JP5847531B2 - Management storage device for portable storage media - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a portable storage medium management storage device that prevents unauthorized use of portable storage media such as a memory card, a memory stick, and a USB memory inside and outside a management area.

  In various workplaces such as a company, a school, a government office, and a business place, portable storage media such as a memory card, a memory stick, a USB memory, and an external HDD (hard disk drive) are used in business. Even inside the workplace, materials are created and documents are created using a personal computer. At this time, these portable storage media temporarily store the data related to the materials and documents to be created. Used for simple memory. Alternatively, when an employee or a staff member travels outside, a portable storage medium is used to carry these data.

  For example, memory sticks and USB memories are small and easy to carry. In addition, since a large amount of data can be stored, it is also possible to carry various presentation materials and documents, and to work and give presentations using personal computers and laptop computers etc. on business trips. The portable storage medium is preferably used. Alternatively, when an employee or staff takes home a work that could not be completed at the workplace, a portable storage medium that stores intermediate data is preferably used.

  In recent years, the storage capacity of USB memory and the like has increased, and the use of portable storage media has become increasingly widespread in such scenes. Since any portable storage medium is small, it can be easily carried.

  Under such circumstances, there has been a problem that portable storage media taken out by employees and employees are lost or stolen. If lost or stolen, the company's confidential information and personal information may naturally be leaked. Even when a portable storage medium itself or stored data is encrypted or password-protected, the encryption or password is often broken and confidential information or personal information is leaked.

  Or, confidential materials and personal information created by employees and employees using personal computers in the workplace are stored in portable storage media and taken away. There has also been a problem of information being stolen or leaked. In some cases, employees and staff can be used to take out sensitive workplace information based on malicious intent. As described above, the portable storage medium may cause problems in terms of confidentiality management and information management because of its convenience. That is, it is required to ensure the ease of use of the portable storage medium while avoiding problems such as loss, theft, falsification, and leakage of confidential information via the portable storage medium.

  A portable storage medium such as a memory stick or a USB memory is small and may be lost. A technique for preventing such loss has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  Or the technique which restrict | limits the function of the memory card used for the terminal which has a communication function is proposed (for example, refer patent document 2).

  In addition, a technique for managing employee attendance using a USB memory has been used (see, for example, Patent Document 3). Alternatively, techniques such as authentication when using an external storage device have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Documents 4 and 5).

JP 2009-252733 A JP 2003-250184 A JP 2008-134879 A JP 2009-80561 A JP 2010-20624 A

  Patent Document 1 discloses a storage device that prevents a USB memory or the like from being lost by attaching a USB memory or the like to a recess or magnet. The instrument disclosed in Patent Document 1 intends to prevent loss of the USB memory by utilizing the characteristics of the shape of the USB memory.

  However, the USB memory can be freely removed from the storage device, and the storage device disclosed in Patent Document 1 cannot prevent the user who removed the USB memory from losing or stealing the USB memory. .

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228561 discloses a technique for controlling a function stop and restart in a memory card depending on the presence or absence of authentication confirmed by a communication function in a memory card provided in a mobile terminal.

  However, portable storage media are often used for personal computers such as personal computers that do not necessarily have a communication function, and it is not sufficient to control by a communication function authentication. Of course, if the memory card can be taken out freely by employees and staff, it is impossible to prevent misuse or leakage of confidential information through only communication authentication. If you are a large company that can manage multiple memory cards taken by multiple employees, while full-time employees can always manage using the communication function, there is a possibility that you can manage with such a technology, In the workplace, it is unrealistic. Of course, since it is not intended to collectively manage a plurality of memory cards in the workplace, there is also a problem that cannot be collectively managed in the workplace.

  Patent Document 3 discloses a technology that can confirm the location of an employee using a USB memory having a GPS function.

  However, even if the location of the employee can be confirmed by the USB memory, the USB memory is not prevented from being stolen or lost. Further, misuse of confidential information stored in a USB memory or the like is not prevented. There is also a problem that employees cannot perform management when using a USB memory prepared by the company.

  Patent Documents 4 and 5 disclose authentication techniques that enable use of an external storage medium. However, the external storage medium taken out for use is not prevented from being lost or stolen, and there is a problem that it is not managed which employee has taken out which external storage medium.

  On the other hand, it is difficult to manage this portable storage medium in the state where the employee or the individual staff owns the portable storage medium. It is preferable that the workplace prepares a portable storage medium for the work of the employee so that there is no cost burden for each of the employee and the staff. There is a demand for the construction of a system capable of centrally managing portable storage media prepared in the workplace and preventing loss or theft (such as the subsequent leakage of information). However, in the prior art, only technical proposals concentrated on authentication of individual storage media have been made.

