Observation equipment

Abstract

To provide an observation device capable of observing the state of a flame inside a hard disk. [Solution] The observation device 1 is an observation top unit 2 that is attached to the top of a hard disk case with the top panel removed, and includes a steel plate 22 that is attached to cover part of the upper part of the hard disk case 16 and in which a flame-blowing section is formed, a window section 24 that is formed alongside the steel plate and above at least part of the hard disk platter 13, and an explosives storage section 26 that extends upward from the flame-blowing section and stores explosives, a camera 51 that takes pictures inside the hard disk, and a mirror 52 that is provided above the observation top plate and is positioned so that the inside of the hard disk can be photographed from the camera positioned laterally.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an observation device, for example, an observation device for observing a flame injected into a hard disk. [Background technology]

[0002] Recently, various countermeasures have been proposed to prevent information leaks from hard disks. While measures have been taken to prevent intrusions into hard disks from networks, there is a need to address the issue of information leaks caused by physical theft of the computer along with the hard disk, or by the computer itself being forcibly taken away even if the theft is noticed.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a computer theft prevention system that utilizes the relative positions of the computer and its peripheral devices to lock the hard disk installed in the computer if the computer is stolen. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-053815 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, if the computer itself were to be taken away, it could be analyzed over time and internal information could be leaked.

[0006] Furthermore, in cases where it is unavoidable to quickly prevent the leakage of information from a computer, the conventional method has been to physically destroy it with a hammer or axe. However, because hard disks are made of die-cast aluminum and are covered with iron, they are relatively sturdy, and there are issues such as the risk of failing to destroy the contents or taking a long time.

[0007] Therefore, there is a demand for a more powerful and immediate means of preventing information leakage as a countermeasure against physical theft of a personal computer.

[0008] The inventors of the present invention considered using flames to render information stored on a hard disk unusable as a means of preventing information leakage, and in order to develop such technology, they encountered the challenge of observing the state of flames inside a hard disk while changing the conditions.

[0009] The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and aims to provide an observation device that can observe the state of a flame inside a hard disk when a flame is blown into the hard disk from a flame blowing section. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to achieve the above object, according to one embodiment of the present invention, an observation device for observing a flame being blown into a hard disk comprises an observation top unit that is attached to the top of a hard disk case with the top panel removed, the observation top unit comprising: a steel plate that is attached so as to cover a portion of the upper part of the hard disk case and in which a flame blowing section is formed; a window section that is formed alongside the steel plate and above at least a portion of the platter of the hard disk; and an explosives storage section that extends upward from the flame blowing section and stores explosives; a camera that photographs the inside of the hard disk; and a mirror that is provided above the observation top plate and is positioned horizontally so that the inside of the hard disk can be photographed from the camera. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the observation top unit attached to the top of a hard disk case with the top panel removed includes a steel plate attached to cover a portion of the upper portion of the hard disk case, a window formed alongside the steel plate above at least a portion of the hard disk platter, a flame blowing section arranged alongside the window, and an explosives storage section extending from the flame blowing section and storing explosives. This allows the state of the flame inside the hard disk to be observed when a flame is blown into the hard disk from the flame blowing section. This makes it easier to study the state of a flame that could render the hard disk platter unusable. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] The observation device of the present invention makes it possible to observe the state of a flame inside a hard disk. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an observation device according to an embodiment of the present invention, with a first clamping unit and a second clamping unit omitted. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a top view of an observation top unit of an observation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 3 is a cross-sectional view of the observation device according to one embodiment of the present invention, taken along line III-III in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 1 is a top view showing an observation device according to an embodiment of the present invention, with a window portion, a first clamping unit, and a second clamping unit omitted. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] An observation device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments of the present disclosure have been described as examples, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many variations, modifications, and substitutions can be made within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, and various variations, modifications, etc. can be made in form and details without departing from the scope of the claims. Furthermore, the components disclosed in the specification can be freely combined.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1 , an observation device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention can provide a device for observing a flame being blown into a hard disk 10 and the state of the hard disk 10. The observation device 1 is attached to the hard disk 10 to be observed when used. More specifically, a method for destroying the hard disk 10 so as to render the information stored on the platter 13 within the hard disk 10 unusable is provided. For example, the present invention relates to a technology for rendering the platter 13 of the hard disk 10 unusable in a time period ranging from several seconds to several tens of seconds by blowing a flame into the hard disk 10. In the event of theft, such as when the hard disk 10 is forcibly removed along with the computer, this technology can render the information on the hard disk 10 unusable in a few seconds by igniting explosives, thereby preventing information leakage from the hard disk 10.

