Multi-function peripheral and information acquisition system including a plurality of the multi-function peripherals

Abstract

An acquisition condition of information can automatically be determined based on data processed by a multi-function peripheral to acquire information from other multi-function peripherals in accordance with the condition while maintaining security. When an MFP performs a printing process or an image reading process by scanner in a system connecting a plurality of MFPs, a certain predetermined word and the number of usage times thereof, etc., are extracted from the data and written and retained into log information. The MFP determines whether associated data are acquired from other MFPs for each word extracted based on the log information. If a certain MFP acquires data processed by other MFPs, the log information retained by other MFPs is checked in accordance with an acquisition condition retained by each MFP, and data corresponding to the log information conforming to the acquisition condition are acquired from other MFPs and stored in the own machine.