Information processing device

Abstract

To enable improvement of security.SOLUTION: An information processing device 10 includes: storage devices 11a, 11b, etc., a first processing unit 12, a switching circuit 13, an operation accepting unit 14, and a second processing unit 15. The first processing unit 12 accesses a connected storage device. The switching circuit 13 connects any one storage device among the storage devices 11a, 11b, etc. so as to allow the first processing unit 12 to access the same. The operation accepting unit 14 accepts an operation of a user. The second processing unit 15 determines a connection storage device from among the storage devices 11a, 11b, etc. on the basis of the operation accepted by the operation accepting unit 14. The second processing unit 15 makes the switching circuit 13 connect the connection storage device with the first processing unit 12 to implement accessing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device. [Background technology]

[0002] PCs (Personal Computers) can be used for both personal and business purposes. BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) is a system that allows people to use their personal devices for work purposes, eliminating the need to have multiple PCs for both personal and business use.

[0003] As a technology related to BYOD, for example, a route control device that can flexibly specify the route of a traffic flow has been proposed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-012982 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When using a BYOD PC for both personal and business use, it is conceivable that multiple storage devices will be used depending on the purpose. However, if the PC processor can access one storage device while also accessing another, there is a security risk that if one storage device becomes infected with a computer virus, the other storage devices will also become infected with the computer virus.

[0006] In one aspect, the present invention aims to improve security. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In one proposal, an information processing device is provided that has a plurality of storage devices, a first processing unit, a switch circuit, an operation receiving unit, and a second processing unit. The first processing unit accesses the connected storage devices. The switch circuit connects one of the plurality of storage devices so that the first processing unit can access it. The operation receiving unit receives a user operation. The second processing unit determines a connected storage device from the plurality of storage devices based on the operation received by the operation receiving unit, and causes the switch circuit to connect the connected storage device so that the first processing unit can access it. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one aspect, security can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an information processing device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a PC according to a second embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a hardware configuration of a PC according to a second embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example of functions of a PC according to a second embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of an SSD switching circuit according to a second embodiment; [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for SSD switching processing according to the second embodiment; [Figure 7] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a PC according to a third embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a hardware configuration of a PC according to a third embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example of functions of a PC according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of an SSD switching circuit according to a third embodiment; [Figure 11]13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for SSD switching processing according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that each embodiment can be implemented in combination with a plurality of other embodiments within a range that does not contradict each other. [First embodiment] First, the first embodiment will be described.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an information processing device according to a first embodiment. In the first embodiment, a storage device used by an information processing device 10 is switched. The information processing device 10 is a computer operated by a user. The information processing device 10 is, for example, a notebook PC or a desktop PC. The information processing device 10 has storage devices 11a, 11b, . . ., a first processing unit 12, a switch circuit 13, an operation receiving unit 14, and a second processing unit 15.

[0012] The storage devices 11a, 11b, etc. are non-volatile storage devices. The storage devices 11a, 11b, etc. are used as auxiliary storage devices for the information processing device 10. The storage devices 11a, 11b, etc. are, for example, solid state drives (SSDs), hard disk drives (HDDs), flash memories, etc. Each of the storage devices 11a, 11b, etc. stores an operating system (OS) program, application programs, and various data.

[0013] The first processing unit 12 is a processor that controls the entire information processing device 10. The first processing unit 12 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The first processing unit 12 accesses a connected storage device. For example, the first processing unit 12 boots an OS from the connected storage device. The first processing unit 12 then executes application programs stored in the connected storage device and refers to various data stored in the connected storage device.

[0014] The switch circuit 13 connects any one of the storage devices 11a, 11b, etc. so that the first processing unit 12 can access it. For example, the switch circuit 13 includes a circuit that connects a signal line for transmitting and receiving data between any one of the storage devices 11a, 11b, etc. and the first processing unit 12. The switch circuit 13 includes a terminal to which the first processing unit 12 is connected by the signal line, and terminals corresponding to the storage devices 11a, 11b, etc., to which the corresponding storage devices are connected by signal lines. The switch circuit 13 connects the terminal to which the first processing unit 12 is connected to any one of the terminals to which the storage devices are connected.

[0015] The operation acceptance unit 14 accepts user operations. The operation acceptance unit 14 is, for example, a physical switch. The operation acceptance unit 14 may be a slide-type physical switch that can slide to positions corresponding to the storage devices 11a, 11b, etc., or a push-type physical switch provided with buttons corresponding to the storage devices 11a, 11b, etc. Furthermore, for example, the operation acceptance unit 14 is a biometric sensor that reads biometric information of the user. Examples of biometric information include fingerprints, irises, faces, veins, etc.

[0016] The second processing unit 15 controls the switch circuit 13. The second processing unit 15 is, for example, an embedded controller (EC) that controls the power supply to the hardware of the information processing device 10 and the startup of the information processing device 10. When the information processing device 10 is started up, the second processing unit 15 controls the switch circuit 13 as follows.

[0017] The second processing unit 15 determines a connected storage device from among the storage devices 11a, 11b, ... based on an operation received by the operation reception unit 14. When the operation reception unit 14 is a physical switch, the second processing unit 15 determines a connected storage device according to the state of the operation reception unit 14. For example, the second processing unit 15 acquires a position to which the operation reception unit 14, which is a slide-type physical switch, has been slid from the operation reception unit 14, and determines a storage device corresponding to the acquired position as a connected storage device. Furthermore, for example, the second processing unit 15 receives a notification from the operation reception unit 14 of a pressed button on the operation reception unit 14, which is a push-type physical switch, and determines a storage device corresponding to the notified button as a connected storage device.

[0018] Furthermore, when the operation reception unit 14 is a biometric sensor, the second processing unit 15 determines the connected storage device according to the result of matching the read biometric information read by the operation reception unit 14 with the registered biometric information. Each piece of registered biometric information is associated with one of the storage devices 11a, 11b, .... The second processing unit 15 determines the storage device corresponding to the registered biometric information that matches the read biometric information as the connected storage device based on the result of matching the read biometric information with the registered biometric information. Note that the operation reception unit 14 may match the read biometric information with the registered biometric information, or the second processing unit 15 may match the read biometric information with the registered biometric information.

