Patent ID: 8072623

Claim:
An image processing apparatus having a first block and a second block that expands a function of the first block, wherein the first block comprises: an image processing unit that performs at least one image processing function among an image forming function and an image scanning function; a basic control unit that controls the image processing unit as a function initially installed in the image processing apparatus; an expansion control unit that expands the function of the image processing apparatus and controls the image processing unit; and a first basic communication unit that exchanges information at least between the basic control unit and the second block, and the second block comprises: an operations unit that is capable of selectively performing operations between the basic control unit and the expansion control unit; a second basic communication unit that exchanges information between the operations unit and the first block; an expansion instruction unit that transmits an instruction signal to the expansion control unit so as to control the image processing unit in accordance with an operation to the operations unit; an expansion function correspondence confirmation unit that confirms a corresponding relationship between the expansion instruction unit and the expansion control unit when the image processing apparatus performs a starting process; and an expansion control update unit that makes the expansion control unit correspond to the expansion instruction unit in accordance with a confirmation result of the expansion function correspondence confirmation unit.