JP2009176038A - External authentication device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow a user to use an optimum image forming device easily and reliably. <P>SOLUTION: A CPU 61 of an authentication device 5 reads user information from an IC card reader 52, retrieves equipment information corresponding to the user information in use authority information based on the use authority information stored in an SDRAM 62 and the user information, transmits a start-up request to an MFP corresponding to the retrieved equipment information, and displays the retrieved equipment information on a display 53 to present it to the user. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an external authentication device that is communicably connected to a plurality of electronic devices (such as image forming apparatuses) and authenticates a user of each electronic device.

The authentication system of the image forming apparatus determines whether the user has the authority to use the image forming apparatus based on the use authority information of the image forming apparatus when the user tries to use the image forming apparatus. To do.
For example, in the usage restriction management device described in Patent Literature 1, when user information is input from each image forming apparatus in order to restrict the use of a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected via a network, the user information The external authentication server (external authentication device) is inquired of the user's usage authority based on the information, and based on the result, whether or not the user is appropriate is notified to the user information transmission source image forming apparatus. Yes.
JP 2007-164621 A

  However, in such an external authentication device, it is possible to determine whether the target user has the authority to use the image forming apparatus unless the user is actually inquired of the authority to use the external authentication server according to an instruction from the image forming apparatus. Therefore, it is necessary for the user to actually perform authentication from the image forming apparatus in order to confirm whether or not the image forming apparatus can be used.

Therefore, particularly when a plurality of image forming apparatuses are installed in one place, the user needs to know which image forming apparatus can be used from among the plurality of image forming apparatuses.
In addition, considering the case where the user wants to perform printing processing in a short time or when some of the image forming apparatuses are out of order, the printing desired by the user from a plurality of image forming apparatuses It is difficult to select an optimal image forming apparatus for performing processing.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to make it possible to easily and reliably use an electronic device that is optimal for a user.

  The present invention is an external authentication apparatus for communicatively connecting to a plurality of electronic devices and authenticating a user of each electronic device. In order to achieve the above object, the present invention Features.

  The external authentication apparatus according to the invention of claim 1 is a user authority information storage means for storing user information of a user of each electronic device and device information of each electronic device in association with each other, and a user User information reading means for reading information, user information read by the user information reading means, and usage authority information stored in the usage authority information storage means, the usage in the usage authority information Device information search means for searching for device information corresponding to the person information, start request transmission means for sending a start request to the electronic device corresponding to the device information searched by the device information search means, and the device information search Device information display means for displaying the device information retrieved by the means.

  An external authentication device according to a second aspect of the present invention is a user authority information storage means for storing device information of each electronic device and user information of a user of each electronic device in association with each other, and a user User information reading means for reading information, user information read by the user information reading means, and usage authority information stored in the usage authority information storage means, the usage in the usage authority information Device information search means for searching for device information corresponding to the user information, device information display means for displaying the device information searched by the device information search means, and device information displayed by the device information display means from the outside Device information selection means that is selected by an instruction of the device, and an activation request transmitter that transmits an activation request to an electronic device corresponding to the device information selected by the device information selection means It is provided with a door.

  An external authentication device according to a third aspect of the present invention is the external authentication device according to the first or second aspect, wherein a use time limit information storage unit stores use time limit information of an electronic device that receives the activation request transmitted by the activation request transmission unit A stop request transmitting means for transmitting a stop request to the electronic device when the use of the electronic device that has received the start request transmitted by the start request transmitting means exceeds the use time limit indicated by the use time limit information; It is provided.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an external authentication device according to the second aspect of the present invention, wherein the external authentication device according to the second aspect includes state information acquisition means for acquiring state information from each electronic device by transmitting a state information request to each electronic device. A status information storage unit that stores the status information of each electronic device acquired by the status information acquisition unit, and when the device information searched by the device information search unit is displayed on the device information display unit And means for referencing the state information corresponding to the device information stored in the state information storage means and prohibiting the display of the device information of the electronic device in an unusable state.

  An external authentication device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the external authentication device according to the second aspect, wherein the use authority information is added with function information that can be used for each piece of device information, and functions according to instructions from the outside. A function selecting means for selecting, and the device information searching means for using the user information read by the user information reading means, the function selected by the function selecting means, and the usage authority information storage means Based on the authority information, it is a means for searching for device information of an electronic device that can use the function corresponding to the user information in the usage authority information.

An external authentication device according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the external authentication device according to the fifth aspect, wherein the use authority information is added with speed information of an electronic device corresponding to each piece of the device information, and the device information display means is provided. The device information retrieved by the device information retrieval unit is displayed together with the speed information of the corresponding electronic device.
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided the external authentication device according to the sixth aspect, wherein the device information display means displays the device information searched by the device information search means together with the speed information of the corresponding electronic device. In addition, the display is performed in order of increasing or decreasing speed indicated by the speed information.

An external authentication device according to an invention of claim 8 is the external authentication device according to claim 5, wherein the usage authority information is added with cost information of an electronic device corresponding to each device information, and the device information display means is provided. The device information retrieved by the device information retrieval unit is displayed together with the cost information of the corresponding electronic device.
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the external authentication device according to the eighth aspect, the device information display means displays the device information searched by the device information search means together with the cost information of the corresponding electronic device. In addition, the display is performed in the order of low or high cost indicated by the cost information.

  An external authentication device according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is the external authentication device according to the fourth aspect, wherein the use authority information is added with function information that can be used for each piece of device information, and functions according to instructions from the outside. A function selection means for selecting is provided, and the device information search means is stored in the user information read by the user information reading means, the function selected by the function selection means, and the use authority information storage means. Based on the use authority information, the device information display means is means for searching for device information of an electronic device that can use the function corresponding to the user information in the use authority information. Refers to the status information corresponding to the device information retrieved by the device information retrieval means stored in the device, and displays only the device information of the electronic device in an available state Is shall.

  An external authentication device according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention is the external authentication device according to the first aspect, wherein the use authority information is added with information on functions that can be used for each piece of device information, and the priority of use is set for each electronic device. There is provided usage priority information storage means for storing as device priority information in association with device information of each device and function information available for each device information, and function selection means for selecting a function according to an external instruction The device information retrieval means is based on the user information read by the user information reading means, the function selected by the function selection means, and the use authority information stored in the use authority information storage means. Searching for device information of an electronic device that can use the function corresponding to the user information in the use authority information, and storing the use priority order information from the device information The device information determined by the device information search means is used as means for determining the device information of the electronic device to be used with reference to the use priority corresponding to the device information stored in the stage. The device information display means is a means for displaying the device information determined by the device information search means.

