JP2001285562A - Method, device, and system for image processing - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processor, which easily generates, edits and updates address book data which define delivery destinations of data. SOLUTION: Processing contents of inputted image data are discriminated, and the image data is processed in accordance with the discrimination result. In the case that this image data is processed in another device connected to a network, address book data stored in a memory is referred, to transmit the image data. Address book data is generated or edited in a Web client on the network and is transferred through the network, according to the acquisition request of address book data (S503).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus which is connected to a network and is capable of integrally processing various processing such as printing, facsimile, etc. on a network for processing image data. , And an image processing system including the image processing apparatus and capable of performing complex image processing by transmitting and receiving data over a network, an image processing method, and a storage medium storing a program code capable of executing the method by a computer It is.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As an image processing apparatus proposed as a conventional technique, for example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-254806, an image processing apparatus is connected to a device connected to a network via a built-in Web server. A device having an access function for using the function of the device from a remote place on a network has been proposed.

On the other hand, a device capable of transmitting and receiving data on a network needs to store transfer destination information in order to transfer processed image data to a personal computer (PC) or another image processing apparatus. .

In order to output image data, it is necessary to specify various output forms (kinds) and various output destinations. Such a specification regarding the output form or the like is required every time image data is processed or every time data is transmitted on a network, and the procedure becomes complicated.

In order to solve this complication, in the prior art, the transmission destination is registered in advance in a database called an address book, and the transmission destination can be selected by selecting one of the destinations.

However, when creating an address book, it has been necessary to operate using a small operation screen attached to the device, and input and confirmation of detailed contents have been inconvenient. Also, it was difficult to create address book data using a familiar word processor or spreadsheet software.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention creates address book data as a general-purpose file on a host computer connected to a network so that writing and reading can be performed easily. Image processing method for performing exclusive control so that inconsistency does not occur as conflicting data when two or more users refer to or update the address book data at the same time, an image processing apparatus for implementing the method, and image processing for the image processing method It is an object to provide an image processing system including a device and a storage medium.

[0008]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an image processing apparatus, an image processing system,
The image processing method and the like are mainly characterized by the following configuration.

That is, an image processing apparatus for processing image data by exchanging data between devices connected to a network includes means for inputting image data, and control means for judging the contents of processing of the input image data. Means for processing the image data according to the determination of the control means, and processing the image data by the first device connected to the network according to the determination of the control means, wherein the image data is stored in the memory. Means for referring to the address book data, and transmitting image data to the first device according to the address book data, wherein the address book data is created or edited by a second device on the network. Data, which is data received via the network in response to the address book data acquisition request. The features.

Preferably, in the image processing apparatus,
The address book data acquisition request is characterized in that the content of the existing address book data can be overwritten or added.

Preferably, in the image processing apparatus,
The control means prohibits the acquisition of the address book data from the second device when the existing address book data is referred to for processing the image data.

Preferably, in the above image processing apparatus,
The control means changes the existing address book data to L in response to a request to edit the address book data of the second device.
It is characterized in that the data is converted into the DAP format, and the converted data is transmitted to the second device.

Preferably, in the above image processing apparatus,
The means for processing the image data includes one of a printer and a facsimile.

Preferably, in the above image processing apparatus,
The means for inputting the image data includes a scanner.

Preferably, in the above image processing apparatus,
The first device includes a scanner, a printer, and a facsimile.

Preferably, in the image processing apparatus,
The second device functions as a Web client on a network.

[0017] The image processing system further comprises means for editing the address book data, and the above-mentioned image processing means for acquiring the edited address book data via a network and processing the image data based on the acquired address book data. And a processing device.