[0015] The hard disk 10 will be described below. The hard disk 10 is, for example, a so-called 2.5-inch hard disk device. The hard disk 10 may also be, for example, a so-called 3.5-inch hard disk device.

[0016] The hard disk 10 generally comprises a hard disk structure 11 whose lower part is formed by die-casting aluminum, a spindle motor part 12 arranged on the hard disk structure 11, a platter 13, an actuator 14, a magnetic head 15, and a hard disk case 16.

[0017] The hard disk structure 11 is provided at the base of the hard disk 10. A spindle motor unit 12, an actuator 14, etc. are attached to the top surface of the hard disk structure 11. The hard disk structure 11 is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from above. The outer periphery of the hard disk structure 11 is fixed to a hard disk case 16. The lower part of the hard disk structure 11 is formed from a metal member such as aluminum die-cast.

[0018] The spindle motor unit 12 is formed to rise vertically from the hard disk structure 11. The spindle motor unit 12 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The spindle motor unit 12 has a built-in spindle motor and is configured to rotate the platters 13 by receiving the rotation of the spindle motor. The inner peripheral portion of the platters 13 is connected to the outer peripheral portion of the spindle motor unit 12. For example, four platters 13 are connected to the spindle motor unit 12. The spindle motor unit 12 is configured to be able to rotate at a predetermined rotation speed.

[0019] The platter 13 is formed on a disk. The platter 13 is formed on a thin flat plate. When viewed from above, the platter 13 is formed in a circular shape with a predetermined diameter. A storage area is formed on the top surface of the platter 13, and the platter 13 is configured to store a large amount of data. The platter 13 has a layer of magnetic material for recording on its top surface. The platter 13 is connected at its center to the spindle motor unit 12. This allows the platter 13 to rotate as the spindle motor unit 12 rotates. The magnetic head 15 moves over the platter 13, allowing the magnetic head 15 to read information stored on the platter 13. The platter 13 is formed of, for example, four platters 13, which are arranged vertically.

[0020] The actuator 14 is disposed on the outside of one side of the platter 13, and is disposed on the hard disk structure 11. The actuator 14 is formed between the platter 13 and the third wall 16c. The actuator 14 is connected to the magnetic head 15 and is configured to be able to move the magnetic head 15 in the scanning direction. The actuator 14 is formed between the first wall 16a and the second wall 16b of the hard disk case 16.

[0021] The magnetic head 15 is disposed inside the hard disk case 16. The magnetic head 15 has a fork-shaped data reading portion. In the initial state, the magnetic head 15 is disposed outside the platter 13. When reading data, the magnetic head 15 is positioned above the platter 13 by the actuator 14. The magnetic head 15 has the functions of writing data onto the platter 13 and reading data from the platter 13.

[0022] The hard disk case 16 is formed of a first wall 16a extending in the longitudinal direction, a second wall 16b extending parallel to the first wall 16a, a third wall 16c extending in the lateral direction from one end of the first wall 16a, and a fourth wall 16d extending parallel to the third wall 16c. The third wall 16c is a wall provided on the side of the magnetic head 15 and actuator 14. The fourth wall 16d is a wall provided on the side of the platter 13. The first wall 16a and the third wall 16c are joined at a first corner 16e. The first corner 16e forms a 90-degree angle. The second wall 16b and the third wall 16c are joined at a second corner 16f. The second corner 16f also forms a 90-degree angle. The first wall 16a and the fourth wall 16d are joined at a third corner 16g. The third corner 16g forms a 90-degree angle. The second wall 16b and the fourth wall 16d are joined at the fourth corner 16h. The fourth corner 16h forms a 90-degree angle. The flat plate on the top surface of the hard disk 10 would normally form the top of the hard disk case 16, for example, but in this embodiment it is removed to allow the observation top unit 2 to be attached.