  An external authentication device according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention is the external authentication device according to the eleventh aspect, wherein the use priority information is added with performance information emphasized by the user for each piece of device information. Performance selection means for selecting performance emphasized by the user is provided, and the device information search means stores the user information read by the user information reading means, the function selected by the function selection means, and the use authority information storage Based on the usage right information stored in the means, the device information of the electronic device that can use the function corresponding to the user information in the usage right information is searched, and the usage information is searched from the device information. With reference to the use priority corresponding to the device information stored in the priority information storage means, the device information of the electronic device having the highest performance selected by the performance selection means is described. It is obtained by the means for determining the.

  According to the present invention, the external authentication device is provided with the use authority information storage means for storing the user information of the user of each electronic device and the device information of each electronic device as the use authority information in association with each other. User information is read by the information reading means, and device information corresponding to the user information in the usage right information is searched based on the user information and the usage right information stored in the usage right information storage means. In addition, a startup request is sent to the electronic device corresponding to the searched device information, and the searched device information is displayed, so that the user can easily use the external authentication device to obtain the optimal electronic device for himself / herself. And it can be used reliably.

Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.
First, an image processing system using an external authentication apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a network configuration example of the image processing system.
The image processing system includes a plurality of MFPs (digital multifunction peripherals) 1 to 3 and an external authentication device 5 for authenticating users of the MFPs 1 to 3. These devices are connected via the LAN 10 (other network may be used), but by serial connection based on the RS-485 standard, parallel connection based on the SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) standard, etc. May be.

  The external authentication device 5 reads the user information for identifying the MFP user (hereinafter, also simply referred to as “user”) recorded on the IC card by the IC card reader, and the user has usage authority. The activation request is transmitted to the MFP having the control, and the control at that time will be described in detail later. The user information can also be input from an operating terminal (not shown) or an external terminal such as a PC (personal computer).

  Each of the MFPs 1 to 3 is an image forming apparatus having various functions such as a scan function, a copy function, and a fax (FAX) function, and is communicably connected to the external authentication device 5 via the LAN 10. When the activation request is received, it is activated so that it can be used (used) by the user, and the user is authenticated by shifting from the “inoperable state” to the “operable state”. . In addition to MFPs, other image forming apparatuses such as analog copying machines, digital copying machines, and fax machines, or image reading apparatuses such as scanner devices, network home appliances, vending machines, medical equipment, power supply devices, air conditioners, etc. Various electronic devices such as systems, measuring systems for gas, water, electricity, etc., AV equipment, game equipment, etc. can also be used.

Next, the configuration of the external authentication device 5 in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the external authentication device 5.
The external authentication device 5 includes a control unit 51, an IC card reader 52, a display 53, and a display operation unit 54.
The control unit 51 includes a CPU 61, SDRAM 62, flash ROM 63, and LAN interface (LAN / I / F) 64. These are used for reading a user ID, which is user information for identifying the users of the MFPs 1 to 3, and authenticating the user.

  The CPU 61 is a central processing unit for controlling the entire external authentication device 5, reads necessary programs (software) and information from the flash ROM 63, stores (stores) them in the SDRAM 62, executes the programs, and executes the IC By controlling the card reader 52, the display 53, the LAN interface 64, etc., user information reading means, equipment information retrieval means, activation request transmission means, equipment information display means, stop request transmission means, which are functions related to the present invention, It can also serve as a status information acquisition means.

  The SDRAM 62 is a program memory that stores programs executed by the CPU 61, an information memory that stores various types of information such as usage authority information described later, and a readable / writable memory that is used as a work memory used when the CPU 61 performs processing. is there. The SDRAM 62, together with the flash ROM 63, can function as a usage authority information storage unit, a usage time limit information storage unit, a status information storage unit, and a usage priority information storage unit.

The flash ROM 63 is a non-volatile semiconductor memory that stores programs executed by the CPU 61 and various types of information. Instead of the flash ROM 63, a fixed ROM or other nonvolatile semiconductor memory such as an EEPROM or a memory card can be used. In addition, a nonvolatile recording medium such as an HDD (Hard Disk Device) can be added.
The LAN interface 64 performs interface control with the MFPs 1 to 3 connected to the LAN 10. This is used to transmit an activation request to the MFP for which the authenticated user has usage authority. The communication at this time is realized by secure communication such as SSL (Secure Socket Layer) communication.

The IC card reader 52 is means for reading a user ID (user information) recorded on the IC card.
The external authentication device 5 reads (acquires) the user ID from the IC card reader 52, and based on the user ID and the “MFP usage authority information” as shown in Table 1 stored in the SDRAM 62, The device information (device information) of the MFP to which the user (owner of the IC card in which the read user ID is recorded) has the use authority is searched from the device information of each MFP 1 to 3.

  The usage authority information is a list of device information for identifying each MFP having the usage authority for each user. In the example of Table 1, the usage authority information is a user ID for identifying each user. “123”, “456”, “789” are associated with “MFP1”, “MFP2”, “MFP3”, which are device information (hereinafter also simply referred to as “device information”) for identifying each of the MFPs 1 to 3. Yes.

The display 53 is a display unit that displays various types of information. The display 53 is used to display a list of device information of MFPs for which the user has usage authority.
The display operation unit 54 is an operation means for operating a screen displayed on the display 53. For example, when the user selects an MFP that the user wants to use from a list of device information of the MFP displayed on the display 53, the display operation unit 54 is operated. Used. The display operation unit 54 can function as device information selection means, function selection means, and performance selection means.

Instead of the display 53 and the display operation unit 54, an integrated display and its operation unit such as a touch panel may be used.
In this embodiment, the user brings his / her IC card into contact with the IC card reader 52 and reads the user ID recorded on the IC card. Although the ID can be read, the user ID can be read (accepted) by inputting the user ID by an operation on the display operation unit 54.

Each embodiment of the control according to the present invention by the external authentication device 5 configured as described above will be specifically described below with reference to FIGS.
[First embodiment]
First, the first embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a first example of activation control according to the present invention by the external authentication device 5 and the MFPs 1 to 3.
Here, it is assumed that the SDRAM 62 of the external authentication device 5 stores “MFP usage authority information” shown in Table 1.

