In each of personal computers, information concerning an application
software to process image data sent to a scanner is received. A dialog
box is displayed and a user entry is made as to whether transmission is
permitted or not. When transmission is rejected by the user, a notice of
the rejection of transmission is given to the scanner. When transmission
is permitted by the user, the application software is started and a
notice of the permission of transmission is given to the scanner. Then,
image data is received from the scanner and processed by the started
application software.