[0019] The second processing unit 15 causes the switch circuit 13 to connect the connected storage device so that it can be accessed by the first processing unit 12. For example, the second processing unit 15 instructs the switch circuit 13 to connect the connected storage device to the first processing unit 12 by sending a signal indicating the connected storage device to the switch circuit 13. Then, the switch circuit 13 connects the terminal to which the first processing unit 12 is connected to the terminal to which the connected storage device is connected.

[0020] According to the first embodiment, the information processing device 10 has storage devices 11a, 11b, ..., a first processing unit 12, a switch circuit 13, an operation reception unit 14, and a second processing unit 15. The first processing unit 12 accesses the connected storage devices. The switch circuit 13 connects any one of the storage devices 11a, 11b, ... so that the first processing unit 12 can access it. The operation reception unit 14 receives a user operation. The second processing unit 15 determines a connection storage device from the storage devices 11a, 11b, ... based on the operation received by the operation reception unit 14, and causes the switch circuit 13 to connect the connection storage device so that the first processing unit 12 can access it.

[0021] In this way, when using the connected storage device, the information processing device 10 can be set so that the first processing unit 12 cannot access storage devices other than the connected storage device among the storage devices 11a, 11b, etc. This prevents the information processing device 10 from processing data in storage devices other than the connected storage device even if the information processing device 10 is infected with a computer virus that performs processing such as tampering with internal data while using the connected storage device. Therefore, the information processing device 10 can improve security.

[0022] The switch circuit 13 also includes a circuit that connects a signal line for transmitting and receiving data between any one of the storage devices 11a, 11b, ... and the first processing unit 12. This allows the information processing device 10 to be set so that the first processing unit 12 can transmit and receive data only to the connected storage device among the storage devices 11a, 11b, ....

[0023] Furthermore, the operation reception unit 14 is a physical switch, and the second processing unit 15 determines the storage device to be connected depending on the state of the operation reception unit 14. This allows the information processing device 10 to easily set the storage device to be used.

[0024] The operation reception unit 14 is a biometric sensor that reads the biometric information of the user, and the second processing unit 15 determines the connection storage device according to the result of matching the read biometric information read by the operation reception unit 14 with the registered biometric information. This allows the information processing device 10 to use different storage devices for each user.

[0025] The switch circuit 13 may include a circuit that supplies power to any one of the storage devices 11a, 11b, etc. This allows the information processing device 10 to prevent unnecessary power supply to storage devices that are not in use.

[0026] Furthermore, if the read biometric information does not match the registered biometric information, the second processing unit 15 stops the activation of the first processing unit 12. This enables the information processing device 10 to prevent the operation of the information processing device 10 by a user whose biometric information is not registered.

[0027] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, the SSD accessed by the CPU of a PC is switched by a physical switch.

[0028] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a PC according to the second embodiment. PC 100 is a notebook PC used by a user. PC 100 includes built-in SSDs 103-1 and 103-2. SSDs 103-1 and 103-2 are auxiliary storage devices for PC 100. SSDs 103-1 and 103-2 store an OS program, application programs, and various data, respectively. For example, SSD 103-1 stores data when a user uses PC 100 for personal use, and SSD 103-2 stores data when a user uses PC 100 for business purposes.

[0029] The PC 100 has a physical switch 28. The physical switch 28 is a switch that can slide left and right. At startup, the EC of the PC 100 connects one of the SSDs 103-1 and 103-2 to the CPU of the PC 100 depending on whether the physical switch 28 is slid to the left or right. The CPU then boots and starts the OS from the connected SSD. When a user uses the PC 100 for personal use, the user starts the PC 100 by sliding the physical switch 28 to the side corresponding to the SSD 103-1 (for example, to the left). When a user uses the PC 100 for business purposes, the user starts the PC 100 by sliding the physical switch 28 to the side corresponding to the SSD 103-2 (for example, to the right).

[0030] The SSDs 103-1 and 103-2 are examples of the storage devices 11a, 11b, etc. described in the first embodiment. The physical switch 28 is an example of the operation reception unit 14 described in the first embodiment.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a PC according to the second embodiment. The entire PC 100 is controlled by a CPU 101. The CPU 101 is a processor that executes program instructions. The CPU 101 may include multiple processor cores. The CPU 101 may also be multiple processors, such as an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). At least some of the functions realized by the CPU 101 executing a program may be realized by an electronic circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or a PLD (Programmable Logic Device). A memory 102 and multiple peripheral devices are connected to the CPU 101 via a bus 110.

[0032] The memory 102 is used as the main storage device of the PC 100. The memory 102 temporarily stores at least a part of the OS program and application programs to be executed by the CPU 101. The memory 102 also stores various data used in processing by the CPU 101. The memory 102 may be, for example, a volatile semiconductor storage device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0033] The peripheral devices connected to the bus 110 include a switch circuit 31, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) 104, an input interface 105, an optical drive device 106, and a device connection interface 107. The peripheral devices connected to the bus 110 also include an EC 108 and a network interface 109.

[0034] The switch circuit 31 connects either the SSD 103-1 or 103-2 to the bus 110 in accordance with an instruction from the EC 108. The SSDs 103-1 and 103-2 are auxiliary storage devices for the PC 100. The SSDs 103-1 and 103-2 store the OS program, application programs, and various data. The PC 100 may also include other types of auxiliary storage devices, such as flash memory or HDD.

[0035] A monitor 21 is connected to the GPU 104. The GPU 104 displays an image on the screen of the monitor 21 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 101. The monitor 21 may be a display device using an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display device, a liquid crystal display device, or the like.

[0036] The input interface 105 is connected to a keyboard 22 and a touchpad 23. The input interface 105 transmits signals sent from the keyboard 22 and the touchpad 23 to the CPU 101. The touchpad 23 is an example of a pointing device, and other pointing devices can also be used. Examples of other pointing devices include a mouse, a touch panel, a tablet, and a trackball.

[0037] The optical drive device 106 uses a laser beam or the like to read data recorded on an optical disc 24. The optical disc 24 is a portable recording medium on which data is recorded so that it can be read by reflected light. The optical disc 24 includes a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), a DVD-RAM, a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), a CD-R (Recordable) / RW (Rewritable), etc.

