Electronic equipment

Abstract

To provide electronic equipment capable of improving security compared with conventional technology.SOLUTION: Electronic equipment comprises: a housing in which a storage medium is accommodated; a cover; a plurality of fastening members that secure the housing to the cover; a receiving part that receives removal information indicating that the fastening member has been removed from the cover; a processing part that, in accordance with a predetermined order, stores in a storage part unauthorized-removal information indicating that the cover has been improperly removed when the plurality of fastening members has not been removed from the cover; and a notification part that notifies the unauthorized-removal information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, storage media (e.g., solid state drives (SSDs)) built into electronic devices such as notebook (clamshell) personal computers have enhanced security using passwords and biometric authentication to prevent anyone other than the user of the electronic device from starting up the OS (operating system), and to prevent the information stored on the storage media from being easily extracted to the outside. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-28516 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, if the electronic device is disassembled and the storage medium is removed, the information may be easily extracted to the outside by connecting the storage medium to another electronic device as an external storage medium.

[0005] Furthermore, in recent years, technologies that allow the security of electronic devices to be easily deactivated have been developed. For example, if software that can easily deactivate the security of electronic devices is installed in an electronic device used by a malicious person, the malicious person can easily retrieve data stored in the storage medium connected as an external storage medium.

[0006] Furthermore, if completed electronic devices are shipped from a factory to a warehouse and a malicious individual breaks into the warehouse and installs malicious software on the electronic devices before they reach the users, the software may leak information about the users who are supposed to use the electronic devices or violate their privacy, leaving room for further improvements in electronic devices.

[0007] One example of a problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an electronic device that can improve security compared to conventional electronic devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An electronic device according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises a housing in which a storage medium is stored, a cover, a plurality of fastening members for fastening the housing to the cover, a receiving unit that receives removal information indicating that the fastening members have been removed from the cover, a processing unit that stores fraudulent information indicating that the cover has been fraudulently removed in a memory unit if the plurality of fastening members have not been removed from the cover in a predetermined order, and a notification unit that notifies the fraudulent information.

[0009] The cover may be provided with fixing holes for respectively fixing the plurality of fastening members, and each fixing hole may be provided with at least one notch.

[0010] Furthermore, the electronic device may include a detector between the housing and the cover that detects when the fastening member is removed from the cover. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, security can be improved compared to the prior art. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exemplary perspective view of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment, seen from the front side, with a display unit unfolded. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the bottom surface of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing an example of a notch portion of a fixing hole of a cover according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a substrate according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a state in which the fastening member of the embodiment is fixed to the cover. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a state in which the fastening member of the embodiment is removed from the cover. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the microcomputer according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a table illustrating an example of removal order information according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing executed by the microcomputer according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a state in which the fastening member of the first modified example is fixed to the cover. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a notch in a fixing hole of a cover according to the second modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are disclosed below. The configurations of the embodiments described below, as well as the actions and effects brought about by the configurations, are merely examples. The present invention can also be realized by configurations other than those disclosed in the following embodiments. Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to obtain at least one of the various effects (including derivative effects) obtained by the configurations.

[0014] Fig. 1 is an exemplary perspective view of an information processing device 1 according to an embodiment, showing a state in which a display unit 3 is positioned in an extended position, from the front side. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a bottom surface 6 of the information processing device 1 according to an embodiment.

[0015] 1, the information processing device 1 is configured as, for example, a notebook (clamshell) personal computer, and includes a base unit 2 and a display unit 3. The information processing device 1 is an example of an electronic device.

[0016] The base unit 2 is placed on a flat surface of a placement portion such as a desk, table, or shelf. The display unit 3 is supported by the base unit 2 so as to be rotatable about a rotation center axis C relative to the base unit 2, and is movable between an unfolded position (FIG. 1) and a closed position. Specifically, the display unit 3 is connected to the base unit 2 via a hinge 5.

