Patent ID: 7789303
Filing Date: 2010-09-07
Classification: G06F,G06K

Abstract:
1. An information processing apparatus that realizes a predetermined function using secret information stored therein, when the information processing apparatus is in a state connected to a device, comprising: a secret information-acquiring section that acquires secret information from a device to which the information processing apparatus is connected at a first time; a first identification information-acquiring section that acquires, from the device to which the information processing apparatus is connected at the first time, identification information for uniquely identifying the device to which the information processing apparatus is connected at the first time; a secret information storage section that stores the secret information acquired by said secret information-acquiring section; an identification information storage section that stores the identification information acquired by said first identification information-acquiring section; a second identification information-acquiring section that acquires, from a device to which the information processing apparatus is connected at a second time after the first time, identification information for uniquely identifying the device to which the information processing apparatus is connected at the second time, in response to a request for reference to the secret information; a determination section that determines whether or not the identification information stored in said identification information storage section and the identification information acquired by said second identification information-acquiring section match; and a control section that permits or inhibits reference to the secret information by the device to which the information processing apparatus is connected at the second time, according to a result of the determination by said determination section.