[0038] The device connection interface 107 is a communication interface for connecting peripheral devices to the PC 100. For example, a memory device 25 or a memory reader / writer 26 can be connected to the device connection interface 107. The memory device 25 is a recording medium equipped with a function for communicating with the device connection interface 107. The memory reader / writer 26 is a device for writing data to the memory card 27 or reading data from the memory card 27. The memory card 27 is a card-type recording medium.

[0039] The EC 108 is a controller that controls the power supply to the hardware of the PC 100 and the startup of the PC 100. Power is supplied to the EC 108 even before the power button for starting the PC 100 is pressed. The EC 108 has a processor 108-1, a RAM 108-2, and a ROM 108-3. The processor 108-1 loads firmware (control software) stored in the ROM 108-3 into the RAM 108-2 and executes processing in accordance with the firmware. The processor 108-1 is, for example, a CPU, an MPU, or a DSP. At least some of the functions realized by the processor 108-1 executing a program may be realized by an electronic circuit such as an ASIC or a PLD.

[0040] The RAM 108-2 is a volatile semiconductor storage device used as the main storage device of the EC 108. The RAM 108-2 temporarily stores at least a part of the program to be executed by the processor 108-1. The RAM 108-2 also stores various data used in processing by the processor 108-1.

[0041] The ROM 108-3 is a non-volatile semiconductor storage device that stores firmware, and may be an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) or an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory).

[0042] The network interface 109 is connected to the network 20. The network interface 109 transmits and receives data to and from other computers or communication devices via the network 20.

[0043] The PC 100 can realize the processing functions of the second embodiment with the hardware configuration described above. The information processing device 10 shown in the first embodiment can also be realized with hardware similar to that of the PC 100 shown in FIG. 3. The CPU 101 is an example of the first processing unit 12 shown in the first embodiment. The EC 108 is an example of the second processing unit 15 shown in the first embodiment.

[0044] The PC 100 realizes the processing functions of the second embodiment by executing a program recorded on, for example, a computer-readable recording medium. A program describing the processing to be executed by the PC 100 can be recorded on various recording media. For example, the program to be executed by the PC 100 can be stored in ROM 108-3. The processor 108-1 loads at least a portion of the program in ROM 108-3 into RAM 108-2 and executes the program. The program to be executed by the PC 100 can also be recorded on a portable recording medium such as the optical disk 24, memory device 25, or memory card 27. A program stored on a portable recording medium can be installed in ROM 108-3 under the control of, for example, the CPU 101, and then executed. The processor 108-1 can also read and execute the program directly from the portable recording medium. Next, the functions of the PC 100 will be described in detail.

[0045] 4 is a block diagram showing an example of functions of a PC according to the second embodiment. The PC 100 has a boot control unit 120 and a switching control unit 130 as functions of the EC 108. The boot control unit 120 and the switching control unit 130 are realized by the processor 108-1 executing firmware stored in the RAM 108-2.

[0046] The boot control unit 120 determines whether to cause the switching control unit 130 to execute processing when the PC 100 is started up. When the power button of the PC 100 is pressed, the boot control unit 120 determines whether the PC 100 is in a shutdown state. If the boot control unit 120 determines that the PC 100 is in a shutdown state, it causes the switching control unit 130 to execute settings for the SSD to be connected to the CPU 101. When the settings by the switching control unit 130 are completed, the boot control unit 120 notifies the CPU 101 of the completion of the settings.

[0047] The switching control unit 130 sets the SSD to be connected to the CPU 101 according to the state of the physical switch 28. The switching control unit 130 acquires the state of the physical switch 28 when the PC 100 is started up. For example, the switching control unit 130 acquires, from the physical switch 28, a signal indicating the position to which the physical switch 28 is slid.

[0048] The switching control unit 130 determines, from SSDs 103-1 and 103-2, the SSD to which the physical switch 28 has been slid to the corresponding position as the SSD to be connected to the CPU 101. For example, when the switching control unit 130 receives a signal from the physical switch 28 indicating that the switch has been slid to the left, it determines SSD 103-1 as the SSD to be connected to the CPU 101. Furthermore, when the switching control unit 130 receives a signal from the physical switch 28 indicating that the switch has been slid to the right, it determines SSD 103-2 as the SSD to be connected to the CPU 101. Then, the switching control unit 130 controls the switch circuit 31 and the switch circuit that switches the SSD to which power is supplied, to connect the CPU 101 and power to the determined SSD.

[0049] 4. The lines connecting the elements shown in Fig. 4 indicate part of the communication paths, and communication paths other than those shown in the figure can also be set. Next, a circuit for switching the SSD to be used by the EC 108 will be described.

[0050] 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an SSD switching circuit according to the second embodiment. The EC 108 switches the SSD accessed by the CPU 101 depending on the state of the physical switch 28. The SSD switching circuit according to the second embodiment includes the physical switch 28, switch circuits 31 and 32, a power supply 41, the CPU 101, an SSD 103-1 (SSD#1), an SSD 103-2 (SSD#2), and the EC 108.

[0051] The physical switch 28 is a switch that can be slid left and right by the user. The physical switch 28 is connected to the EC 108 so as to transmit a signal indicating the position to which the switch is slid. The switch circuit 31 switches the SSD to be connected to the CPU 101. The switch circuit 31 has a terminal connected to the CPU 101 via a PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect express: registered trademark) bus.

[0052] The switch circuit 31 also has a terminal connected to SSD 103-1 via a PCIe bus and a terminal connected to SSD 103-2 via a PCIe bus. The switch circuit 31 also has a terminal for receiving an SSD_SELECT signal from the EC 108. Based on the SSD_SELECT signal, the switch circuit 31 connects the terminal connected to the CPU 101 to either the terminal connected to SSD 103-1 or the terminal connected to SSD 103-2.

[0053] When the switch circuit 31 connects the terminal connected to the CPU 101 to the terminal connected to the SSD 103-1 (connecting the CPU 101 to the SSD 103-1), the CPU 101 cannot access the SSD 103-2 and accesses the SSD 103-1. When the switch circuit 31 connects the terminal connected to the CPU 101 to the terminal connected to the SSD 103-2 (connecting the CPU 101 to the SSD 103-2), the CPU 101 cannot access the SSD 103-1 and accesses the SSD 103-2.

