JP2009075693A - Information processor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow an information processor to easily access a storage area of a security function-equipped external memory. <P>SOLUTION: This information processor capable of being connected to the external memory having the storage area, set with security function of permitting the access to the storage area when authentication succeeds has: a storage means for storing an authenticating code corresponding to the external memory capable of being connected to the information processor; and an authenticating code input means for making the authentication succeed by inputting the authenticating code corresponding to the connected external memory, stored in the storage means into the connected external memory when the external memory is connected. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for accessing an external memory having a security function.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, printers described in Patent Documents 1 to 3 are known as information processing apparatuses to which an external memory such as an SD (Secure Digital) card or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory can be attached.

JP 2006-088340 A JP 2006-101350 A JP 2007-125717 A

  Incidentally, some external memories have a security function. An external memory having a security function authenticates an access requester (person or machine) and can permit access to a storage area included in the external memory only when the authentication is successful. As authentication performed by the external memory, for example, password authentication, biometric authentication, or authentication by selecting a valid symbol from a plurality of symbols (images or the like) (hereinafter, “symbol authentication”) is known. In the case of password authentication, the user normally inputs a password that is an arbitrary code string (a combination of characters, numbers, symbols, and the like) via the input / output unit of the information processing apparatus connected to the external memory. In the case of symbol authentication, the user usually selects a legitimate symbol via the input / output unit of the information processing apparatus connected to the external memory.

  When the information processing apparatus that accesses the external memory is, for example, a general-purpose computer equipped with a relatively high-resolution display or standard keyboard, the user presses the standard keyboard according to the password input screen displayed on the display. You can easily enter your password. Further, the user can easily select a symbol using a standard keyboard or mouse in accordance with a symbol selection screen displayed on the display.

  On the other hand, if the information processing device that accesses the external memory is a device that has only a simple input / output unit with a small number of keys, such as many printers, various characters, numbers, symbols, etc. can be easily obtained. It is difficult to enter the password. In general, since a display provided in a printer or the like is small and has a low resolution, symbols may not be displayed accurately, and it may be difficult to select symbols. Furthermore, if the printer or the like does not have a display, the symbol cannot be selected.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to enable an information processing apparatus to easily access a storage area of an external memory with a security function.

  The information processing apparatus according to the present invention is an information processing apparatus that can be connected to an external memory that has a storage area and has a security function that permits access to the storage area when authentication is successful. Storage means for storing an authentication code corresponding to an external memory that can be connected to the memory, and an authentication code corresponding to the connected external memory stored in the storage means when the external memory is connected Is input to the connected external memory, and an authentication code input means for making the authentication successful.

  In a preferred embodiment according to the present invention, the storage means stores, in addition to the authentication code, an authentication method corresponding to an external memory that can be connected to the information processing apparatus, and the authentication code input means includes: When the external memory is connected, the authentication code corresponding to the connected external memory is stored in the storage unit according to the authentication method corresponding to the connected external memory. Authentication may be successful by inputting it into an external memory.

  In a preferred embodiment according to the present invention, an external connection means for connecting to the external device for storing the authentication code, and an authentication code stored in the external device when the external memory is connected, Receiving means for receiving from the external device via the external connection means, and registration means for storing the authentication code received by the receiving means in the storage means as an authentication code corresponding to the currently connected external memory And further comprising.

  In a preferred embodiment according to the present invention, the authentication code input means, when the external memory is connected, whether or not an authentication code corresponding to the connected external memory is stored in the storage means. And the receiving means sends the authentication code stored in the external device to the external connection means when the authentication code corresponding to the connected external memory is not stored in the storage means. Via the external device.

  In a preferred embodiment according to the present invention, the external device connected by the external connection means is a personal computer having a standard keyboard, and may store an authentication code input via the standard keyboard. .

  The external device connected by the external connection means may be a mobile phone having a numeric keypad, and may store an authentication code input via the numeric keypad.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer 1 as an example of an information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  For example, the printer 1 includes a control unit 11, an input / output unit 12, a storage unit 13, an external memory I / F (interface) 14, and an external device I / F 16.