  That is, there is a need for a management storage device that satisfies the following specifications that has not been solved by the prior art.

(Specification 1) Portable storage media prepared for employees and staff are stored, and these portable storage media are centrally managed.
(Specification 2) Easy installation in a small-scale workplace with simple equipment.
(Specification 3) A portable storage medium managed by the management device must be taken out and used by an employee through authentication.
(Specification 4) Preventing employees from borrowing, which may cause loss or theft.
(Specification 5) To be warned to employees and workplaces when borrowing occurs.
(Specification 6) The stored confidential information is prevented from being leaked even when a problem such as theft or loss occurs.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a portable storage medium management and storage device that satisfies specifications 1 to 6 while preventing various problems and reducing introduction cost and effort.

In view of the above problems, the portable storage medium management storage device of the present invention includes a storage unit that stores at least one of a plurality of USB memories, memory sticks, magnetic memories, and small HDDs by insertion;
A locking mechanism that is provided in the storage and opens and closes by authentication;
An authentication unit for performing authentication for permitting opening and closing of the lock mechanism;
An initialization unit for performing initialization processing of a USB memory, a memory stick, a magnetic memory, and a small HDD ;
A control unit that controls at least one of the storage unit, the lock mechanism, the authentication unit, and the initialization unit;
A display device provided in the authentication unit,
The lock mechanism can be opened when authentication by the authentication unit is performed, and is closed when authentication by the authentication unit is not performed.
When the lock mechanism is opened, at least one of the plurality of USB memories, memory sticks, magnetic memories, and small HDDs can be taken out. When the lock mechanism is closed, the plurality of USB memories, memory sticks Each of at least one of the magnetic memory and the small HDD is unremovable,
At least one of a USB memory, a memory stick, a magnetic memory, and a small HDD is portable, and is connected to a personal computer to receive electronic data from the personal computer generated by the creation work on the personal computer. Can remember,
The storage portion has a plurality of insertion portions that are respectively adapted to at least one of a plurality of USB memories, memory sticks, magnetic memories, and small HDDs, and a lock mechanism is provided in each of the plurality of insertion portions,
The authentication unit authenticates the opening and closing of the lock mechanism based on the borrowing deadline and the borrowing purpose of a user who wants to borrow at least one of a plurality of USB memories, memory sticks, magnetic memories, and small HDDs,
The control unit stores borrowing restriction information that is a history of the expiration of the borrowing time limit for the user and can be output to the authentication unit. Based on the borrowing restriction information , the authentication unit restricts authentication.
The storage unit has a plurality of light emitting elements in accordance with each of the plurality of insertion units, and each of the plurality of light emitting elements is borrowed by at least one of a USB memory, a memory stick, a magnetic memory, and a small HDD by the authentication unit. Display the presence or absence of authentication,
The initialization unit is generated by a user's operation of a personal computer to which at least one of a USB memory, a memory stick, a magnetic memory, and a small HDD is connected, and at least one of the USB memory, the memory stick, the magnetic memory, and the small HDD When the electronic data stored in is inserted into the insertion section, it is erased.

  The portable storage medium management storage device of the present invention can store a plurality of portable storage media in a centralized manner and can take out the portable storage media when user authentication is obtained. Further, it is possible to grasp the state in which the portable storage medium is taken out and the state in which it is stored. By this grasp, loss or theft of the portable storage medium can be prevented.

  Further, when the portable storage medium is not returned to the management storage device for a predetermined period or more, the user and the administrator are notified so that the problem that may lead to the loss or theft of the portable storage medium is early. Can be eliminated.

  In particular, since only a plurality of portable storage media can be taken out by authentication, it can be realized with simple equipment and can be easily introduced even in a small-scale company. Further, the portable storage medium management and storage device of the present invention can prevent leakage of confidential information stored in the portable storage medium by initializing it every time the portable storage medium is stored.

  In addition, when there is a risk of theft or loss, the stored confidential information is erased, so that severe problems such as leakage of confidential information can be prevented.