[0054] The switch circuit 32 switches the SSD to which power is supplied. The switch circuit 32 has a terminal connected to a power supply 41. The power supply 41 supplies power to the hardware of the PC 100. The power supply 41 is, for example, a power supply such as a battery. The power supply 41 supplies 3.3 V power to the switch circuit 32.

[0055] The switch circuit 32 also has a terminal connected to SSD 103-1 and a terminal connected to SSD 103-2. The switch circuit 32 also has a terminal for receiving an SSD_SELECT signal from the EC 108. Based on the SSD_SELECT signal, the switch circuit 32 connects the terminal connected to the power supply 41 to either the terminal connected to SSD 103-1 or the terminal connected to SSD 103-2.

[0056] When the switch circuit 32 connects the terminal connected to the power supply 41 to the terminal connected to the SSD103-1 (connecting the power supply 41 to the SSD103-1), the power supply 41 does not supply power to the SSD103-2 but supplies power to the SSD103-1. Also, when the switch circuit 32 connects the terminal connected to the power supply 41 to the terminal connected to the SSD103-1 (connecting the power supply 41 to the SSD103-1), the power supply 41 does not supply power to the SSD103-1 but supplies power to the SSD103-2.

[0057] The SSD_SELECT signal used by the switch circuit 31 to connect the CPU 101 to the SSD 103-1 is set to match the SSD_SELECT signal used by the switch circuit 32 to connect the power supply 41 to the SSD 103-1. The SSD_SELECT signal used by the switch circuit 31 to connect the CPU 101 to the SSD 103-2 is set to match the SSD_SELECT signal used by the switch circuit 32 to connect the power supply 41 to the SSD 103-2.

[0058] When the power button of the PC 100 is pressed (power ON), the EC 108 controls the switch circuits 31 and 32 to connect the power supply 41 and the CPU 101 to one of the SSDs 103-1 and 103-2. First, when the power button of the PC 100 is pressed, the physical switch 28 sends a signal indicating the position to which it has been slid to the EC 108. When the physical switch 28 has been slid to the left corresponding to SSD #1, it sends a signal indicating that it has been slid to the left to the EC 108. When the physical switch 28 has been slid to the right corresponding to SSD #2, it sends a signal indicating that it has been slid to the right to the EC 108.

[0059] The EC 108 transmits an SSD_SELECT signal to the switch circuits 31 and 32 based on a signal obtained from the physical switch 28. For example, when the EC 108 receives a signal from the physical switch 28 indicating that the switch has been slid to the left, it transmits an SSD_SELECT signal to the switch circuits 31 and 32 to connect the CPU 101 and the power supply 41 to the SSD 103-1. The switch circuit 31 then connects the terminal connected to the CPU 101 to the terminal connected to the SSD 103-1. The switch circuit 32 then connects the terminal connected to the power supply 41 to the terminal connected to the SSD 103-1. This causes the power supply 41 to supply power to the SSD 103-1, which then starts up. The CPU 101 then boots the OS from the SSD 103-1, executes application programs in the SSD 103-1, and references various data.

[0060] Furthermore, for example, when the EC 108 receives a signal from the physical switch 28 indicating that the switch has been slid to the right, it transmits an SSD_SELECT signal to the switch circuits 31 and 32 to connect the CPU 101 and the power supply 41 to the SSD 103-2. The switch circuit 31 then connects the terminal connected to the CPU 101 to the terminal connected to the SSD 103-2. The switch circuit 32 then connects the terminal connected to the power supply 41 to the terminal connected to the SSD 103-2. This causes the power supply 41 to supply power to the SSD 103-2, which then starts up. The CPU 101 then boots the OS from the SSD 103-2, executes application programs in the SSD 103-2, and references various data.

[0061] In this way, the EC 108 sends an SSD_SELECT signal corresponding to the state of the physical switch 28 to the switch circuits 31 and 32, connecting one of the SSDs 103-1 and 103-2 to the power supply 41 and the CPU 101. The switch circuit 31 connects the SSD specified by the SSD_SELECT signal to the CPU 101 via a signal line capable of sending and receiving data, and prevents the CPU 101 from connecting any SSD not specified by the SSD_SELECT signal. This allows the PC 100 to have the CPU 101 use the SSDs connected to the power supply 41 and the CPU 101, and to prevent the CPU 101 from accessing data in SSDs that are not in use.

[0062] Furthermore, the switch circuit 32 connects the SSD specified by the SSD_SELECT signal to the power supply 41, and prevents the SSDs not specified by the SSD_SELECT signal from being connected to the power supply 41. This allows the PC 100 to prevent unnecessary power supply to SSDs that are not in use.

[0063] Even if one of the SSDs is infected with a computer virus while in use, the CPU 101 cannot access the unused SSD, preventing tampering with data in the unused SSD. This improves the security of the PC 100.

[0064] Furthermore, the EC 108 can identify the SSD that the user wants to use simply by accepting the user's operation of sliding the physical switch 28. Therefore, the PC 100 can easily perform the user's operation of determining the SSD to use. The processing procedure executed by the PC 100 will be described in detail below.

[0065] 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of SSD switching processing according to the second embodiment. The processing shown in FIG. 6 will be explained below in order of step number. [Step S11] The PC 100 receives a press of the power button.

[0066] [Step S12] The startup control unit 120 determines whether the PC 100 is in a shutdown state. If the startup control unit 120 determines that the PC 100 is in a shutdown state, the process proceeds to step S13. If the startup control unit 120 determines that the PC 100 is not in a shutdown state (is in a sleep state), the process ends.

[0067] [Step S13] The switching control unit 130 acquires the state of the physical switch 28. For example, the switching control unit 130 acquires, from the physical switch 28, a signal indicating the position to which the physical switch 28 has been slid.

