Image forming/storing apparatus which can store image data and can efficiently perform document filing.

摘要

Image data is converted into digital data and is read by a scanner (41). The digital data read by the scanner (41) is stored in an optical disk (233). Retrieval data (802, 805) representing the storage position or the like of the data stored in the optical disk (233) is also recorded in the optical disk (233). In addition, paper (P) on which abstract image data of the digital data stored in the optical disk (233) is recorded is output from a printer (43). The respective components of the invention are integrally arranged. This arrangement can simultaneously enjoy both the advantages of a paper file and an electronic file, i.e., quick data access and a large storage capacity. More specifically, a plurality of sheets of document data are replaced with at least one sheet of paper (P) on which simple abstract image data is recorded and image data stored in an optical disk (233), thus allowing easy registration and retrieval of image data of documents and enabling a great reduction in space for documents. In addition, since document retrieval is performed on the basis of paper having abstract data recorded thereon, a high data access speed, which is the advantage of a paper file, can be maintained. <IMAGE>