It is the block diagram which looked at the management storage apparatus of the portable storage medium in Embodiment 1 of this invention from the side. It is a perspective view of the management storage apparatus of the portable storage medium in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is the schematic diagram which looked at the management storage apparatus in Embodiment 1 of this invention from the side. It is a block diagram of the authentication part in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is the schematic diagram which looked at the management storage apparatus in Embodiment 1 of this invention from the side. It is a front view of the management storage apparatus in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the modification 2 of the management storage apparatus in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the modification 3 of the management storage apparatus in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the portable storage medium in Embodiment 3 of this invention.

  A portable storage medium management storage device according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a storage unit that stores a plurality of portable storage media by insertion, a lock mechanism that is provided in the storage unit and that opens and closes by authentication, and a lock mechanism An authentication unit that performs authentication for permitting opening / closing of the storage device and an initialization unit that performs initialization processing of a plurality of portable storage media, and the lock mechanism can be opened when authentication by the authentication unit is performed. When the authentication unit does not authenticate, it is closed. When the lock mechanism is opened, at least one of the plurality of portable storage media can be taken out and the lock mechanism is closed. In addition, each of the plurality of portable storage media cannot be taken out.

  With this configuration, the management storage device can centrally manage portable storage media shared by a plurality of users, and can borrow only based on authentication for the users. Since it is not a complicated information device that requires authentication in the use of the portable storage medium itself, it can be easily introduced even by a small company.

  In the portable storage medium management and storage apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the first aspect, the storage section has a plurality of insertion sections adapted to the insertion of a plurality of portable storage media. The locking mechanism is provided in each of the plurality of insertion portions.

  With this configuration, each portable storage medium can be borrowed by authentication.

  In the portable storage medium management and storage device according to the third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the first aspect, the lock mechanism is provided in the storage portion and covers at least one of the plurality of portable storage media. Have

  With this configuration, the management storage device can limit borrowing of the portable storage medium by a simpler mechanism.

  In the portable storage medium management and storage device according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to any of the first to third aspects, the authentication unit may identify an identifier of a user who wants to borrow the portable storage medium. Based on at least one of the borrowing time limit of the portable storage medium and the borrowing purpose of the portable storage medium, the lock mechanism is permitted to be opened.

  With this configuration, the management storage device can prevent malicious borrowing.

  In the portable storage medium management and storage apparatus according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the fourth aspect, the storage section has an address adapted to insertion of a plurality of portable storage media. Corresponds to the identifier of the user.

  With this configuration, the management storage device can associate the identifier of the user with the portable storage medium, thereby making management easier.

  In addition to any one of the first to fifth inventions, the portable storage medium management storage device according to the sixth aspect of the present invention includes at least one of a storage unit, a lock mechanism, an authentication unit, and an initialization unit. The control unit further includes a control unit, and the control unit can grasp which of a plurality of portable storage media stored in the storage unit is borrowed, and information on a borrower of the borrowed portable storage medium have.

  With this configuration, the control unit can manage the borrowed state of the portable storage medium.

  In the portable storage medium management and storage device according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, in addition to the sixth aspect, the control unit detects the portable storage medium when the borrowed storage period has passed. A warning is sent to at least one of the borrower and manager of the portable storage medium.

  With this configuration, the control unit can prevent the borrowing period of the portable storage medium from elapses. As a result, the portable storage medium can be prevented from being stolen or lost.

  In the portable storage medium managing and storing apparatus according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the seventh aspect, the warning is at least one of e-mail, telephone notification, FAX notification, and alarm notification.

  With this configuration, the control unit can more reliably warn the user.

  In the portable storage medium management and storage device according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, in addition to any of the sixth to eighth aspects, the control unit records the history of borrowing expiration of the borrowed portable storage medium. Can be stored, and a borrowing restriction is provided for a user who has a history of borrowing expiration.

  With this configuration, the management storage device can restrict borrowing to a user with a problem history, and can prevent misuse or loss of a portable storage medium.

  In the portable storage medium management and storage device according to the tenth aspect of the present invention, in addition to any of the first to ninth aspects, the initialization unit inserts the portable storage medium into the insertion unit. And start initialization.

  With this configuration, the portable storage medium that is returned or stored is always initialized. By being initialized, data and information are prevented from being leaked.

  In the portable storage medium managing and storing apparatus according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, in addition to any of the first to tenth aspects, the initialization unit performs a virus check.

  With this configuration, the initialization unit can use the portable storage medium more safely.

  In the portable storage medium managing and storing apparatus according to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, in addition to any of the first to eleventh aspects, the initialization unit inserts the portable storage medium after the borrowing period has passed. When it is inserted into a part, a format check is performed.

  With this configuration, the initialization unit can more safely use a portable storage medium that may have various problems.