[0068] [Step S14] The switching control unit 130 determines whether the physical switch 28 has been slid to the side corresponding to SSD 103-1 (SSD #1). For example, when the switching control unit 130 receives from the physical switch 28 a signal indicating that the switch has been slid to the left, the switching control unit 130 determines that the switch has been slid to the side corresponding to SSD 103-1. Also, for example, when the switching control unit 130 receives from the physical switch 28 a signal indicating that the switch has been slid to the right, the switching control unit 130 determines that the switch has been slid to the side corresponding to SSD 103-2 (SSD #2) (not to the side corresponding to SSD 103-1). If the switching control unit 130 determines that the physical switch 28 has been slid to the side corresponding to SSD 103-1, the processing proceeds to step S15. If the switching control unit 130 determines that the physical switch 28 has been slid to the side corresponding to SSD 103-2, the processing proceeds to step S16.

[0069] [Step S15] The switching control unit 130 transmits an SSD_SELECT signal for connecting the CPU 101 and the power supply 41 to the SSD 103-1 (SSD#1) to the switch circuits 31 and 32. Then, the process proceeds to step S17.

[0070] [Step S16] The switching control unit 130 transmits an SSD_SELECT signal to the switch circuits 31 and 32 to connect the CPU 101 and the power supply 41 to the SSD 103-2 (SSD#2).

[0071] [Step S17] The start-up control unit 120 notifies the CPU 101 of the completion of the settings. For example, when the start-up control unit 120 has completed the settings for supplying power to the hardware of the PC 100, the start-up control unit 120 notifies the CPU 101 of the completion of the settings and causes the CPU 101 to start processing for starting the PC 100.

[0072] In this way, the switching control unit 130 transmits an SSD_SELECT signal corresponding to the state of the physical switch 28 to the switch circuits 31 and 32, and connects one of the SSDs 103-1 and 103-2 to the power supply 41 and the CPU 101. As a result, even if one of the SSDs (e.g., SSD 103-2) is infected with a computer virus while in use, the CPU 101 cannot access the other SSD (e.g., SSD 103-1), and therefore processing such as tampering with the data in SSD 103-1 can be prevented. Therefore, the security of the PC 100 can be improved. Furthermore, even if the business-use SSD 103-2 is infected with a computer virus and the user provides the SSD 103-2 to a company, the user can continue to use the PC 100 as a personal PC.

[0073] Furthermore, when the power button is pressed in the shutdown state, the switching control unit 130 sets the SSD to be connected to the power supply 41 and the CPU 101. This allows the PC 100 to prevent the SSD to be used from being switched in the sleep state.

[0074] Another method for preventing business data leaks when using a PC for both personal and business purposes is to install MDM (Mobile Device Management) software, which detects prohibited applications and prohibits or deletes data from being saved. However, installing MDM software can result in applications that cannot be used for personal use, or in a breach of privacy where personal data is provided to the company. In the second embodiment, when the EC 108 connects the CPU 101 to the business SSD 103-2, the CPU 101 cannot access the personal SSD 103-1. Therefore, when MDM software is installed on the SSD 103-2, the CPU 101 can restrict applications used for personal use and prevent personal data from being provided to the company.

[0075] According to the second embodiment, the CPU 101 accesses the connected SSDs. The switch circuits 31 and 32 connect one of the SSDs 103-1 and 103-2 so that the CPU 101 can access it. The physical switch 28 accepts a user operation. The EC 108 selects one of the SSDs 103-1 and 103-2 based on the operation accepted by the physical switch 28, and causes the switch circuits 31 and 32 to connect the selected SSD so that the CPU 101 can access it. This prevents the PC 100 from processing data in unused SSDs even if the PC 100 is infected with a computer virus that performs processing such as tampering with internal data. Therefore, the PC 100 can improve security.

[0076] Furthermore, the switch circuit 31 connects a signal line for transmitting and receiving data between any one of the SSDs 103-1 and 103-2 and the CPU 101. This allows the PC 100 to be set so that the CPU 101 can transmit and receive data to and from only the SSD that is being used, out of the SSDs 103-1 and 103-2.

[0077] Furthermore, the switch circuit 32 supplies power to either one of the SSDs 103-1 and 103-2, thereby enabling the PC 100 to prevent unnecessary power supply to an unused SSD.

[0078] Furthermore, the EC 108 determines the SSD to be connected depending on the state of the physical switch 28. This allows the PC 100 to facilitate the user's operation for setting the SSD to be used.

[0079] Third Embodiment Next, a third embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, the SSD accessed by the CPU of the PC is switched depending on the fingerprint matching result. Note that in the third embodiment, the same symbols as in the second embodiment may be used.

[0080] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a PC according to the third embodiment. PC 100a is a notebook PC used by a user. PC 100a includes built-in SSDs 103-1 and 103-2. PC 100a also includes a fingerprint sensor 111. Fingerprint sensor 111 is a sensor that reads a fingerprint and collates the read fingerprint. At startup, the EC of PC 100a acquires the result of collating the fingerprint read from the user by fingerprint sensor 111. Then, depending on the matched fingerprint, the EC of PC 100a connects one of SSDs 103-1 and 103-2 to the CPU of PC 100a. Then, the CPU boots and starts the OS from the connected SSD.

[0081] When the user uses PC 100a for personal use, the user starts up PC 100a by having the fingerprint sensor 111 read the fingerprint of the finger corresponding to SSD 103-1 (for example, the index finger of the left hand). When the user uses PC 100a for business purposes, the user starts up PC 100a by having the fingerprint sensor 111 read the fingerprint of the finger corresponding to SSD 103-2 (for example, the index finger of the right hand).

[0082] 8 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a PC according to the third embodiment. The entire PC 100a is controlled by a CPU 101. A memory 102 and a plurality of peripheral devices are connected to the CPU 101 via a bus 110a. The peripheral devices connected to the bus 110a include a switch circuit 31, a GPU 104, an input interface 105, an optical drive device 106, a device connection interface 107, an EC 108a, a network interface 109, and a fingerprint sensor 111.

[0083] The switch circuit 31 connects either the SSDs 103-1 or 103-2 to the bus 110a in accordance with an instruction from the EC 108a. A monitor 21 is connected to the GPU 104. A keyboard 22 and a touchpad 23 are connected to the input interface 105. An optical drive device 106 reads data recorded on an optical disc 24. The device connection interface 107 is a communication interface for connecting peripheral devices such as a memory device 25 and a memory reader / writer 26 to the PC 100. The memory reader / writer 26 is a device that writes data to a memory card 27 or reads data from the memory card 27.

