A function extension server receives first scan data including a pattern image obtained by encoding additional information, and destination information indicating a destination of the first scan data, decodes the pattern image to acquire the additional information, and transmits the first scan data and the additional information to the destination indicated by the destination information.

A method and system are provided for forwarding telephone calls, facsimile transmissions and electronic messages to a single forwarding telephone number. The telephone calls, fax transmissions and electronic messages are first forwarded to a central forwarding repository by the forwarding party where the fax transmissions, and messages are converted to audio formats. Forwarded telephone calls and audio formatted versions of the fax transmissions and electronic messages are then forwarded directly to a designated forwarding number. If the forwarding party answers at the forwarding number, she will receive forwarded calls, and the audio formatted versions of fax transmissions and electronic messages will be played to her over her telephone. If the forwarding party does not answer the forwarded call, she subsequently may retrieve saved telephone calls, saved telephone messages and saved audio versions of fax transmissions and electronic messages from the central forwarding repository.

A portable device and a method of executing the fast association function of a camera are provided. The method includes activating the camera, capturing a gathering image using the camera, activating a user function registered as an associated function of the camera when the gathering image is captured, and performing the registered user function based on the gathering image.

An image processing apparatus according to an embodiment includes a reading unit that reads an image from a sheet to generate image data. A code generation unit generates a code representing an email address of the image processing apparatus. A display unit displays the code. A control unit receives an email transmitted from a transmission source to the email address of the image processing apparatus and transmits an email with the image data attached to an email address of the transmission source.

A facsimile apparatus comprises a communication unit having a high-speed communication mode and a low-speed communication mode lower in communication speed than the high-speed communication mode. The facsimile apparatus automatically selects the low-speed communication mode to send a fax to an opposite communication party the communication error occurrence of which meets a specific condition in the case where a fax is sent in the high-speed communication mode.

A facsimile apparatus comprises a communication unit having a high-speed communication mode and a low-speed communication mode lower in communication speed than the high-speed communication mode. The facsimile apparatus automatically selects the low-speed communication mode to send a fax to an opposite communication party the communication error occurrence of which meets a specific condition in the case where a fax is sent in the high-speed communication mode.

A portable device and a method of executing the fast association function of a camera are provided. The method includes activating the camera, capturing a gathering image using the camera, activating a user function registered as an associated function of the camera when the gathering image is captured, and performing the registered user function based on the gathering image.

An image reading apparatus is configured to: control a scanner unit to optically scans a document and generate scanned data; provide an input screen for allowing a user to input format information defining a particular file format of transmission data that contains the scanned data, wherein the format information includes additional information and wherein the input screen includes a first field for inputting item name of the additional information to be included in the transmission data and a second field for inputting a value of the additional information corresponding to the item name of the additional information; receive the format information input by the user; generate the transmission data, wherein the generated transmission data contains the scanned data and has the format according to the format information received in the receiving processing; and transmit the transmission data to the server through the communication interface.

A system and method for optimizing the creation and use of a collaborative digital photo album, to permit the sharing of digital photos among members associated with the collaborative digital album. It refers to a streamlined solution for a photo taking member, designated as a sending party, to automatically send a digital photo into the collaborative album with a single action, simultaneously with the taking the photo. It also provides an automated solution for persons associated with the collective digital album, designated as the receiving parties, to receive the photos automatically and without having to take any action. All persons associated can act as a sending party and also be a receiving party, those persons associated with a particular collaborative digital album being considered members of the collaborative group who have agreed to contribute to and/or receive copies of digital photo's placed in their particular collaborative album.

An apparatus according to the present invention includes a reception unit which receives selection of a function from a plurality of types of functions, an execution unit which executes the function received by the reception unit, a determination unit which determines whether temperature rise suppression of a predetermined driving element is necessary, and a stop control unit which performs stop control on the predetermined driving element in accordance with the type of the selected function, if the determination unit determines that temperature rise suppression is necessary.