Abstract: It is assumed that an image forming device has a function such that, while a specific resource is in a state of occupancy, users other than the user who gave instructions for occupancy start are prevented from using the resource. In such an image forming device, a storage unit stores a common password. Further, an occupancy unit, upon receiving user information identifying the user, executes resource occupancy. A cancellation unit, upon entry of received user information or common password, cancels occupancy. With such a configuration, even users other than the one who gave instructions for occupancy start can cancel the resource occupancy, provided they know the common password stored in the storage unit.

Abstract: A printing unit 13, and a control unit 1 for controlling the printing unit so as to print document images on the same face of printing paper sheets for a necessary number of printing paper sheets, on a printing region partitioned beforehand, following a pre-established printing order from a first to a last page of a document, each page of the document being printed on a same printing region, being a first printing region in a printing sequence, from a first page of the plural printing paper sheets and for a number of pages corresponding to the number of print copies, wherein if by a last page of the printing paper sheets there remain not enough printing paper sheets for printing the number of print copies of a same document image, printing continues on another printing region, being a next printing region in a printing sequence, returning to the first page of the printing paper sheets to print the number of copies of the document images of the last page of the document.

Abstract: A password authentication device is disclosed which authenticates the identity of an individual who is attempting to use a digital device, and includes authentication means and input acceptance/rejection means. The authentication means compares a text string input from an input means with a plurality of registered passwords in order to perform authentication, and determines, each time one character of the text string is input, whether or not the text string matches one of the plurality of registered passwords. The input acceptance/rejection means allows input of the next character of the text string from the input means if the authentication means identifies a match, and randomly determines whether to accept or reject input of the next character from the input means if the authentication means does not identify a match.

Abstract: An image forming device having enhanced usability when a resource thereof is being exclusively used is disclosed. The image forming device allows a resource thereof to be exclusively used by a user, and comprises an reservation unit and an interrupt processing unit. The reservation unit is configured to reserve a specific resource for exclusive use if a request having required information attached therewith is received thereby. The interrupt processing unit is configured to send a rejection having certain information about the exclusive usage of a requested resource attached thereto to the user who requested an interrupt request, as a response to the interrupt request, when the specific resource being requested is being exclusively used by another user.