  The external memory I / F 14 is an interface for mounting an external memory, which is a removable storage medium, such as an SD card or a USB memory, to the printer 1. In the present embodiment, as an example for simplicity of explanation, it is assumed that the external memory that can be attached to the printer 1 is the USB memory 4. When the external memory is the USB memory 4, the printer 1 and the USB memory 4 are connected via the USB I / Fs 15 and 41. That is, the data communication according to the USB protocol is performed between the USB host 15 of the external memory I / F 14 and the USB device 41 of the USB memory 4 so that the printer 1 and the USB memory 4 can communicate with each other. . The USB memory 4 can have a security function. The USB memory 4 having the security function permits access to the storage area only when the access requester is successfully authenticated. In the present embodiment, the external memory I / F 14 is configured to connect the USB memory 4, but instead of this, a configuration for connecting another type of external memory may be used. It is good also as a structure which can connect several types of external memory.

  The input / output unit 12 is a device for receiving instructions for various operations from the user and displaying various information on the display screen to the user. As the input / output unit 12, for example, an operation panel including a plurality of input buttons and a display panel with a touch sensor is employed. The input button includes, for example, a button for executing a predetermined operation, a button for inputting a number, and the like. The printer 1 is used for the authentication such as a standard keyboard provided in a general-purpose computer. There are not enough keys to easily input various characters, numbers, symbols, etc. that can be used for the passwords. Therefore, it is difficult for the user to input the authentication password using only the button on the printer 1. The display panel is small and its resolution is relatively low. Therefore, the display panel cannot accurately display symbols in symbol authentication, and it may be difficult for the user to select symbols from the printer 1. Note that the user cannot input the password from the printer 1 at all. That is, by using a display panel with a touch sensor, a user can input a password from the printer 1. For example, the input / output unit 12 displays various characters, numbers, symbols, and the like on the display panel (that is, displays a virtual standard keyboard), and selects characters to be input from among them. , The user can input the password.

  The storage unit 13 is a nonvolatile memory for storing the adaptive memory table 2 and the authentication code table 3. Further, the storage unit 13 stores a password known only by the administrator of the printer 1 (hereinafter referred to as “administrator password”). Details of the adaptive memory table 2 and the authentication code table 3 will be described later.

  The control unit 11 is, for example, a microcomputer having a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a program memory, and the like, and controls the entire printer 1. For example, the control unit 11 controls a print engine (not shown) in order to realize a printing function that is one of basic functions of the printer 1.

  Further, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the printer 1 is adapted to the USB memory 4 when the USB memory 4 is connected to the printer 1 (which will be described later, simply speaking, the USB memory 4 If the printer 1 has a function, it is determined whether or not the printer 1 knows how the USB memory 4 performs authentication. If it is adapted, the control unit 11 can access the storage area of the USB memory 4 by inputting a valid authentication code to the USB memory 4 and succeeding in the authentication performed by the USB memory 4. Like that. At this time, the control unit 11 refers to the adaptive memory table 2 and the authentication code table 3 stored in the storage unit 13 to determine whether the printer 1 is adapted to the connected USB memory 4; Obtain a valid authentication code. Here, the authentication code refers to an arbitrary code or code string input from the outside by the external memory in order to determine success or failure of the authentication. For example, when the authentication method is password authentication, the password is an authentication code. When the authentication method is biometric authentication, the code string indicating the biometric information is an authentication code, and the authentication method is authentication using a symbol. In this case, the code indicating the symbol is the authentication code.

  Further, the control unit 11 registers new information in the adaptive memory table 2 and the authentication code table 3. Details of the registration method will be described later.

The external device I / F 16 has a high-performance input / output unit (for example, a standard keyboard or a relatively high resolution that can accurately display symbols in symbol authentication) that can easily input a password, select a symbol, and the like. An interface for connecting to a device provided with a display or the like, for example, a PC (Personal Computer) 5 or a mobile phone 6. The printer 1 and the PC 5 are connected via USB I / Fs 17 and 51, for example. That is, the printer 1 and the PC 5 can communicate with each other by performing data communication according to the USB protocol between the USB device 17 of the printer 1 and the USB host 51 of the PC 5. On the other hand, the printer 1 and the mobile phone 6 are connected by, for example, infrared communication. That is, the IrDA of the printer 1
The wireless communication according to IrDA (Infrared Data Association) is performed between the I / F 18 and the IrDA I / F 61 of the mobile phone 6 so that the printer 1 and the mobile phone 6 can communicate with each other.

  In addition to devices (USB host 51 and IrDA I / F 61) for communicating with the printer 1, the PC 5 and the mobile phone 6 connected to the printer 1 include predetermined applications 52 and 62 and input / output units 53 and 63. And are provided.