In step S1, when the user makes his / her IC card contact the IC card reader 52 and reads the user ID recorded on the IC card in step S1, the external authentication device 5 reads the user ID from the IC card reader 52 in step S2. The user ID is read.
In step S3, based on the user ID read from the IC card reader 52 and the usage authority information (see Table 1) stored in the SDRAM 62, the device information of the MFP to which the user has usage authority is obtained. A search is performed from the device information of each MFP 1-3. Then, using the user ID read from the IC card reader 52, a list of device information of MFPs for which the user has usage authority is created.

For example, when the user ID read from the IC card reader 52 is “123”, a search is made with the user ID “123” from the usage authority information shown in Table 1, and the MFP device for which the user has the usage authority. A list of “MFP1, MFP2, MFP3” is created as a list of information.
At this time, if the device information of the MFP for which the user has usage authority does not exist in the usage authority information, this is determined in step S4, and the process proceeds to step S5 to indicate that the MFP cannot be used. “MFP unavailable” is displayed on the display 53.

  On the other hand, if the device authority information of the MFP for which the user has usage authority exists in the usage authority information, this is determined in step S4, and the process proceeds to step S6, where an activation request is transmitted to the MFP. In the example in which the user ID read from the IC card reader 52 is “123”, an activation request is transmitted to the MFPs 1 to 3. This communication is realized through the LAN 10 and using SSL as a communication protocol to realize secure communication.

The MFP that has received the activation request from the external authentication device 5 is activated so as to be usable by the user in step S8, and is shifted from the “inoperable state” to the “operable state”. Realize authentication. This is realized by changing the operation panel (operation unit) of the MFP from an inoperable state to an operable state.
The external authentication device 5 transmits an activation request to the MFP to which the user has authority to use in step S6, and then proceeds to step S7 to display a list of device information of the MFP (available MFP) on the display 53. By displaying, a list of the device information is presented to the user.

  As described above, the external authentication device reads the user information from the IC card reader, and responds to the user information in the usage right information based on the user information and the usage right information stored in the memory. Device information to be searched, a startup request is transmitted to the MFP corresponding to the searched device information, and the searched device information is displayed on the display and presented to the user. By using the authentication device, it is possible to easily and reliably use the MFP most suitable for the user.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a second example of activation control according to the present invention by the external authentication device 5 and the MFPs 1 to 3.
Here, it is assumed that the SDRAM 62 of the external authentication device 5 stores “MFP usage authority information” shown in Table 1.

In step S11, the external authentication device 5 causes the user to contact his / her IC card with the IC card reader 52 and read the user ID recorded on the IC card. The user ID is read.
Next, proceeding to step S13, based on the user ID read from the IC card reader 52 and the usage authority information stored in the SDRAM 62 (see Table 1), the device information of the MFP to which the user has usage authority is obtained. A search is performed from the device information of each MFP 1-3. Then, using the user ID read from the IC card reader 52, a list of device information of MFPs for which the user has usage authority is created.

At this time, if the device authority information of the MFP to which the user has usage authority does not exist in the usage authority information, this is determined in step S14 and the process proceeds to step S15, and a message that the MFP cannot be used is displayed. “MFP unavailable” is displayed on the display 53.
Up to this point, the process is the same as in the first embodiment.

On the other hand, if the device authority information of the MFP to which the user has usage authority exists in the usage authority information, this is determined in step S14, and the process proceeds to step S16 on the (1) side in FIG. Do. This will be described using an example in which the user ID read from the IC card reader 52 is “123”.
In step S16, a list of device information (in this example, “MFP1, MFP2, MFP3”) of MFPs (usable MFPs) for which the user has usage authority is displayed on the display 53, so that the list of the device information is displayed. Is presented to the user, and the user is requested to select an MFP to use.

Accordingly, the user uses the display operation unit 54 of the external authentication device 5 to select one of the device information of the MFP displayed (presented) on the display 53. Actually, selection of the device information is instructed by designation of the device information by an operation on the display operation unit 54, so that the device information can be selected. Here, it is assumed that “MFP 1” is selected by an operation on the display operation unit 54.
When the device information “MFP1” of the MFP is selected in step S17, the external authentication device 5 proceeds to step S18 and transmits an activation request to the MFP1 corresponding to the selected device information “MFP1”. At the same time, usage time limit information indicating a time limit during which the user (user ID “123”) can use the MFP 1 is stored in the SDRAM 62.

Table 2 shows an example of “MFP usage time limit information” stored in the SDRAM 62. This is a list of “which user” is authorized to use “which MFP” “until”, and is set in advance at the date and time (time) when the external authentication device 5 performs authentication. A period obtained by adding a certain period (the range of the period for which the MFP can be used) is used as the MFP expiration date information. The fixed period can be changed by an operation on the display operation unit 54.
In the example of Table 2, when the user corresponding to the user ID “123” authenticates the MFP 1 to “2007/1/2 18:00:23”, the MFP can be used for only one minute as the expiration date. That is, it can be used up to “2007/1/2 18:01:23”.

  The MFP that has received the activation request from the external authentication device 5 is activated so that it can be used by the user in step S19, and the operation panel is set to the usable state. Transition from “available state” to “operable state”.

  The external authentication device 5 transmits an activation request to the MFP for which the user has authority to use in step S18, and then proceeds to step S20, and uses the expiration date information as shown in the example of Table 2 to determine the activation request. It is periodically checked whether or not the use of the destination MFP is within the usage period, and if it is not within the usage period, that is, if there is an MFP that has exceeded the usage period, the MFP is checked in step S21. A stop request is transmitted together with the user ID previously read from the IC card reader 52 to notify that the MFP has expired.

In the example of the user ID “123”, the external authentication device 5 periodically checks whether or not the current date and time is within “2007/1/2 18:01:23”.
If the date and time is exceeded ("2007/1/2 18:01:24" is reached), the MFP corresponding to the user ID "123" is connected to the MFP via the LAN 10 for use. And send a stop request.
The MFP that has received the stop request from the external authentication device 5 stops starting so that the user cannot use it in step S22, and makes the operation panel inoperable. The state is shifted from the “operable state” to the “inoperable state”.