[0023] 1, the observation top unit 2 is attached to the top of the hard disk case 16 with the top panel removed. The observation top unit 2 includes a steel plate 22, a window section 24, an explosives storage section 26, an ignition unit 28, a first clamping unit 30 (see FIG. 2), a second clamping unit 32 (see FIG. 2), a power supply device 53, and a control section 72.

[0024] The steel plate 22 is attached so as to cover at least a portion of the upper part of the hard disk case 16. The steel plate 22 includes a first steel plate 41, a second steel plate 42, and a third steel plate 43. The first steel plate 41 is attached mainly above the actuator 14 of the hard disk 10. The first steel plate 41 is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from above. The first steel plate 41 is connected to the third wall 16c. The first steel plate 41 is fixed to the first wall 16a. The first steel plate 41 is fixed to the second wall 16b. The first steel plate 41 is also connected to the first corner 16e. The first steel plate 41 is also connected to the second corner 16f. The end of the first steel plate 41 on the platter 13 side is located above the end 13c of the platter 13 on the actuator 14 side. The first steel plate 41 is formed in a flat plate shape. The first steel plate 41 has a thickness ranging from 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm. The first steel plate 41 is attached to the hard disk structure 11 near the first corner 16e with a first screw 90. The first steel plate 41 is attached to the hard disk structure 11 near the second corner 16f with a second screw 91. As shown in FIG. 2, the first steel plate 41 contacts the first window portion 44 at the end on the platter 13 side.

[0025] The second steel plate 42 is mainly attached above the spindle motor unit 12 for the platter 13 of the hard disk 10. The second steel plate 42 is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from above. The width of the second steel plate 42 in the longitudinal direction (the longitudinal direction of the hard disk 10) is shorter than the width of the first steel plate 41 in the longitudinal direction. The second steel plate 42 is in contact with the first window portion 44. The second steel plate 42 is fixed to the first wall 16a. The second steel plate 42 is fixed to the second wall 16b. The end of the second steel plate 42 on the actuator 14 side is located above the end 12a of the spindle motor unit 12 on the actuator 14 side (see FIG. 3). The end of the second steel plate 42 on the fourth wall 16d side is located above the end 12b of the spindle motor unit 12 on the fourth wall 16d side. The second steel plate 42 is in contact with the second window portion 45. The second steel plate 42 is formed in a flat plate shape. The second steel plate 42 has a thickness within a range of 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm. The second steel plate 42 is attached to the hard disk structure 11 at a longitudinal middle portion on the first wall 16a side by a third screw 92. The second steel plate 42 is attached to the hard disk structure 11 at a longitudinal end portion on the second wall 16b side by a fourth screw 93. The position of the second steel plate 42 is formed so that the attachment position can be changed along the longitudinal direction of the hard disk 10.

[0026] The second steel plate 42 has a through hole 49, which serves as a flame-blowing port, formed in the lower center of the explosive storage section 26. The through hole 49 forms a circular opening. The center of the through hole 49 is located on the central axis of the explosive storage section 26. The through hole 49 is formed to have a diameter ranging from 0.5 mm to 5 mm. The through hole 49, which serves as a flame-blowing port, is located above the spindle motor section of the platter 13. The through hole 49, which serves as a flame-blowing port, is located in the center of the inner side of the platter 13, which facilitates the concentric spread of the flame, effectively rendering the data stored on the platter unusable. The through hole 49 functions as a starting point for introducing the flame. The opening of the through hole 49 allows it to have a nozzle-like blowing function. Because the second steel plate 42 is provided separately from the first steel plate 41 and the third steel plate 43, the position of the second steel plate 42 on the platter 13 can be easily adjusted. Furthermore, the position of the through-hole 49, which serves as the flame-blowing portion, can be easily changed together with the second steel plate 42, making it easier to perform experiments and fire measurements by changing the position of the through-hole 49. The position of the window portion 24 on the platter 13 can also be easily adjusted. For example, the through-hole 49, which serves as the flame-blowing portion, may be positioned above the outer edge region of the platter 13. This makes it possible to perform experiments and observations in which the flame is introduced from the outer edge region of the platter 13 by the flame-blowing portion.