[0017] In this embodiment, for convenience, an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis are defined. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are perpendicular to one another. The X-axis runs along the depth direction (front-rear direction, short side direction) of the base unit 2, the Y-axis runs along the width direction (left-right direction, long side direction) of the base unit 2, and the Z-axis runs along the height direction (up-down direction) of the base unit 2.

[0018] Furthermore, in this specification, the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction are defined. The X direction is a direction along the X axis, and includes the +X direction indicated by the X axis arrow and the -X direction opposite to the X axis arrow. The Y direction is a direction along the Y axis, and includes the +Y direction indicated by the Y axis arrow and the -Y direction opposite to the Y axis arrow. The Z direction is a direction along the Z axis, and includes the +Z direction indicated by the Z axis arrow and the -Z direction opposite to the Z axis arrow.

[0019] The base unit 2 has a housing 4 and a keyboard 8 supported by the housing 4. The keyboard 8 is supported by the housing 4 at a position that allows it to be operated from above. A circuit board is also stored inside the housing 4.

[0020] A plurality of electronic components such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and memory are mounted on the board. At least a part of the electronic circuit of the information processing device 1 is configured by the wiring provided on the board and the plurality of electronic components mounted on the board.

[0021] Furthermore, an auxiliary storage device, a wireless module, a battery, etc. are stored inside the housing 4. The auxiliary storage device is an example of a storage medium. The housing 4 is composed of a bottom surface 6 that is placed on a surface such as a desk, and a surface for a keyboard 8, and the bottom surface 6 is formed by a cover 7.

[0022] 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the bottom surface 6 of the information processing device 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the bottom surface 6 is formed by a cover 7. A plurality of elastic members 10 are attached to the cover 7, which support the housing 4 at a position spaced apart from a placement surface such as a desk.

[0023] The elastic members 10 are also referred to as support members or rubber feet. An example of the elastic members 10 is an elastically deformable resin. The shape is an oval that is long in the X direction, but they may also be elliptical, circular, or rectangular. In this embodiment, the elastic members 10 are provided at the four corners of the cover 7. The elastic members 10 are attached to the cover 7 with an adhesive such as double-sided tape, for example.

[0024] Furthermore, fixing holes 11 are formed in the cover 7. For example, the cover 7 shown in FIG. 2 has a first fixing hole 111, a second fixing hole 112, a third fixing hole 113, a fourth fixing hole 114, and a fifth fixing hole 115 formed therein. The cover 7 is fixed to a substrate or the like stored inside the housing 4 by fastening members 12 such as screws inserted into the fixing holes 11. Notches are formed in the fixing holes 11. The notches will now be described with reference to FIG. 3.

[0025] Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a notch portion of the fixing hole 11 of the cover 7 of the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 3, the fixing hole 11 has a slit (pattern cut) in a part of the fixing hole 11 to form the notch portion 13. The notch portion 13 shown in Fig. 3 shows, for example, a first notch portion 131 and a second notch portion 132. Note that it is sufficient that the fixing hole 11 has at least one notch portion formed therein.

[0026] 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device 1 according to an embodiment. The information processing device 1 illustrated here has a configuration similar to that of a general-purpose computer. The information processing device 1 includes a CPU 31, a RAM 32, a ROM 33, an auxiliary storage device 34, a display device 35, a SPI ROM (Serial Peripheral Interface Read Only Memory) 36, and a microcomputer 37, all of which are interconnected via a bus. Note that the hardware configuration of the information processing device 1 is not limited to the above.

[0027] The CPU 31 performs predetermined arithmetic processing using the RAM 32 as a working area in accordance with programs stored in the ROM 33 and the auxiliary storage device 34. The ROM 33 is a volatile memory. The auxiliary storage device 34 is a non-volatile memory and stores various data necessary for the processing of the CPU 31. The auxiliary storage device 34 also stores data such as confidential information created by the user. The auxiliary storage device 34 is configured, for example, by an SSD (Solid State Drive) or the like.