As described above, the external authentication device reads the user information from the IC card reader, and responds to the user information in the usage right information based on the user information and the usage right information stored in the memory. The device information to be searched is displayed, the searched device information is displayed on the display and presented to the user, and the device information (one if multiple items are displayed) is selected by the operation on the display operation unit of the user. Then, since the activation request is transmitted to the electronic device corresponding to the selected device information, the user can use the optimum MFP more easily and reliably by using the external authentication device. Can do.
In addition, when the use of the MFP that has received the activation request has exceeded the expiration date, a stop request is transmitted to the MFP. Therefore, even in an environment where multiple users use the MFP, each of the users can The most suitable MFP can be used.

[Third embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of status information update control according to the present invention by the external authentication device 5 and the MFPs 1 to 3.
In the third embodiment, the external authentication apparatus 5 collects (acquires) “status information” of each of the MFPs 1 to 3 and lists device information of the MFPs 1 to 3 displayed on the display 53 according to the status information. There is a feature in customizing.
Here, it is assumed that the SDRAM 62 of the external authentication device 5 stores “MFP usage authority information” shown in Table 1.

  The external authentication device 5 periodically starts the control shown in FIG. 5 and first performs the process of step S31. That is, by using SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) as the communication protocol and transmitting the status information acquisition request message to each of the MFPs 1 to 3 via the LAN 10, the status information acquisition request message is received in step S32. The MFP that has returned the current status information of itself returns (sends) to the external authentication device 5 and collects the status information. In this example, status information indicating whether or not each of the MFPs 1 to 3 is faulty (abnormal) and whether or not there is a supply such as toner or paper is collected.

The collected status information is processed by judging its contents (steps S33 to S36).
That is, in step S33, it is determined whether or not the MFP to which the status information acquisition request message is transmitted is out of order, and if it is out of order, the process proceeds to step S36.
If the destination MFP of the status information acquisition request message has not failed, it is determined in step S34 whether the destination MFP of the status information acquisition request message is out of supply. move on.
If the MFP to which the status information acquisition request message is transmitted is neither faulty nor out of supply, that is, if it is normal, the process proceeds to step S35.

In step S35, it is determined whether the self-registered (status information currently stored in SDRAM 62) is out of order or out of supply. If so, the process proceeds to step S36. The process returns to step S31.
In step S 36, the collected status information is stored in the SDRAM 62 as “MFP status information” as shown in the example of Table 3. At this time, the state information collected this time is compared with the state information (old state information) currently stored in the SDRAM 62, and if there is a change, the state information collected this time is overwritten on the old state information.

On the other hand, as in the second embodiment, the external authentication device 5 allows the user to contact his / her IC card with the IC card reader 52 in step S11 of FIG. 4 and the user ID recorded on the IC card. Is read, the processing of steps S12 and S13 is performed. If the device information of the MFP for which the user has usage authority exists in the usage authority information, this is determined in step S14 and (2) of FIG. ) Side step S23, and the following processing is performed. This will be described using an example in which the user ID read from the IC card reader 52 is “123”.
When the user ID read from the IC card reader 52 is “123”, the list of device information of MFPs for which the corresponding user has usage authority is three from “MFP1, MFP2, MFP3” from Table 1.

  In the second embodiment, the external authentication device 5 displays the three pieces of device information “MFP1, MFP2, MFP3” on the display 53 and presents them to the user. In this third embodiment, the external authentication device 5 is stored in the SDRAM 62. Based on the “MFP status information” and the device information “MFP1, MFP2, MFP3”, it is determined whether or not there is an MFP that is currently unavailable. Display processing similar to that in the second embodiment is performed, but if there is an MFP that is not currently available, a list of device information of MFPs for which the user who has previously created the status information of the MFP in step S24 has usage authority In step S16, only the remaining MFPs that are currently available are displayed on the display 53, and the process proceeds to step S16.

In the case of this example, the device information of the MFP to which the user corresponding to the user ID “123” has the use authority is “MFP1, MFP2, MFP3”, but by comparing with the MFP status information in Table 3, It can be seen that the MFP 3 is currently unavailable.
Therefore, “MFP1, MFP2” is displayed on the display 23 of the external authentication device 5 as device information of the MFPs that are currently available.

  As described above, the external authentication apparatus transmits the status information request to each MFP, thereby acquiring the status information from each MFP and storing it in the memory, and performs the same control as in the second embodiment, When the device information retrieved by the control is displayed on the display, the state information corresponding to the device information stored in the memory is referred to, and the display of the device information of the MFP in the unavailable state is displayed on the display. Therefore, only MFPs that are available can be used.

[Fourth embodiment]
Next, the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
In the fourth embodiment, as shown in Table 4, for example, the external authentication apparatus 5 includes, in the SDRAM 62, information including “function information (function indicating information) of MFP that the user has use authority” as use authority information. This is characterized in that a list of device information of MFPs that the user has the authority to use (uses) for each available function can be displayed on the display 53 and presented to the user.

  In the example of Table 4, the user corresponding to the user ID “123” (the owner of the IC card in which the user ID “123” is recorded) is the copy function (COPY) and fax function (FAX) of the MFP 1. This indicates that the user has authority to use the fax function of MFP 2 and the copy function of MFP 3. Further, the user corresponding to the user ID “456” has the authority to use the copy function of the MFP 1 and the scan function (SCAN) of the MFP 2, and the user corresponding to the user ID “789” is the copy function and the scan function of the MFP 3. It has shown that it has each use authority.

The external authentication device 5 performs slightly different control from the second embodiment described with reference to FIG. That is, when retrieving the device information of the MFP to which the user has usage authority based on the user ID read from the IC card reader 52 in step S13 and the usage authority information stored in the SDRAM 62, Table 4 In step S16, a list of device information of MFPs for which the user has usage authority is displayed on the display 53 and presented to the user in step S16.
In this example, the user ID is “123” as before.

In step S11 of FIG. 4, the user brings his / her IC card having the user ID “123” recorded thereon into contact with the IC card reader 52 to read the user ID “123”, and external authentication is performed. Using the display operation unit 54 of the apparatus 5, a desired function (here, “copy function”) is selected. Actually, since the selection of the copy function is instructed by designating the copy function by the operation on the display operation unit 54, the copy function can be selected.
Thereby, the external authentication device 5 reads the user ID “123” from the IC card reader 52 in step S12 and accepts the information of the copy function selected from the display operation unit 54, and performs the next process in step S13. Do.