[0027] The third steel plate 43 is attached above, between the end of the platter 13 of the hard disk 10 and the fourth wall 16d. The third steel plate 43 is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from above. The width of the third steel plate 43 in the longitudinal direction (the longitudinal direction of the hard disk 10) is shorter than the width of the first steel plate 41 in the longitudinal direction. The width of the third steel plate 43 in the longitudinal direction is shorter than the width of the second steel plate 42 in the longitudinal direction. The third steel plate 43 is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from above. The third steel plate 43 is connected to the fourth wall 16d. The third steel plate 43 is fixed to the first wall 16a. The third steel plate 43 is fixed to the second wall 16b. The third steel plate 43 is also connected to the third corner 16g. The third steel plate 43 is also connected to the fourth corner 16h. The end of the third steel plate 43 on the platter 13 side is located above the outer edge 13d of the platter 13. The third steel plate 43 is formed in a flat plate shape. The third steel plate 43 has a thickness ranging from 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm. The third steel plate 43 is attached to the hard disk structure 11 near the third corner 16g with a third screw. The third steel plate 43 is attached to the hard disk structure 11 near the fourth corner 16h with a fourth screw. The end of the third steel plate 43 on the platter 13 side contacts the second window portion 45.

[0028] The window portion 24 is formed alongside the steel plate 22 above at least a portion of the platter 13 of the hard disk 10. The window portion 24 includes a first window portion 44 formed above the platter 13 on a first direction side relative to the spindle motor portion 12, which is the spindle portion, and a second window portion 45 formed above the platter 13 on a second direction side opposite the first direction side relative to the spindle motor portion 12. Thus, a flame on the platter 13 on the first direction side can be observed through the first window portion 44, and a flame on the platter 13 on the second direction side can be observed through the second window portion 45. The window portion 24 is also formed of a glass plate, such as a heat-resistant glass plate, e.g., Pyrex (registered trademark) glass. Because the window portion 24 is formed of a glass plate, the interior of the hard disk 10 can be enclosed, allowing a camera 51 to capture an internal fire or other event. The position of the window portion 24 on the hard disk 10 is also adjustable according to the position of the second steel plate. For example, the window portion 24 can be disposed at any position and used by being fixed by the first clamping unit 30 and the second clamping unit 32.

[0029] The first window portion 44 is formed between the spindle motor portion 12, which is the spindle portion of the hard disk 10, and the actuator 14 in a top view. The first window portion 44 is formed above the first platter area 13a. The first platter area 13a is a semicircular area of ​​the platter 13 on the actuator 14 side. The second platter area 13b is a semicircular area of ​​the platter 13 on the opposite side of the first platter area 13a. The first window portion 44 is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from above. The first window portion 44 is formed of a transparent or semitransparent material and is formed so that the interior of the hard disk 10 can be seen from the outside. The first window portion 44 is formed of, for example, a glass material. The first window portion 44 is formed of, for example, a heat-resistant glass material. The first window portion 44 is connected to the first steel plate 41. The first window portion 44 is connected to the first wall 16a. The first window portion 44 is connected to the third wall 16c. The first window portion 44 is connected to the second steel plate 42. The end of the first window portion 44 on the actuator 14 side is located above the end of the platter 13 on the actuator 14 side. The end of the first window portion 44 on the spindle motor unit 12 side is located above the end of the spindle motor unit 12 on the actuator 14 side. The first window portion 44 is formed in a flat plate shape. The first window portion 44 has a thickness within a range of 3 mm to 5 mm. The thickness of the first window portion 44 is greater than the thickness of the first steel plate 41.

[0030] The second window portion 45 is formed between the spindle motor portion 12 of the hard disk 10 and the end of the platter 13 on the fourth wall 16d side in a top view. The second window portion 45 is formed above the second platter region 13b. The second window portion 45 is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from above. The second window portion 45 is formed of a transparent or translucent material and is formed so that the inside of the hard disk 10 can be seen from the outside. The second window portion 45 is formed, for example, of a glass material. The second window portion 45 is formed, for example, of a heat-resistant glass material. The second window portion 45 is connected to the second steel plate 42. The second window portion 45 is connected to the first wall 16a. The second window portion 45 is connected to the third wall 16c. The second window portion 45 is connected to the third steel plate 43. The end of the second window portion 45 on the actuator 14 side is located above the end of the spindle motor portion 12 on the fourth wall 16d side. The end of the second window portion 45 on the spindle motor unit 12 side is located above the end of the spindle motor unit 12 on the fourth wall 16d side. The second window portion 45 is formed in a flat plate shape. The second window portion 45 has a thickness within a range of 3 mm to 5 mm. The thickness of the second window portion 45 is greater than the thickness of the second steel plate 42.

