Information processing system, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To reduce a risk of losing a portable medium.SOLUTION: An information processing system includes: an image processing device using a portable medium; and an information processing device that is connected to the image processing device via a network. The image processing device includes: an identification unit that identifies the propriety of execution of processing based on identification information; and a virtualization unit that virtualizes the portable medium and obtains the identification information from the information processing device. The information processing device includes: a communication unit that transmits the identification information to the image processing device; and a storage unit that stores the identification information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program. Background Art

[0002] A MultiFunction Peripheral (MFP) including an image forming function for forming an image on a medium is sometimes used in an environment where communication with the outside is blocked for the purpose of ensuring security. In such an environment, when using the functions of the MFP including image forming processing (printing), a technique is known in which data to be processed is stored in a portable medium (for example, a USB memory, an SD (registered trademark) card, or the like) and input to the MFP.

[0003] When inputting data from a portable medium to an MFP, it is common to insert the portable medium into the MFP. In such a case, there is a concern that the portable medium may be lost due to forgetting to remove the used portable medium or the like. Therefore, techniques for preventing loss of a portable medium after use are known. Specifically, a technique is known in which the MFP detects attachment / detachment of a portable medium, reads image data therefrom, and accepts input of print conditions after detecting that the portable medium has been removed (for example, Patent Document 1). Summary of the Invention Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Conventional techniques have a problem in preventing loss of a portable medium when the portable medium is used for data input in an MFP or the like, since the portable medium has to be inserted once.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to reduce the risk of losing a portable medium. Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objective, an information processing system having an image processing device that uses portable media and an information processing device that is connected to the image processing device via a network, The aforementioned image processing device is An identification unit that identifies whether or not to execute the process based on identification information, The system includes a virtualization unit that virtualizes the portable media and acquires the identification information from the information processing device, The aforementioned information processing device is A communication unit that sends the aforementioned identification information to the image processing device, A storage unit that stores the aforementioned identification information and It is equipped with. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, the risk of losing portable media can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This figure shows examples of information processing system configurations and hardware configurations. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the overall process. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of identification processing based on identification information. [Figure 4] This diagram shows an example of a network that is blocked from external access. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of a functional configuration. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of a network connection. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of an information processing device. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of an image processing device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The following examples will be explained with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the embodiments are not limited to the examples described below. Furthermore, the following examples will use a sheet as the paper.

[0010] [Information processing system configuration and hardware configuration] Figure 1 shows an example of an information processing system configuration and hardware configuration. First, the information processing system 1 consists of an image forming apparatus 2 and an information processing apparatus 3. The information processing system 1 may also include other devices besides the image forming apparatus 2 and the information processing apparatus 3. The following explanation will use an example where the image processing apparatus is the image forming apparatus 2.

[0011] Image forming apparatus 2 may be, for example, an MFP, a copier, a printer, or a combination thereof. Note that image forming apparatus 2 can be any device that performs image processing such as image forming.

[0012] The information processing device 3 is a personal computer (PC), server, tablet, or a combination thereof.

[0013] In the information processing system 1, the image forming apparatus 2 and the information processing apparatus 3 are connected via a network 4.

[0014] The image forming apparatus 2 comprises a processing unit 21, an identification unit 22, a control unit 23, a virtualization unit 24, and a communication unit 25. The image forming apparatus 2 may also include devices other than those shown in the figures.

[0015] The processing unit 21 performs processing such as image formation. Therefore, the processing unit 21 is hardware corresponding to the processing content performed by the image forming apparatus 2. For example, the processing unit 21 may be an image forming charging device, exposure device, developing device, transfer device, and fixing device.

[0016] The identification device 22 is a device that performs identification processing and determines whether or not the processing device 21 should proceed with processing.

[0017] The control device 23 is a device that controls hardware included in the image forming apparatus 2.

[0018] The virtualization device 24 is a device that performs virtualization processing.

[0019] The communication device 25 is a device that communicates with an external device.

[0020] Note that the processing device 21, the identification device 22, the control device 23, the virtualization device 24, and the communication device 25 may be devices that execute processing on the same Central Processing Unit (CPU). That is, each of the devices may be an integrated device, or may be separate devices. Further, the image forming apparatus 2 may have a hardware configuration including a plurality of arithmetic devices, control devices, storage devices, communication devices, input devices, and output devices.

