Abstract: A memory-equipped facsimile machine wherein image data read by a scanner device is once stored in a memory and is then retrieved therefrom for transmission to another facsimile via a telephone line. In order to disperse working load imposed to a microcomputer and to increase a transmission speed, the reading of the image on a document is performed during call estabishing and message procedure phases as opposed to reading during a beginning-of-message procedure phase. The microcomputer instructs the scanner device to read the document in the call estabishing procedure phase and then to stop reading the document in the beginning-of-message procedure phase. The microcomputer further instructs the scanner device to resume reading the document in the message procedure phase C.

Abstract: An image retrieval system and method are provided for retrieving and displaying images of the plurality of images stored in the system. Images are grouped into collections of images, or documents. Representative images indicative of the representative images include representations of third, orthogonal or depth dimensions indicative of the number of images in the image groups. With a position indicating device, the user selects for display an image from an image group by indicating a position along the depth dimension of the representative image at a location corresponding to the relative location of the image in the image group. The image then is retrieved and displayed. Once the image is displayed, means are provided for sequential retrieval and display of images, forwards or backwards, through the images in the selected image group.

Abstract: An image display apparatus wherein a plurality of images having different attributes, such as printed text, a drawing, hand-written data and a natural picture, displayed in superposition on a display screen, are selectively and partially erased. "In this way, it is possible that" the image having a specific attribute, for example, hand-written data, in a designated area selectively erased. Accordingly, operability of the system is improved where a plurality of images having different attributes are superimposed.