[0028] The display device 35 is, for example, a liquid crystal display. However, the display device 35 is not limited to a liquid crystal display. For example, the display device 35 may be an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display or the like. The display device 35 corresponds to the display unit 3 described above.

[0029] The SPI ROM 36 is a non-volatile memory and stores a BIOS (Basic Input / Output System). The SPI ROM 36 is an example of a storage unit. The BIOS, as firmware for the main board, defines the boot disk, boot method, recognition and management of peripheral devices, etc. of the information processing device 1. In other words, the BIOS is the firmware that the information processing device 1 loads first when booting up the information processing device 1. The SPI ROM 36 stores, for example, removal order information that indicates the order in which the fastening members 12 are to be removed from the cover 7. The removal order information will be described in detail later.

[0030] The microcomputer 37 is an integrated circuit including a processor such as a CPU that performs various processes according to a program, and executes various arithmetic and control processes. The microcomputer 37 is connected to the SPI ROM 36, a detection circuit 38, and a coin battery 39. The various arithmetic and control processes of the microcomputer 37 will be described in detail below.

[0031] The detection circuit 38 is a detection circuit for detecting that the fastening member 12 has been removed from the cover 7. The detection circuit 38 is an example of a detection unit. The detection circuit 38 is provided on a substrate. When the detection circuit 38 detects that the fastening member 12 has been removed from the cover 7, it transmits removal information indicating that the fastening member 12 has been removed from the cover 7 to the microcomputer 37. The removal information includes a removal signal.

[0032] Here, a process in which the detection circuit 38 transmits to the microcomputer 37 removal information indicating that the fastening member 12 has been removed from the cover 7 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5, 6, and 7. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a substrate according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a state in which the fastening member 12 according to an embodiment is fixed to the cover 7. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a state in which the fastening member 12 according to an embodiment has been removed from the cover 7.

[0033] First, the positional relationship between the openings provided in the substrate 14 and the detection circuit 38 will be described using Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram of the substrate 14 viewed in the positive direction of the Z axis. The substrate 14 shown in Fig. 5 has openings into which the fastening members 12 are inserted. The openings shown in Fig. 5 include, for example, openings 141, 142, 143, 144, and 145.

[0034] Opening hole 141 is located in the positive direction of the Z axis relative to first fixing hole 111 shown in FIG. 2. Similarly, opening hole 142 is located in the positive direction of the Z axis relative to second fixing hole 112 shown in FIG. 2. Similarly, opening hole 143 is located in the positive direction of the Z axis relative to third fixing hole 113 shown in FIG. 2. Similarly, opening hole 144 is located in the positive direction of the Z axis relative to fourth fixing hole 114 shown in FIG. 2. Similarly, opening hole 145 is located in the positive direction of the Z axis relative to fifth fixing hole 115 shown in FIG. 2.

[0035] Furthermore, a first detection circuit 381 is provided near the opening hole 141. Similarly, a second detection circuit 382 is provided near the opening hole 142. Similarly, a third detection circuit 383 is provided near the opening hole 143. Similarly, a fourth detection circuit 384 is provided near the opening hole 144. Similarly, a fifth detection circuit 385 is provided near the opening hole 145. Note that, although the substrate 14 has been described as having a detection circuit 38 provided near each opening hole, this is not limiting.

[0036] Next, using Fig. 6, the positional relationship between the housing 4, the cover 7, the fixing holes 11, the fastening members 12, the board 14, and the detection circuit 38 when the fastening members 12 are fixed to the cover 7 will be described. The cross-sectional view shown in Fig. 6 corresponds to the region 15 shown in Fig. 5.

[0037] As shown in Fig. 6, for example, when fastening member 12 is fixed to housing 4, it is inserted into fixing hole 11 of cover 7 so that housing 4, substrate 14, and cover 7 are fixed in this order in the positive direction of the Z axis. Also, as shown in Fig. 6, housing 4 is connected to ground 61. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 6, cover 7 is connected to ground 62.