  That is, based on the user ID “123” read from the IC card reader 52, the copy function information received from the display operation unit 54, and the usage authority information (see Table 4) stored in the SDRAM 62, the user ( The device information of each MFP 1 to 3 is searched for the device information of the MFP that can use the copy function for which the user corresponding to the user ID “123” has the use authority. Then, using the user ID “123” read from the IC card reader 52, a list of device information of MFPs that can use the copy function for which the user has usage authority is created.

At this time, if there is no device information of the MFP that can use the copy function for which the user has use authority in the use authority information, this is determined in step S14 and the process proceeds to step S15, and the MFP is not used. A message “MFP unavailable” is displayed on the display 53.
On the other hand, if the device authority information of the MFP that can use the copy function for which the user has usage authority exists in the usage authority information, this is determined in step S14, and the process proceeds to step S16 on the (1) side of FIG. Then, by displaying on the display 53 a list of MFP information (in this example, “MFP1, MFP3”) that the user can use the copy function for which the user has authority, the list of the device information is displayed to the user. The user is requested to select an MFP to be presented and used.

  As described above, the external authentication device performs the same control as in the second embodiment except for the search process. In the search process, the user information read from the IC card reader and the function selected by the operation on the display operation unit Device information of the MFP that can use the function corresponding to the user information in the usage right information based on the usage right information stored in the memory and displayed to the user. Therefore, an MFP that can use (implement) a function desired by the user can be used easily and reliably.

[Fifth embodiment]
Next, a fifth embodiment will be described with reference again to the flowchart of FIG.
In this fifth embodiment, as shown in Table 5, for example, the external authentication device 5 adds “use authority by user to use authority information (different from Table 4) as used in the fourth embodiment as usage authority information. Is stored in the SDRAM 62 and a list of device information of the MFP to which the user has authority to use is displayed for each available function. When displayed on the screen 53, the printing speed information of the MFP can be displayed.

In the example of Table 5, the user corresponding to the user ID “123” has the authority to use the MFPs 1 to 3, the printing speed of the copy of the MFP 1 is 45 ppm, the printing speed of the copy of the MFP 2 is 60 ppm, and the copying of the MFP 3 The printing speed of is 50 ppm.
The external authentication device 5 performs slightly different control from the fourth embodiment described with reference to FIG. That is, when searching for the device information of the MFP to which the user has usage authority based on the user ID read from the IC card reader 52 and the usage authority information stored in the SDRAM 62 in step S13, Table 5 is displayed. In step S16, a list of MFP device information for which the user has usage authority is displayed on the display 53 together with the printing speed information and presented to the user in step S16.
In this example, the user ID is set to “123” as in the fourth embodiment.

In step S11 of FIG. 4, the user brings his / her IC card having the user ID “123” recorded thereon into contact with the IC card reader 52 to read the user ID “123”, and external authentication is performed. Using the display operation unit 54 of the apparatus 5, a desired function (here, “copy function”) is selected.
Thereby, the external authentication device 5 performs the same processing as in the fourth embodiment in steps S12 to S15.

  In step S16, a list of device information of MFPs ("MFP1, MFP2, MFP3" in this example) that can use the copy function for which the user has usage authority is displayed on the display 53 together with the print speed information. A list of device information is presented to the user, and the user is requested to select an MFP to use. In the example of Table 5, the MFP device information that can be used by “MFP1, MFP2, MFP3” is displayed. Displays a list of device information together with print speed information, such as “MFP1 (45 ppm), MFP2 (60 ppm), MFP3 (50 ppm)”.

  As described above, when the external authentication apparatus displays the device information of the MFP that can use the selected function on the display by the same control as in the fourth embodiment, the speed information of the corresponding MFP is displayed on the display. Since it is displayed together, a faster MFP can be used easily and reliably.

[Sixth embodiment]
Next, the sixth embodiment will be described with reference again to the flowchart of FIG.
In the sixth embodiment, the external authentication device 5 is slightly different from the fifth embodiment, and when displaying a list of device information of MFPs for which the user has usage authority on the display 53 for each available function, It is characterized in that the list display is performed in the order of fast printing speed (or slow order may be used).

  Specifically, as in the fifth embodiment, assuming that the user ID is “123” and the use authority information shown in Table 5 is used, in step S16, in the fifth embodiment, “MFP1 (45 ppm) ), MFP2 (60 ppm), MFP3 (50 ppm) ”on the display 53, but in the sixth embodiment, the printing speed is“ MFP2 (60 ppm), MFP3 (50 ppm), MFP1 (45 ppm) ”. Are displayed on the display 53 in descending order.

  As described above, when the external authentication device displays the device information of the MFP that can use the selected function together with the speed information of the electronic device by the same control as in the fifth embodiment, the display is displayed as the speed information. Are performed in the order of fastness or slowness, the higher-speed MFP can be used more easily and reliably.

[Seventh embodiment]
Next, the seventh embodiment will be described with reference again to the flowchart of FIG.
In the seventh embodiment, as shown in Table 6, for example, the external authentication device 5 adds “use authority by user to use authority information (different from Table 4) as used in the fourth embodiment as usage authority information. Is stored in the SDRAM 62, and a list of MFP device information that the user has authority to use is displayed on the display 53 for each available function. The feature is that the cost information of the MFP can also be displayed.

In the example of Table 6, the user corresponding to the user ID “123” has the authority to use the MFPs 1 to 3, the copying cost (printing cost) of the MFP 1 is 5 yen / sheet, and the copying cost of the MFP 2 is 10 yen / sheet and the copying cost of the MFP 3 is 8 yen / sheet.
The external authentication device 5 performs slightly different control from the fourth embodiment described with reference to FIG. That is, when searching for the device information of the MFP to which the user has usage authority based on the user ID read from the IC card reader 52 in step S13 and the usage authority information stored in the SDRAM 62, Table 6 In step S16, a list of MFP device information for which the user has usage authority is displayed on the display 53 together with cost information and presented to the user in step S16.
In this example, the user ID is set to “123” as in the fourth embodiment.

In step S11 of FIG. 4, the user brings his / her IC card having the user ID “123” recorded thereon into contact with the IC card reader 52 to read the user ID “123”, and external authentication is performed. Using the display operation unit 54 of the apparatus 5, a desired function (here, “copy function”) is selected.
Thereby, the external authentication device 5 performs the same processing as in the fourth embodiment in steps S12 to S15.

