Patent Description:
In recent years, there are known techniques of, when an information processing apparatus such as a laptop personal computer (PC) is stolen, preventing leakage of data stored in the information processing apparatus (for example, see <CIT>). For example, the technique described in <CIT> involves, in the case where an information processing apparatus is stolen and the distance between the information processing apparatus and a portable terminal such as a mobile phone reaches a predetermined distance or more, deleting data stored in the information processing apparatus.

<CIT> describes a system for detecting unauthorized taking-out from storage, and storage management server.

<CIT> describes a wireless identification tag with unauthorized carrying out detection function.

However, with the technique described in <CIT>, for example in the case where a user takes out the information processing apparatus without permission from a use permissible location, such as a company, in which the use of the information processing apparatus is permitted, there is a possibility that the user also takes out the portable terminal and unauthorizedly uses the information processing apparatus in other than the use permissible location. Thus, the information processing apparatus according to the conventional technique is susceptible to unauthorized use depending on the use situation. There is thus a demand for a technique that can prevent unauthorized use more reliably.

In view of the problem stated above, the present invention has an object of providing an information processing apparatus and a control method that can prevent unauthorized use in other than a use permissible location.

To solve the problem stated above, an information processing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes: a wireless tag attached to the information processing apparatus, and configured to have takeout detection information written thereto and read therefrom by wireless communication, the takeout detection information indicating that the information processing apparatus has been taken out from a use permissible location; a reader-writer unit contained in the information processing apparatus, and configured to at least read, by the wireless communication, the takeout detection information stored in the wireless tag; and a main control unit configured to perform a process of restricting information processing functions executable by the information processing apparatus, in the case where the main control unit determines, as a result of the reader-writer unit reading the takeout detection information from the wireless tag, that the takeout detection information is written in the wireless tag.

The information processing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention may include: a sensor unit configured to detect a state in which the information processing apparatus is moving; and an embedded control unit configured to, in the case where the sensor unit detects the state in which the information processing apparatus is moving, periodically determine, using the reader-writer unit, whether the takeout detection information is written in the wireless tag, and output an event in the case where the embedded control unit determines that the takeout detection information is written in the wireless tag, wherein the main control unit is configured to perform the process of restricting the executable information processing functions in response to the event output from the embedded control unit.

In the information processing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention, the main control unit may be configured to, when transitioning from a stopped state to a state capable of information processing, determine, using the reader-writer unit, whether the takeout detection information is written in the wireless tag, and perform the process of restricting the executable information processing functions in the case where the main control unit determines that the takeout detection information is written in the wireless tag.

In the information processing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention, the process of restricting the executable information processing functions may include a process of disabling all of the executable information processing functions, and the main control unit may be configured to disable all of the executable information processing functions, in the case where the main control unit determines that the takeout detection information is written in the wireless tag.

In the information processing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention, the main control unit may be configured to enable the disabled executable information processing functions, in the case where a predetermined password is input.

In the information processing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention, the process of restricting the executable information processing functions may include a process of deleting storage information stored in a storage device included in the information processing apparatus, and the main control unit may be configured to perform the process of deleting the storage information, in the case where the main control unit determines that the takeout detection information is written in the wireless tag.

The information processing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention may include: a wireless communication processing unit connected to an antenna for wireless network communication, and configured to perform data communication by the wireless network communication; and a switching unit configured to connect the antenna for the wireless network communication selectively to one of the wireless communication processing unit and the reader-writer unit, wherein the switching unit is configured to switch the antenna for the wireless network communication to be connected to the reader-writer unit, in the case of detecting, using the reader-writer unit, whether the takeout detection information is written in the wireless tag.

In the information processing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention, the wireless tag may be configured to have the takeout detection information written thereto when passing through an exit gate of the use permissible location.

In the information processing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention, the main control unit may be configured to perform a process of writing the takeout detection information to the wireless tag using the reader-writer unit, in the case where the main control unit detects, by a means different from the takeout detection information, that the information processing apparatus has been taken out from the use permissible location.

In the information processing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention, the case of detecting that the information processing apparatus has been taken out from the use permissible location by the means different from the takeout detection information may include any of: a case where the information processing apparatus has not been connected to a network used in the use permissible location for at least a predetermined period; a case where position information of the information processing apparatus detected by a position information detection unit indicates outside the use permissible location; and a case where the information processing apparatus has not performed an authentication process for a management server for a specific period.

In the information processing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention, the main control unit may be configured to perform the process of restricting the executable information processing functions, in the case where the main control unit is unable to communicate with the wireless tag using the reader-writer unit.

A control method according to an aspect of the present invention is a control method for an information processing apparatus that includes: a wireless tag attached to the information processing apparatus, and configured to have takeout detection information written thereto and read therefrom by wireless communication, the takeout detection information indicating that the information processing apparatus has been taken out from a use permissible location; and a reader-writer unit contained in the information processing apparatus, and configured to at least read, by the wireless communication, the takeout detection information stored in the wireless tag, the control method including performing, by a main control unit, a process of restricting information processing functions executable by the information processing apparatus, in the case where the main control unit determines, as a result of the reader-writer unit reading the takeout detection information from the wireless tag, that the takeout detection information is written in the wireless tag.

The above-described aspects of the present invention can prevent unauthorized use in other than a use permissible location.

An information processing apparatus and a control method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below, with reference to drawings.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a security management system <NUM> according to this embodiment.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the security management system <NUM> includes a laptop personal computer (PC) <NUM> and an entrance and exit gate <NUM>. This embodiment describes the laptop PC <NUM> as an example of an information processing apparatus.

The laptop PC <NUM> is an information processing apparatus that is permitted to be used in a use permissible location and subjected to management in the security management system <NUM>. In the case where the laptop PC <NUM> is taken out (carried out or removed) from the use permissible location, the laptop PC <NUM> performs a process of restricting information processing functions executable by the laptop PC <NUM>. The detailed structure of the laptop PC <NUM> will be described later.

