Patent ID: 8429402
Filing Date: 2013-04-23
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A method for authenticating a maintenance and diagnostics service computer for connection to a printing or copying system to be serviced by performing maintenance and diagnostics, comprising the steps of: generating a transaction information by an authentication server and delivering via a first communication line the transaction information to a user of said maintenance and diagnostics service computer, said transaction information being entered by the user of the service computer into the service computer in order to execute authentication of the service computer; generating first data by the service computer with aid of the transaction information, said first data including a hardware identifier of hardware contained in the service computer; transmitting said first data via a second communication line which is distinct from the first communication line from the service computer to the authentication server over said second communication line comprising a data line; generating key data by the authentication server depending on the first data and transmitting the key data from the authentication server to the service computer over the data line, said key data defining access rights of the service computer; with the service computer generating authentication information for authenticating the service computer with aid of the key data; transmitting the authentication information from the service computer directly to a system control unit of said printing or copying system independently of the authentication server and after receiving the key data from the authentication server verifying authenticity of the service computer by the system control unit; and with the system control unit checking said access rights defined by the key data of the service computer, and if access is authorized, servicing by performing said maintenance and diagnostics on the printing or copying system with the maintenance and diagnostics service computer.