  In step S16, a list of device information (in this example, “MFP1, MFP2, MFP3”) of the MFPs that can use the copy function that the user has usage rights is displayed on the display 53 together with the cost information. A list of information is presented to the user, and the user is requested to select an MFP to use. In the example of Table 6, it is the device information of the MFP that can be used by “MFP1, MFP2, MFP3”, and the costs of these MFPs 1 to 3 are “5 yen / sheet”, “10 yen / sheet”, “8 yen / sheet”, respectively. Therefore, on the display 53, device information is displayed together with cost information, such as “MFP1 (5 yen / sheet), MFP2 (10 yen / sheet), MFP3 (8 yen / sheet)”. .

  As described above, when the external authentication apparatus displays the device information of the MFP that can use the selected function on the display by the same control as in the fourth embodiment, the cost information of the MFP corresponding to the device information is displayed. Since it is displayed together, an MFP with a lower printing cost can be used easily and reliably.

[Eighth embodiment]
Next, an eighth embodiment will be described with reference again to the flowchart of FIG.
In the eighth embodiment, the external authentication device 5 is slightly different from the seventh embodiment. When the external authentication device 5 displays a list of device information of MFPs for which the user has authority to use on the display 53 for each available function, It is characterized in that the list display is performed in ascending order of cost (or higher order).

  Specifically, as in the seventh embodiment, assuming that the user ID is “123” and the use authority information shown in Table 6 is used, in step S16, in the seventh embodiment, “MFP1 (5 "Yen / sheet), MFP2 (10 yen / sheet), MFP3 (8 yen / sheet)" is displayed on the display 53. In the eighth embodiment, "MFP1 (5 yen / sheet), MFP3 (8 "Yen / sheet), MFP2 (10 yen / sheet)" on the display 53 in ascending order of cost.

  As described above, when the external authentication apparatus displays the device information of the MFP that can use the selected function together with the cost information of the electronic device by the same control as in the seventh embodiment, the display is displayed as the cost information. Therefore, the MFPs with lower printing costs can be used easily and reliably.

[Ninth embodiment]
Next, the ninth embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 4 and 5 again.
In the ninth embodiment, as in the third embodiment, the external authentication device 5 collects status information of each of the MFPs 1 to 3 and displays the devices of the MFPs 1 to 3 displayed on the display 53 according to the status information. It is characterized by customizing the list of information.

  As in the third embodiment, the external authentication device 5 periodically starts the control shown in FIG. 5 and first performs the process of step S31. That is, by using SNMP as a communication protocol and transmitting the status information acquisition request message to each of the MFPs 1 to 3 via the LAN 10, the MFP that has received the status information acquisition request message in step S32 is the current MFP. Is returned to the external authentication device 5, so that the status information is collected, and the content is judged and processed (steps S33 to S36).

  On the other hand, as in the fourth embodiment, in step S11 in FIG. 4, the user brings his IC card into contact with the IC card reader 52, and the user ID recorded on the IC card (here, “123”). ”And the user selects the desired function (here,“ copy function ”) by using the display operation unit 54, and the user ID is obtained from the IC card reader 52 in step S12. At the same time, the information of the selected copy function is received from the display operation unit 54, and the process proceeds to step S13.

  In step S13, the user ID “123” read from the IC card reader 52, the copy function information received from the display operation unit 54, and the usage authority information (see Table 4) stored in the SDRAM 62 are used. The device information of the MFPs that can use the copy function for which the user (the user corresponding to the user ID “123”) has the use authority is searched from the device information of each of the MFPs 1 to 3. Then, using the user ID “123” read from the IC card reader 52, a list of the device information “MFP1, MFP3” of the MFPs that can use the copy function for which the user has usage authority is created.

  At this time, since the device information “MFP1, MFP3” of the MFP that can use the copy function for which the user has use authority exists in the use authority information, this is determined in step S14, and the (2) side in FIG. In step S23, whether or not there is an MFP that is currently unavailable is determined based on the status information (see Table 3) of the MFPs 1 and 3 stored in the SDRAM 62 and the device information “MFP1 and MFP3”. Since the currently unavailable MFP is MFP 3, the list of the device information “MFP 1, MFP 3” of the MFP to which the user who has previously created the status information “MFP 3” of the MFP 3 in step S 24 has the right to use is listed. In step S 16, only the status information “MFP 1” of the remaining currently available MFP is displayed on the display 53.

  As described above, the external authentication device transmits the status information request to each MFP, thereby acquiring the status information from each MFP and storing it in the memory, and performs the same control as in the fourth embodiment, When the device information retrieved by the control is displayed on the display, the status information corresponding to the device information stored in the memory is referred to, and only the device information of the MFP in an available state is displayed on the display. Thus, only the MFP that can use the function desired by the user and is in a usable state can be used.

[Tenth embodiment]
Next, the tenth embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
In the first embodiment, the external authentication apparatus 5 displays a list of device information of MFPs for which the user has usage authority on the display 53, so that the user can display one piece of the device information on the display operation unit 54. Although it is designated by an operation and can be selected as an MFP that uses the MFP corresponding to the designated device information, in the tenth embodiment, a list of status information of MFPs for which the user has usage authority is displayed on the display 53. Instead, the “MFP priority information” stored in the SDRAM 62 is used, and the MFP with the highest priority indicated by the priority information is displayed on the display 53 as being usable and presented to the user. There are features.
Here, the SDRAM 62 of the external authentication apparatus 5 has “MFP usage authority information” shown in Table 4, “MFP priority information” shown in Table 7, and “MFP usage time limit information” shown in Table 8. Assume that it is stored.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a third example of the activation control according to the present invention by the external authentication device 5 and the MFPs 1 to 3.
In step S41, the external authentication device 5 causes the user to contact his / her IC card with the IC card reader 52 and read the user ID (here, “123”) recorded on the IC card. At the same time, the user ID “123” is read from the IC card reader 52 in step S42 by selecting a desired function (here, “copy function”) by using the display operation unit 54, and the display. Information on the selected copy function is received from the operation unit 54, and the process proceeds to step S43.