[0031] The explosive storage section 26 extends upward from the through-hole 49 and stores explosives. The explosive storage section 26 is formed in a rectangular box shape. The explosive storage section 26 is formed with a square cross section. The explosive storage section 26 is formed in a box shape. An opening is formed in the bottom surface of the explosive storage section 26, which is connected to the internal space of the hard disk. An internal space is formed within the explosive storage section 26, and explosives are placed within the internal space. The explosive storage section 26 forms a downward-facing storage container. The explosive storage section 26 is formed from an iron member. The explosive storage section 26 is configured to store an amount of explosives therein that will have a combustion duration within the range of 2 to 4 seconds. This allows the initial behavior of the flame and gases generated by combustion to be observed while limiting the amount of explosives. This makes it possible to conduct experiments to test methods that can efficiently disable a hard disk even with a short combustion time. Furthermore, the explosives storage section 26 is detachably attached to the second steel plate 42 above the through-hole 49, which is the flame-blowing section. This makes it easy to store explosives again in the explosives storage section 26 after the explosives have burned and to conduct other experiments and measurements. The explosives storage section 26 has a flange 29 that spreads outward from the bottom. The flange 29 is placed on the second steel plate 42. The flange 29 and the second steel plate 42 are fixed together with screws.

[0032] The ignition unit 28 is disposed within the explosive storage section 26 and configured to ignite the explosive. Ignition by the ignition unit 28 is electrically controlled by a control unit. The ignition unit 28 includes a heating section 46 disposed within the explosive storage section 26 and a power line 47 extending from the heating section 46 to the outside of the explosive storage section 26. The heating section 46 is formed, for example, by winding a nichrome wire. The power line 47 is connected to a power supply device 53 that supplies electricity. In FIG. 3, the power line 47 is indicated by a dashed line. The ignition unit 28 is operated by a command from the control unit 72. When electricity is applied to the heating section 46, the nichrome wire is heated to a high temperature, for example, approximately 300°C to approximately 400°C, thereby igniting the explosive. As a variant, the ignition unit 28 may use an ignition ball, which is ignited by applying electricity to the ignition ball, and the ignition ball ignites the explosive 70.

[0033] The first clamping unit 30 is disposed along the first wall 16a of the hard disk case 16. The first clamping unit 30 includes a first bar 33 extending along the first wall 16a above the hard disk case 16, a second bar 34 extending along the first wall 16a below the hard disk case 16, and a first unit fastener 35 that fastens the hard disk case 16 and the window portion 24 by sandwiching them between the first bar 33 and the second bar 34. The first bar 33 extends along the longitudinal direction. The first bar 33 and the second bar 34 each have a length longer than the longitudinal direction of the hard disk 10. The first bar 33 is formed in a rod shape. The first bar 33 is formed with a rectangular cross section. The first bar 33 is made of metal. The second bar 34 extends along the longitudinal direction. The second bar 34 has a length longer than the longitudinal direction of the hard disk 10. The second bar 34 is formed in a rod shape. The second bar 34 is formed to have a rectangular cross section. The second bar 34 is made of metal. The first unit fastener 35 is configured to fasten the first bar 33 and the second bar 34 together so as to sandwich the hard disk case 16 and the window portion 24 between the first bar 33 and the second bar 34. The first unit fastener 35 is formed of a tool that fastens and fixes, such as a vice.