The entrance and exit gate <NUM> is an apparatus installed at an entrance and exit of the use permissible location, and contains a reader-writer of a radio frequency identifier (RFID) tag <NUM> described later. When the laptop PC <NUM> is taken out from the use permissible location, the entrance and exit gate <NUM> uses the reader-writer to perform a process of writing, on the RFID tag <NUM> attached to the laptop PC <NUM>, takeout detection information indicating that the laptop PC <NUM> has been taken out from the use permissible location.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of the laptop PC <NUM> according to this embodiment.

<FIG> illustrates a back chassis of the laptop PC <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the RFID tag <NUM> is attached in a state of being contained in the chassis of the laptop PC <NUM>, and located at an edge of the chassis of the laptop PC <NUM> so as to enable wireless communication.

The hardware structure of the laptop PC <NUM> will be described below, with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example of the main hardware structure of the laptop PC <NUM> according to this embodiment.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the laptop PC <NUM> includes a CPU <NUM>, a main memory <NUM>, a video subsystem <NUM>, a display unit <NUM>, a chipset <NUM>, a BIOS memory <NUM>, a HDD <NUM>, an audio system <NUM>, a WLAN module <NUM>, a WWAN module <NUM>, a reader-writer unit <NUM>, a switching unit <NUM>, an embedded controller <NUM>, a key input unit <NUM>, a power circuit <NUM>, a sensor unit <NUM>, the RFID tag <NUM>, an antenna AN1, and an antenna AN2.

The CPU (Central Processing Unit) <NUM> performs various arithmetic processing by program control, and controls the overall laptop PC <NUM>.

The main memory <NUM> is a writable memory used as an area for reading execution programs of the CPU <NUM> or a work area for writing processed data of the execution programs. For example, the main memory <NUM> is made up of a plurality of DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) chips. The execution programs include an OS (Operating System), various device drivers for hardware-operating peripherals, various services/utilities, and application programs.

The video subsystem <NUM> is a subsystem for implementing functions relating to image display, and includes a video controller. The video controller processes a rendering instruction from the CPU <NUM>, and writes the processed rendering information to a video memory. The video controller also reads the rendering information from the video memory, and outputs it to the display unit <NUM> as rendering data (display data).

The display unit <NUM> is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic electroluminescence (EL) display, and displays, as a main screen of the laptop PC <NUM>, a display screen based on the rendering data (display data) output from the video subsystem <NUM>.

The chipset <NUM> includes controllers such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), Serial ATA (AT Attachment), SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) bus, PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus, PCI-Express bus, and LPC (Low Pin Count) bus, and is connected to a plurality of devices. In <FIG>, devices such as the BIOS memory <NUM>, the HDD <NUM>, the audio system <NUM>, the WLAN module <NUM>, the WWAN module <NUM>, the reader-writer unit <NUM>, and the embedded controller <NUM> are connected to the chipset <NUM>.

The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) memory <NUM> is, for example, composed of an electrically rewritable non-volatile memory such as electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM) or flash ROM. The BIOS memory <NUM> stores the BIOS, system firmware for controlling the embedded controller <NUM>, etc., and the like.

The HDD (Hard Disk Drive) <NUM> (an example of a nonvolatile storage) stores an OS, various drivers, various services/utilities, application programs, and various data.

The audio system <NUM> records, reproduces, and outputs sound data.

The WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) module <NUM> connects to a network by wireless LAN and performs data communication. The antenna AN1 is connected to the WLAN module <NUM> via the below-described switching unit <NUM>.

The antenna AN1 is an antenna for wireless LAN (e.g. <NUM> (gigahertz) or <NUM>).

The WWAN (Wireless Wide Area Network) module <NUM> connects to a network by wireless WAN and performs data communication. The antenna AN2 is connected to the WWAN module <NUM> via the below-described switching unit <NUM>.

The antenna AN2 is an antenna for wireless WAN (e.g. <NUM>(megahertz)).

The WLAN module <NUM> and the WWAN module <NUM> are each an example of a wireless communication processing unit that is connected to an antenna for wireless network communication (the antenna AN1 or the antenna AN2) and performs data communication by wireless network communication.

The reader-writer unit <NUM> is contained in the laptop PC <NUM>, and is capable of at least reading the below-described takeout bit <NUM> stored in the RFID tag <NUM> by wireless communication. Herein, the takeout bit <NUM> set to "<NUM>" corresponds to takeout detection information. The reader-writer unit <NUM> is connected to the chipset <NUM> by a serial interface such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus). The reader-writer unit <NUM> is connected to the embedded controller <NUM> by an I2C bus.

The reader-writer unit <NUM> can write "<NUM>" or "<NUM>" to the takeout bit <NUM>.

When accessing the RFID tag, the reader-writer unit <NUM> performs switching control by the switching unit <NUM> in order to use the antenna AN1 or the antenna AN2. That is, the reader-writer unit <NUM> accesses the RFID tag using the antenna AN1 or the antenna AN2.

The switching unit <NUM> connects the antenna for wireless network communication (the antenna AN1 or the antenna AN2) selectively to the reader-writer unit <NUM> or the corresponding one of the WLAN module <NUM> and the WWAN module <NUM>. By switching the connection of each of the antenna AN1 and the antenna AN2 by the switching unit <NUM>, each of the antenna AN1 and the antenna AN2 is shared by the reader-writer unit <NUM> and the corresponding one of the WLAN module <NUM> and the WWAN module <NUM>.

The switching unit <NUM> includes a switching unit 28A and a switching unit 28B.

The switching unit 28A connects the antenna AN1 selectively to any of the WLAN module <NUM> and the reader-writer unit <NUM>, under control of the reader-writer unit <NUM>.

