This invention provides the following environment. That is, an original
document file corresponding to a document to be copied is specified from
image data of that document to be copied, and a print process is made
based on the specified file so as to prevent deterioration of image
quality. Also, when a document to be copied is not registered, a
registration process is executed to suppress deterioration of image
quality in an early stage. Furthermore, since the document is converted
into vector data, re-use of such document is facilitated, and
deterioration of image quality can be suppressed even when an image
process such as enlargement or the like is made. To this end, when an
original digital file cannot be specified, an apparatus of this
embodiment executes a vectorization process (S54), converts the obtained
vector data into a data format that can be re-used by an application
(S55), and registers the converted file in a file server (S56). With this
registration process, since the location of the file is settled, that
location information is composited on an image to be scanned using an
identifier such as a two-dimensional barcode or the like (S48), and the
composite image can be printed (S49). Even when the printed document is
scanned again, a registered digital file can be easily specified.