[0038] When fastening member 12 is fixed to housing 4, detection circuit 38 is in contact with housing 4 and cover 7 via fastening member 12. In this state, the potential of detection circuit 38 becomes low. A low potential is, for example, 0 V. As a result, detection circuit 38 detects that fastening member 12 is fixed to housing 4 by contacting ground 61 of housing 4 and ground 62 of cover 7.

[0039] Next, using Fig. 7, a description will be given of the positional relationship between the housing 4, the cover 7, the fixing holes 11, the fastening members 12, the board 14, and the detection circuit 38 when the fastening members 12 are removed from the cover 7. Note that the cross-sectional view shown in Fig. 7 corresponds to the region 15 shown in Fig. 5, similar to Fig. 6.

[0040] 7, for example, when fastening member 12 is removed from fixing hole 11 of cover 7 in the negative direction of the Z axis, gaps are generated between housing 4, substrate 14, and cover 7 in the positive direction of the Z axis. In the state shown in FIG. 7, fastening member 12 is not in contact with housing 4.

[0041] Furthermore, the fastening member 12 is not in contact with the cover 7. Furthermore, the fastening member 12 is not in contact with the detection circuit 38. At this time, the detection circuit 38 is released from contact with the ground 61 of the housing 4 and the ground 62 of the cover 7, and the potential of the detection circuit 38 in this state becomes high. The high potential is, for example, one of the values ​​from 3.3 [V] to 5 [V].

[0042] As a result, a gap is created between the housing 4, the board 14, and the cover 7, and the detection circuit 38 detects that the fastening member 12 has been removed from the cover 7. The detection circuit 38 then transmits removal information to the microcomputer 37, indicating that the fastening member 12 has been removed from the cover 7.

[0043] The removal signal is, for example, a potential difference that occurs when the signal changes from low to high. For example, if low is 0 [V] and high is 3.3 [V], the potential difference is 3.3 [V]. The removal information is transmitted from each detection circuit 38, and indicates from which fixing hole 11 of which cover 7 the fastening member 12 has been removed.

[0044] 4, the coin battery 39 supplies power to the microcomputer 37, for example, when the power plug is unplugged from the outlet or when the battery that supplies power to the information processing device 1 is removed from the housing. As a result, the coin battery 39 can operate the microcomputer 37 even when the information processing device 1 is not operating, for example, when the power state of the information processing device 1 is sleep (S3), hibernate (S4), or shutdown (S5 or G3).

[0045] 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the microcomputer 37 according to the embodiment. The microcomputer 37 includes a receiving unit 371, a determining unit 372, a processing unit 373, and a notifying unit 374. Note that the functional configuration of the microcomputer 37 is not limited to this.

[0046] The receiving unit 371 receives removal information indicating that the fastening member 12 has been removed from the cover 7. Specifically, the receiving unit 371 receives the removal information indicating that the fastening member 12 has been removed from the cover 7 from the detection circuit 38.

[0047] For example, the receiving unit 371 receives first removal information from the first detection circuit 381, which indicates that the fastening member 12 fixed in the first fixing hole 111 has been removed from the cover 7. Similarly, the receiving unit 371 receives second removal information from the second detection circuit 382, ​​which indicates that the fastening member 12 fixed in the second fixing hole 112 has been removed from the cover 7. Similarly, the receiving unit 371 receives third removal information from the third detection circuit 383, which indicates that the fastening member 12 fixed in the third fixing hole 113 has been removed from the cover 7.

[0048] Similarly, the receiving unit 371 receives fourth removal information from the fourth detection circuit 384, which indicates that the fastening member 12 fixed to the fourth fixing hole 114 has been removed from the cover 7. Similarly, the receiving unit 371 receives fifth removal information from the fifth detection circuit 385, which indicates that the fastening member 12 fixed to the fifth fixing hole 115 has been removed from the cover 7.