  In the portable storage medium management and storage apparatus according to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in addition to any of the sixth to twelfth aspects, the control unit is remotely connected to the storage unit via an electric communication line. ing.

  With this configuration, the management storage device can provide various installation modes.

  In the portable storage medium management and storage apparatus according to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in addition to any of the fourth to thirteenth aspects, the portable storage medium is not returned to the storage section after the borrowing period has passed. In some cases, the portable storage medium initializes its own storage area when energized.

  With this configuration, it is possible to prevent confidential information from being leaked due to loss or theft.

  In the portable storage medium management storage apparatus according to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in addition to any of the sixth to fourteenth aspects, the control unit is set in the portable storage medium at the time of authentication by the authentication unit. Information on borrowing deadlines to be used is stored.

  With this configuration, the portable storage medium can recognize its own borrowing time limit. As a result, it is possible to grasp the criteria for self-initialization.

  In the portable storage medium management and storage device according to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in addition to any one of the first to fifteenth aspects, a plurality of portable storage media is supplied to a user in a borrowable manner. It can be shared by each user and is borrowed for a predetermined period and used repeatedly.

  With this configuration, the use of portable storage media by employees and staff can be centrally managed as a workplace.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  (Embodiment 1)

(Overview)
The overall outline of the portable storage medium management and storage apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a portable storage medium management storage device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention as seen from the side. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the portable storage medium management storage device in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The portable storage medium management storage device 1 according to the first embodiment concentrates a plurality of portable storage media 5 provided by the workplace and borrowed by the employees and staff in a workplace where there are a plurality of employees and staff, for example. Management storage. That is, it is assumed that each of the plurality of portable storage media 5 is shared by a plurality of employees and staff, and the employees and staff borrow the portable storage media stored in the management storage device 1. Used for business. It is assumed that the portable storage medium 5 is taken out from the storage unit 2 and borrowed, and is returned to the storage unit 2 again after the borrowing is completed. The purpose is to prevent loss or theft by borrowing and returning managed by authentication or the like.

  A portable storage medium management storage device 1 (hereinafter abbreviated as “management storage device 1”) includes a storage unit 2, a lock mechanism 3 (3A to 3D in FIG. 1), an authentication unit 4, an initialization unit 7, and a control. Part 8 is provided. The storage unit 2 has an insertion unit 21 in which the portable storage medium 5 can be inserted and stored. In other words, the portable storage medium 5 is inserted into the insertion unit 21, fitted with the insertion unit 21, and stored in the storage unit 2. The storage unit 2 is the center of the storage function of the management storage device 1. In FIG. 1, since the management storage device 1 is viewed from the side, a plurality of portable storage media 5 are stored in a line. Of course, as shown in FIG. 2, the storage section 2 has insertion sections 21 in the vertical and horizontal directions, and a plurality of portable storage media 5 may be stored in the vertical and horizontal directions. 1 and 2 are not contradictory to each other and are for convenience of illustration.

  The lock mechanism 3 opens and closes by authentication. In FIG. 1, the lock mechanism 3 is provided in each of the insertion portions 21, and can individually lock each of the portable storage media 5 inserted in the insertion portions 21. The authentication unit 4 authenticates the release of the lock mechanism 3. The authentication unit 4 authenticates that the user's borrowing is permitted, for example, by reading the user's ID card 6 or the like. If authentication by the authentication unit 4 is obtained, the lock mechanism 3 is opened, and the portable storage medium 5 inserted in the insertion unit 21 can be taken out (can be borrowed).

  When the lock mechanism 3 is opened by authentication by the authentication unit 4 (when the lock mechanism 3 is released), the portable storage medium 5 corresponding to the lock mechanism 3 can be taken out, and the lock mechanism 3 When closed (in the key state), the portable storage medium 5 corresponding to the lock mechanism 3 cannot be taken out. By being able to take out, the user can borrow the portable storage medium 5.

  The initialization unit 7 initializes a plurality of portable storage media 5. In particular, the initialization unit 7 initializes the portable storage medium 5 in a state where the portable storage medium 5 is inserted in the insertion unit 21 (in the state stored in the storage unit 2). By the initialization, the portable storage medium 5 is always provided to the user in a refreshed state.

  In the figure, a code (for example, 3A, etc.) to which an English code is assigned according to a number is the same element as a code element having the same number, and there are a plurality of the same elements when there are a plurality of the same elements. English codes are used to distinguish each of the elements.

(Description of operation)
The operation of the management storage device 1 will be described.