The switching unit 28B connects the antenna AN2 selectively to any of the WWAN module <NUM> and the reader-writer unit <NUM>, under control of the reader-writer unit <NUM>.

In normal times, the switching unit <NUM> connects the antenna AN1 and the WLAN module <NUM> and connects the antenna AN2 and the WWAN module <NUM> under control of the reader-writer unit <NUM>. When accessing the RFID tag <NUM>, the switching unit <NUM> switches the connection of the antenna AN1 or the antenna AN2 to the reader-writer unit <NUM> under control of the reader-writer unit <NUM>.

The embedded controller <NUM> (an example of an embedded control unit) is a one-chip microcomputer that monitors and controls each device (peripherals, sensors, etc.) regardless of the system state of the laptop PC <NUM>. The embedded controller <NUM> also has a power management function of controlling the power circuit <NUM>. The embedded controller <NUM> is composed of a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like (not illustrated), and includes A/D input terminals, D/A output terminals, timers, and digital input and output terminals of a plurality of channels. The embedded controller <NUM> is connected to the key input unit <NUM>, the power circuit <NUM>, the sensor unit <NUM>, and the like via these input and output terminals, and controls their operations.

The embedded controller <NUM> controls the power circuit <NUM> depending on the system state (e.g. S0 state (S0x state) to S5 state) defined in the ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface) specifications. S0 state is the most active state, and is a typical operation state (normal operation state). S3 state corresponds to sleep mode, and S4 state corresponds to hibernation mode. S5 state is a shut-down state (power off state) in which power is turned off by software. S0x state corresponds to modern standby mode.

The key input unit <NUM> is an input device such as a keyboard or a touch panel, and receives key input from the user.

The power circuit <NUM> includes, for example, a DC/DC converter, a charge/discharge unit, a battery unit, and an AC/DC adapter, and converts a DC voltage supplied from the AC/DC adapter or the battery unit into a plurality of voltages necessary to operate the laptop PC <NUM>. The power circuit <NUM> supplies power to each unit in the laptop PC <NUM>, based on control by the embedded controller <NUM>.

The sensor unit <NUM> is, for example, an accelerometer, and is capable of detecting the moving state of the laptop PC <NUM> (i.e. a state in which the laptop PC <NUM> is moving) by detecting acceleration.

The RFID tag <NUM> (an example of a wireless tag) is a tag that is attached to the laptop PC <NUM> (information processing apparatus) and is capable of having takeout detection information written thereto and read therefrom by wireless communication. The takeout detection information indicates that the laptop PC <NUM> has been taken out from the use permissible location. The RFID tag <NUM> includes an antenna AN3 and a tag IC <NUM>.

The antenna AN3 is an antenna capable of data communication with the reader-writer unit <NUM> by wireless communication via the antenna AN1 or the antenna AN2. The antenna AN3 is used for data communication, and also supplied with power for operating the tag IC.

The tag IC (Integrated Circuit) <NUM> is an integrated circuit that performs data communication with the reader-writer unit <NUM> by wireless communication via the antenna AN3, and is capable of writing and reading the takeout detection information.

In this embodiment, the CPU <NUM> and the chipset <NUM> correspond to a main control unit <NUM>. The main control unit <NUM> performs processes based on an OS (e.g. Windows®).

The functional structure of the laptop PC <NUM> according to this embodiment will be described below, with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional structure of the laptop PC <NUM> according to this embodiment.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the laptop PC <NUM> includes the main control unit <NUM>, the RFID tag <NUM>, the WLAN module <NUM>, the WWAN module <NUM>, the reader-writer unit <NUM>, the switching unit 28A, the switching unit 28B, the embedded controller <NUM>, and the sensor unit <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates only the main functional structure of the laptop PC <NUM> relating to this embodiment of the present invention.

In <FIG>, the antenna AN1 includes an antenna AN1A and an antenna AN1B. The antenna AN1A is directly connected to the WLAN module <NUM>, and the antenna AN1B is connected to the WLAN module <NUM> via the switching unit 28A.

The antenna AN2 includes an antenna AN2A and an antenna AN2B. The antenna AN2A is directly connected to the WWAN module <NUM>, and the antenna AN2B is connected to the WWAN module <NUM> via the switching unit 28B.

The RFID tag <NUM> includes a tag control unit <NUM> and a tag storage unit <NUM>.

The tag control unit <NUM> is a functional unit implemented by the foregoing tag IC <NUM>. The tag control unit <NUM> includes, for example, a CPU, and integrally controls the RFID tag <NUM>. The tag control unit <NUM> executes a process corresponding to a command (processing request) received from the reader-writer unit <NUM> by wireless communication, and outputs a response (processing response) to the reader-writer unit <NUM> as an execution result by wireless communication.

The tag storage unit <NUM> is a functional unit implemented by the foregoing tag IC <NUM>. For example, the tag storage unit <NUM> is composed of an electrically rewritable non-volatile memory such as EEPROM or flash ROM. The tag storage unit <NUM> includes the takeout bit <NUM>.

The takeout bit <NUM> is flag information indicating whether the laptop PC <NUM> has been taken out from the use permissible location. In the case where the takeout bit <NUM> is "<NUM>", the takeout bit <NUM> indicates that the laptop PC <NUM> has not been taken out from the use permissible location. In the case where the takeout bit <NUM> is "<NUM>", the takeout bit <NUM> indicates that the laptop PC <NUM> has been taken out from the use permissible location. That is, the foregoing takeout detection information corresponds to the takeout bit <NUM> set to "<NUM>".

For example, the tag control unit <NUM> performs a process of writing "<NUM>" to the takeout bit <NUM>, in response to a write command from the entrance and exit gate <NUM> or the reader-writer unit <NUM>. The tag control unit <NUM> also performs a process of reading the information of the takeout bit <NUM> (i.e. being "<NUM>" (takeout detection information)), in response to a read command from at least the reader-writer unit <NUM>.

