Image output device and image output method

An image output device, comprising:

• an image reader which cans an original document and outputs its image data;
• a receiver which receives image data from an external device;
• a device for outputting image data from the image reader and the receiver;
• a detector which detects a problem with the image reader;
• a device for suspending operation of the outputting device upon detection of the problem with the image reader;
• a counter which counts time elapsed since detection of the problem with the image reader;
• a device for enabling the outputting device to output the image data only from the external device if the problem is not yet eliminated when the counter counts up a predetermined period of time;
• a display device which displays a copy mode of operation while the image data from the image reader is output;
• and
• a display controller which controls the displays device to display the copy mode of operation during the predetermined period of time and to display a print mode of operation after the predetermined period of time.