METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MANAGING PRIVATE DATA IN MULTI-FUNCTION PRODUCTS

摘要

A method and apparatus is provided for managing private data, such as a phone book, in a multi-function product (MFP) used by multiple users. The method involves receiving user information and performing user authentication, and reading data stored in a user area allocated to the authenticated user in a storage unit divided into a number of user areas. Accordingly, when private data is managed in an MFP used by multiple users, by dividing a storage unit in which data is stored into a number of user areas, allocating the divided user areas to users, and allowing a user to access only a user area allocated to the user through an authentication process, the private data can be fully prevented from being accessed by other users, and it will be unlikely for a user to be confused because of other user data.

主权项

1. A method of managing private data in a multifunction peripheral, the method comprising:
receiving user information; performing user authentication; determining whether a user area allocated to an authenticated user exists in a storage unit comprising a plurality of predefined user areas by using a table comprising information regarding each user and user area allocated to the user; if a user area allocated to the authenticated user exists, reading data stored in the user area allocated to the authenticated user in the storage unit; if a user area allocated to the authenticated user does not exist, allocating to the authenticated user a user area unallocated to other users automatically; prohibiting the authenticated user from accessing the plurality of user areas in the storage unit other than the user area allocated to the authenticated user; and updating the table automatically when the information regarding each user and user area allocated to the user is changed; wherein each of the plurality of user areas is allocable to each of a plurality of users which uses the multifunction peripheral.