IMAGE PROCESSING SYSTEM, SCANNER, AND TERMINAL APPARATUS

For example, fingerprint information read by a scanner is collated with fingerprint information read by a terminal apparatus used by an operator, so that on the basis of the collation result, the operator is permitted to use this scanner. This configuration allows any operator to use the scanner. Further, the fingerprint information and the like temporarily stored for this collation is deleted on completion of the use of the scanner, so that fingerprint information regarded as important personal information is stored only for a limited duration. This avoids the risk of leakage of the fingerprint information. In conventional image processing systems using fingerprint information, the fingerprint information of operators needed to be registered and stored in advance. This has caused the problem of a risk that the stored fingerprint information leaks to the outside, as well as the problem that the use of the image processing systems is limited to those who have registered their fingerprint information. The present invention has resolved these problems.