[0084] The EC 108a is a controller that controls the power supply to the hardware of the PC 100a and the startup of the PC 100a. The EC 108a has a processor 108a-1, a RAM 108a-2, and a ROM 108a-3. The processor 108a-1 is a processor similar to the processor 108-1. The RAM 108a-2 is a RAM similar to the RAM 108-2. The ROM 108a-3 is a ROM similar to the ROM 108-3. The network interface 109 is connected to the network 20.

[0085] The fingerprint sensor 111 is a sensor that reads a fingerprint and collates the read fingerprint. The fingerprint sensor 111 includes a ROM 111a. The ROM 111a is a non-volatile semiconductor storage device that stores fingerprint information, which is an image of a fingerprint. The fingerprint sensor 111 reads the fingerprint of a touched finger and generates fingerprint information. The fingerprint sensor 111 collates the generated fingerprint information with fingerprint information stored in the ROM 111a. If the generated fingerprint information matches any of the fingerprint information stored in the ROM 111a, the fingerprint sensor 111 transmits an ID indicating the matching fingerprint information to the EC 108a. If the generated fingerprint information does not match the fingerprint information stored in the ROM 111a, the fingerprint sensor 111 transmits a notification indicating a failed collation to the EC 108a. The fingerprint sensor 111 is an example of the operation receiving unit 14 described in the first embodiment. The fingerprint information is an example of the biometric information described in the first embodiment.

[0086] The PC 100a realizes the processing functions of the third embodiment by executing a program recorded on, for example, a computer-readable recording medium. The program describing the processing to be executed by the PC 100a can be recorded on various recording media. For example, the program to be executed by the PC 100a can be stored in the ROM 108a-3. The processor 108a-1 loads at least a portion of the program in the ROM 108a-3 into the RAM 108a-2 and executes the program. The program to be executed by the PC 100a can also be recorded on a portable recording medium such as the optical disk 24, memory device 25, or memory card 27. The program stored on the portable recording medium becomes executable after being installed on the ROM 108a-3 under the control of, for example, the CPU 101. The processor 108a-1 can also read and execute the program directly from the portable recording medium. Next, the functions of the PC 100 will be described in detail.

[0087] 9 is a block diagram showing an example of functions of a PC according to the second embodiment. The PC 100a has a boot control unit 120a, a switching control unit 130a, and a storage unit 140 as functions of the EC 108a. The boot control unit 120a and the switching control unit 130a are implemented by the processor 108a-1 executing firmware stored in the RAM 108a-2. The storage unit 140 is implemented using a storage area of ​​the RAM 108a-2 or the ROM 108a-3. The storage unit 140 stores switching information 141. The ID of the fingerprint information stored in the ROM 111a is registered in the switching information 141 in association with one of the SSDs 103-1 and 103-2.

[0088] The startup control unit 120a determines whether to cause the switching control unit 130a to execute processing when the PC 100a is started. If the startup control unit 120a determines that the PC 100a is in a shutdown state when the power button of the PC 100a is pressed, the startup control unit 120a causes the switching control unit 130a to set the SSD to be connected to the CPU 101 and the power supply 41. When the setting by the switching control unit 130a is completed, the startup control unit 120a notifies the CPU 101 of the completion of the setting. Furthermore, if the fingerprint information collation by the fingerprint sensor 111 is not successful, the startup control unit 120a stops the startup of the CPU 101 and puts the PC 100a into a shutdown state.

[0089] When the PC 100a is started up, the switching control unit 130a sets the power supply 41 and the SSD to be connected to the CPU 101 according to the fingerprint matching result by the fingerprint sensor 111. When the PC 100a is started up, the switching control unit 130a acquires the fingerprint matching result from the fingerprint sensor 111. For example, the switching control unit 130a acquires from the fingerprint sensor 111 a signal indicating the ID of the fingerprint information stored in the ROM 111a that matches the read fingerprint information. Also, for example, the switching control unit 130a acquires from the fingerprint sensor 111 a signal indicating that the read fingerprint information does not match the fingerprint information stored in the ROM 111a.

[0090] The switching control unit 130 transmits an SSD_SELECT signal to the switch circuits 31 and 32 to connect the CPU 101 and the power supply 41 to one of the SSDs 103-1 and 103-2 that corresponds to the ID acquired from the fingerprint sensor 111. For example, the switching control unit 130a refers to the switching information 141 to identify the SSD that corresponds to the ID acquired from the fingerprint sensor 111. Then, the switching control unit 130a transmits an SSD_SELECT signal to the switch circuits 31 and 32 to connect the CPU 101 and the power supply 41 to the identified SSD.

[0091] 9. The lines connecting the elements shown in Fig. 9 indicate part of the communication paths, and communication paths other than those shown in the figure can also be set. Next, a circuit for switching the SSD to be used by the EC 108a will be described.

[0092] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of an SSD switching circuit according to the third embodiment. The EC 108a switches the SSD accessed by the CPU 101 depending on the fingerprint matching result obtained by the fingerprint sensor 111. The SSD switching circuit according to the third embodiment includes the fingerprint sensor 111, switch circuits 31 and 32, a power supply 41, a CPU 101, an SSD 103-1 (SSD#1), an SSD 103-2 (SSD#2), and an EC 108a. The connection relationships among the switch circuits 31 and 32, the power supply 41, the CPU 101, and the SSDs 103-1 and 103-2 in the SSD switching circuit according to the third embodiment are the same as those in the SSD switching circuit according to the second embodiment. However, the switch circuits 31 and 32 receive an SSD_SELECT signal from the EC 108a.

[0093] The fingerprint sensor 111 reads a fingerprint and compares fingerprint information, which is an image of the read fingerprint, with fingerprint information registered in the ROM 111a. The ROM 111a stores registration information 51. In the registration information 51, IDs and fingerprint information are registered in association with each other. The fingerprint sensor 111 compares the read fingerprint information with each piece of fingerprint information registered in the registration information 51. Then, the fingerprint sensor 111 transmits to the EC 108a an ID corresponding to the fingerprint information registered in the registration information 51 that matches the read fingerprint information. The fingerprint information registered in the registration information 51 is an example of the registered biometric information described in the first embodiment.

