Stored digital data is searched for on the basis of an input image,
difference information is extracted by comparing the retrieved digital
data and the input image, and the difference information is composited to
the digital data. Digital data generated by composition is stored. When
no digital data is retrieved, the input image is converted into vector
data, and the image that has been converted into the vector data is
stored as digital data. Obtained region segmentation information and an
input image are composited, the composite image is displayed on an
operation screen of an MFP, and a rectangular block to be vectorized is
designated as a specific region from the displayed region segmentation
information. A user designates the specific region by designating
rectangular blocks in an image using a pointing device.