Patent ID: 7443526

Claim:
An image processing method for a multi-function image processing apparatus (MFP) that is coupled to a network, the method comprising: a) receiving a local image processing request, the local image processing request not being received by way of the network; b) processing the local image processing request; c) receiving a network image processing request sent over the network while the MFP is processing the local image processing request; d) denying the network image processing request; e) completing the local image processing request started in step b); and f) placing the MFP in a mode that is capable of accepting a new processing request, wherein the new processing request may be either another local image processing request, the network image processing request denied in step d), or another network image processing request, wherein the local image processing request is at least one of a copy, scan or print request, wherein, when the MFP is processing the first job request and another local image processing request, not sent over the network, is received by the MFP, the method further comprising: g) temporarily halting processing of the first job request and storing data regarding the processing of the first job request in memory; h) processing the another local image processing request to completion; and i) completing the first job request from a point where the first job request was halted in step g).