The main control unit <NUM> is a functional unit implemented by the CPU <NUM> and the chipset <NUM> executing a program stored in the main memory <NUM>, and performs each type of information processing based on an OS. The main control unit <NUM> includes a BIOS <NUM>.

The BIOS <NUM> is implemented, for example, by the CPU <NUM> reading a program stored in the BIOS memory <NUM> into the main memory <NUM> and executing the program. The BIOS <NUM> starts the OS, and controls various inputs and outputs in the laptop PC <NUM>.

In the case where the BIOS <NUM> determines that the takeout bit <NUM> in the RFID tag <NUM> is "<NUM>" by the reader-writer unit <NUM> reading, from the RFID tag <NUM>, the takeout bit <NUM> set to "<NUM>", the BIOS <NUM> performs a process of restricting information processing functions executable by the laptop PC <NUM>. That is, in the case where the BIOS <NUM> detects, from the RFID tag <NUM>, that the laptop PC <NUM> has been taken out from the use permissible location, the BIOS <NUM> performs the process of restricting the information processing functions of the laptop PC <NUM>. For example, the process of restricting the information processing functions is a process of disabling all executable information processing functions. In this case, the start of the OS of the laptop PC <NUM> is disabled to make the laptop PC <NUM> unusable.

In the case where the system state of the laptop PC <NUM> is S0 state or modern standby mode (S0x state), the BIOS <NUM> performs a process of disabling the executable information processing functions in response to an event (e.g. SMI (System Management Interrupt)) output from the below-described embedded controller <NUM>.

When the main control unit <NUM> transitions from a stopped state (e.g. S3 state to S5 state) to a state capable of information processing (e.g. S0 state), the BIOS <NUM> determines whether "<NUM>" is written in the takeout bit <NUM> in the RFID tag <NUM> by wireless communication using the reader-writer unit <NUM>. In the case where the BIOS <NUM> determines that "<NUM>" is written in the takeout bit <NUM> in the RFID tag <NUM>, the BIOS <NUM> performs the process of disabling the executable information processing functions.

Specifically, in the case where the system state of the laptop PC <NUM> is S3 state (sleep mode), S4 state (hibernation mode), or S5 state (shut-down state), the BIOS <NUM>, when performing a recovery process or a start process, determines whether "<NUM>" is written in the takeout bit <NUM> in the RFID tag <NUM> by wireless communication using the reader-writer unit <NUM>. In the case where the BIOS <NUM> determines that "<NUM>" is written in the takeout bit <NUM> in the RFID tag <NUM>, the BIOS <NUM> performs the process of disabling all executable information processing functions.

In the case where a predetermined password is input, the BIOS <NUM> enables the disabled executable information processing function. In detail, in the case where a predetermined supervisor password (SVP) is input during the start process of the laptop PC <NUM>, the BIOS <NUM> performs a recovery process of enabling and recovering the executable information processing functions. In the recovery process, the BIOS <NUM> may perform a process of writing "<NUM>" to the takeout bit <NUM> in the RFID tag <NUM> using the reader-writer unit <NUM>.

In the case where an attempt to wirelessly communicate with the RFID tag <NUM> using the reader-writer unit <NUM> has failed, the BIOS <NUM> may perform the process of disabling the executable information processing functions. In detail, in the case where there is a possibility that the RFID tag <NUM> has been detached from the laptop PC <NUM>, the BIOS <NUM> may perform the process of disabling the executable information processing functions.

In the case where the main control unit <NUM> detects that the laptop PC <NUM> has been taken out from the use permissible location by a means other than using information that the takeout bit <NUM> is "<NUM>", the main control unit <NUM> performs a process of writing "<NUM>" to the takeout bit <NUM> in the RFID tag <NUM> by wireless communication using the reader-writer unit <NUM>. For example, the following (<NUM>) to (<NUM>) are cases where the main control unit <NUM> detects that the laptop PC <NUM> has been taken out from the use permissible location by a means other than using information that the takeout bit <NUM> is "<NUM>".

In the case where the main control unit <NUM> thus detects, without using the RFID tag <NUM>, that the laptop PC <NUM> has been taken out from the use permissible location, the main control unit <NUM> writes "<NUM>" to the takeout bit <NUM> by wireless communication using the reader-writer unit <NUM>. Hence, the BIOS <NUM> determines that the laptop PC <NUM> has been taken out from the use permissible location by determining that the takeout bit <NUM> is "<NUM>".

The embedded controller <NUM> periodically determines whether "<NUM>" is written in the takeout bit <NUM> in the RFID tag <NUM> by wireless communication using the reader-writer unit <NUM>, in the case where the sensor unit <NUM> detects the moving state of the laptop PC <NUM>. In the case where the embedded controller <NUM> determines that "<NUM>" is written in the takeout bit <NUM> in the RFID tag <NUM>, the embedded controller <NUM> outputs an event (SMI).

The operations of the security management system <NUM> and the laptop PC <NUM> according to this embodiment will be described below, with reference to drawings.

When the laptop PC <NUM> is taken out from the use permissible location and passes through the entrance and exit gate <NUM>, the entrance and exit gate <NUM> accesses the RFID tag <NUM> attached to the laptop PC <NUM> and performs the process of writing "<NUM>" to the takeout bit <NUM> in the RFID tag <NUM> using the reader-writer contained therein.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process of detecting takeout from the use permissible location in S0 state or modern standby mode (S0x state) of the laptop PC <NUM> according to this embodiment.