[0034] The second clamping unit 32 is disposed along the second wall 16b of the hard disk case 16, which extends parallel to the first wall 16a. The second clamping unit 32 includes a third bar 36 extending along the second wall above the hard disk case 16, a fourth bar 37 extending along the second wall below the hard disk case 16, and a second unit fastener 38 that fastens the hard disk case 16 and the window portion 24 by sandwiching them between the third bar 36 and the fourth bar 37. The third bar 36 and the fourth bar 37 extend along the longitudinal direction. The third bar 36 and the fourth bar 37 each have a length longer than the longitudinal direction of the hard disk 10. The third bar 36 and the fourth bar 37 are formed in a rod shape. The third bar 36 and the fourth bar 37 are formed with a rectangular cross section. The third bar 36 and the fourth bar 37 are formed from metal. The second unit fastener 38 is configured to fasten the third bar 36 and the fourth bar 37 so as to sandwich the hard disk case 16 and the window portion 24 between the third bar 36 and the fourth bar 37. The second unit fastener 38 is formed by a tool that fastens and fixes, such as a vice. The first clamping unit 30 and the second clamping unit 32 are thus capable of fixing the window portion 24 with a relatively simple configuration.

[0035] The camera 51 is configured to capture images of the inside of the hard disk 10. The camera 51 is provided above the observation top unit 2 and positioned horizontally. The camera 51 is oriented horizontally and is positioned at the same height as the mirror 52. The camera 51 is configured to capture, for example, visible light images. The camera 51 can capture, for example, the state of the flame or the state of the top surface of the platter. The camera 51 is configured, for example, as a high-speed camera. The camera 51 is formed of a video camera capable of capturing images at a frame rate of 1000 fps or more. The camera 51 can be positioned at any desired location. For example, the camera 51 may be positioned above the observation top unit 2 by providing a predetermined distance from the hard disk or by taking heat-shielding measures. The camera 51 may also be configured as a simple camera for capturing video. In this case, the stored video can be later analyzed to confirm the state of the hard disk 10.

[0036] The mirror 52 is provided above the observation top unit 2 and is arranged so that the inside of the hard disk 10 can be photographed by the camera 51, which is arranged at a distance in the horizontal direction. The mirror 52 is configured to reflect light, and is, for example, a rectangular mirror. The mirror 52 is configured so that a part of the light emitted from inside the hard disk 10 is reflected toward the camera 51. The mirror 52 is angled at 45 degrees from the horizontal. corner The camera 51 is arranged to form a horizontally fixed angle, and is configured to be able to photograph the inside of the hard disk 10 through the mirror 52 and the window portion 24. This allows the camera 51 to be positioned laterally away from above the hard disk 10, reducing the risk of the camera being damaged by heat.

[0037] The explosive 70 is filled in the explosive storage section 26. For example, the explosive 70 is formed as a rectangular prism-shaped block. The explosive 70 has a predetermined amount necessary for a burning time of, for example, approximately 2 to 4 seconds. The explosive 70 is formed to a length ranging from 1 cm to 3 cm. The explosive 70 is arranged so that when ignited, it burns and sends a flame through the through-hole 49 into the hard disk 10. After the explosive 70 is ignited, the flame and high-temperature gas flow pass through the through-hole 49, and the flame and high-temperature gas flow are sent into the hard disk 10, burning the surface of the platter 13 in the hard disk 10. In this way, stored data in the storage area of ​​the hard disk 10 can be rendered unusable by the flame itself or the heat from the high-temperature gas flow. Furthermore, data can be rendered unusable by heat even without direct flame contact.

[0038] The control unit 72 can control the operation of the observation device 1. When an activation command is received, the control unit 72 starts energizing the ignition unit 28 to ignite the explosive 70. When the control unit 72 determines that an activation command has not been received, the control unit 72 is controlled not to energize the ignition unit 28. The control unit 72 may be located at a position separated from the observation top unit 2, etc. The control unit 72 is electrically connected to the ignition unit 28, the camera 51, the power supply unit 53, etc. These electrical connections may be made via wireless communication, etc. All or part of the control unit 72 may be formed by a personal computer. The control unit 72 incorporates a CPU 17 and a storage device 19 such as a memory, etc., and controls connected devices to execute predetermined controls based on a predetermined control program recorded in the memory, etc. The control unit 72 stores a program capable of executing an activation mode that starts energizing the ignition unit 28 when an activation command is received. The control unit 72 also stores a program capable of executing a non-activation mode that does not start energizing the ignition unit 28 when an activation command is not received.

