Information Processing Apparatus External Media Access Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing information processing apparatuses fail to prevent erroneous use of external media after data deletion, particularly in shared or organizational settings, leading to potential data leakage.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus with a setting storage unit to control access to external media, including an acceptance unit for deleting data, a change unit to prohibit media use post-deletion, and a control unit to manage access based on deletion status or identification information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the apparatus is operated in a mode that permits use of external media after data deletion, then the external media can be used for new data storage, but data security is compromised and erroneous use occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexternal media usabilityVSAvoiddata security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by changing the setting to prohibit external media use immediately when data deletion is instructed, before the user can inadvertently use the media again. This proactive measure ensures data security is maintained by preventing any subsequent use of the deleted media.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the apparatus automatically prohibits external media use after data deletion, then data security is improved, but user convenience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata securityVSAvoiduser convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides feedback by displaying a notification to the user informing them that external media use has been prohibited due to data deletion. This allows the user to be aware of the state change and take appropriate actions if needed, balancing security with user awareness and control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If the apparatus recognizes and attempts to use external media after power-on following data deletion, then media functionality is maintained, but data leakage risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemedia functionalityVSAvoiddata leakage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies preliminary anti-action by changing the setting to prohibit external media use at the moment data deletion is instructed, which prevents the harmful effect of data leakage from occurring in the first place. This proactive prohibition eliminates the risk before it can manifest.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Data Source

PatentUS9940049B2Information processing apparatus capable of mounting data storage medium that stores data

Publication Date: 2018.04.10 CANON KK

AI summary

An information processing apparatus includes a setting storage unit configured to store a setting as to whether use of a data storage medium mounted to the information processing apparatus is permitted or prohibited, a control unit configured to control an access to the data storage medium based on the setting stored in the setting storage medium, an acceptance unit configured to accept an instruction for deleting data in the data storage medium, and a change unit configured to change, in response to the data in the data storage medium being deleted in accordance with the instruction accepted by the acceptance unit, the setting stored in the setting storage unit to indicate that the use of the data storage medium is prohibited.