  The user causes the authentication unit 4 to read the ID card 6 in which his or her identifier is stored. The ID card 6 has a function capable of exchanging signals such as an IC tag, an ID tag, an IC card, and an RFID, or has an optically readable material such as a barcode or a QR code. Thus, the authentication unit 4 can read the ID card 6. The ID card 6 includes information related to the identifier of the user, and the authentication unit 4 reads the ID information by reading the ID card 6 and authenticates the borrowing to the user.

  If the authentication unit 4 reads the ID card 6 and authenticates it as accepting the borrowing, the authentication unit 4 notifies the lock mechanism 3 of the authentication result. In the management storage device 1 of FIG. 1, four insertion portions 21 are illustrated as insertion portions 21 </ b> A to 21 </ b> D. Since the lock mechanism 3 is provided for each insertion portion 21, four lock mechanisms 3A to 3D are provided. Of course, since it is for the convenience of illustration of FIG. 1, in the actual management storage apparatus 1, the number of the insertion parts 21 and the lock mechanisms 3 is not limited to this. The authentication unit 4 receives the authentication by the ID card 6 and opens the lock mechanism 3 corresponding to the authentication. In FIG. 1, since the portable storage medium 5C is desired to be borrowed by the ID card 6, the authentication unit 4 notifies the lock mechanism 3C of authentication and opens the lock mechanism 3C.

  By releasing the lock mechanism 3C, the portable storage medium 5C can be taken out from the insertion portion 21C. FIG. 1 shows a state where the portable storage medium 5C is removed. The user can take out the portable storage medium 5C and borrow it, and use the portable storage medium 5C in his / her business.

  Here, the authentication unit 4 permits the release of the lock mechanism 3C based on at least one of an identifier of a user who desires to borrow, a borrowing time limit, and a borrowing purpose. As a result, the management storage device 1 stores the borrowing deadline obtained at the time of authentication by the authentication unit 4. Specifically, the control unit 8 stores this borrowing time limit. By the control unit 8, the management storage device 1 can perform various post-processing based on this borrowing time limit, and can prevent loss or theft of the portable storage medium 5C. For example, if the portable storage medium 5C is not returned (not inserted into the insertion unit 21C) even after the borrowed expiration date of the removed portable storage medium 5C stored in the control unit 8 has elapsed, the control unit 8 Sends a warning to the borrowed user or the administrator of the management storage device 1. Such a warning prompts the user to return the portable storage medium 5C and prevents loss or theft.

  Further, when the portable storage medium 5C is inserted into the insertion unit 21C at the time of return, the initialization unit 7 initializes the portable storage medium 5C. By the initialization, data stored by the user during use is erased, and data and information are not leaked when another person uses the same portable storage medium 5C. Even if the portable storage medium 5 </ b> C is stolen from the storage unit 2, no data or information is leaked. Since the initialization unit 7 initializes the portable storage medium 5 when inserted in the insertion unit 21, the portable storage medium 5 is always in a refresh state in which data is erased when borrowed. Keep.

  As described above, the management storage device 1 requests authentication in borrowing, so that a plurality of shared portable storage media 5 can be borrowed according to the demands of employees and staff. Each of the employees and the staff can borrow the portable storage medium 5 for a necessary period according to business needs. Furthermore, if the employee or the staff returns the portable storage medium 5, the same portable storage medium 5 can be used by another employee or the like. For this reason, the workplace can provide the portable storage medium 5 to employees and staff by only providing a certain number of portable storage media 5 and the management storage device 1. In addition, since the portable storage medium 5 is provided from the workplace, it is possible to prevent employees involved in the business from being confused with each other. In addition, theft and loss or leakage of confidential information is prevented, leading to clarification of responsibilities between the workplace and employees in the event of a problem. Furthermore, the management storage device 1 is not a large-scale device, but can be configured with a simple structure and material, so that it can be easily introduced for small-scale companies.

  Next, the detail of each part is demonstrated.

(Storage section)
The storage unit 2 is a main body element that stores a plurality of portable storage media 5. A plurality of insertion portions 21 are provided so that a plurality of portable storage media 5 can be stored. The insertion part 21 is a concave part that matches the shape of the portable storage medium 5, and the portable storage medium 5 is accommodated by inserting a part of the portable storage medium 5 into the insertion part 21. . For example, when the portable storage medium 5 is a USB memory, the USB memory is fitted and fixed by inserting the connector portion of the USB memory into the insertion portion 21.