  As described above, the input / output units 53 and 63 accurately display, for example, a high-performance input / output unit (for example, a standard keyboard or symbols for symbol authentication) that can easily input a password, select a symbol, and the like. A display with a relatively high resolution to the extent possible). The input / output unit 53 of the PC 5 is, for example, a standard keyboard and a display with a relatively high resolution. The input / output unit 63 of the mobile phone 6 is, for example, an extended numeric keyboard capable of inputting various characters, numbers, symbols, and the like and a display with a relatively high resolution.

  The applications 52 and 62 receive an input of an authentication code from a user (including selection of a symbol in addition to the input of a password), and transmit the input authentication code to the control unit 11 of the printer 1 It is. The applications 52 and 62 store the authentication code input via the input / output units 56 and 63 in a storage unit (not shown) included in the device (PC 5 or mobile phone 6) that has received the input, and the storage The authentication code thus transmitted is transmitted to the control unit 11 of the printer 1. The control unit 11 that has received the authentication code from the applications 52 and 62 registers the received authentication code (legitimate) in the authentication code table 3 of the storage unit 13.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the adaptive memory table 2.

  The adaptive memory table 2 indicates whether the printer 1 is adapted to the external memory connected to the printer 1 (in other words, when the external memory has a security function, the printer 1 Manage whether you know how to authenticate and can try to access the storage area according to the authentication method, or you can't try to access the storage area because you don't know the authentication method) It is a table to do. Examples of authentication methods used here include, for example, what authentication method (password authentication, biometric authentication, authentication using symbols, etc.) is adopted, what kind of messages are exchanged in authentication, printers, etc. 1 includes whether or not the authentication code input from 1 to the external memory is encrypted, what encryption method is used when the authentication code is encrypted, and the like. In the present embodiment, if information specifying the authentication method of the external memory is registered in the printer 1, the printer 1 can try to access the storage area of the external memory, that is, the external memory. Assume that the printer 1 is adapted to the memory.

  As shown in the figure, for example, the external memory identification information 21 and the authentication method name 22 are stored in the adaptive memory table 2 in association with each other. The external memory identification information 21 is information that can uniquely identify an external memory. For example, when the external memory can be identified from the manufacturer that manufactured the external memory and the serial number of the external memory, the combination of these information can be used as the external memory identification information 21. In other words, in this case, the external memory identification information 21 includes the manufacturer name 211 and the serial number 212. The manufacturer name 21 is the name of the manufacturer that manufactured the external memory. The serial number 22 is a manufacturing number assigned to the external memory. For example, if the external memory version information (information about the product version, the version of the authentication program installed in the external memory, etc.) is also required to specify the external memory, the manufacturer name 211 or serial number In addition to 212, version information can also be included in the external memory identification information 21.

  The authentication method name 22 is a name (for example, a character string) that can specify the authentication method performed by the external memory. The association between the authentication method name 22 and the authentication method is not particularly shown, but the printer 1 is managed by providing another table (hereinafter referred to as “authentication method table”) in which the association is stored. Can do. That is, by referring to the authentication method table, the printer 1 uses the external memory authentication method name 22 (for example, “method X”) as a key to authenticate the external memory (for example, the authentication method for the external memory). It is password authentication, and it is possible to know that encryption is necessary when transmitting a password to the external memory. When the authentication method is uniquely specified from the authentication method name 22 (for example, when the authentication method name 22 is the name of an authentication algorithm), the printer 1 does not need to provide an authentication method table.

  The registration of the information 21 and 22 in the adaptive memory table 2 is performed as follows, for example. That is, for example, when the external memory has information related to the authentication method (information indicating what the authentication method is), when the external memory is connected to the printer 1, the printer 1 control unit 11 acquires information related to the authentication method together with the external memory identification information 21 (manufacturer name 211 and serial number 212). The control unit 11 determines an arbitrary character string to be associated with the acquired information on the authentication method. The control unit 11 registers the arbitrary character string as the authentication method name 22 in the adaptive memory table 2 in association with the external memory identification information 31 acquired together with the information related to the authentication method. Note that if the information related to the authentication method is stored in, for example, an external memory different from the external memory (for example, a CD-ROM or another USB memory), the control unit 11 determines that the external memory Can be obtained directly or via an external device such as a PC that can access the other external memory, information relating to the authentication method stored therein.