[0021] The information processing apparatus 3 is configured to include a communication device 31, a control device 32, and a storage device 33.

[0022] The communication device 31 is a device that communicates with an external device.

[0023] The control device 32 is a device that controls hardware included in the information processing apparatus 3.

[0024] The storage device 33 is a device that reads identification information 35 from a portable medium 34 and stores the read identification information 35.

[0025] Note that the communication device 31, the control device 32, and the storage device 33 may be devices that execute processing on the same CPU. That is, each of the devices may be an integrated device, or may be separate devices. Further, the information processing apparatus 3 may have a hardware configuration including a plurality of arithmetic devices, control devices, storage devices, communication devices, input devices, and output devices.

[0026] A portable medium 34 is connected to the information processing apparatus 3. Further, the portable medium 34 can be attached to and detached from the information processing apparatus 3.

[0027] Specifically, the portable media 34 is a dongle key. For example, the portable media 34 is a dongle key that connects to the information processing device 3 via an interface such as USB.

[0028] [Overall processing example] Figure 2 shows an example of the overall process.

[0029] In step S0201, the virtualization unit 103 virtualizes the portable media 34. Specifically, the image forming apparatus 2 performs virtualization processing and recognizes the USB virtual memory. Therefore, after the virtualization processing is performed, when the image forming apparatus 2 accesses the USB driver, it accesses the USB virtual driver instead.

[0030] Step S0201 only needs to be performed before the processing in step S0202 and subsequent steps. Therefore, step S0201 and the processing in step S0202 and subsequent steps do not need to be executed consecutively. Also, if step S0201 is executed once and the setting for the image forming apparatus 2 to recognize the USB virtual memory persists thereafter, it does not need to be performed repeatedly. In other words, step S0201 may be omitted if it has been executed previously.

[0031] In step S0202, the virtualization unit 103 starts acquiring identification information 35. Specifically, when the image forming apparatus 2 receives an instruction to form an image, it acquires the identification information 35 and prepares for the identification process. Since communication is required to acquire the identification information 35, in step S0202, the image forming apparatus 2 may perform processes to prepare for communication.

[0032] In step S0203, the identification unit 102 performs identification processing based on the identification information 35. Specifically, step S0203 involves the following process.

[0033] Figure 3 shows an example of identification processing based on identification information.

[0034] In step S0301, the identification unit 102 determines whether the virtual device is the access destination. Specifically, if virtualization processing has been performed in advance (in this example, step S0201), the image forming apparatus 2 determines that the virtual device is the access destination (YES in step S0301). On the other hand, if virtualization processing has not been performed, the image forming apparatus 2 searches for a USB memory or the like that is physically connected to the image forming apparatus 2, and if a connected USB memory is found, it is designated as the access destination (NO in step S0301).

[0035] However, in step S0301, if virtualization processing has not been performed in advance and the image forming apparatus 2 cannot recognize the virtual device (NO in step S0301), it may terminate the entire process without performing identification processing and image processing, etc. Thus, the processing to be performed when the virtual device cannot be recognized may be set in advance.

[0036] Next, if the image forming apparatus 2 determines that the virtual device is the access destination (YES in step S0301), it proceeds to step S0303. On the other hand, if the image forming apparatus 2 determines that the virtual device is not the access destination (NO in step S0301), it proceeds to step S0302.

[0037] In step S0302, the identification unit 102 acquires identification information 35 from the USB memory connected to the image forming apparatus 2. Therefore, when the identification process is performed thereafter, the image forming apparatus 2 is identified based on the identification information 35 and becomes ready to perform image processing.

[0038] In step S0303, the virtualization unit 103 communicates with the information processing device 3 to obtain identification information 35. Specifically, the image forming apparatus 2 accesses the USB virtual driver. When the USB virtual driver is accessed, the image forming apparatus 2 starts communicating with the information processing device 3 via the network 4. The information processing device 3 then reads and stores the identification information 35 from the portable media 34. Subsequently, the information processing device 3 returns the identification information 35 to the image forming apparatus 2.