  It is also suitable that the insertion portion 21 is energized. By energizing, the initialization unit 7 can perform initialization by sending a necessary electrical signal to the portable storage medium 5 fitted in the insertion unit 21. When a plurality of portable storage media 5 are stored in the storage unit 2, the plurality of portable storage media 5 are arranged vertically and horizontally as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The user selects and borrows one of the plurality of portable storage media 5 arranged vertically and horizontally. At this time, each of the plurality of insertion portions 21 has an address, and it is also preferable that this address corresponds to the identifier of the user.

  The user uses the ID card 6 storing his / her identifier for authentication. The identifier includes, for example, a user identification number, name, address, e-mail address, telephone number, FAX number, and the like. Since the address corresponds to this identifier, a user having a certain identifier can borrow only the corresponding portable storage medium 5 among the plurality of portable storage media 5. Since the borrowable portable storage medium 5 is determined by the user, the management of the portable storage medium 5 is facilitated.

  The storage unit 2 includes a power source 9 for supplying power to the initialization unit 7 and the control unit 8. The power source 9 may be provided inside the storage unit 2 or may be provided outside the storage unit 2.

  The storage unit 2 is formed of a plate material or a box-shaped member. In FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, it has a square shape, but it may be a shape including not only a square shape but also a polygonal shape, a circular shape, or the like. In addition, not only one surface of the storage unit 2 that is a solid body is used for insertion of the portable storage medium 5, but a plurality of surfaces may be used for insertion. In this case, the insertion portions 21 are provided on a plurality of surfaces.

  The storage unit 2 may be provided with a window on the surface where the portable storage medium 5 is inserted in order to protect the portable storage medium 5. It is protected from dust by being covered with windows.

  When the storage unit 2 includes a plurality of insertion units 21, each of the insertion units 21 may display a number corresponding to the address. Of course, unlike the case where the portable storage medium 5 to be stored can be inserted like a USB memory or a memory stick, the insertion portion 21 is not provided when the portable storage medium 5 has a shape that is difficult to insert. In this case, a shelf corresponding to the lock mechanism 3 may be provided.

(Lock mechanism)
The lock mechanism 3 controls the removal of the portable storage medium 5 stored in the storage unit 2. The lock mechanism 4 opens and closes by authentication by the authentication unit 4. The lock mechanism 3 locks the insertion part 21 or locks a door provided in the storage part 2. When the lock mechanism 3 is opened, the portable storage medium 5 can be taken out. When the lock mechanism 3 is closed, the portable storage medium 5 cannot be taken out.

  In FIG. 1, the lock mechanism 3 is provided for each of the plurality of insertion portions 21. That is, removal control by the lock mechanism 3 is performed in each of the portable storage media 5. In FIG. 1, the lock mechanism 3C corresponding to the insertion portion 21C is opened (by the authentication of the authentication unit 4), and the portable storage medium 5C can be taken out. The other portable storage media 5A, 5B, 5D cannot be taken out by being closed by the lock mechanisms 3A, 3B, 3D.

  The lock mechanism 3 may have, for example, a mechanism for fixing the portable storage medium 5 fitted in the insertion portion 21 by using a claw portion or the like, or is portable by electric adsorption such as an electromagnet. A mechanism for fixing the storage medium 5 may be provided. Since the lock mechanism 3 opens and closes along with authentication by the authentication unit 4, the fixing mechanism is released or operates in response to an electrical signal or mechanical transmission from the authentication unit 4. The lock mechanism 3 is opened and closed by this release or operation.

  It is also preferable that the management storage device 1 has a function of notifying the user using sound, image display, LED display, or the like when the lock mechanism 3 is released. Or the authentication part 4 is provided with the display apparatus, and it is also preferable to have a function which displays which insertion part 21 is closed by the locking mechanism 3, or was opened. Both can improve usability.

  When the lock mechanism 3 is provided in each of the plurality of insertion portions 21 as in this case described with reference to FIG. 1, each of the plurality of portable storage media 5 is individually locked. Thus, fine take-out control is performed.

  On the other hand, in order to make the configuration of the management storage device 1 simpler, the lock mechanism 3 may include a door 31 provided in the storage unit 2 as shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the management storage device according to the first embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the side. In the management storage device 1 shown in FIG. 3, a door 31 is provided on the front surface of the storage unit 2. The door 31 is provided on the front surface into which a plurality of portable storage media 5 are inserted. That is, the door 31 covers at least two or more of the plurality of portable storage media 5. If the door 31 is closed, each of the portable storage media 5 (5A to 5D in FIG. 3) covered by the door 31 cannot be taken out. On the other hand, if the door 31 is opened, the portable storage medium 5 is only inserted into the insertion unit 21, so that the user who has received the authentication is one of the portable storage units stored in the storage unit 2. The medium 5 is taken out and borrowed.