As illustrated in <FIG>, in S0 state or modern standby mode (S0x state), first the embedded controller <NUM> in the laptop PC <NUM> determines whether the movement of the laptop PC <NUM> has been detected (step S101). The embedded controller <NUM> determines whether the laptop PC <NUM> is moving, based on the change in acceleration detected by the sensor unit <NUM>. In the case where the embedded controller <NUM> detects the movement of the laptop PC <NUM> (step S101: YES), the embedded controller <NUM> advances to step S102. In the case where the embedded controller <NUM> does not detect the movement of the laptop PC <NUM> (step S101: NO), the embedded controller <NUM> returns to step S101.

In step S102, the embedded controller <NUM> reads the takeout bit <NUM> in the RFID tag <NUM>. The embedded controller <NUM> accesses the RFID tag <NUM> and reads the takeout bit <NUM> by wireless communication using the reader-writer unit <NUM>. When accessing the RFID tag <NUM>, the reader-writer unit <NUM> controls the switching unit <NUM> to connect the antenna AN1B or the antenna AN2B to the reader-writer unit <NUM>. After step S102, the reader-writer unit <NUM> controls the switching unit <NUM> to disconnect the antenna AN1B or the antenna AN2B from the reader-writer unit <NUM> and connect the antenna AN1B to the WLAN module <NUM> and connect the antenna AN2B to the WWAN module <NUM>.

The embedded controller <NUM> then determines whether the takeout bit <NUM> is "<NUM>" (step S103). That is, the embedded controller <NUM> determines whether "<NUM>" is written in the takeout bit <NUM> read from the RFID tag <NUM>. In the case where the takeout bit <NUM> is "<NUM>" (step S103: YES), the embedded controller <NUM> advances to step S104. In the case where the takeout bit <NUM> is not "<NUM>" (i.e. the takeout bit <NUM> is "<NUM>") (step S103: NO), the embedded controller <NUM> advances to step S105.

In step S104, the embedded controller <NUM> outputs SMI indicating that the laptop PC <NUM> has been taken out (carried out), to the main control unit <NUM>. After step S104, the process returns to step S101.

In step S105, the embedded controller <NUM> determines whether a predetermined period has elapsed. For example, the embedded controller <NUM> determines whether the predetermined period has elapsed, using a timer. In the case where the predetermined period has elapsed (step S105: YES), the embedded controller <NUM> advances to step S106. In the case where the predetermined period has not elapsed (step S105: NO), the embedded controller <NUM> returns to step S105.

In step S106, the embedded controller <NUM> determines whether the movement of the laptop PC <NUM> continues. The embedded controller <NUM> determines whether the movement of the laptop PC <NUM> continues, based on the change in acceleration detected by the sensor unit <NUM>. In the case where the movement of the laptop PC <NUM> continues (step S106: YES), the process returns to step S102. In the case where the movement of the laptop PC <NUM> does not continue (step S106: NO), the process returns to step S101.

Thus, by the process in steps S102 to S106, the embedded controller <NUM> periodically determines whether the takeout detection information is written in the RFID tag <NUM> by wireless communication using the reader-writer unit <NUM>, in the case where the sensor unit <NUM> detects the moving state of the laptop PC <NUM>.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating an example of a disablement process in the case of takeout from the use permissible location in S0 state or modern standby mode of the laptop PC <NUM> according to this embodiment.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the main control unit <NUM> in the laptop PC <NUM> first determines whether SMI has been output from the embedded controller <NUM> (step S201). In the case where the SMI has been output from the embedded controller <NUM> (step S201: YES), the main control unit <NUM> determines that the laptop PC <NUM> has been taken out from the use permissible location, and advances to step S202. In the case where the SMI has not been output from the embedded controller <NUM> (step S201: NO), the main control unit <NUM> returns to step S201.

In step S202, the main control unit <NUM> disables the functions of the laptop PC <NUM>. That is, the BIOS <NUM> in the main control unit <NUM> disables the functions of the laptop PC <NUM>, thus disabling information processing by the OS. As the process of restricting the executable information processing functions, for example, the BIOS <NUM> may perform a process of deleting storage information stored in a storage device (e.g. the HDD <NUM>) included in the laptop PC <NUM>. After step S202, the main control unit <NUM> ends the process.

A process in the case where the laptop PC <NUM> has been taken out from the usable area when the system state is a stopped state (S3 state to S5 state) will be described below, with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process of detecting takeout from the use permissible location and a disablement process in S3 state to S5 state of the laptop PC <NUM> according to this embodiment.

In the case where, when the system state of the laptop PC <NUM> is one of S3 state to S5 state, an event of clearing the one of S3 state to S5 state (or a start event), such as pressing a start switch of the key input unit <NUM>, has occurred, the main control unit <NUM> in the laptop PC <NUM> performs the process illustrated in <FIG>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the BIOS <NUM> in the main control unit <NUM> performs a process (resume process) of clearing S3 state (sleep mode) or S4 state (hibernation mode) or a process of starting from S5 state (shut-down state).

The BIOS <NUM> first reads the takeout bit <NUM> in the RFID tag <NUM> (step S301). The BIOS <NUM> accesses the RFID tag <NUM> and reads the takeout bit <NUM>, by wireless communication using the reader-writer unit <NUM>. When accessing the RFID tag <NUM>, the reader-writer unit <NUM> controls the switching unit <NUM> to connect the antenna AN1B or the antenna AN2B to the reader-writer unit <NUM>. After step S301, the reader-writer unit <NUM> controls the switching unit <NUM> to disconnect the antenna AN1B or the antenna AN2B from the reader-writer unit <NUM> and connect the antenna AN1B to the WLAN module <NUM> and connect the antenna AN2B to the WWAN module <NUM>.

The BIOS <NUM> then determines whether the takeout bit <NUM> is "<NUM>" (step S302). That is, the BIOS <NUM> determines whether "<NUM>" is written in the takeout bit <NUM> read from the RFID tag <NUM>. In the case where the takeout bit <NUM> is "<NUM>" (step S302: YES), the BIOS <NUM> advances to step S303. In the case where the takeout bit <NUM> is not "<NUM>" (i.e. the takeout bit <NUM> is "<NUM>") (step S302: NO), the BIOS <NUM> advances to step S304.