[0039] Next, an observation method using the observation device 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0040] First, a step of preparing the observation device 1 and the hard disk 10 is executed. The hard disk 10 is prepared with the flat plate constituting the top panel of the hard disk 10 removed, for example, with the plate forming the upper surface of the platter 13 removed. Then, the observation top unit 2 is attached to the top of the hard disk case 16 with the top panel removed. Also, explosives are stored in the explosive storage section 26, and the explosive storage section 26 is fixed to the second steel plate 42 by screws at the flange 29. Also, the camera 51, mirror 52, control section 72, etc. are prepared.

[0041] When the control unit 72 receives a command to start observing the flame, it starts heating the gunpowder with the ignition unit 28 and also starts taking pictures of the contents of the hard disk with the camera 51 .

[0042] When the explosive 70 is ignited by the ignition unit 28, a flame and a high-temperature gas flow pass through the through-holes and are blown into the hard disk 10, rendering the storage areas of the platters 13 unusable. For example, the temperature of the high-temperature gas flow reaches approximately 2000 degrees. The flame and the high-temperature gas flow are blown into the hard disk 10 through the through-holes 49 for a period of time ranging from 2 to 10 seconds.

[0043] Camera 51 photographs the inside of hard disk 10 through mirror 52 and the window. Camera 51 is, for example, a high-speed camera that takes about 1,000 images per second after the explosives start to burn, and can take about 3,000 images in about three seconds, for example, to obtain information about the spread of the flames and the introduction of high-temperature gas flow.

[0044] The operator can analyze the acquired images of the inside of the hard disk 10 and learn how the flame and high-temperature gas flow inside the hard disk 10 after the explosives start to burn. Therefore, for each trial in which the position of the through-hole 49 or the position of the second steel plate 42 is changed or the amount of explosives is changed, the flow of the flame and high-temperature gas flow and the resulting state of the platter 13 can be confirmed, and use of the observation device 1 can contribute to the efficiency of research into rendering the platter 13 unusable.

[0045] Examples of an embodiment of the present invention may be provided in each aspect as described below.

[0046] (1) An observation device for observing a flame being blown into a hard disk, the observation device comprising: an observation top unit attached to the top of a hard disk case with the top panel removed, the observation top unit comprising: a steel plate attached to cover a portion of the top of the hard disk case and forming a flame blowing section; a window section formed alongside the steel plate above at least a portion of the platter of the hard disk; and an explosives storage section extending upward from the flame blowing section and storing explosives; a camera for photographing the inside of the hard disk; and a mirror provided above the observation top unit and positioned horizontally so that the inside of the hard disk can be photographed.

[0047] (2) The observation device described in (1), wherein the steel plates comprise a first steel plate attached above the actuator of the hard disk, a third steel plate attached to the wall of the hard disk opposite the actuator, and a second steel plate provided between the first steel plate and the third steel plate.

[0048] (3) The observation device described in (2), wherein the flame blowing portion of the observation top unit is formed on the second steel plate, and the position of the second steel plate is formed so as to be changeable on the hard disk.

[0049] (4) The observation device described in (1), wherein the flame blowing section of the observation top unit is positioned above the spindle section inside the platter.

[0050] (5) The observation device described in (1), wherein the window portion of the observation top unit comprises a first window portion formed on the top of the platter on a first direction side relative to the spindle portion, and a second window portion formed on the top of the platter on a second direction side opposite the first direction side relative to the spindle portion.

[0051] (6) The observation device described in (1), wherein the window portion of the observation top unit is formed by a glass plate.

[0052] (7) The mirror is at a 45° angle from the horizontal. corner The observation device described in (1) above, wherein the camera is arranged to form a horizontally fixed angle and can photograph the inside of the hard disk through the mirror and the window portion.

[0053] (8) The observation device described in (2), wherein the explosives storage section of the observation top unit is box-shaped and removably attached to the second steel plate above the flame blowing section.

[0054] (9) The observation device described in (1), wherein the explosive storage section of the observation top unit is configured to contain an amount of explosive therein that has a burning duration within a range of 2 to 4 seconds.