An image processing method for exchanging data between devices connected to a network and processing image data is described below.
A step of inputting image data, a step of controlling the content of processing of the input image data, a step of processing the image data according to the determination of the control step, and a step of connecting to a network according to the determination of the control step. When the image data is processed by the first device, the image data is referred to the address book data stored in the memory, and the image data is transmitted to the first device according to the address book data. Wherein the address book data is data created or edited by a second device on a network, and is data received via the network in response to a request to acquire the address book data. And

A storage medium storing a program code for exchanging data between devices connected to a network and processing image data, the program code comprising: a code for inputting image data; According to the code of the control step for judging the content of the processing of the input image data, the code of the step of processing the image data according to the judgment result of the code of the control step, and to the network according to the judgment result of the control step When the image data is processed by the first device, the image data is referred to the address book data stored in the memory, and the image data is transmitted to the first device according to the address book data. And the address book data is created or edited by a second device on the network. It is over data, characterized in that it is a data received via the network in response to the acquisition request of the address book data.

[0020]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [Overall Configuration of System] FIG.
1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image processing apparatus 100 according to the present invention and a system when the apparatus is connected to a network 300. The image processing apparatus 100 connected to the network 300 includes a network connection unit 110, a Web server 120, an address book database 130, a controller 140, a user interface 150, a print unit 160, and a scan unit 170.

A personal computer (PC) 200 is connected to the network 300. The PC 200 includes a network connection unit 210, a Web client 220, and an address book editing unit 230.

The network connection unit 110 connects to the network 300 and transmits and receives data to and from other devices connected to the network.

The Web server unit 120 is an HTTP server.
(Hyper Text Transfer Protocol), which is a server capable of communication and operates according to the contents of HTTP.

The address book database 130 is a database including destinations of the image data transferred from the controller 140, and the destination can be selected by the user interface 150.

The controller 140 controls reading and control of image data from the scan unit 150 and output from the print unit 160. Further, the controller 140 can transfer image data to another image output unit via the network connection unit 110 as a destination, and output the image data at the transfer destination. Further, the controller 140 can transfer the image data to the server and store the image data in the server database.

FIG. 2 is an overall block diagram of the system configuration. An image processing apparatus 1001 according to the present invention includes a scanner and a printer, which will be described later.
10 (hereinafter referred to as LAN) can be output from a printer which is a component of another image processing apparatus.

Further, the image data read from the scanner is transmitted via a PSTN or ISDN 1030 by a facsimile transmission unit which is an element of an image processing apparatus (not shown), or the image data is received via a PSTN or ISDN. It is also possible to print out the image data by a printer.

Reference numeral 1002 denotes a database server which manages a binary image or a multi-valued image read by a scanner unit in the image processing apparatus 1001 according to the present invention as a database.

A database client 1003 browses or searches image data stored in the database 1002. An electronic mail server 1004 can receive an image read by a scanner unit in the image processing apparatus 1001 according to the present invention as attached data of the electronic mail.

Reference numeral 1005 denotes an e-mail client which is capable of receiving and browsing the e-mail received by the e-mail server 1004 and transmitting the e-mail.

Reference numeral 1006 denotes a WWW server which provides an HTML document to a device connected to a network via a LAN. The image processing apparatus 1001 according to the present invention comprises a WWW server.
HTML documents provided by the W server can be printed out. A router 1007 connects the LAN 1010 to the Internet or an intranet 1012 by a router. The Internet or the intranet 1012 has the same database server 1021 and WW as those described above.
A W server 1022 and an e-mail server 1023 are connected.

The image processing apparatus 1001 according to the present invention comprises:
Via the PSTN or ISDN 1030, transmission and reception with the facsimile device 1031 are possible. A printer 1040 is connected to the LAN, and the image processing apparatus 10
01 is configured to be able to print out the read image.

[Overall Configuration of Software Block] FIG.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a module configuration of software for implementing a composite function in an image processing apparatus according to the present invention (hereinafter, referred to as “the multifunction peripheral”).

Reference numeral 1501 denotes a user interface, which is used when an operator performs various operations and settings of the multifunction peripheral.
This is a module that mediates with devices. This module transfers input information to various modules, which will be described later, and requests processing or sets data in accordance with the operation of the operator.

Reference numeral 1502 denotes a database module that manages an address-book, that is, a data transmission destination, a communication destination, and the like. The contents of the Address-BooK are used to add, delete, and acquire data by an operation from the UI 1501 and to provide data transmission / communication destination information to each module described later by an operation of an operator.