[0049] The determination unit 372 determines whether the multiple fastening members 12 have been removed from the cover 7 in a predetermined order, based on the removal information and the removal order information stored in the storage unit and indicating the order in which the fastening members 12 are to be removed from the cover 7. Specifically, the determination unit 372 determines whether the multiple fastening members 12 have been removed from the cover 7 in a predetermined order, based on the removal information received by the receiving unit 371 and the removal order information stored in the SPI ROM 36 and indicating the order in which the fastening members 12 are to be removed from the cover 7.

[0050] The removal order information will now be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a table showing an example of the removal order information according to the embodiment. Table T1 shown in Fig. 9 is information that associates, for example, the predetermined removal order in which each fastening member 12 is removed from the fixing holes 11 of the cover 7, the position of each fixing hole 11, and removal information transmitted by each detection circuit 38.

[0051] A user who uses the information processing device 1 or an administrator who manages the information processing device 1 removes the fastening members 12 from the cover 7 in accordance with the removal order shown in table T1. The removal order information is set, for example, at the time of shipping from the factory, and a user who uses the information processing device 1 or an administrator who manages the information processing device 1 may change the positions of the fixing holes 11 corresponding to the removal order.

[0052] First, when the receiving unit 371 receives the first removal information, the determining unit 372 refers to the removal order information stored in the SPI ROM 36. Then, the determining unit 372 determines that the multiple fastening members 12 have been removed from the cover 7 in a predetermined order because the removal signal included in the first removal information received by the receiving unit 371 is "1," all removal signals are off, and the removal order included in the removal order information is "1." In other words, when the receiving unit 371 receives removal information and all removal signals are off, the determining unit 372 determines that the multiple fastening members 12 have been removed from the cover 7 in a predetermined order.

[0053] Next, when the receiving unit 371 receives the second removal information following the first removal information, the determining unit 372 refers to the removal order information stored in the SPI ROM 36. Then, the determining unit 372 determines that the multiple fastening members 12 have been removed from the cover 7 in a predetermined order because the removal signal included in the second removal information received by the receiving unit 371 is "second" and the removal order included in the removal order information is "2." In other words, when the removal signal included in the removal information received by the receiving unit 371 is the second removal signal, the determining unit 372 determines that the multiple fastening members 12 have been removed from the cover 7 in a predetermined order.

[0054] Next, when the receiving unit 371 receives the third removal information following the first removal information and the second removal information, the determining unit 372 refers to the removal order information stored in the SPI ROM 36. Then, the determining unit 372 determines that the multiple fastening members 12 have been removed from the cover 7 in a predetermined order because the removal signal included in the third removal information received by the receiving unit 371 is the "third" removal signal and the removal order included in the removal order information is number "3." In other words, when the removal signal included in the removal information received by the receiving unit 371 is the third removal signal, the determining unit 372 determines that the multiple fastening members 12 have been removed from the cover 7 in a predetermined order.

[0055] Next, when the receiving unit 371 receives the fourth removal information following the first removal information, second removal information, and third removal information, the determining unit 372 refers to the removal order information stored in the SPI ROM 36. Then, the determining unit 372 determines that the multiple fastening members 12 have been removed from the cover 7 in a predetermined order because the removal signal included in the fourth removal information received by the receiving unit 371 is the "4th" removal signal and the removal order included in the removal order information is number "4." In other words, when the removal signal included in the removal information received by the receiving unit 371 is the fourth removal signal, the determining unit 372 determines that the multiple fastening members 12 have been removed from the cover 7 in a predetermined order.

[0056] Furthermore, when the determination unit 372 receives any one of the second removal information, third removal information, fourth removal information, and fifth removal information before the receiving unit 371 receives the first removal information, the determination unit 372 determines that the multiple fastening members 12 have not been removed from the cover 7 in a predetermined order. Furthermore, when the determination unit 372 receives any one of the third removal information, fourth removal information, and fifth removal information before the receiving unit 371 receives the first removal information and the second removal information, the determination unit 372 determines that the multiple fastening members 12 have not been removed from the cover 7 in a predetermined order.

