Patent ID: 8325915

Claim:
An image output system comprising: a plurality of image processing apparatuses which output image data; and a server which is communicably connected to the image processing apparatus, creates, based on the output information transmitted from the image processing apparatus at a time when each image processing apparatus outputs image data, a use history including the presence or absence of data of the image processing apparatuses, manages the created use history, and the server, based on the use history that an image processing apparatus which is not a special image processing apparatus outputs confidential data in response to the instructions by a permitted user, registers the image processing apparatus which has outputted confidential data as a special image processing apparatus, and when image data is to be outputted from the special image processing apparatus in response to a user instruction, restricts output of both confidential data and non-confidential data from the special image processing apparatus when an unpermitted user gives instructions, and permits output of both confidential data and non-confidential data from special image processing apparatus when a permitted user gives an instruction, wherein, when at least a predetermined time has elapsed after the special image processing apparatus is used, the server releases registration of the special image processing apparatus and allows output of image data, except confidential data, from the released imaging processing apparatus, and when the predetermined period has not elapsed, restricting output from the special image processing apparatus by the unpermitted user and outputting the image data for a permitted user.