Reference numeral 1503 denotes a Web-Server module.
It is used to notify management information of the MFP in response to a request from a Web client (not shown). Management information
It is read via a Control-API 1518 to be described later, and HTTP1512, TCP / IP 1516, Network-
The Web client is notified via the Driver 1517.

Reference numeral 1504 denotes a Universal-Send, that is, a module that manages data distribution, and distributes data specified by the operator via the UI 1501 to the communication output destination specified in the same manner. Also, by the operator,
When generation of distribution data is instructed using the scanner function of the multifunction device, the device is operated via the Control-API 1518 described later to generate data.

Reference numeral 1505 denotes a module that is executed when a printer is designated as an output destination in the Universal Send 1504.

Reference numeral 1506 denotes a module executed when an E-mail address is specified as a communication destination in the Universal-Send 1504.

Reference numeral 1507 denotes a module that is executed when a database is specified as an output destination in the Universal-Send 1504.

Reference numeral 1508 denotes a module that is executed when a multifunction peripheral similar to the present apparatus is designated as an output destination in the Universal-Send 1504.

Reference numeral 1509 denotes a Remote-Copy-Scan module, which uses a scanner function of the multifunction peripheral, sets another multifunction peripheral connected via a network or the like as an output destination, and implements a copy function realized by the multifunction peripheral alone. This module performs the same processing as.

Reference numeral 1510 denotes a Remote-Copy-Print module, which uses the printer function of the multifunction peripheral, sets another multifunction peripheral connected via a network or the like as an input destination, and implements a copy function realized by the multifunction peripheral alone. This module performs the same processing as.

Reference numeral 1511 denotes a Web-Pull-Print, that is, a module for reading and printing information of various homepages on the Internet or an intranet.

Reference numeral 1512 denotes a module used when the multifunction peripheral communicates by HTTP.
Web-Server 150 mentioned above by IP1516 module
3. It provides communication to the Web-Pull-Print 1511 module.

Reference numeral 1513 denotes an lpr module. The above-mentioned Universal is executed by a TCP / IP 1516 module described later.
The communication is provided to the printer module 1505 in the sal-Send 1504.

Reference numeral 1514 denotes an SMTP module.
It provides communication to an E-mail module 1506 in sal-Send 1504.

Reference numeral 1515 denotes an SLM, that is, Salutation-Mana
A ger module, and a database module 1507, a DP module 1508, and a
And Remote-Copy-Scan1509 module, Remote-Cop
It provides communication to the y-Print 1510 module.

Reference numeral 1516 denotes a TCP / IP communication module which provides network communication to the above-described various modules by using a Network-Driver described later.

Reference numeral 1517 denotes a network driver.
It controls the part physically connected to the network.

Reference numeral 1518 denotes Controll-API, which is a Universal API.
For the upstream module such as l-Send1504, Job-
It provides an interface with downstream modules such as the Manager 1519, and reduces dependencies between upstream and downstream modules to enhance their diversion.

Reference numeral 1519 denotes a Job-Manager, which interprets the processing instructed from the various modules via the Control-API 1518 and gives instructions to each module described later. Further, this module centrally manages hardware processing executed in the MFP.

Reference numeral 1520 denotes a CODEC-Manager, which is a Job-Man
Various types of data compression /
It manages and controls elongation.

Reference numeral 1521 denotes an FBE-Encoder, and Job-Manag
er1519 and data read by the scan processing executed by the Scan-Manager 1524 are compressed in the FBE format.

Reference numeral 1522 denotes a JPEG-CODEC, and Job-Manage
r1519, in the scan processing executed by the Scan-Manager 1524 and in the print processing executed by the Print-Manager 1526, the JPEG
It performs JPEG expansion processing of compression and print data.

Reference numeral 1523 denotes an MMR-CODEC, which is a Job-Manager
1519, in the scan processing executed by the Scan-Manager 1524, and in the print processing executed by the Print-Manager 1526, MMR compression of the read data and MMR decompression processing of the print data are performed.