  As described above, the control unit 11 of the printer 1 determines whether or not the printer 1 is adapted to the connected USB memory 4 with reference to the adaptive memory table 2. If information about the connected USB memory 4 is registered in the adaptive memory table 2, the printer 1 is adapted to the USB memory 4. When the printer 1 is adapted to the USB memory 4, the printer control unit 11 accesses the storage area of the USB memory 4 according to the authentication method acquired from the adaptive memory table 2 (and the authentication method table). Will try.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the authentication code table 3.

  The authentication code table 3 manages the authentication code for each external memory to which the printer 1 is adapted. As described above, the authentication code is an arbitrary code or code string that is input from the outside in order that the external memory determines success or failure of authentication. For example, a password for password authentication or a biometric for biometric authentication. A code string indicating information, a code indicating a symbol in symbol authentication, and the like. The authentication code table 3 includes an authentication code for permitting access to the storage area of the external memory (in other words, an authentication code that can successfully perform authentication performed by the external memory) (hereinafter referred to as “legitimate authentication”). Code)) is stored.

  As shown in the figure, for example, the external memory identification information 31 and the authentication code 32 are stored in the authentication code table 3 in association with each other. The external memory identification information 31 is information that can uniquely specify an external memory, like the external memory identification information 21 in the adaptive memory table 2. The authentication code 32 is a valid authentication code for the external memory.

  The registration of the information 31 and 32 in the authentication code table 3 is performed as follows, for example. That is, the user inputs a valid authentication code in the external memory currently connected to the printer 1 via the PC 5, the mobile phone 6, or the input / output unit 12 (virtual standard keyboard or the like) of the printer 1. The input authentic authentication code is notified to the control unit 11 of the printer 1. The control unit 11 acquires the external memory identification information 31 (manufacturer name 311 and serial number 312) from the external memory currently connected to the printer 1, and for the valid authentication notified of the acquired external memory identification information 31. The code 32 is associated and registered in the authentication code table 3. When the authentication method is password authentication, the password entered by the user via the PC or the like is directly registered as an authentication code. On the other hand, when the authentication method is biometric authentication or symbol authentication, the user inputs biometric information or selects a symbol via a PC or the like, and the code or code string corresponding to the input biometric information or the selected symbol Is registered as an authentication code. In the present embodiment, in order to simplify the description, in addition to inputting a password, inputting biometric information or selecting a symbol via a PC or the like is expressed as “input authentication code”. ing.

  The above is the description of the configuration of the printer 1 according to the present embodiment and the devices (USB memory 4, PC 5, and mobile phone 6) connected thereto. Below, operation | movement of the printer 1 and the apparatus connected to it is demonstrated.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart of processing performed for the printer 1 to access the storage area of the USB memory 4. In this example, the USB memory 4 connected to the printer 1 has a security function, and the authentication method is password authentication (the same processing is applied to biometric authentication, symbol authentication, etc.). can do).

  When the control unit 11 of the printer 1 recognizes that the USB memory 4 is connected (S10: YES), an inquiry message to the connected USB memory 4 (information for specifying the USB memory 4, ie, information for specifying the USB memory 4) A message requesting external memory identification information is transmitted (S11).

  The USB memory 4 that has received the inquiry message transmits external memory identification information (here, the manufacturer name and serial number) to the control unit 11 of the printer 1 (S12).

  The control unit 11 of the printer 1 that has received the external memory identification information refers to the adaptive memory table 2 and determines whether or not the printer 1 is adapted to the connected USB memory 4 (S13). That is, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the received external memory identification information (combination of manufacturer name and serial number) is registered in the adaptive memory table 2.

  When the printer 1 is not adapted to the connected USB memory 4 (S13: NO), the control unit 11 notifies the user of an error via the input / output unit 12 and ends this process. .

  On the other hand, when the printer 1 is adapted to the connected USB memory 4 (S13: YES), the control unit 11 performs read access to the storage area of the USB memory 4 (S15).

  If the password is not set in the USB memory 4 (when authentication is not required to access the storage area of the USB memory 4) (S16: NO), the USB memory 4 does not perform authentication. The designated data in the storage area is transmitted to the control unit 11 of the printer 1 (S17).

  On the other hand, when a password is set in the USB memory 4 (when authentication is required to access the storage area of the USB memory 4) (S16: YES), the USB memory 4 accesses the storage area. In order to do this, the control unit 11 of the printer 1 is notified that the authentication needs to be successful (S18).

