Patent ID: 8139235

Claim:
A data processing method for making a first image processing apparatus allow data in a detachable storage device to be used under a condition that identification information specific to the first image processing apparatus is stored in the storage device when the storage device which is loaded in a second image processing apparatus having a control unit is removed and loaded in the first image processing apparatus, the data processing method, comprising: reading first image processing apparatus structural information by the control unit from a portable storage medium in which the identification information specific to the first image processing apparatus and the first image processing apparatus structural information are stored, the first image processing apparatus structural information indicating an apparatus structure of the first image processing apparatus; obtaining second image processing apparatus structural information by the control unit, the second image processing apparatus structural information indicating an apparatus structure of the second image processing apparatus itself; determining whether to allow the data in the storage device to be used or not in the first image processing apparatus by the control unit based on the read first image processing apparatus structural information and the obtained second image processing apparatus structural information; and reading the identification information specific to the first image processing apparatus by the control unit from the portable storage medium and storing the read identification information specific to the first image processing apparatus in the storage device by the control unit as a substitute of identification information specific to the second image processing apparatus when the control unit determines to allow the data in the storage device to be used in the first image processing apparatus.