  The door 31 has an opening / closing function such as an electronic key, and the opening / closing function is canceled by authentication in the authentication unit 4 so that the door 31 can be opened. When the portable storage medium 5 is taken out and closed by the user, the door 31 enters the locked state by operating the electronic key again. If authenticated again, the door 31 can be opened.

  As shown in FIG. 3, by providing the door 31 as a part of the lock mechanism 3 that collectively covers the plurality of portable storage media 5, the configuration of the management storage device 1 becomes simpler. Since the manufacturing cost is low and the maintenance cost is low, the introduction is easier.

  Even when the lock mechanism 3 includes the door 31 as shown in FIG. 3, it is also preferable that an address is assigned to each of the plurality of insertion portions 21. By assigning the address, the portable storage medium 5 corresponding to the identifier of the user can be borrowed, or the control unit 8 can easily grasp the borrowed portable storage medium 5. Because.

  It is also preferable that the door 31 has a window made of glass or resin. By having a window, the internal state can be grasped at a glance, which is convenient for both the user and the administrator.

(Authentication Department)
The authentication unit 4 authenticates a user's borrowing request. The storage unit 2 includes a lock mechanism 3, and the portable storage medium 5 can be taken out only when the lock mechanism 3 is released. Since the authentication is performed in response to the user's borrowing request, the authentication unit 4 is provided in response to the user's borrowing request. In FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, the authentication unit 4 authenticates the borrowing request by reading the user's ID card 6.

  When authenticating the user's borrowing request as permission, the authentication unit 4 outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the permission to the lock mechanism 3. This is because the lock mechanism 3 is unlocked. For this reason, it is preferable that the authentication unit 4 is electrically connected to the lock mechanism 3. Alternatively, the authentication in the authentication unit 4 may be mechanically notified to the lock mechanism 3. In this case, the authentication unit 4 and the lock mechanism 3 are mechanically connected. For example, when the transmission member is opened by authentication, the lock mechanism 3 connected to the transmission member is released.

  Note that various known techniques such as an electronic key may be used for a function and a configuration for unlocking (or operating the lock) of the lock mechanism 3 based on authentication by the authentication unit 4.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the authentication unit 4 often authenticates a borrowing request by reading the user's ID card 6. Since the ID card 6 stores the identifier of the user, the authentication unit 4 can read the identifier of the user. At this time, it is also preferable that the authentication unit 4 authenticates the user's borrowing request by grasping information other than the identifier together. It is also preferable that the authentication unit 4 authenticates the user's borrowing request based on at least one of the user identifier, the borrowing time limit, and the borrowing purpose. The authentication unit 4 permits the lock mechanism 3 to be opened when permitting a borrowing request. This is because it is preferable to determine permission / non-licensing of the portable storage medium 5 depending on the borrowing time limit and the borrowing purpose.

  Further, the authentication unit 4 may authenticate the user's borrowing request not only by the ID card but also by biometric authentication. Biometric authentication includes various types such as user fingerprint authentication, iris authentication, voice authentication, and a biometric card with a biochip embedded therein.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the authentication unit according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The authentication unit 4 includes a reading unit 41, a display unit 42, and operation keys 43. The user can read the identifier stored in the ID card 6 by holding the ID card 6 over the reading unit 41. In addition, the user can input the borrowing time limit and the borrowing purpose by operating the operation key 43. With these operations, the authentication unit 4 can grasp the identifier of the user who wants to borrow, the borrowing time limit, and the borrowing purpose. The authentication unit 4 performs authentication based on at least one of the identifier, the borrowing time limit, and the borrowing purpose while determining the past history. For example, when the borrowing time limit or the borrowing purpose is appropriate, the authentication unit 4 performs authentication for permitting the borrowing and notifies the lock mechanism 3 of the result of the permission. That is, the lock mechanism 3 is opened.

  The borrowing time limit and the borrowing purpose input through the operation key 43 are displayed on the display unit 42 together with the authentication result. This is because user usability is increased. In addition, the read identifier, the input borrowing time limit, and the borrowing purpose are output to the control unit 8 described later. The control unit 8 performs various controls based on these pieces of information.

