Patent ID: 6992784

Claim:
An image processing apparatus connectable to an external device that can transmit printing data and to an original-reading device which generates reproduction image data by reading an original image, said image processing apparatus employing an image forming device which forms an image on a sheet, said image processing apparatus comprising: an engine controller for controlling the image forming device based on image data; a printer controller for forming print image data from the printing data transferred from the external apparatus, for transmitting the print image data to said engine controller, and for transmitting a command for setting an operation of said engine controller to said engine controller; a reader controller for receiving the reproduction image data generated by the original-reading device, and for transmitting the reproduction image data to said engine controller; and holding means for holding the command if the command is transmitted from said printer controller while said reader controller is transmitting the reproduction image data to said engine controller, and for transmitting the held command to said engine controller after said reader controller completes transmitting the reproduction image data to said engine controller.