[0055] (10) An observation device as described in (1), comprising: a first clamping unit arranged along a first wall of the hard disk case; and a second clamping unit arranged along the second wall extending parallel to the first wall, wherein the first clamping unit comprises a first bar extending along the first wall above the hard disk case, a second bar extending along the first wall below the hard disk case, and a first unit fastener that fastens the first bar and the second bar so as to sandwich the hard disk case and the window portion between the first bar and the second bar, and the second clamping unit comprises a third bar extending along the second wall above the hard disk case, a fourth bar extending along the second wall below the hard disk case, and a second unit fastener that fastens the third bar and the fourth bar so as to sandwich the hard disk case and the window portion between the third bar and the fourth bar.

[0056] (11) The observation device described in (1), wherein the flame blowing section of the observation top unit is positioned above the outer edge region of the platter.

[0057] (12) An observation device as described in (1), comprising an ignition unit disposed within the explosive storage section and igniting the explosive, and ignition by the ignition unit is electrically controlled. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 1: Observation equipment 2: Observation top unit 10: Hard disk 13: Platter 14: Actuator 16: Hard disk case 16a: First wall 16b: 2nd wall 22: Steel plate 24: Window section 26: Gunpowder storage area 28: Ignition unit 41: First steel plate 42: Second steel plate 43: Third Steel Plate 44: First window section 45: Second window section 51: Camera 52: Mirror 70: Gunpowder

Claims

1. An observation device for observing a flame being blown into a hard disk, an observation top unit that is attached to the top of the hard disk case with the top panel removed, the observation top unit comprising: a steel plate that is attached so as to cover a portion of the upper part of the hard disk case and that has a flame-blowing section formed therein; a window section that is formed alongside the steel plate and above at least a portion of a platter of the hard disk; and an explosives storage section that extends upward from the flame-blowing section and that stores explosives; a camera for taking pictures of the hard disk; an observation device comprising: a mirror provided above the observation top unit and positioned so that the inside of the hard disk can be photographed from the camera positioned laterally.

2. 2. The observation device of claim 1, wherein the steel plates comprise: a first steel plate attached above an actuator of the hard disk; a third steel plate attached to a wall of the hard disk opposite the actuator; and a second steel plate provided between the first steel plate and the third steel plate.

3. 3. The observation device according to claim 2, wherein the flame blowing portion of the observation top unit is formed on the second steel plate, and the position of the second steel plate is formed to be changeable on the hard disk.

4. 2. The observation device according to claim 1, wherein the flame blowing section of the observation top unit is disposed above a spindle section inside the platter.

5. 2. The observation device of claim 1, wherein the window portion of the observation top unit comprises a first window portion formed on the top of the platter on a first direction side relative to the spindle portion, and a second window portion formed on the top of the platter on a second direction side opposite the first direction side relative to the spindle portion.

6. 2. The observation device according to claim 1, wherein the window portion of the observation top unit is formed by a glass plate.

7. 2. The observation device according to claim 1, wherein the mirror is positioned to form a 45-degree angle with the horizontal, and the camera fixed in a horizontal orientation can photograph the inside of the hard disk through the mirror and the window portion.

8. 3. The observation device according to claim 2, wherein the explosives storage section of the observation top unit is formed in a box shape and is detachably attached to the second steel plate above the flame blowing section.

9. 2. The observation device according to claim 1, wherein the explosive storage section of the observation top surface unit is configured to store therein an amount of explosive having a burning duration within a range of 2 to 4 seconds.

10. a first clamping unit disposed along a first wall of the hard disk case; a second clamping unit disposed along a second wall extending parallel to the first wall; the first clamping unit includes a first bar extending along the first wall above the hard disk case, and a second bar extending along the first wall below the hard disk case; a first unit fastener that fastens the first bar and the second bar so as to sandwich the hard disk case and the window portion between the first bar and the second bar, the second clamping unit includes a third bar extending along the second wall above the hard disk case, and a fourth bar extending along the second wall below the hard disk case; 2. The observation device of claim 1, further comprising: a second unit fastener that fastens the third bar and the fourth bar so as to sandwich the hard disk case and the window portion between the third bar and the fourth bar.

11. 2. The observation device of claim 1, wherein the flame blowing section of the observation top unit is positioned above an outer edge region of the platter.

12. 2. The observation device according to claim 1, further comprising an ignition unit disposed in the explosive storage section and configured to ignite the explosive, wherein ignition by the ignition unit is electrically controlled.

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