Abstract: An information processing apparatus determines whether a device accesses a box region of the information processing apparatus. When it is determined that the box region is accessed, a box ID entry screen is displayed on the device. The information processing apparatus determines whether a box ID is entered by a user of the device. If it is determined that a box ID is entered, then device information about the device is obtained. After the device information is obtained, the information processing apparatus determines whether the device possesses a hardware keyboard. If it is determined that the device possesses a hardware keyboard, a password authentication screen is displayed on the device. If it is determined that the device does not possess a hardware keyboard, an image authentication screen is displayed on the device.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus determines whether a device accesses a box region of the information processing apparatus. When it is determined that the box region is accessed, a box ID entry screen is displayed on the device. The information processing apparatus determines whether a box ID is entered by a user of the device. If it is determined that a box ID is entered, then device information about the device is obtained. After the device information is obtained, the information processing apparatus determines whether the device possesses a hardware keyboard. If it is determined that the device possesses a hardware keyboard, a password authentication screen is displayed on the device. If it is determined that the device does not possess a hardware keyboard, an image authentication screen is displayed on the device.

Abstract: Whether a log-in button has been pressed or not is determined. When it is determined that the log-in button has been pressed, an ID selection screen is displayed. Whether an ID has been selected or not is determined. When it is determined that an ID has been selected, whether a secure printing job is present or not is determined. Thereafter, whether password matching is successfully achieved or not is determined. Thereafter, whether a password image function is ON or not is determined. Then, when it is determined that password matching was successfully achieved and a password image authentication function is ON, password image authentication is carried out.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus determines whether a device accesses a box region of the information processing apparatus. When it is determined that the box region is accessed, a box ID entry screen is displayed on the device. The information processing apparatus determines whether a box ID is entered by a user of the device. If it is determined that a box ID is entered, then device information about the device is obtained. After the device information is obtained, the information processing apparatus determines whether the device possesses a hardware keyboard. If it is determined that the device possesses a hardware keyboard, a password authentication screen is displayed on the device. If it is determined that the device does not possess a hardware keyboard, an image authentication screen is displayed on the device.

Abstract: An authentication method in a system having a display and a storage device is provided. The authentication method includes the steps of registering an object selected for each user from among a plurality of visually distinguishable objects prepared in advance as a key object in the storage device; and presenting the plurality of objects to the display, accepting selection of an object by a user to be authenticated, and performing authentication based on matching/mismatching of the selected object with the key object registered in association with the user. The step of registering includes a step of determining a degree of freedom of selection of the object at the time of registration of the key object according to a degree of overlapping of the key object already registered in the storage device.

Abstract: A manufacturer or the like provides consumable products used in an image forming apparatus with distribution information including a most recent license code and then markets the consumable products, and the image forming apparatus performs authentication processing by reading the distribution information from such consumable products. Receiving a connection request from an application executed by a personal computer, the image forming apparatus determines whether connection may be permitted or not by comparing the license code of the application included in the connection request with the distribution information provided to the consumable product.

Abstract: A manufacturer or the like provides consumable products used in an image forming apparatus with distribution information including a most recent license code and then markets the consumable products, and the image forming apparatus performs authentication processing by reading the distribution information from such consumable products. Receiving a connection request from an application executed by a personal computer, the image forming apparatus determines whether connection may be permitted or not by comparing the license code of the application included in the connection request with the distribution information provided to the consumable product.

Abstract: An authentication method in a system having a display and a storage device is provided. The authentication method includes the steps of registering an object selected for each user from among a plurality of visually distinguishable objects prepared in advance as a key object in the storage device; and presenting the plurality of objects to the display, accepting selection of an object by a user to be authenticated, and performing authentication based on matching/mismatching of the selected object with the key object registered in association with the user. The step of registering includes a step of determining a degree of freedom of selection of the object at the time of registration of the key object according to a degree of overlapping of the key object already registered in the storage device.

Abstract: Whether box access is made or not is determined. When it is determined that a box region is accessed, a box ID entry screen appears. CPU determines whether a box ID is entered or not. If it is determined that a box ID is entered, then device information is obtained. After the device information is obtained, whether a hardware keyboard is present or not is determined. If it is determined that a hardware keyboard is present, a password authentication screen appears. If it is determined that no hardware keyboard is present, an image authentication screen appears.

Abstract: Whether a log-in button has been pressed or not is determined. When it is determined that the log-in button has been pressed, an ID selection screen is displayed. Whether an ID has been selected or not is determined. When it is determined that an ID has been selected, whether a secure printing job is present or not is determined. Thereafter, whether password matching is successfully achieved or not is determined. Thereafter, whether a password image function is ON or not is determined. Then, when it is determined that password matching was successfully achieved and a password image authentication function is ON, password image authentication is carried out.

Abstract: The image forming system includes an image forming apparatus; a detection apparatus that detects a user who enters or exits a room where the image forming apparatus exists; and an administration server that judges a security level of the room based on a detection result drawn by the detection apparatus. The image forming apparatus selects a print mode based on the security level judged by the administration server and performs printing by the selected print mode.