Image processing system, image formation apparatus, and relay device

A relay device for relaying communication between at least one image formation apparatus included in a system to which said relay device belongs and an external device not included in said system, the image formation apparatus comprising a memory region accessible by other devices, the relay device comprising:

• a processor;
• a memory;
• wherein the processor provided in the relay device is configured to register at least one first access condition in the memory, said first access condition being received from the image formation apparatus, said first access condition being used for access to the memory region of said image formation apparatus, wherein the memory region is prepared in advance for access from the external device and is distinguishable from an other memory region, wherein the other memory region includes a memory region accessible by an internal device in said system;
• wherein the processor is configured to receive an access request made by said external device with respect to said image formation apparatus;
• wherein the processor is configured to determine whether to permit or deny access to said image formation apparatus by comparing said access request with said first access condition when said access request is a request for access to said image formation apparatus;
• wherein the processor is configured to transfer said access request to said image formation apparatus when said processor determines to permit the access from said external device;
• and
• wherein the processor is configured to notify said external device that the access has been denied when said processor determines to deny the access from said external device.

A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a program causing a computer, which serves as a relay device, to perform an access management process, said relay device relaying communication between at least one internal device included in a system to which the relay device belongs and an external device not included in said system,

• said program causing a processor provided in said computer serving as a relay device to perform:
• registering at least one first access condition in a memory, said first access condition being received from an image formation apparatus serving as said internal device, said first access condition being used for access to a memory region accessible by other devices of said image formation apparatus, wherein the memory region is prepared in advance for access from the external device and is distinguishable from an other memory region, wherein the other memory region includes a memory region accessible by an internal device in said system;
• receiving an access request made by said external device with respect to said internal device;
• determining whether to permit or deny access to said image formation apparatus by comparing said access request with said first access condition when said access request is a request for access to said image formation apparatus;
• and
• transferring said access request to said image formation apparatus when it is determined to permit the access from said external device, and notifying said external device that the access has been denied when it is determined to deny the access from said external device.