[0039] In this manner, the image forming apparatus 2 can communicate with the information processing apparatus 3 and acquire identification information 35. Therefore, when identification processing is performed thereafter, the image forming apparatus 2 is identified based on the identification information 35 and becomes ready to perform image processing.

[0040] In step S0304, the identification unit 102 performs identification processing. Identification processing is the process of verifying the so-called license of application software, etc. Specifically, if the identification information 35 matches the information set in advance, it is determined that the operation is performed by a user whose license has been officially accepted, and image processing, etc., is identified as permitted to be executed. On the other hand, if the identification information 35 is outdated, or if the identification information 35 is different from the information set in advance, it is determined to be unauthorized use, and the image forming apparatus 2 cannot execute image processing.

[0041] Furthermore, the identification information 35 and the identification process only need to confirm whether or not the user is a legitimate user of the license; the data format of the identification information 35 and the algorithm of the identification process are not specified.

[0042] In step S0204, the identification unit 102 finishes acquiring the identification information 35.

[0043] In step S0205, the identification unit 102 determines, based on the identification information 35, whether or not it was possible to execute the process. That is, if the identification process in step S0304 determines that the operation is being performed by a user whose license has been officially approved, the image forming apparatus 2 determines, based on the identification information 35, that it has been identified (YES in step S0205). In other words, if the image forming apparatus 2 cannot identify the license, it will not execute any processes that require a license. Furthermore, if the image forming apparatus 2 cannot identify whether the user or device is legitimate, it will not execute any processes in order to prevent the image forming apparatus 2 from being used improperly. In this way, the image forming apparatus 2 determines whether or not to execute a process by verifying the user, device, or license based on the identification information 35.

[0044] Next, if it determines that identification is possible (YES in step S0205), the image forming apparatus 2 proceeds to step S0206. On the other hand, if it determines that identification is not possible (NO in step S0205), the image forming apparatus 2 terminates the entire process.

[0045] In step S0206, the image processing unit 101 performs image processing. Thus, the image forming apparatus 2 performs image processing if it is identified based on the identification information 35. On the other hand, if it is not identified, no image processing is performed.

[0046] As described above, once virtualization processing is performed, the image forming apparatus 2 can acquire identification information 35 from the information processing apparatus 3 via the network 4. This type of processing does not differ significantly in processing load from acquiring identification information 35 from a physically connected portable media. Therefore, in the information processing system 1, even if the portable media 34 is not physically connected, the image forming apparatus 2 can identify the portable media 34 with minimal processing load using a virtual device that virtualizes the portable media, just as if the portable media 34 were physically connected.

[0047] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 2 can acquire identification information 35 without being aware of the physical location of the portable media 34 that stores the identification information 35.

[0048] [About the network] Figure 4 shows an example of a network where external access is blocked. Compared to Figure 1, network 4 differs in that it is protected by firewall 5. Thus, it is desirable that network 4 be a highly secure Local Area Network (LAN) or similar, where access is blocked by firewall 5 even if there is an attempt to access it from the outside.

[0049] Network 4 may be blocked from external access by means other than firewall 5. Therefore, network 4 may be a wireless connection, etc. Specifically, network 4 may be a so-called zero-trust network to ensure security.

[0050] [Regarding portable media formats] It is desirable that the portable media 34 be formatted in a predetermined manner. That is, if the portable media 34 is formatted in a proprietary manner, the information stored on the portable media 34, such as the identification information 35, cannot be read unless it is compatible with the format. Therefore, applying a predetermined format to the portable media 34 can improve security. In addition, the information stored on the portable media 34, such as the identification information 35, may be encrypted.

[0051] [Regarding firmware permission information] The portable media 34 may store information that permits firmware updates (hereinafter referred to as "permission information"). First, in the information processing system 1, each device connected to the network 4 is configured to prohibit firmware updates via the network 4. Then, when identified based on the permission information stored in the portable media 34, each device is permitted to update its firmware and can perform the firmware update.

[0052] The image forming apparatus 2 may have special firmware that has been released. On the other hand, there is also general firmware. If special firmware is being used, there is a possibility that an update to the general firmware will occur, and updating to the general firmware may overwrite the special firmware and update it to the general firmware.

[0053] Therefore, by prohibiting firmware updates, the information processing system 1 can prevent situations such as firmware updates being automatically performed unintended by the administrator.