Reference numeral 1524 denotes a Scan-Manager, which is a Job-Man.
The scanner 1519 manages and controls the scanning process specified by the ager 1519.

Reference numeral 1525 denotes a SCSI driver.
-Communication between the Manager 1524 and the scanner unit internally connected to the MFP.

Reference numeral 1526 denotes a Print-Manager, which is a Job-Man.
The ager 1519 manages and controls the print processing specified by the ager 1519.

Reference numeral 1527 denotes an Engine-I / F driver, Pr
An interface between the int-Manager 1526 and the printing unit is provided.

Reference numeral 1528 denotes a parallel port driver, which provides an I / F when the Web-Pull-Print 1511 outputs data to an output device (not shown) via the parallel port.

[User Interface Application] FIG.
Address Book 1502 will be described. This Addres
The s Book is an application module for editing the address book database 130 stored in a nonvolatile storage device in the image processing apparatus, for example, a nonvolatile memory or a hard disk. With this module, the characteristics of other devices connected to the network and their identification information can be edited and added.

The features of other devices and their identification information include, for example, those listed below (features of data distribution destinations).

(A) Formal name or alias name of device (b) Network address of device (c) Network protocol that device can process (d) Document format that device can process (e) Compression type that device can process (F) Image resolution that can be processed by the device (g) Paper size and paper source information that can be fed for printer devices (h) Folder name that can store documents for server (computer) devices [Remote Copy The image processing device is an address book 13
A remote copy process included in the copy category will be described as an example of a typical job process for processing image data with reference to FIG. The remote copy process is a process of copying and outputting to a printer other than the own device connected to the network. In executing this processing, first, the characteristics and the like of the device designated as the output destination by the user interface 150 are stored in the address book 130.
Judge based on the information described in. According to this determination result, the binary image data read by the scanner is compressed using a known MMR compression according to the resolution that the device can process, and the compressed data is TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) by a known technique. And SLM15
15 to another printer connected to the network. Here, “SLM” is a well-known Salutation
A network protocol including device control information called Manager (or Smart Link Manager).

The job processing categories of the image processing apparatus are “Copy”, “Send”, “Retrieve”, and “Task”.
s "," Management ", and" Configuration ". The contents of the address book 130 are also referred to in these processes. An outline of each process will be described below in the description of the operation screen.

[Overview of Operation Unit] FIG. 4 shows the configuration of the operation unit. The LCD display unit (3001) has a touch panel sheet affixed on the LCD, displays an operation screen of the system, and transmits the position information to the CPU of the controller 140 when a displayed key is pressed. A start key (3002) is used to start a document image reading operation. At the center of the start key, there are two-color LEDs of green and red, which indicate whether or not the start key can be used. Stop key (300
3) works to stop the operation during operation. ID key (3
004) is used to input the user ID of the user. A reset key (3005) is used to initialize settings from the operation unit. In the following description, each screen of the operation unit will be described in detail.

[Operation Screen] The functions provided by the image processing apparatus according to the present invention include Copy / Send / Retrieve / Tasks / Man
It is divided into six categories, agement / Configuration, which are displayed at the top of the operation screen (Fig. 5).
Main tabs (COPY / SEND / RETREIVE / TASKS / MGMT
/ CONFIG) (3011 to 3016) correspond to each other. By pressing these main tabs, switching to a screen of each category is performed. If switching to another category is not permitted, the display color of the main tab changes, and there is no reaction even if the main tab is pressed.

A “Copy” 3011 has a function of performing a normal document copy using its own scanner and printer, and a function of copying a document using its own scanner and another printer connected via a network. Copying function (such a copying method is called "remote copy"
That. ).

A “Send” 3012 is a function for transferring information of a document read by a scanner of its own device to an e-mail, a fax, a file transfer (FTP) and a database, and it is possible to designate a plurality of destinations. It is possible. The designation of this destination refers to the address book 130.

“Retrieve” 3013 is a function of acquiring a document from the outside and printing the document on its own printer. For example, WWW, e-mail, file transfer and fax can be used as a unit for acquiring a document from the outside.