  In step S43, based on the user ID “123” read from the IC card reader 52, the copy function information received from the display operation unit 54, and the usage authority information (see Table 4) stored in the SDRAM 62, the usage is performed. The device information of the MFPs that can use the copy function for which the user (the user corresponding to the user ID “123”) has the use authority is searched from the device information of each of the MFPs 1 to 3. Then, using the user ID “123” read from the IC card reader 52, a list of the device information “MFP1, MFP3” of the MFPs that can use the copy function for which the user has usage authority is created.

  At this time, since the device information “MFP1, MFP3” of the MFP that can use the copy function for which the user has the use authority exists in the use authority information, this is determined in step S44, and the process proceeds to step S46. With reference to the stored “MFP priority information (see Table 7)” and “MFP usage time limit information (see Table 8)”, the MFP with the highest priority among the currently unused MFPs It is determined as the MFP used by the user.

The “MFP priority information” shown in Table 7 is determined in advance according to the usage status of each of the MFPs 1 to 3.
In the tenth embodiment, since the priority order of the MFP to which the user has the authority to use the copy function is the order of MFP1 and MFP3 from the priority order information shown in Table 7, the MFP with the highest priority order is MFP1. However, since the usage time limit information shown in Table 8 indicates that the MFP 1 is currently in use, the MFP that can be used by the user corresponding to the user ID “123” and has the highest priority is the MFP 3.

The external authentication device 5 determines that the MFP that can be used by the user is the MFP 3, and then transmits an activation request to the MFP 3 in step S 47.
The MFP 3 that has received the activation request from the external authentication device 5 is activated so as to be usable by the user in step S49, and the operation panel is set to an operable state. By shifting from "status" to "operation enabled status", user authentication is realized.
The external authentication device 5 transmits an activation request to the MFP 3 that can be used by the user in step S47, and then proceeds to step S48 to display the device information of the MFP 3 on the display 53, so that the device information is displayed. Present to users.

  As described above, the external authentication device performs the same control as in the first embodiment except for the search process. In the search process, the user information read from the IC card reader and the function selected by the operation on the display operation unit Based on the usage right information stored in the memory, the device information of the MFP that can use the function corresponding to the user information in the usage right information is searched and stored in the memory from the device information. The device information of the electronic device to be used is determined with reference to the usage priority order corresponding to the device information, and the activation request is transmitted to the electronic device corresponding to the determined device information. Since the device information is displayed on the display and presented to the user, it is possible to more easily and reliably use only the MFP that can use the function desired by the user. Kill.

[Eleventh embodiment]
Next, the eleventh embodiment will be described with reference again to the flowchart of FIG.
In the eleventh embodiment, when the external authentication device 5 reads the “user ID” and “accepts function information” in the tenth embodiment, the “performance (printing speed) of the MFP that the user attaches great importance to at the same time. Or cost) information ”is received, and the MFP having the highest performance is preferentially usable, displayed on the display 53, and presented to the user.

Here, the SDRAM 62 of the external authentication device 5 stores “MFP usage authority information” shown in Table 4, “MFP usage time limit information” shown in Table 8, and “MFP priority information” shown in Table 9. Is stored.
The priority order information shown in Table 9 includes “printing speed and printing cost information” as performance information of the MFPs 1 to 3.

  In step S41 of FIG. 6, the external authentication device 5 causes the user to contact his IC card with the IC card reader 52, and the user ID recorded on the IC card (here, “123”). In addition to the desired function (here referred to as “copy function”), in addition to the desired function (here referred to as “copy function”), “the MFP performance emphasized by the user (here referred to as“ print speed ”)” In step S42, the user ID “123” is read from the IC card reader 52, and the selected copy function and printing speed information is received from the display operation unit 54, and the process proceeds to step S43.

  In step S43, based on the user ID “123” read from the IC card reader 52, the copy function and print speed information received from the display operation unit 54, and the usage authority information (see Table 4) stored in the SDRAM 62. Then, the user (the user corresponding to the user ID “123”) searches the device information of each MFP 1 to 3 for device information of the MFP that can use the copy function. Then, using the user ID “123” read from the IC card reader 52, a list of the device information “MFP1, MFP3” of the MFPs that can use the copy function for which the user has usage authority is created.

  At this time, since the device information “MFP1, MFP3” of the MFP that can use the copy function for which the user has the use authority exists in the use authority information, this is determined in step S44, and the process proceeds to step S46. With reference to the stored “MFP priority information (see Table 9)” and “MFP usage time limit information (see Table 8)”, among the MFPs that are not currently used, “ The MFP having the highest “printing speed” is determined as the MFP used by the user.

In the eleventh embodiment, the priority order of MFPs for which the user has authority to use the copy function is in the order of MFP1 and MFP3 from the priority order information shown in Table 9, but the MFP with the fastest printing speed is MFP3. I understand that. Further, since it can be seen from the usage time limit information shown in Table 8 that the MFP 3 is not currently used, the MFP used by the user corresponding to the user ID “123” is determined as “MFP 3”.
The control after step S47 by the external authentication device 5 is the same as in the tenth embodiment.

  As described above, the external authentication device performs the same control as in the first embodiment except for the search process. In the search process, the user information read from the IC card reader and the function selected by the operation on the display operation unit Based on the usage right information stored in the memory, the device information of the MFP that can use the function corresponding to the user information in the usage right information is searched and stored in the memory from the device information. Referring to the usage priority order corresponding to the device information, the device information of the MFP having the highest performance selected by the operation on the display operation unit is determined, and the electronic device corresponding to the determined device information is determined. A startup request is sent to the device, and the determined device information is displayed on the display and presented to the user, allowing the user to use the desired function. And the user can ability to focus is to use the highest MFP easily and reliably.

[Program related to this invention]
This program is provided to a computer (CPU) that controls the external authentication device, and includes user information reading means, device information search means, start request transmission means, device information display means, stop request transmission means, which are functions related to the present invention, and This is a program for realizing the function as the state information acquisition means, and the above-described effects can be obtained by causing a computer to execute such a program.

Such a program may be stored in a storage means such as a ROM, a flash ROM, or an HDD provided in the external authentication device from the beginning, but is a CD-ROM or flexible disk as a recording medium, MO, CD-R. , CD-RW, DVD + R, DVD + RW, DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD-RAM, EEPROM, memory card, or other nonvolatile recording medium (memory). The program recorded on the non-volatile recording medium is installed in the external authentication device and executed by the CPU, or the CPU reads out the program from the non-volatile recording medium and executes it, thereby causing the above-described procedures to be executed. Can do.
Furthermore, it is also possible to download and execute an external device that is connected to a network and includes a recording medium that records the program, or an external device that stores the program in the storage unit.