In step S303, the BIOS <NUM> disables the functions of the laptop PC <NUM>. That is, the BIOS <NUM> disables the functions of the laptop PC <NUM>, thus disabling information processing by the OS. As the process of restricting the executable information processing functions, for example, the BIOS <NUM> may perform a process of deleting storage information stored in a storage device (e.g. the HDD <NUM>) included in the laptop PC <NUM>. After step S303, the BIOS <NUM> ends the process.

In step S304, the BIOS <NUM> performs a start process or a clearing process. The BIOS <NUM> performs a process (resume process) of clearing S3 state (sleep mode) or S4 state (hibernation mode) or a process of starting from S5 state (shut-down state). After step S304, the BIOS <NUM> ends the process.

A process of clearing the disabled state of the laptop PC <NUM> according to this embodiment will be described below, with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating an example of the process of clearing the disabled state of the laptop PC <NUM> according to this embodiment.

As illustrated in <FIG>, when the laptop PC <NUM> is in the disabled state, the BIOS <NUM> in the main control unit <NUM> first acquires a supervisor password (SVP) (step S401). The BIOS <NUM> acquires the SVP received by the key input unit <NUM>.

The BIOS <NUM> then determines whether the SVPs match (step S402). The BIOS <NUM> determines whether the acquired SVP and a SVP stored in the BIOS memory <NUM> beforehand match. In the case where the SVPs match (step S402: YES), the BIOS <NUM> advances to step S403. In the case where the SVPs do not match (step S402: NO), the BIOS <NUM> ends the process.

In step S403, the BIOS <NUM> enables the functions of the laptop PC <NUM>. The BIOS <NUM> enables the disabled functions to make the laptop PC <NUM> usable.

Next, the BIOS <NUM> writes "<NUM>" to the takeout bit <NUM> in the RFID tag <NUM> (step S404). The BIOS <NUM> writes "<NUM>" to the takeout bit <NUM> in the RFID tag <NUM> by wireless communication using the reader-writer unit <NUM>.

The BIOS <NUM> then performs the start process (step S405). After step S405, the BIOS <NUM> ends the process of clearing the disabled state.

A process in the case where the laptop PC <NUM> writes "<NUM>" to the takeout bit <NUM> in the RFID tag <NUM> instead of the entrance and exit gate <NUM> will be described below, with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating an example of the process of writing the takeout bit <NUM> by the laptop PC <NUM> according to this embodiment.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the main control unit <NUM> in the laptop PC <NUM> first determines whether the laptop PC <NUM> is outside the use permissible location (step S501). For example, in the case of any of the foregoing (<NUM>) to (<NUM>), the main control unit <NUM> determines that the laptop PC <NUM> is outside the use permissible location (i.e. the laptop PC <NUM> has been taken out from the use permissible location), without using the takeout bit <NUM> in the RFID tag. In the case where the laptop PC <NUM> is outside the use permissible location (step S501: YES), the main control unit <NUM> advances to step S502. In the case where the laptop PC <NUM> is within the use permissible location (step S501: NO), the main control unit <NUM> returns to step S501.

In step S502, the main control unit <NUM> writes "<NUM>" to the takeout bit <NUM>. The main control unit <NUM> accesses the RFID tag <NUM> and writes "<NUM>" to the takeout bit <NUM>, by wireless communication using the reader-writer unit <NUM>. After step S502, the main control unit <NUM> ends the process of writing "<NUM>" to the takeout bit <NUM>.

As a result of the process illustrated in <FIG>, the takeout bit <NUM> is set to "<NUM>", and accordingly the functions of the laptop PC <NUM> are disabled by the processes illustrated in <FIG>.

As described above, the laptop PC <NUM> (information processing apparatus) according to this embodiment includes the RFID tag <NUM> (wireless tag), the reader-writer unit <NUM>, and the main control unit <NUM>. The RFID tag <NUM> is attached to the laptop PC <NUM> (information processing apparatus), and configured to have takeout detection information (e.g. the takeout bit <NUM> set to "<NUM>") written thereto and read therefrom by wireless communication, the takeout detection information indicating that the laptop PC <NUM> has been taken out from a use permissible location. The reader-writer unit <NUM> is contained in the laptop PC <NUM>, and configured to at least read, by the wireless communication, the takeout detection information stored in the RFID tag <NUM>. The main control unit <NUM> is configured to perform a process of restricting information processing functions executable by the laptop PC <NUM>, in the case where the main control unit <NUM> determines, as a result of the reader-writer unit <NUM> reading the takeout detection information from the RFID tag <NUM>, that the takeout detection information is written in the RFID tag <NUM>.

Thus, the laptop PC <NUM> according to this embodiment determines that the laptop PC <NUM> has been taken out from the use permissible location by wireless communication using the RFID tag <NUM>, and restricts the information processing functions of the laptop PC <NUM>. In this way, unauthorized use in other than the use permissible location can be prevented. For example, the laptop PC <NUM> according to this embodiment can appropriately detect, using the RFID tag <NUM>, that the laptop PC <NUM> has been taken out from the use permissible location, even in a stopped state in which the laptop PC <NUM> is not in operation.

The laptop PC <NUM> according to this embodiment accesses the RFID tag <NUM> by wireless communication, so that wiring connection inside the chassis of the laptop PC <NUM> is unnecessary. Therefore, even in the case where the space inside the chassis is small and a wiring space cannot be secured, the laptop PC <NUM> according to this embodiment can appropriately detect that the laptop PC <NUM> has been taken out from the use permissible location by wireless communication using the RFID tag <NUM>.