A “Tasks” 3014 periodically searches for a document, such as a facsimile or an Internet print, acquired from the outside, and generates and manages a task for the Retrieve 3013 that automatically processes the document.

A “Management” 3015 manages a job relating to image data processing, an address book defining a distribution destination of image data, a bookmark, document account information, and the like.

In the “Configuration” 3016, settings relating to the own device (network, clock, etc.) are performed.

Next, processing for editing and updating the address book will be specifically described.

[Update and Editing of Address Book] [Import Setting Screen] On the side of the host computer 200 having the Web client 220, the address book is edited (230). Sending and receiving the edited address book from the host computer 200 to the image processing apparatus 100 is called “import”. FIG. 9 shows We
It is a figure explaining operation of import on b client import screen. Adding new data to the address book database 130 of the image processing apparatus 100,
The setting for overwriting is set by the import selection button (310
Start by selecting 1). By inputting this button, designation of adding a new destination, overwriting existing destination data, and the like can be made.

Next, a text box (31) is used to define the path to the storage folder of the address book database.
In 02), enter the definition of the path and the file name of the database.

The setting condition is determined by pressing the import execution button (3103), and the address book data is fetched and updated from the Web client side. Press the format selection button (3104) to select the file format (310
It is also possible to specify 5).

[Export Setting Screen] Transmission and reception of data from the image processing apparatus 100 to the host computer 200 in order to edit the address book on the host computer 200 side having the Web client 220 is called “export”. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an operation screen for explaining the export operation.

Export of the edited address book is started by first selecting the format selection button (3201) and then operating the export execution button (3202).

Hereinafter, when the Web client 220
The processing from communication with the server b, transmission of the address book data file to the image processing apparatus 100, and updating of the address book database 130 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing related to import.

At step S501, the image processing apparatus 100
Check if the job using address book data is running. This job includes updating data from another Web client. If the job is being executed (S501-Yes), the processing is terminated, and the processing is tried again after waiting for a certain time.

If the address book is not in use (S
501-No), the process proceeds to step S502, and the fact that the address book is being updated is displayed on the user interface 150 of the image processing apparatus 100. This is to prevent the destination of the data from being undefined during the update.

In step S 503, the Web client 220 transmits the address book data file to the image processing device 100 via the network 300. The address book data file is stored in the host computer 200
Is created by a word processor or spreadsheet software (FIG. 9). The file is in LDAP Data Interchange Format
A general-purpose file format such as (LDIF) is used.
This is to improve data portability. FIG. 8 is an example of an address book data file.

In step S504, if the import setting is the overwrite mode, the existing address book database is deleted and a new address book database is created again.

In step S505, address information is read from the data file transmitted from the host computer, and the address information is added to a database in the image processing apparatus.

In step S506, items related to the address book data, such as the one-touch key, are reconstructed.

In step S507, the address book updating screen displayed on the user interface of the apparatus is deleted and the screen returns to the normal screen.

Thus, the flow of the series of steps of the import processing is completed.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing related to export.

In step S701, when the export execution button 3202 shown in FIG. 10 is selected and operated, the Web client 220 (host computer 200) issues a read request for address book data to the image processing apparatus 100.

In step S702, the image processing apparatus 100 responds to the read request issued in the previous step.
Converts the address book database 130 to LDAP Data Inte
Convert to a general purpose file format such as rchange Format (LDIF).

In step S703, the image processing apparatus 100 notifies the Web client 220 that the processing for converting the address book database into the LDAP format has been completed. The format conversion reduces the memory capacity of the image processing apparatus,
It is an object of the present invention to reduce a communication load between the image processing apparatus and the image processing apparatus.

In step S704, the Web client 220 acquires the address book data file of the image processing apparatus 100 via the network 300, and the acquired file can be displayed and edited (S70).
5).

[0095]

[Other Embodiments] Even if the present invention is applied to a system including a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.), an apparatus (for example, a copying machine) Machine, facsimile machine, etc.).