[0057] Furthermore, when the receiving unit 371 receives any one of the fourth removal information and the fifth removal information before receiving the first removal information, the second removal information, and the third removal information, the determining unit 372 determines that the multiple fastening members 12 have not been removed from the cover 7 in a predetermined order. Furthermore, when the receiving unit 371 receives the fifth removal information before receiving the first removal information, the second removal information, the third removal information, and the fourth removal information, the determining unit 372 determines that the multiple fastening members 12 have not been removed from the cover 7 in a predetermined order.

[0058] 8, when the plurality of fastening members 12 have not been removed from the cover 7 in a predetermined order, the processing unit 373 stores in the storage unit fraud information indicating that the cover 7 has been removed fraudulently. Specifically, when the determination unit 372 determines that the plurality of fastening members 12 have not been removed from the cover 7 in a predetermined order, the processing unit 373 stores in the SPI ROM 36 fraud information indicating that the cover 7 has been removed fraudulently.

[0059] If the multiple fastening members 12 have not been removed from the cover 7 in a predetermined order, the notification unit 374 notifies the SPI ROM 36 of fraud information. Specifically, if the determination unit 372 determines that the multiple fastening members 12 have not been removed from the cover 7 in a predetermined order, the notification unit 374 acquires the fraud information stored in the SPI ROM 36 by the processing unit 373 and notifies the SPI ROM 36 of the fraud information. The SPI ROM 36 then stores the fraud information.

[0060] When the BIOS is notified of the invalid information, it performs a process to prevent the information processing device 1 from starting up. The process to prevent the information processing device 1 from starting up is, for example, a process to completely erase data stored in the auxiliary storage device 34, a process to set a password on the auxiliary storage device 34 (password lock), etc. If the data stored in the auxiliary storage device 34 is completely erased or the auxiliary storage device 34 is password locked, the information processing device 1 will be in a state where it cannot start up. Note that the password lock is originally set so that it can be released by, for example, a user who uses the information processing device 1 or an administrator who manages the information processing device 1.

[0061] As a result, for example, if a malicious person removes the fastening members 12 from the cover 7 in an order different from the predetermined order, the information processing device 1 cannot be started, thereby protecting the data stored in the auxiliary storage device 34. Therefore, the information processing device 1 can improve security compared to conventional devices.

[0062] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing executed by the microcomputer 37 according to the embodiment. The processing executed by the microcomputer 37 in FIG. 10 is applied to the information processing device 1 in a state in which the fastening member 12 has not been removed from the cover 7.

[0063] The receiving unit 371 receives removal information indicating that the fastening member 12 has been removed from the cover 7 from the detection circuit 38 (step S81). Subsequently, the determining unit 372 determines whether all the removal signals are off (step S82). If the determining unit 372 determines that all the removal signals are not off (step S82: No), the process proceeds to step S90. On the other hand, if the determining unit 372 determines that all the removal signals are off (step S82: Yes), the process proceeds to step S83.

[0064] In step S83, the receiving unit 371 receives removal information from the detection circuit 38 (step S83). Subsequently, the determining unit 372 determines whether the removal signal included in the removal information received by the receiving unit 371 is the second removal signal (step S84). Here, if the determining unit 372 determines that the removal signal included in the removal information received by the receiving unit 371 is not the second removal signal (step S84: No), the process proceeds to step S90. On the other hand, if the determining unit 372 determines that the removal signal included in the removal information received by the receiving unit 371 is the second removal signal (step S84: Yes), the process proceeds to step S85.

[0065] In step S85, the receiving unit 371 receives removal information from the detection circuit 38 (step S85). Subsequently, the determination unit 372 determines whether the removal signal included in the removal information received by the receiving unit 371 is the third removal signal (step S86). Here, if the determination unit 372 determines that the removal signal included in the removal information received by the receiving unit 371 is not the third removal signal (step S86: No), the process proceeds to step S90. On the other hand, if the determination unit 372 determines that the removal signal included in the removal information received by the receiving unit 371 is the third removal signal (step S86: Yes), the process proceeds to step S87.