  As is clear from the above description, according to the present invention, an electronic device optimum for the user can be used easily and reliably. Therefore, it is possible to provide an external authentication device for easily and surely using an electronic device optimal for the user.

It is a conceptual diagram which shows the example of a network structure of the image processing system using the external authentication apparatus by this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware structural example of the external authentication apparatus 5 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the 1st example of the starting control concerning this invention by the external authentication apparatus 5 and MFP1-3 of FIG. It is a flowchart which similarly shows the 2nd example of starting control concerning this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the status information update control concerning this invention by the external authentication apparatus 5 and MFP1-3 of FIG. It is a flowchart which similarly shows the 3rd example of starting control concerning this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1-3: MFP 5: External authentication device 10: LAN 51: Control unit 52: IC card reader 53: Display 54: Display operation unit 61: CPU 62: SDRAM 63: Flash ROM
64: LAN interface

Claims (12)

An external authentication device for communicably connecting to a plurality of electronic devices and authenticating a user of each electronic device,
Usage authority information storage means for associating user information of users of the respective electronic devices with device information of the respective electronic devices and storing them as usage authority information;
User information reading means for reading user information;
Based on the user information read by the user information reading means and the usage authority information stored in the usage authority information storage means, the device information corresponding to the user information in the usage authority information is searched. Device information search means;
An activation request transmitting means for transmitting an activation request to an electronic device corresponding to the device information searched by the device information searching means;
An external authentication apparatus comprising: device information display means for displaying device information searched by the device information search means. An external authentication device for communicably connecting to a plurality of electronic devices and authenticating a user of each electronic device,
Usage authority information storage means for storing device information of each electronic device and user information of a user of each electronic device in association with each other, and storing it as usage authority information;
User information reading means for reading user information;
Based on the user information read by the user information reading means and the usage authority information stored in the usage authority information storage means, the device information corresponding to the user information in the usage authority information is searched. Device information search means;
Device information display means for displaying the device information searched by the device information search means;
Device information selection means for selecting the device information displayed by the device information display means according to an external instruction;
An external authentication apparatus, comprising: an activation request transmission unit that transmits an activation request to an electronic device corresponding to the device information selected by the device information selection unit. The external authentication device according to claim 1 or 2,
Expiration date information storage means for storing expiry date information of the electronic device that receives the activation request transmitted by the activation request transmission means;
Provided is a stop request transmitting means for transmitting a stop request to the electronic device when the use of the electronic device that has received the start request transmitted by the start request transmitting means exceeds the use time limit indicated by the use time limit information. An external authentication device characterized by that. The external authentication device according to claim 2,
Status information acquisition means for acquiring status information from each electronic device by transmitting a status information request to each electronic device;
State information storage means for storing the state information of each electronic device acquired by the state information acquisition means;
The device information display means refers to the status information corresponding to the device information stored in the status information storage means when displaying the device information searched by the device information search means, and cannot be used. An external authentication device comprising means for prohibiting display of device information of an electronic device in a state. The external authentication device according to claim 2,
The usage authority information is information including function information available for each device information,
A function selection means for selecting a function according to an instruction from the outside is provided.
The device information search means is based on the user information read by the user information reading means, the function selected by the function selection means, and the use authority information stored in the use authority information storage means. An external authentication device, characterized in that it is means for searching for device information of an electronic device that can use the function corresponding to the user information in the use authority information. The external authentication device according to claim 5,
The use authority information is obtained by adding speed information of an electronic device corresponding to each device information,
The external authentication apparatus, wherein the device information display means is means for displaying the device information searched by the device information search means together with speed information of a corresponding electronic device. The external authentication device according to claim 6,
The device information display means, when displaying the device information searched by the device information search means together with the speed information of the corresponding electronic device, performs the display in order of increasing or decreasing speed indicated by the speed information. A featured external authentication device. The external authentication device according to claim 5,
The usage authority information is obtained by adding cost information of an electronic device corresponding to each device information,
The external authentication apparatus, wherein the device information display means is a means for displaying the device information searched by the device information search means together with cost information of the corresponding electronic device. The external authentication device according to claim 8, wherein
The device information display means, when displaying the device information searched by the device information search means together with the cost information of the corresponding electronic device, performs the display in order from the lowest or the highest cost indicated by the cost information. A featured external authentication device. The external authentication device according to claim 4,
The usage authority information is information including function information available for each device information,
A function selection means for selecting a function according to an instruction from the outside is provided.
The device information search means is based on the user information read by the user information reading means and the function selected by the function selection means and the use authority information stored in the use authority information storage means. Means for retrieving device information of an electronic device that can use the function corresponding to the user information in the use authority information;
The device information display means refers to the status information corresponding to the device information searched by the device information search means stored in the status information storage means, and only the device information of an electronic device that is in an available state. An external authentication device characterized by displaying. The external authentication device according to claim 1,
The usage authority information is information including function information available for each device information,
Usage priority information storage means for storing usage priority in association with device information of each electronic device and function information available for each device information as usage priority information;
A function selecting means for selecting a function according to an instruction from the outside,
The device information search means is based on the user information read by the user information reading means and the function selected by the function selection means and the use authority information stored in the use authority information storage means. The device information of the electronic device that can use the function corresponding to the user information in the use authority information is searched, and the device information stored in the use priority information storage unit is searched from the device information. A means for determining device information of an electronic device to be used with reference to a corresponding use priority order,
The activation request transmission means is means for transmitting an activation request to an electronic device corresponding to the device information determined by the device information search means,
The external authentication apparatus, wherein the device information display means is means for displaying the device information determined by the device information search means. The external authentication device according to claim 11, wherein
The usage priority information is obtained by adding performance information emphasized by the user for each device information,
Provide a performance selection means to select the performance that the user attaches importance to by instructions from the outside,
The device information search means is based on the user information read by the user information reading means, the function selected by the function selection means, and the use authority information stored in the use authority information storage means. The device information of the electronic device that can use the function corresponding to the user information in the use authority information is searched, and the device information stored in the use priority information storage unit is searched from the device information. The external authentication device is characterized in that it is means for referring to the usage priority order to determine the device information of the electronic device having the highest performance selected by the performance selection means.

Images