section  180 , the main controller  111  of the control apparatus  110  controls the reader section  200  via the connector, and performs document image data loading operation. The scanner image processor  157  scans a barcode-printed region printed at a predetermined position on the document, and decodes the barcode into address information of the server  403  where the original image is stored. The address information is stored in the DRAM  122  via the graphic processor  151 . In S 3509 , the main controller  111  searches for the original image stored in the server  403  via the network  400  on the basis of the address information stored in the DRAM  122 . The server  403  transfers PDL data to the host computers  401  and  402  connected via the network  400 .  
     [0251] After all image data are transferred, i.e., the scan transmission job ends, scan transmission processing ends.  
     [0252] In the embodiment, a barcode is used as image storage information, but the information is not limited to the barcode. The information may be information for specifying a server or a location where an original image is stored and may be information that the original image can be obtained. Furthermore, the server does not need to be located outside, and the original image may be stored within a multifunctional system.  
     [0253] The present invention may be applied to a system including a plurality of devices (e.g., a host computer, interface device, reader, and printer) or an apparatus (e.g., a copying apparatus or facsimile apparatus) formed from a single device.  
     [0254] The object of the present invention is also achieved when a storage medium which stores software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiment is supplied to a system or apparatus, and the computer (or the CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus reads out and executes the program codes stored in the storage medium.  
     [0255] In this case, the program codes read out from the storage medium realize the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium which stores the program codes constitutes the present invention.  
     [0256] The storage medium for supplying the program codes includes a floppy® disk, hard disk, optical disk, magnetooptical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, and ROM.  
     [0257] The functions of the above-described embodiment are realized when the computer executes the readout program codes. Also, the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized when an OS (Operating System) or the like running on the computer performs part or all of actual processing on the basis of the instructions of the program codes.  
     [0258] The functions of the above-described embodiment are also realized when the program codes read out from the storage medium are written in the memory of a function expansion board inserted into the computer or the memory of a function expansion unit connected to the computer, and the CPU of the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of actual processing on the basis of the instructions of the program codes.  
     [0259] As described above, according to the embodiment, an original image can be searched for and output on the basis of information which represents a document original image storage location and is added to a document when the document is read and output for copying or transmission. The use of the function of searching for and outputting an original image can be limited by user authentication.  
     [0260] As many apparently widely different embodiments of the present invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiment&#39;s thereof except as defined in the appended claims.