[0066] In step S87, the receiving unit 371 receives removal information from the detection circuit 38 (step S87). Subsequently, the determination unit 372 determines whether the removal signal included in the removal information received by the receiving unit 371 is the fourth removal signal (step S88). Here, if the determination unit 372 determines that the removal signal included in the removal information received by the receiving unit 371 is not the fourth removal signal (step S88: No), the process proceeds to step S90. On the other hand, if the determination unit 372 determines that the removal signal included in the removal information received by the receiving unit 371 is the fourth removal signal (step S88: Yes), the process proceeds to step S89.

[0067] In step S89, the receiving unit 371 receives the removal information from the detection circuit 38 (step S89). The removal signal included in the removal information received by the receiving unit 371 in step S89 is the fifth removal signal.

[0068] In step S90, if the determination unit 372 determines that the multiple fastening members 12 have not been removed from the cover 7 in the predetermined order, the processing unit 373 stores fraud information indicating that the cover 7 has been fraudulently removed in the SPI ROM 36 (step S90). Subsequently, if the multiple fastening members 12 have not been removed from the cover 7 in the predetermined order, the notification unit 374 notifies the SPI ROM 36 of the fraud information (step S91). When either step S89 or step S91 is completed, the processing executed by the microcomputer 37 ends.

[0069] As described above, the electronic device according to the first aspect of the present invention comprises a housing 4 in which a storage medium is stored, a cover 7, a plurality of fastening members 12 for fastening the housing 4 to the cover 7, a receiving unit that receives removal information indicating that the fastening members 12 have been removed from the cover 7, a processing unit that stores fraud information indicating that the cover 7 has been fraudulently removed in a memory unit if the plurality of fastening members 12 have not been removed from the cover 7 in a predetermined order, and a notification unit that notifies the fraud information.

[0070] According to this embodiment, even if a malicious person removes the fastening members from the cover of the electronic device in an order other than the specified order, disassembles the electronic device, and removes the auxiliary storage device stored in the housing of the electronic device, the malicious person will not be able to extract data such as confidential information stored in the auxiliary storage device.

[0071] Furthermore, for example, even if an electronic device is shipped from a factory to a warehouse and before it is delivered to a user, a malicious individual breaks into the warehouse and removes the fastening members from the cover in an order other than the specified order, disassembles the electronic device, and installs a monitoring tool in the electronic device, the electronic device will not start up and the user will be unable to use it. Also, since the user is not using the electronic device, no damage will occur. Furthermore, a repairer who repairs the electronic device can identify the monitoring tool installed in the electronic device. This allows the security of electronic devices to be improved compared to conventional methods.

[0072] The above-described embodiment can be modified as needed by changing a portion of the configuration of the device. Therefore, several modifications of the above-described embodiment will be described below as other embodiments. The following mainly focuses on differences from the above-described embodiment, and detailed descriptions of commonalities with the content already described will be omitted. The modifications described below may be implemented individually or in appropriate combination.

[0073] (First Modification) For example, during the manufacturing process of the information processing device 1, errors may occur in components such as the housing 4 and the cover 7. Furthermore, the information processing device 1 may have a circuit board stored in the housing 4 that is warped. In such a state, the detection circuit 38 may not be able to detect that the fastening member 12 has been correctly removed from the cover 7. In the first modification, a form that is applied to the information processing device 1 in the above state will be described.

[0074] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a state in which fastening member 12 of the first modified example is fixed to the cover. FIG. 11 illustrates the positional relationship among housing 4, cover 7, fixing hole 11, fastening member 12, board 14, and detection circuit 38 when fastening member 12 is removed from cover 7. As shown in FIG. 11 , if an error occurs in components such as housing 4 or cover 7, or if a deflection occurs in a board stored in housing 4, for example, cover 7 and board 14 may remain in contact even when fastening member 12 is removed from cover 7. In this case, detection circuit 38 cannot detect that fastening member 12 has been removed from cover 7 because cover 7 and board 14 are still in contact.

