PURPOSE: To obtain the inexpensive composite picture system in which the effective utilization of a picture memory is made to be in harmony with an application function.

CONSTITUTION: A selector 490 is used to transfer digital picture information from an image processor 410 and an editer module 610 and an AI module 650 to a memory module 630 and to transfer digital picture information from the memory module 630 to a FAX module 670, the editer module 610 and the AI module 650 and a print engine 500. The memory module 630 is used for a retention copy, picture edit and the storage of digital picture information of facsimile transmission in common. In addition, the selector 490 compresses digital picture information stored in the memory module 630 and expands read information.