Further, an object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium (or a recording medium) in which a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is recorded to a system or an apparatus, and a computer (a computer) of the system or the apparatus. Or a CPU or MPU) reads out and executes the program code stored in the storage medium,
Needless to say, this is achieved. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium implements the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.
In addition, by the computer executing the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also based on the instructions of the program code,
The operating system (OS) running on the computer performs part or all of the actual processing,
It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by the processing is also included.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written in the memory provided in the function expansion card inserted into the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, the program code is read based on the instruction of the program code. , The CPU provided in the function expansion card or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing,
It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by the processing is also included.

When the present invention is applied to the storage medium, the storage medium stores program codes corresponding to the above-described flowcharts (shown in FIG. 6 and / or FIG. 7).

[0099]

As described above, the image processing apparatus according to the present invention transmits and receives edited data to and from a Web client via a network, thereby facilitating data editing and updating.

The image processing apparatus reduces the memory capacity and the communication load by converting the format at the time of communication with the Web client.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image processing system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an overall block diagram of a system configuration.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a module configuration of software for performing image processing according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an operation unit.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an operation screen.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an import process.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an export process.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an address book data file.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a Web client import screen.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a Web client export screen.

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Claims (16)

[Claims] 1. An image processing apparatus for processing image data by exchanging data between devices connected to a network, comprising: means for inputting image data; and control for judging contents of processing of the input image data. Means for processing the image data according to the determination of the control means; and storing the image data in the memory when processing the image data by the first device connected to the network according to the determination of the control means. Means for transmitting image data to the first device according to the address book data with reference to the address book data, wherein the address book data is created by a second device on a network, or Edited data, which is data received via the network in response to the address book data acquisition request. An image processing apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the request to acquire the address book data can select any of overwriting or adding to the contents of the existing address book data. 3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the control unit prohibits the acquisition of the address book data from the second device when the existing address book data is referred to for processing the image data. Item 2. The image processing device according to Item 1. 4. The control unit converts existing address book data into an LDAP format in response to an address book data editing request of the second device, and transmits the format-converted data to the second device. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: 5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the means for processing the image data includes one of a printer and a facsimile. 6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the means for inputting the image data includes a scanner. 7. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first device includes a scanner, a printer, and a facsimile. 8. The second device is connected to a W
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus functions as an web client. 9. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: means for editing address book data; acquiring the edited address book data via a network; and processing image data based on the acquired address book data. An image processing system comprising: a device. 10. An image processing method for processing image data by exchanging data between devices connected to a network, comprising: a step of inputting image data; and a control of judging the content of the processing of the input image data. A step of processing the image data according to the determination of the control step; and storing the image data in the memory when processing the image data by the first device connected to the network according to the determination of the control step. Transmitting the image data to the first device according to the address book data with reference to the address book data, wherein the address book data is created by a second device on the network, or Edited data, and data received via the network in response to the address book data acquisition request. An image processing method comprising: 11. The image processing method according to claim 10, wherein the request for obtaining the address book data can select any of overwriting or adding to the contents of the existing address book data. 12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the control step prohibits the acquisition of the address book data from the second device when the existing address book data is referred to for processing the image data. Item 11. The image processing method according to Item 10. 13. The control step converts existing address book data into an LDAP format in response to an address book data editing request of the second device, and transmits the format-converted data to the second device. The image processing method according to claim 10, wherein: 14. The image processing method according to claim 10, wherein the first device includes a scanner, a printer, and a facsimile. 15. The image processing method according to claim 10, wherein the second device functions as a Web client on a network. 16. A storage medium storing a program code for processing image data by exchanging data between devices connected to a network, the program code comprising: a code for inputting image data; A code for a control step for determining the content of the processing of the input image data, a code for a step for processing the image data according to the determination result of the code for the control step, and a connection to a network according to the determination result for the control step When the image data is processed by the first device, the image data is referred to the address book data stored in the memory, and the image data is transmitted to the first device according to the address book data. And the address book data is created or edited by a second device on the network. A storage medium, the data being received via the network in response to the address book data acquisition request.