Data processing apparatus and method

There is provided a data processing apparatus comprising an input means for inputting image data, a memory means for storing the data input by the input means, an output means for outputting the data stored in the memory means, by a predetermined operation, a judgment means for judging whether or not there is the data not yet output by the output means for a predetermined time in the memory means and a transfer means for transferring, in a case where the judgment means judged that there is the data not yet output for the predetermined time, the data stored in the memory means to an another device. Therefore, in a case where a user does not instruct to output the data for a long time and thus it must be kept storing the image data in the memory means, it can be prevented a conventional problem that another processes can not be performed for lack of a remaining free capacity in the memory means.