  Thereafter, the control unit 11 of the printer 1 needs to successfully perform authentication performed by the USB memory 4 in order to access the storage area of the USB memory 4 based on the response of the USB memory 4 to the read access performed in S15. It is determined whether or not (S24). That is, when the response in S18 is received without receiving the read data in response to the read access performed in S15, the control unit 11 needs to succeed in the authentication in order to access the storage area of the USB memory 4. Is determined. On the other hand, when the read data is received in response to the read access performed in S15, the control unit 11 determines that there is no need for successful authentication.

  If there is no need for successful authentication to access the storage area of the USB memory 4 (S24: NO), the control unit 11 of the printer 1 ends this process.

  On the other hand, when the authentication needs to be successful in order to access the storage area of the USB memory 4 (S24: YES), the control unit 11 of the printer 1 refers to the authentication code table 3 and connects the connected USB. It is determined whether or not the password (authentication code 32) in the memory 4 is registered (S19).

  When the password of the connected USB memory 4 is not registered in the authentication code table 3 (S19: NO), the control unit 11 asks the user whether to register the password of the connected USB memory 4 or not. The selection is made and the result is judged (S24). At this time, the control unit 11 displays a selection screen for selecting whether or not to register the password on the input / output unit 12 and allows the user to make the selection.

  When the user selects to register a password (S24: YES), the control unit 11 performs a process for registering an authentication code, and uses the password of the connected USB memory 4 as an authentication code. It is registered in the table 3 (this is the process of the start number “1” and will be described in FIG. 5). When the user selects not to register the password (S24: NO), the control unit 11 ends this process.

  On the other hand, when the password of the connected USB memory 4 is registered in the authentication code table 3 (S19: YES), the control unit 11 inputs the registered valid password to the USB memory 4, The authentication performed by the USB memory 4 is made successful so that the storage area of the USB memory 4 can be accessed (S20). That is, the control unit 11 selects an authentication method corresponding to the connected USB memory 4 from the authentication methods registered in the adaptive memory table 2 (and the authentication method table). Further, the control unit 11 selects a valid password corresponding to the connected USB memory 4 from the authentication codes registered in the authentication code table 3. Then, the control unit 11 inputs the valid password selected from the authentication code table 3 to the USB memory 4, and stores the USB memory 4 in accordance with the authentication method selected from the adaptive memory table 2 (and the authentication method table). Attempt to access the region.

  Since the password input from the control unit 11 of the printer 1 is valid, the authentication performed by the USB memory 4 is successful. The USB memory 4 transmits a response indicating that the authentication has succeeded (that is, that the storage area of the USB memory 4 can be accessed) to the control unit of the printer 1 (S21).

  Upon receiving the response of S21, the control unit 11 of the printer 1 performs read access to the storage area of the USB memory 4 again (S22).

  Since the authentication performed by the USB memory 4 is successful and access to the storage area is permitted, the USB memory 4 transmits the specified data in the storage area to the control unit 11 of the printer 1 ( S23).

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the process for registering the authentication code. This process is started at the time point of the start number “1” in FIG. 4, but at any other time (for example, when the user gives an instruction to register an authentication code from the input / output unit 12 of the printer 1). In).

  In this process, the control unit 11 of the printer 1 causes the user to input an administrator password (a password known only to the administrator of the printer 1). Only when a valid administrator password is input, the control unit 11 of the printer 1 registers an authentication code. That is, only the person who knows the administrator password of the printer 1 (that is, the administrator of the printer 1) can register the authentication code in this process. In the present embodiment, only the administrator of the printer 1 restricts who can register in order to register the authentication code. However, such restriction is not necessarily required.

  When this processing is started, first, the control unit 11 of the printer 1 causes the user to select which route the administrator password is input through, and determines the result (S31, 32). In this example, as an input path, an input path via the PC 5, an input path via the mobile phone 6, and an input path via the input / output unit 12 of the printer 1 (via the UI (user interface) of the printer 1). Suppose that there are three ways of input path).

  When the input path is an input path via the PC 5 (S32: PC), an administrator password is input via the input / output unit 53 of the PC 5 (S33). Details of this processing will be described later.

  On the other hand, when the input path is an input path via the mobile phone 6 (S32: mobile phone), an administrator password is input via the input / output unit 63 of the mobile phone 6. (S34). Details of this processing will be described later.