[0054] Even when updating the firmware using authorization information, the information processing system 1 allows the image forming apparatus 2 to identify the portable media 34 with minimal processing load, even if the portable media 34 is not physically connected. This is done through a virtual device that virtualizes the portable media 34. Therefore, even in such cases, the risk of losing the portable media 34 can be reduced.

[0055] [Regarding mounting portable media] It is desirable that the portable media 34 requires authentication before it can be mounted. In other words, it is desirable that the portable media 34 is not always accessible when connected, but only accessible after authentication. Thus, authentication for mounting the portable media 34 can improve security.

[0056] [Example of Functional Configuration] Figure 5 shows an example of a functional configuration. Specifically, in the information processing system 1, the image forming apparatus 2 comprises an image processing unit 101, an identification unit 102, and a virtualization unit 103. In addition, in the information processing system 1, the information processing apparatus 3 comprises a communication unit 104 and a storage unit 105. It is desirable that the information processing apparatus 3 further comprises a prohibition unit 106 and an authentication unit 107.

[0057] The image processing unit 101 performs image processing procedures. For example, the image processing unit 101 is implemented by the processing unit 21, etc.

[0058] The identification unit 102 performs an identification procedure to determine whether or not to execute the process based on the identification information 35. For example, the identification unit 102 can be implemented by an identification device 22 or the like.

[0059] The virtualization unit 103 performs a virtualization procedure that virtualizes the portable media and acquires identification information 35 from the information processing device 3. For example, the virtualization unit 103 is implemented by a virtualization device 24 and a communication device 25, etc.

[0060] The communication unit 104 performs a communication procedure to send identification information 35 to the image forming apparatus 2. For example, the communication unit 104 is implemented by a communication device 31 or the like.

[0061] The memory unit 105 performs a storage procedure to store the identification information 35. This is implemented, for example, by a storage device 33.

[0062] The prohibition unit 106 performs a prohibition procedure to prevent firmware updates via the network 4. For example, the prohibition unit 106 is implemented by the control device 32 or the like.

[0063] The authentication unit 107 performs an authentication procedure to authorize the mounting of the portable media 34. For example, the authentication unit 107 is implemented by the control device 32 or the like.

[0064] With the above configuration, the user can use the image forming apparatus 2 even if the portable media 34 is not physically connected to the image forming apparatus 2 in the information processing system 1. On the other hand, the information processing system 1 can prevent the image forming apparatus 2 from being used illegally through identification processing. Therefore, the information processing system 1 can ensure security while eliminating the need to bring the portable media 34 to the image forming apparatus 2. This prevents loss of the portable media 34 due to forgetting to remove it, etc. Therefore, the information processing system 1 can reduce the risk of losing the portable media 34. In addition, the portable media 34 can be centrally managed in one place, making management easier.

[0065] The information processing device 3 may also include an image processing unit. In other words, the information processing device 3 may be an image forming device such as an MFP installed separately from the image forming apparatus 2.

[0066] Furthermore, the prohibition unit 106 and the authentication unit 107 may be provided by an information processing device other than the information processing device 3.

[0067] [Other embodiments] The portable media 34 does not have to be a USB memory stick. In other words, the portable media 34 does not have to be a USB memory stick, as long as it has a storage device that stores data used for identification in the identification process, and a connection terminal that can send and receive data via an interface.

[0068] Figure 6 shows an example of network connectivity. As shown in the figure, network 4 is connected to an electronic whiteboard, inkjet printer, smartphone, PC, 360-degree camera, video conferencing terminal, projector, and information processing devices such as MFPs, as well as image processing devices.

[0069] Figure 7 shows an example of an information processing device. The information processing device 3 may be a server with the hardware configuration shown in the figure.

[0070] The information processing device 3 includes a CPU 501, ROM 502, RAM 503, HD 504, HDD (Hard Disk Drive) controller 505, display 506, external device connection I / F (Interface) 508, network I / F 509, bus 510, keyboard 511, pointing device 512, DVD-RW (Digital Versatile Disk Rewritable) drive 514, and media I / F 516.

[0071] The CPU 501 controls the operation of the entire information processing unit 3.