The laptop PC <NUM> according to this embodiment also includes the sensor unit <NUM> and the embedded controller <NUM>. The sensor unit <NUM> is configured to detect a state in which the laptop PC <NUM> is moving. The embedded controller <NUM> is configured to, in the case where the sensor unit <NUM> detects the state in which the laptop PC <NUM> is moving, periodically determine, using the reader-writer unit <NUM>, whether the takeout detection information is written in the RFID tag <NUM>, and output an event (e.g. SMI) in the case where the embedded controller <NUM> determines that the takeout detection information is written in the RFID tag <NUM>. The main control unit <NUM> is configured to perform the process of restricting the executable information processing functions in response to the event (e.g. SMI) output from the embedded controller <NUM>. For example, the takeout detection information is the takeout bit <NUM> set to "<NUM>".

Thus, the laptop PC <NUM> according to this embodiment can promptly detect that the laptop PC <NUM> has been taken out from the use permissible location, by detecting the moving state of the laptop PC <NUM> by the sensor unit <NUM>. The laptop PC <NUM> according to this embodiment can therefore promptly prevent unauthorized use in other than the use permissible location.

Here, the SMI is an interrupt of highest priority. Hence, the laptop PC <NUM> according to this embodiment can preferentially perform the process of restricting the executable information processing functions in the case where the laptop PC <NUM> has been taken out from the use permissible location.

In this embodiment, the main control unit <NUM> is configured to, when transitioning from a stopped state (S3 state to S5 state) to a state capable of information processing (S0 state), determine, using the reader-writer unit <NUM>, whether the takeout detection information is written in the RFID tag <NUM>, and perform the process of restricting the executable information processing functions in the case where the main control unit <NUM> determines that the takeout detection information is written in the RFID tag <NUM>.

Thus, for example, the laptop PC <NUM> according to this embodiment can appropriately prevent unauthorized use in other than the use permissible location even in the case where the laptop PC <NUM> has been taken out from the use permissible location in the stopped state (S3 state to S5 state) of the main control unit <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the process of restricting the executable information processing functions includes a process of disabling all of the executable information processing functions. The main control unit <NUM> is configured to disable all of the executable information processing functions, in the case where the main control unit <NUM> determines that the takeout detection information is written in the RFID tag <NUM>.

Thus, the laptop PC <NUM> according to this embodiment disables all executable information processing functions in the case where the laptop PC <NUM> has been taken out from the use permissible location, so that unauthorized use in other than the use permissible location can be prevented more reliably.

In this embodiment, the main control unit <NUM> is configured to enable the disabled executable information processing functions, in the case where a predetermined password (e.g. SVP) is input.

Thus, the laptop PC <NUM> according to this embodiment can safely recover to a usable state, in the case where the laptop PC <NUM> has been taken out from the use permissible location and the executable information processing functions have been disabled.

The laptop PC <NUM> according to this embodiment includes a wireless communication processing unit (e.g. the WLAN module <NUM> or the WWAN module <NUM>) and the switching unit <NUM>. The wireless communication processing unit (e.g. the WLAN module <NUM> or the WWAN module <NUM>) is connected to an antenna for wireless network communication (e.g. the antenna AN1 or the antenna AN2), and performs data communication by wireless network communication. The switching unit <NUM> connects the antenna for wireless network communication (e.g. the antenna AN1 or the antenna AN2) selectively to one of the wireless communication processing unit (e.g. the WLAN module <NUM> or the WWAN module <NUM>) and the reader-writer unit <NUM>. In the case of using the reader-writer unit <NUM> to detect whether the takeout detection information is written in the RFID tag <NUM>, the switching unit <NUM> switches the antenna for wireless network communication to be connected to the reader-writer unit <NUM>.

Thus, in the laptop PC <NUM> according to this embodiment, the switching unit <NUM> allows the antenna (e.g. the antenna AN1 or the antenna AN2) of the wireless communication processing unit (e.g. the WLAN module <NUM> or the WWAN module <NUM>) to be shared with the reader-writer unit <NUM>, so that an antenna for the reader-writer unit <NUM> is unnecessary. The laptop PC <NUM> according to this embodiment can therefore have a simplified structure.

Moreover, in the laptop PC <NUM> according to this embodiment, for example, the antenna (e.g. the antenna AN1 or the antenna AN2) is used only when using the reader-writer unit <NUM>. Hence, the antenna can be shared with the reader-writer unit <NUM> without lowering the performance of the normal wireless communication processing unit (e.g. the WLAN module <NUM> or the WWAN module <NUM>).

In this embodiment, the takeout detection information is written to the RFID tag <NUM> when passing through an exit gate (e.g. the entrance and exit gate <NUM>) of the use permissible location.

Thus, the laptop PC <NUM> according to this embodiment can appropriately detect that the laptop PC <NUM> has been taken out from the use permissible location, because the takeout detection information is appropriately written by the exit gate (e.g. the entrance and exit gate <NUM>) when the laptop PC <NUM> is unauthorizedly taken out from the use permissible location.

In this embodiment, the main control unit <NUM> is configured to perform a process of writing the takeout detection information to the RFID tag <NUM> using the reader-writer unit <NUM>, in the case where the main control unit detects, by a means different from the takeout detection information, that the laptop PC <NUM> has been taken out from the use permissible location. The case of detecting that the laptop PC <NUM> has been taken out from the use permissible location by the means different from the takeout detection information includes any of: a case where the laptop PC <NUM> has not been connected to a network used in the use permissible location for at least a predetermined period; a case where position information of the laptop PC <NUM> detected by a position information detection unit (e.g. GPS) indicates outside the use permissible location; and a case where the laptop PC <NUM> has not performed an authentication process for a management server for a specific period.

Thus, the laptop PC <NUM> according to this embodiment can appropriately detect that the laptop PC <NUM> has been taken out from the use permissible location, even in the case where the laptop PC <NUM> has been taken out from the use permissible location without passing through the entrance and exit gate <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the main control unit <NUM> is configured to perform the process of restricting the executable information processing functions, in the case where the main control unit <NUM> is unable to communicate with the RFID tag <NUM> using the reader-writer unit <NUM>.

