SERVICE SEARCH DEVICE IN NETWORK, SERVICE ANSWERING DEVICE, SERVICE SEARCH SYSTEM, METHOD, PROGRAM, AND RECORDING MEDIUM

摘要

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To identify a host computer which is usable by adding user authentication information when discovery operation is conducted for searching out the host computer capable of providing services over a network. SOLUTION: A service search device 10 is connected to host computers capable of providing services via the network 20, and has a discovery message generation means 13, a network broadcast means 14 and a discovery answer reception means 15. The service search device 10 generates a search message including at least authentication information on a user who will use the services and the type of service of search target, broadcasts the generated search message via the network 20, and receives an answer for the broadcasted message from a host computer which can be used by the user. The service search device 10 identifies a usable host computer based on address information included in the received answer. COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI