Patent ID: 7627751
Filing Date: 2009-12-01
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. An information processing apparatus including a hardware processor and memory, the apparatus using functions of a plurality of external apparatuses using certificate information from an authentication apparatus for authenticating a user, the information processing apparatus comprising: a receiving unit that receives authentication information for causing the authentication apparatus to authenticate the user; a first acquiring unit that acquires a master ticket, the master ticket indicating that the user has been authenticated by sending the authentication information to the authentication apparatus, wherein the master ticket allows the user to access all the plurality of external apparatuses that permit access with the master ticket; and a second acquiring unit that acquires an authentication ticket that allows the user to access a particular one of the plurality of external apparatuses from the authentication apparatus based on the master ticket, the authentication ticket having a period of validity, wherein the master ticket allows continued use of the a function of the particular one of the plurality of external apparatuses even in case the period of validity of the authentication ticket is expired.