[0072] ROM502 stores programs used to drive CPU501, such as IPL. RAM503 is used as the work area for CPU501.

[0073] The HD504 stores various data, such as programs.

[0074] The HDD controller 505 controls the reading or writing of various data to the HD 504 according to the control of the CPU 501.

[0075] Display 506 displays various information such as cursors, menus, windows, text, or images.

[0076] The External Device Connection I / F 508 is an interface for connecting various external devices. These external devices include, for example, USB memory sticks or printers.

[0077] Network I / F509 is an interface for data communication using a communication network.

[0078] Bus 510 is an address bus or data bus, etc., for electrically connecting various components such as the CPU 501.

[0079] The keyboard 511 is a type of input device equipped with multiple keys for inputting characters, numbers, or various instructions using combinations thereof.

[0080] The pointing device 512 is a type of input means used for selecting and executing various instructions, selecting a processing target, or moving a cursor.

[0081] The DVD-RW drive 514 controls the reading and writing of various types of data to the DVD-RW 513, which is an example of a removable recording medium. Note that it is not limited to DVD-RW; DVD-R or other types may also be used.

[0082] The media interface 516 controls the reading or writing (storage) of data to or from the recording medium 515, such as flash memory.

[0083] Figure 8 shows an example of an image processing apparatus. The image forming apparatus 2 may be an MFP with the hardware configuration shown in the figure.

[0084] The image forming apparatus 2 includes a controller 910, a short-range communication circuit 920, an engine control unit 930, an operation panel 940, and a network interface 950.

[0085] Of these components, the controller 910 includes the main components of the computer: the CPU 901, system memory (MEM-P) 902, northbridge (NB) 903, southbridge (SB) 904, ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 906, local memory (MEM-C) 907 (storage unit), HDD controller 908, and HD 909 (storage unit). Furthermore, the NB 903 and ASIC 906 are connected via an AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) bus 921.

[0086] The CPU 901 is a control unit that performs overall control of the image forming apparatus 2.

[0087] The NB903 is a bridge for connecting the CPU901, MEM-P902, SB904, and AGP bus 921. The NB903 also includes a memory controller for controlling read / write operations to the MEM-P902, a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) master, and an AGP target.

[0088] MEM-P902 consists of ROM902a, which is a memory for storing programs or data that implement the various functions of the controller 910, and RAM902b, which is used for program and data deployment and as drawing memory during memory printing. The programs stored in RAM902b may also be provided as installable or executable files recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, CD-R, or DVD.

[0089] The SB904 is a bridge for connecting the NB903, PCI devices, and peripheral devices.

[0090] The ASIC906 is an integrated circuit (IC) for image processing applications that includes hardware elements for image processing. The ASIC906 also acts as a bridge connecting the AGP bus 921, PCI bus 922, HDD909, and MEM-C907. The ASIC906 consists of a PCI target, an AGP master, an arbiter (ARB) that forms the core of the ASIC906, a memory controller that controls the MEM-C907, multiple DMACs (Direct Memory Access Controllers) that perform image data rotation and other operations using hardware logic, and a PCI unit that transfers data via the PCI bus 922 between the scanner unit 931 and the printer unit 932. The ASIC906 may also be connected to a USB interface or an IEEE1394 (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 1394) interface.

[0091] MEM-C907 is a local memory used as a copy image buffer and a code buffer.

[0092] HD909 is a storage device for storing image data, font data used during printing, and forms. Furthermore, HD909 controls data reading and writing according to the control of CPU901.

[0093] The AGP bus 921 is a bus interface for graphics accelerator cards proposed to accelerate graphics processing. Furthermore, the AGP bus 921 allows for high-throughput direct access to the MEM-P902, enabling faster graphics accelerator cards.

[0094] Furthermore, the short-range communication circuit 920 includes a short-range communication circuit 920a. For example, the short-range communication circuit 920 is a communication circuit such as NFC or Bluetooth®.

[0095] The engine control unit 930 consists of a scanner unit 931 and a printer unit 932.

[0096] The control panel 940 displays the current settings or a selection screen. The control panel 940 also includes a panel display unit 940a, such as a touch panel, for receiving input from the operator, and a control panel 940b that has a numeric keypad for receiving setting values ​​for image formation conditions such as density settings, and a start key for receiving a copy start command.

