PURPOSE: To attain processing suitable for the n-value compression method of a received picture data by allowing a receiver side to identify the n-value compression method of received picture data so as to select a picture processing means.

CONSTITUTION: In the case of receiving an n-value picture data while being compressed from an m-value picture data (m>n), the picture processing means is selected according to the n-value compression method of the received picture data. That is, plural kinds of picture processing means are provided and when a receiver side communication control section 4 identifies the binarizing method from an opposite party, the binarizing method is informed to a decoding section 5 and a picture processing section 6. The picture processing section 6 selects a relevant picture processing means by the informed binarizing method and applies picture processing to the received picture data, the result is sent to a printer section 7, in which the picture is printed out. Thus, the processing suitable for the n-value compression method of the received picture data is implemented.