[0075] Therefore, in the first modified example, a plurality of detection circuits 38 are provided on the board 14. As a result, even if, for example, an error occurs in components such as the housing 4 and the cover 7 during the manufacturing process, or the board 14 is bent, the information processing device 1 can detect that the fastening member 12 has been removed from the cover 7 by providing a plurality of detection circuits 38 on the board 14.

[0076] (Second Modification) For example, when multiple detection circuits 38 are provided for one fixing hole 11 of the cover 7, a notch 13 may be further formed. Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the notch 13 of the fixing hole 11 of the cover 7 of the second modified example. The fixing hole 11 shown in Fig. 12 has a configuration in which a third notch 133 and a fourth notch 134 are further added to the fixing hole 11 shown in Fig. 3.

[0077] 12, the detection circuit 38 provided on the substrate 14 is disposed on the substrate 14 between the first notch 131 and the second notch 132 on the Y axis. Furthermore, in FIG. 12, the detection circuit 38 provided on the substrate 14 is disposed on the substrate 14 between the third notch 133 and the second notch 134 on the Y axis.

[0078] As a result, for example, even if errors occur in parts such as the housing 4 and cover 7 during the manufacturing process or bending occurs in the board 14, the information processing device 1 can form multiple cutouts 13 in the fixing hole 11 of the cover 7 and place the detection circuit 38 between each of the cutouts 13 on the Y axis, so that the detection circuit 38 can detect that the fastening member 12 has been removed from the cover 7.

[0079] (Third Modification) The program for realizing the above functions may be provided in a state in which it is pre-stored in a storage element mounted on the microcomputer 37, but is not limited to this. The program may be provided in a state in which it is stored in an appropriate storage medium such as a CD-ROM, or may be provided via a computer network such as the Internet.

[0080] (Fourth Modification) In the above embodiment, the functional components 371 to 374 are implemented by a single processor in Fig. 4, but this is not limiting. For example, the functional components 371 to 374 may be implemented by combining multiple independent processors, and each processor may implement a function by executing a program.

[0081] (Fifth Modification) Although the information processing device 1 of the above embodiment is, for example, a notebook personal computer, the information processing device 1 is not limited to this. For example, the information processing device 1 may be a desktop computer, a tablet terminal, or other electronic device. That is, the information processing device 1 can be applied to an electronic device in which an auxiliary storage device 34 is stored in a housing 4 and a fastening member 12 is provided to fasten the housing 4 to a cover 7.

[0082] While the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, they are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The above embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, combinations, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, the specifications of each configuration, shape, and the like (structure, type, direction, format, size, length, width, thickness, height, number, arrangement, position, material, etc.) can be modified as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 1...information processing device, 4...casing, 7...cover, 11...fixing hole, 12...fastening member 13...notch portion, 14...board, 34...auxiliary storage device, 36...SPI ROM, 37...microcomputer, 38...detection circuit, 371...receiving unit, 372...determination unit, 373...processing unit, 374...notification unit

Claims

1. a housing in which a storage medium is stored; Cover and a plurality of fastening members for fastening the housing to the cover; a receiving unit that receives removal information indicating that the fastening member has been removed from the cover; a processing unit that stores fraud information indicating that the cover has been fraudulently removed in a storage unit when the plurality of fastening members have not been removed from the cover in a predetermined order; a notification unit that notifies the fraud information; An electronic device comprising:

2. the cover has fixing holes for fixing the plurality of fastening members, The fixing hole has at least one notch. The electronic device according to claim 1 .

3. a detector disposed between the housing and the cover, the detector detecting that the fastening member has been removed from the cover; 3. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2.

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