[0097] The controller 910 controls the entire image forming apparatus 2. For example, the controller 910 controls drawing, communication, or input from the operation panel 940.

[0098] The scanner unit 931 or the printer unit 932 includes an image processing unit that performs error diffusion and gamma conversion, etc.

[0099] The image forming apparatus 2 sequentially switches between the document box function, copy function, printer function, and facsimile function using the application switching key on the operation panel 940.

[0100] For example, when the document box function is selected, the image forming apparatus 2 enters document box mode. Similarly, when the copy function is selected, the image forming apparatus 2 enters copy mode; when the printer function is selected, the image forming apparatus 2 enters printer mode; and when the facsimile mode is selected, the image forming apparatus 2 enters facsimile mode.

[0101] The Network I / F950 is an interface for data communication using a communication network.

[0102] The short-range communication circuit 920 and the network interface 950 are electrically connected to the ASIC 906 via the PCI bus 922.

[0103] The information processing method may be implemented, for example, based on a program. Specifically, devices such as an arithmetic unit, a memory device, and a control device work together based on the program to execute the information processing method. The program may be stored on a computer-readable storage medium and distributed, or distributed via a telecommunications line.

[0104] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments exemplified above. Therefore, the present invention can be modified by adding or changing components without departing from the technical spirit. Thus, all technical matters included in the technical concept described in the claims are covered by the present invention. The embodiments exemplified above are specific examples that are suitable for implementation. Furthermore, those skilled in the art can implement various modifications from the disclosed content, and such modifications are included in the technical scope described in the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0105] 1: Information Processing System 2: Image forming apparatus 3: Information Processing Device 4: Network 34: Portable media 35: Identification Information 101: Image Processing Unit 102: Identification unit 103: Virtualization Department 104: Communications Department 105: Storage section 106: Prohibited part 107: Authentication Department [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0106] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5992751

Claims

1. An information processing system comprising an image processing device that uses portable media and an information processing device that is connected to the image processing device via a network, The aforementioned image processing device is An identification unit that identifies whether or not to execute the process based on identification information, A virtualization unit that virtualizes the portable media and acquires the identification information from the information processing device, It comprises an image processing unit that performs image processing, The aforementioned information processing device is A communication unit that sends the aforementioned identification information to the image processing device, The system includes a storage unit for storing the aforementioned identification information, The aforementioned network is Block external access, The aforementioned identification unit is The virtualization unit determines whether the virtual device created by virtualizing the portable media is the access destination. If the virtual device is not the access destination, the system determines whether or not to execute the process based on the identification information of the portable media physically connected to the image processing device. When the virtual device is the access destination, the image processing unit identifies that the virtual device is physically connected to the image processing unit and performs image processing. Information processing system.

2. The aforementioned portable media is It is in the prescribed format. The information processing system according to claim 1.

3. The system further includes a prohibition unit that prohibits firmware updates via the aforementioned network, The aforementioned portable media is It stores permission information that allows the firmware update. The information processing system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The aforementioned storage unit is It is a dongle key. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The aforementioned information processing device is It further includes an image processing unit that performs image processing. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The system further comprises an authentication unit that permits mounting of the aforementioned portable media. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. An information processing method performed by an information processing system having an image processing device that uses portable media and an information processing device connected to the image processing device via a network, The aforementioned image processing device includes an identification procedure that determines whether or not to perform processing based on identification information, The image processing device virtualizes the portable media and performs a virtualization procedure to acquire the identification information from the information processing device, The information processing device provides a communication procedure for sending the identification information to the image processing device, The information processing device includes a storage procedure for storing the identification information, The aforementioned information processing device performs an image processing procedure, Includes, The aforementioned network is Block external access, In the aforementioned identification procedure, The virtualization procedure described above determines whether the virtual device created by virtualizing the portable media is the access destination. If the virtual device is not the access destination, the system determines whether or not to execute the process based on the identification information of the portable media physically connected to the image processing device. If the virtual device is the access destination, the system identifies that the virtual device is physically connected to the image processing device and performs the image processing using the image processing procedure. Information processing methods.

8. A program for executing the information processing method described in claim 7.

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