  On the other hand, when the input path is an input path via the UI of the printer 1 (S32: UI), the control unit 11 of the printer 1 causes the user to input an administrator password via the UI of the printer 1. For example, the control unit 11 displays a virtual standard keyboard on the input / output unit 12 and causes the user to input an administrator password by selecting a character or the like to be input from the virtual keyboard.

  The administrator password input by the user in S33, 34, and 35 is notified to the control unit 11.

  Receiving the notification of the administrator password input by the user, the control unit 11 determines whether the password is valid as the administrator password (S36).

  If the administrator password input by the user is invalid (S36: NO), the control unit 11 of the printer 1 ends this process.

  When the administrator password input by the user is valid (S36: YES), the control unit 11 of the printer 1 registers the authentication code for the external memory (in this example, the password for the USB memory 4). The user is allowed to select the route through which the authentication code is input, and the result is determined (S37, 38). Here, as in the case of inputting the administrator password, the input route via the PC 5, the input route via the mobile phone 6, and the input route via the UI of the printer 1 are used as the input route. The Note that the path used for inputting the administrator password and the path used for inputting the authentication code are not necessarily the same.

  If the input path is an input path via the PC 5 (S38: PC), an authentication code is input via the input / output unit 53 of the PC 5 (S39). This process is substantially the same as the process of S33, and details thereof will be described later.

  On the other hand, when the input path is an input path via the mobile phone 6 (S38: mobile phone), an authentication code is input via the input / output unit 63 of the mobile phone 6. (S40). This process is substantially the same as the process of S34, and details thereof will be described later.

  On the other hand, when the input path is an input path via the UI of the printer 1 (S38: UI), the control unit 11 of the printer 1 causes the user to input an authentication code via the UI of the printer 1. In this example, since the authentication method of the USB memory 4 is password authentication, for example, the control unit 11 displays a virtual standard keyboard on the input / output unit 12 and selects a character or the like to be input from among them. Then, the user is caused to input the password of the USB memory 4.

  The authentication code input by the user in S39, 40, 41 is notified to the control unit 11.

  Receiving the notification of the authentication code input by the user, the control unit 11 acquires the authentication code from the external memory identification information of the external memory currently connected to the printer 1 (in this example, S12 in FIG. 4). The information is registered in the authentication code table 3 in association with the manufacturer name and serial number) (S42).

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to the time point of the start number “2” in FIG. 4, but by performing the processing in FIG. 5, the authentication code of the connected external memory is registered in the authentication code table 3. The printer 1 can access the storage area of the USB memory 4 after the authentication performed by the USB memory 4 is successful.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart of processing in which an authentication code and an administrator password are input via the input / output unit 53 of the PC 5. This process is performed in S33 and S39 in FIG. It should be noted that the authentication code and the administrator password input in this process are collectively referred to as “authentication code etc.” (the same applies to the description of FIG. 7).

  First, when the printer 1 and the PC 5 are connected by a USB cable, a connection is established between the printer 1 and the PC 5 via the USB I / Fs 17 and 51 (S50).

  After the connection via the USB I / Fs 17 and 51 is established, the control unit 1 of the printer 1 is in a state where it can receive the data transmitted from the PC 5 via the USB I / Fs 17 and 51. (S51).

  On the other hand, the PC 5 activates the application 52 (S52). The activated application 52 displays a predetermined screen for allowing the user to input an authentication code or the like on the input / output unit 53, and causes the user to input an authentication code or the like (S53). When an authentication code or the like is input via the input / output unit 53, the application 52 stores the input authentication code or the like in a storage unit included in the PC 5.

  Thereafter, the application 52 transmits an authentication code or the like stored in the storage unit included in the PC 5 to the control unit 11 of the printer 1 via the USB I / Fs 17 and 51 (S54). Here, in order for the application 52 of the PC 5 to transmit the input authentication code or the like to the printer 1, for example, the following method can be employed. In other words, when the printer 1 and the PC 5 are connected by USB, the USB mass storage class uses a SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) command to control the connection. Code (extended code) is defined. By using this vendor-unique code and adding a SCSI command that can transmit an authentication code or the like, the PC 5 can transmit the authentication code or the like to the printer 1.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart of processing in which an authentication code and an administrator password are input via the input / output unit 63 of the mobile phone 6. This process is performed in S34 and S40 in FIG.

  First, the control unit 11 of the printer 1 sets its own state to be able to receive data transmitted from the mobile phone 6 via wireless communication according to IrDA (S70).