Thus, the laptop PC <NUM> according to this embodiment can prevent unauthorized use in the case where the RFID tag <NUM> is unauthorizedly detached from the laptop PC <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the process of restricting the executable information processing functions may include a process of deleting storage information stored in a storage device (e.g. the HDD <NUM>) included in the laptop PC <NUM>. In this case, the main control unit <NUM> performs the process of deleting the storage information upon determining that the takeout detection information is written in the RFID tag <NUM>.

Thus, the laptop PC <NUM> according to this embodiment can more reliably prevent leakage of information, and more reliably prevent unauthorized use in other than the use permissible location.

In this embodiment, the RFID tag <NUM> is mounted inside the chassis of the laptop PC <NUM>, at an edge of the chassis of the laptop PC <NUM>.

Thus, the laptop PC <NUM> according to this embodiment can appropriately perform data communication by wireless communication even though the RFID tag <NUM> is inside the chassis. Since the RFID tag <NUM> is mounted inside the chassis in the laptop PC <NUM> according to this embodiment, the possibility of unauthorized detachment of the RFID tag <NUM> can be reduced.

A control method according to this embodiment is a control method for the laptop PC <NUM> including the RFID tag <NUM> and the reader-writer unit <NUM>, including performing, by the main control unit <NUM>, a process of restricting information processing functions executable by the laptop PC <NUM>, in the case where the main control unit <NUM> determines, as a result of the reader-writer unit <NUM> reading the takeout detection information from the RFID tag <NUM>, that the takeout detection information is written in the RFID tag <NUM>.

The control method according to this embodiment has the same advantageous effects as the above-described laptop PC <NUM>, and can prevent unauthorized use of the laptop PC <NUM> in other than the use permissible location.

The present invention is not limited to the foregoing embodiment, and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

For example, although the foregoing embodiment describes the laptop PC <NUM> as an example of an information processing apparatus, the present invention is not limited to such, and other information processing apparatuses such as a tablet terminal device, a desktop PC, and a smartphone may be used.

Although the foregoing embodiment describes an example in which the RFID tag <NUM> corresponds to both the antenna AN1 (<NUM> and <NUM>) for the WLAN module <NUM> and the antenna AN2 (<NUM>) for the WWAN module <NUM>, the present invention is not limited to such. The RFID tag <NUM> may correspond to either one of the antennas (frequencies). The RFID tag <NUM> is not limited to wireless communication with such frequencies, and may be a wireless tag of other frequency or type.

Although the foregoing embodiment describes an example in which the laptop PC <NUM> includes the switching unit <NUM> and each antenna is shared by the reader-writer unit <NUM> and the corresponding one of the WLAN module <NUM> and the WWAN module <NUM>, the present invention is not limited to such. The laptop PC <NUM> may include an antenna for the reader-writer unit <NUM>.

Although the foregoing embodiment describes, as an example of restricting the information processing functions of the laptop PC <NUM>, disabling all functions, the present invention is not limited to such, and part of the functions may be disabled.

Although the foregoing embodiment describes an example in which the entrance and exit gate <NUM> writes the takeout detection information to the RFID tag <NUM>, the present invention is not limited to such, and the takeout detection information may be written by a ceiling-mounted reader-writer.

Although the foregoing embodiment describes an example in which the takeout detection information results from writing "<NUM>" to the takeout bit <NUM>, the present invention is not limited to such. For example, the takeout detection information may be written as a plurality of bits <NUM>.

Each component in the foregoing laptop PC <NUM> includes a computer system. Processes in the components in the foregoing laptop PC <NUM> may be performed by recoding a program for implementing the functions of the components in the foregoing laptop PC <NUM> on a computer-readable recording medium and causing a computer system to read and execute the program recorded on the recording medium. Herein, "causing the computer system to read and execute the program recorded on the recording medium" includes installing the program in the computer system. The "computer system" herein includes an OS and hardware such as peripheral devices.

The "computer system" may include a plurality of computer apparatuses connected via the Internet, a WAN, a LAN, or a network including a communication line such as a dedicated line. The "computer-readable recording medium" refers to a portable medium such as a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disc, a ROM, or a CD-ROM, or a storage device such as a hard disk embedded in the computer system. Thus, the recording medium storing the program may be a non-transitory recording medium such as a CD-ROM.

The recording medium includes a recording medium internally or externally provided to be accessible from a distribution server for distributing the program. A configuration in which the program is divided into a plurality of parts and the components in the laptop PC <NUM> combine the parts after the parts are downloaded at different timings may be adopted, and distribution servers for distributing the parts into which the program is divided may be different. The "computer-readable recording medium" includes a medium that holds the program for a certain period of time, such as a volatile memory (RAM) inside a computer system serving as a server or a client when the program is transmitted via a network. The program may be a program for implementing some of the above-described functions. The program may be a differential file (differential program) that can implement the above-described functions in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system.

Claim 1:
An information processing apparatus (<NUM>) comprising:
a wireless tag (<NUM>) attached to the information processing apparatus (<NUM>) configured to be readable and writable with takeout detection information via wireless communication, the takeout detection information indicating that the information processing apparatus (<NUM>)_has been taken out from a use permissible location;
a reader-writer unit (<NUM>) contained in the information processing apparatus (<NUM>) configured to at least read, via wireless communication, the takeout detection information stored in the wireless tag (<NUM>); and
a main control unit (<NUM>) configured to perform a process of restricting information processing functions executable by the information processing apparatus (<NUM>)_upon determining, via the reader-writer unit (<NUM>) reading the takeout detection information from the wireless tag (<NUM>), that the takeout detection information is written in the wireless tag (<NUM>).