A collation processing apparatus includes user identification information
memory means for storing user identification information which identifies
a user, collation information input means for inputting collation
information, collating means for carrying out collation processing on the
basis of the collation information input by the collation information
input means, user identification information reading means for reading
out predetermined user identification information from the user
identification information memory means on the basis of a collation
result by the collating means, and output means for outputting, to
external equipment, user identification information which has been read
out by the user identification information reading means, thereby making
it possible to specify a user. By setting a communication address serving
as user identification information in the external equipment by address
setting means, data communication in which the user is specified can be
carried out.