[0094] The EC 108a refers to switching information 141 stored in the storage unit 140 to determine an SSD to be connected to the power supply 41 and the CPU 101. In the switching information 141, the ID of the fingerprint information stored in the ROM 111a is registered in association with either the SSD 103-1 (SSD#1) or the SSD 103-2 (SSD#2). The EC 108a transmits an SSD_SELECT signal to the switch circuits 31 and 32 to connect the CPU 101 and the power supply 41 to the SSD corresponding to the ID acquired from the fingerprint sensor 111.

[0095] First, when the power button of the PC 100a is pressed (power ON), the fingerprint sensor 111 reads the fingerprint of the touched finger and generates fingerprint information. The fingerprint sensor 111 compares the generated fingerprint information with fingerprint information registered in the registration information 51. If the generated fingerprint information matches any of the fingerprint information registered in the registration information 51, the fingerprint sensor 111 transmits an ID indicating the matching fingerprint information to the EC 108a.

[0096] The EC 108a transmits an SSD_SELECT signal to the switch circuits 31 and 32 based on the result of matching the fingerprint information acquired from the fingerprint sensor 111. For example, the EC 108a refers to the switching information 141 to identify an SSD corresponding to the ID acquired from the fingerprint sensor 111. The EC 108a transmits an SSD_SELECT signal to the switch circuits 31 and 32 to connect the CPU 101 and the power supply 41 to the identified SSD.

[0097] For example, when the EC 108a identifies the SSD corresponding to the ID acquired from the fingerprint sensor 111 as SSD 103-1, it transmits an SSD_SELECT signal to the switch circuits 31 and 32 to connect the CPU 101 and the power supply 41 to the identified SSD 103-1. The switch circuit 31 connects the terminal connected to the CPU 101 to the terminal connected to SSD 103-1. The switch circuit 32 also connects the terminal connected to the power supply 41 to the terminal connected to SSD 103-1. As a result, the power supply 41 supplies power to SSD 103-1, and SSD 103-1 starts up. The CPU 101 then boots the OS from SSD 103-1, executes application programs in SSD 103-1, and references various data.

[0098] In this way, the EC 108a transmits an SSD_SELECT signal according to the fingerprint matching result by the fingerprint sensor 111 to the switch circuits 31 and 32, and connects one of the SSDs 103-1 and 103-2 to the power supply 41 and the CPU 101. This allows the PC 100a to make the CPU 101 use the SSD connected to the power supply 41 and the CPU 101, and to prevent the CPU 101 from accessing data in an SSD that is not in use.

[0099] Here, it is assumed that the fingerprint of the index finger of the user's left hand is registered in the registration information 51, and the ID of the fingerprint of the index finger of the user's left hand is associated with SSD 103-1 in the switching information 141. It is also assumed that the fingerprint of the index finger of the user's right hand is registered in the registration information 51, and the ID of the fingerprint of the index finger of the user's right hand is associated with SSD 103-2 in the switching information 141.

[0100] When the PC 100a starts up, the fingerprint sensor 111 reads the fingerprint of the index finger of the user's left hand, and the EC 108a sends an SSD_SELECT signal to the switch circuits 31 and 32 to connect the CPU 101 and the power supply 41 to the SSD 103-1. When the PC 100a starts up, the fingerprint sensor 111 reads the fingerprint of the index finger of the user's right hand, and the EC 108a sends an SSD_SELECT signal to the switch circuits 31 and 32 to connect the CPU 101 and the power supply 41 to the SSD 103-2. In this way, the PC 100a can enable the user to change the SSD to be used by changing the fingerprint read by the fingerprint sensor 111 depending on the application.

[0101] Also, for example, suppose that the fingerprint of the right index finger of a user's family member is registered in the registration information 51, and the ID of the fingerprint of the right index finger of the user's family member is associated with SSD 103-1 in the switching information 141. When the fingerprint sensor 111 reads the fingerprint of the right index finger of the user's family member upon startup of the PC 100a, the EC 108a transmits an SSD_SELECT signal to the switch circuits 31 and 32 to connect the CPU 101 and the power supply 41 to SSD 103-1. In this way, the PC 100a can change the SSD to be used depending on the operator of the PC 100a. The processing procedure executed by the PC 100a will be described in detail below.

[0102] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of SSD switching processing according to the third embodiment. The processing shown in FIG. 11 will be explained below in order of step number. [Step S21] The PC 100a receives a press of the power button.

[0103] [Step S22] The startup control unit 120a determines whether the PC 100a is in a shutdown state. If the startup control unit 120a determines that the PC 100a is in a shutdown state, the process proceeds to step S23. If the startup control unit 120a determines that the PC 100a is not in a shutdown state (is in a sleep state), the process ends.

[0104] [Step S23] The switching control unit 130a acquires the fingerprint matching result from the fingerprint sensor 111. For example, the switching control unit 130a acquires from the fingerprint sensor 111 a signal indicating the ID of the fingerprint information registered in the registration information 51 that matches the read fingerprint information. Also, for example, the switching control unit 130a acquires from the fingerprint sensor 111 a signal indicating that the read fingerprint information does not match any of the fingerprint information registered in the registration information 51.

[0105] [Step S24] The switching control unit 130a determines whether the matching by the fingerprint sensor 111 was successful. For example, if the switching control unit 130a acquires the ID of the fingerprint information from the fingerprint sensor 111 in step S23, the switching control unit 130a determines that the matching by the fingerprint sensor 111 was successful. Also, for example, if the switching control unit 130a acquires from the fingerprint sensor 111 in step S23 a signal indicating that the read fingerprint information does not match any of the fingerprint information registered in the registration information 51, the switching control unit 130a determines that the matching by the fingerprint sensor 111 was not successful. If the switching control unit 130a determines that the matching by the fingerprint sensor 111 was successful, the processing proceeds to step S25. If the switching control unit 130a determines that the matching by the fingerprint sensor 111 was not successful, the processing proceeds to step S27.