  On the other hand, the mobile phone 6 activates the application 62 (S71). The activated application 62 displays a predetermined screen for allowing the user to input an authentication code or the like on the input / output unit 63, and causes the user to input an authentication code or the like (S72). When an authentication code or the like is input via the input / output unit 63, the application 62 stores the input authentication code or the like in a storage unit included in the mobile phone 6.

  Thereafter, the application 62 transmits an authentication code or the like stored in the storage unit included in the mobile phone 6 to the control unit 11 of the printer 1 via wireless communication according to IrDA (S73). Here, in order for the application 62 of the mobile phone 6 to transmit the input authentication code or the like to the printer 1, for example, a vCard that is a data format of personal information can be used.

  By performing the processing as described above, when the authentication code of the connected external memory is registered in the authentication code table 3, the printer 1 automatically generates a valid authentication code for the external memory. Authentication can be successfully performed by the external memory. Accordingly, the printer 1 can access the storage area of the external memory without requiring the user to input an authentication code.

  On the other hand, even when the authentication code of the connected external memory is not registered in the authentication code table 3, the process for registering the authentication code is performed, and the authentication code of the external memory is registered. Thereafter, the printer 1 can succeed in authentication performed by the external memory. In other words, in this case, user input is required to register the authentication code in the printer 1, but from the time the external memory is connected until the authentication code is registered and the storage area is accessed. , It will be possible in a series of processing. For the input of the authentication code, a user can easily use a device (such as a PC or a mobile phone) equipped with a high-performance input / output unit that can easily input a password, select a symbol, etc. An authentication code can be entered in.

  The several embodiments of the present invention described above are examples for explaining the present invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention only to those embodiments. The present invention can be implemented in various other modes without departing from the gist thereof. For example, in the above-described embodiment, a printer is exemplified as the information processing apparatus. However, the information processing apparatus may be any apparatus that can be equipped with an external memory such as a USB memory, and may be a projector, for example.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer as an example of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of an adaptive memory table. It is a figure which shows an example of the code table for authentication. 4 is a flowchart of processing performed for a printer to access a storage area of a USB memory. It is a flowchart of the process for registering the code for authentication. It is a flowchart of the process in which the code for authentication and an administrator password are input via the input / output part of PC. It is a flowchart of the process in which the code for authentication and an administrator password are input via the input / output part of a mobile phone.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Printer, 2 ... Adaptive memory table, 3 ... Authentication code table, 4 ... USB memory, 5 ... PC (Personal Computer), 6 ... Mobile phone

Claims (7)

In an information processing apparatus that has a storage area and can be connected to an external memory that is set with a security function that allows access to the storage area when authentication is successful,
Storage means for storing an authentication code corresponding to an external memory that can be connected to the information processing apparatus;
When the external memory is connected, the authentication code corresponding to the connected external memory stored in the storage means is input to the connected external memory for authentication. Code input means;
An information processing apparatus comprising: The storage means stores, in addition to the authentication code, an authentication method corresponding to an external memory that can be connected to the information processing apparatus;
The authentication code input means, when the external memory is connected, authenticates corresponding to the connected external memory in accordance with an authentication method corresponding to the connected external memory stored in the storage means. Authentication is successful by inputting the code for use in the connected external memory,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1. External connection means for connecting to an external device for storing the authentication code;
Receiving means for receiving an authentication code stored in the external device from the external device via the external connection means when the external memory is connected;
Registration means for storing the authentication code received by the receiving means in the storage means as an authentication code corresponding to an external memory currently connected;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The authentication code input means determines whether an authentication code corresponding to the connected external memory is stored in the storage means when the external memory is connected;
When the authentication unit corresponding to the connected external memory is not stored in the storage unit, the receiving unit transmits the authentication code stored in the external device via the external connection unit. Receive from the
The information processing apparatus according to claim 3. The external device connected by the external connection means is a personal computer equipped with a standard keyboard, and stores an authentication code input through the standard keyboard.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 3. The external device to which the external connection means connects is a mobile phone having a numeric keypad, and stores an authentication code input via the numeric keypad.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 3. In an information processing method performed by an information processing apparatus that can be connected to an external memory that has a storage area and has a security function that allows access to the storage area when authentication is successful.
Storing an authentication code corresponding to an external memory that can be connected to the information processing apparatus;
When the external memory is connected, the stored authentication code corresponding to the connected external memory is input to the connected external memory so that the authentication is successful.
Information processing method.

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