[0106] [Step S25] The switching control unit 130a transmits an SSD_SELECT signal to the switch circuits 31 and 32 to connect the CPU 101 and the power supply 41 to the SSD corresponding to the ID acquired in step S23. For example, the switching control unit 130a refers to the switching information 141 to identify the SSD corresponding to the ID acquired in step S23. Then, the switching control unit 130a transmits an SSD_SELECT signal to the switch circuits 31 and 32 to connect the CPU 101 and the power supply 41 to the identified SSD.

[0107] [Step S26] The start-up control unit 120a notifies the CPU 101 that the settings have been completed. For example, when the settings for supplying power to the hardware of the PC 100a have been completed, the start-up control unit 120a notifies the CPU 101 of the completion of the settings and causes the CPU 101 to start processing for starting up the PC 100a. Then, the processing ends.

[0108] [Step S27] The activation control unit 120a stops the activation of the CPU 101 and puts the PC 100a into a shutdown state (powers it off). In this way, the switching control unit 130a transmits an SSD_SELECT signal according to the fingerprint matching result by the fingerprint sensor 111 to the switch circuits 31 and 32, and connects either one of the SSDs 103-1 and 103-2 to the power supply 41 and the CPU 101. This prevents the CPU 101 from tampering with data on the other SSD even if the other SSD is infected with a computer virus while it is in use, thereby improving the security of the PC 100.

[0109] Furthermore, by registering different fingerprint information of the same user in the registration information 51 and the switching information 141 in association with different SSDs, the PC 100a can change the SSD to be used by the user simply by changing the fingerprint to be read by the fingerprint sensor 111. Furthermore, by registering fingerprint information of different users in the registration information 51 and the switching information 141 in association with different SSDs, the PC 100a can change the SSD to be used depending on the operator of the PC 100a.

[0110] Furthermore, the startup control unit 120a stops the startup of the CPU 101 when the fingerprint information read by the fingerprint sensor 111 does not match any of the fingerprint information registered in the registration information 51. This enables the PC 100a to prevent a user whose fingerprint information is not registered from operating the PC 100a.

[0111] If the fingerprint information read by the fingerprint sensor 111 does not match any of the fingerprint information registered in the registration information 51, the switching control unit 130a may send an SSD_SELECT signal to the switch circuits 31, 32 to connect to a pre-set SSD. By setting a less important SSD (for example, the personal SSD 103-1) as the connection destination when the fingerprint information does not match, the PC 100a can prevent important data from being viewed or operated by a user whose fingerprint information is not registered.

[0112] According to the third embodiment, the fingerprint sensor 111 reads the fingerprint information of the user, and the EC 108a determines the SSD to which the CPU 101 and the power supply 41 are connected based on the result of comparing the fingerprint information read by the fingerprint sensor 111 with the fingerprint information registered in the registration information 51. This allows the PC 100a to use different SSDs for different users.

[0113] Furthermore, the EC 108a stops the startup of the CPU 101 when the fingerprint information read by the fingerprint sensor 111 does not match the fingerprint information registered in the registration information 51. This enables the PC 100a to prevent users whose fingerprint information is not registered from operating the PC 100a.

[0114] Other Embodiments In the second and third embodiments, the ECs 108 and 108a that control the power supply to the hardware and the like execute the SSD switching process, but another controller provided in the PCs 100 and 100a may execute this process. Also, in the second and third embodiments, the ECs 108 and 108a execute the startup process, and then the CPU 101 executes the process, but the ECs 108 and 108a and the CPU 101 may execute the process in parallel.

[0115] Alternatively, the PC 100, 100a may be provided with only one of the switch circuits 31, 32. For example, the PC 100, 100a may be provided with the switch circuit 31, and the power supply 41 may be connected to each of the SSDs 103-1, 103-2. The ECs 108, 108a then send an SSD_SELECT signal to the switch circuit 31, causing the switch circuit 31 to connect either the SSDs 103-1, 103-2 to the CPU 101. This prevents the switch circuit 31 from connecting the CPU 101 to an SSD not specified by the SSD_SELECT signal via a signal line that can transmit and receive data, thereby preventing the CPU 101 from accessing an SSD that is not in use.

[0116] Alternatively, for example, the PC 100, 100a may be provided with a switch circuit 32, and the CPU 101 may be connected to each of the SSDs 103-1, 103-2. The EC 108, 108a then transmits an SSD_SELECT signal to the switch circuit 32, causing either of the SSDs 103-1, 103-2 to be connected to the power supply 41. This causes the switch circuit 32 to not connect any SSD not specified by the SSD_SELECT signal to the power supply 41, preventing unused SSDs from starting up and preventing the CPU 101 from accessing those SSDs.

[0117] Although the embodiments have been described above, the configuration of each part shown in the embodiments can be replaced with other parts having similar functions. Also, any other components or processes may be added. Furthermore, any two or more configurations (features) of the above-described embodiments may be combined. [Explanation of symbols]

[0118] 10. Information processing equipment 11a, 11b,... Storage device 12 First Processing Section 13 Switch Circuit 14 Operation reception section 15 Second Processing Section

Claims

1. a plurality of storage devices; a first processing unit that accesses a connected storage device; a switch circuit that connects any one of the plurality of storage devices so that the first processing unit can access the storage device; an operation reception unit that receives user operations; a second processing unit that determines a connection storage device from among the plurality of storage devices based on the operation received by the operation receiving unit, and connects the connection storage device to the switch circuit so that the first processing unit can access the connection storage device; An information processing device having the above.

2. the switch circuit includes a circuit that connects a signal line for transmitting and receiving data between any one of the plurality of storage devices and the first processing unit; 2. The information processing device according to claim 1.

3. the switch circuit includes a circuit that supplies power to any one of the plurality of storage devices; 2. The information processing device according to claim 1.

4. the operation reception unit is a physical switch, the second processing unit determines the connected storage device in accordance with a state of the operation reception unit.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1.

5. the operation reception unit is a biometric sensor that reads biometric information of a user, the second processing unit determines the connection storage device according to a result of matching the read biometric information read by the operation receiving unit with registered biometric information; 2. The information processing device according to claim 1.

6. the second processing unit stops the activation of the first processing unit when the read biometric information does not match the registered biometric information; 6. The information processing device according to claim 5.

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