  The authentication unit 4 may be provided in the storage unit 2 or may be provided in a place separated from the storage unit 2.

(Initialization part)
The initialization unit 7 initializes the portable storage medium 5. The insertion portion 21 is energized and is fitted to the energized portion of the portable storage medium 5. By this energization, an electric signal is supplied to the portable storage medium 5 fitted in the insertion portion 21. The initialization unit 7 outputs a signal necessary for initializing the portable storage medium 5 and realizes initialization of the portable storage medium 5. By being initialized, information and data stored in the portable storage medium 5 are erased.

  The portable storage medium 5 stored in the management storage device 1 is shared and used by employees and staff by borrowing. The user may erase and return the data and information of the portable storage medium 5 after use, but this is not necessarily the case. Since the portable storage medium 5 is shared by different employees and staff members, it is inconvenient in use if data information from the previous user remains. Naturally, this could lead to the leakage of confidential information. Alternatively, when the portable storage medium 5 is stolen from the management storage device 1, if data or information remains in the portable storage medium 5, information may be leaked.

  In order to prevent such information leakage, the initialization unit 7 sends an electrical signal for initialization when the portable storage medium 5 is stored in the storage unit 2, and the portable storage medium 5. Is initialized. For example, when the portable storage medium 5 is returned to the storage unit 2, the initialization unit 7 performs initialization. Alternatively, the initialization unit 7 periodically outputs initialization signals to all the insertion units 21. At that time, all the portable storage media 5 inserted in the insertion unit 21 are initialized. Alternatively, the initialization unit 7 initializes the portable storage medium 5 immediately before it can be taken out. Of course, a specific portable storage medium 5 may be initialized.

  Alternatively, when the portable storage medium 5 is inserted into the insertion unit 21, the initialization unit 7 recognizes this insertion and starts initialization. Since the insertion unit 21 is energized, the initialization unit 7 can detect a change in current that occurs when the portable storage medium 5 is inserted. By this detection, the initialization unit 7 initializes the portable storage medium 5 by being inserted.

  The initialization history may be stored, and the authentication unit 4 may authenticate the portable storage medium 5 that has not been initialized as a disapproval. In this way, borrowing of the portable storage medium 5 that has not been initialized can be prevented.

  Since the borrowed portable storage medium 5 is always initialized, leakage of confidential information is prevented even when used by different users or stolen from the storage unit 2.

(Portable storage media)
The portable storage medium 5 is a storage medium that can be carried and can store electronic data. For example, a USB memory, a memory card, a memory stick, an IC memory, a magnetic memory, a small HDD, and the like. A plurality of portable storage media 5 are shared by employees and employees.

(Control part)
The control unit 8 controls at least one of the storage unit 2, the lock mechanism 3, the authentication unit 4, and the initialization unit 7. The control unit 8 can grasp which of the plurality of portable storage media 5 is borrowed, and has information related to the borrower of the borrowed portable storage medium.

  Based on such information, the control unit 8 performs control for solving various problems associated with borrowing the portable storage medium 5, and performs control for authentication and initialization. The control unit 8 receives power necessary for these controls from the power source 9.

  The control unit 8 has information on the borrower identifier, the borrowing time limit, and the borrowing purpose input through the authentication unit 4. That is, the authentication unit 4 and the control unit 8 have a connection state that enables electrical communication.

  When the borrowed portable storage medium 5 is not returned beyond the set borrowing deadline, the control unit 8 warns at least one of the borrower and the administrator of the portable storage medium 5. To be notified. The borrower receives the warning and returns it forgotten. By receiving the warning, the administrator can urge the borrower who has forgotten to return, or leave a history. Even if the control unit 8 detects the borrowed state (returned state) and the borrowing deadline of all the portable storage media 5 at a fixed timing, the controller 8 detects the portable storage medium 5 that has passed the borrowing deadline. good. Alternatively, only the borrowed portable storage medium 5 may be checked to detect the lapse of the borrowing time limit.

  When the portable storage medium 5 is inserted and stored in the insertion unit 21, it can be determined whether or not it is borrowed based on the current state in the insertion unit 21 that is energized. The authentication unit 4 reads the borrowing time limit and identifier for the portable storage medium 5 to be borrowed, and then permits the borrowing. Can be notified.

  The warning includes at least one of e-mail notification, telephone notification, FAX notification, and alarm notification. Since the identifier includes the borrower's e-mail address, telephone number, FAX number, and the like, based on these, the control unit 8 can select at least one of e-mail notification, telephone notification, FAX notification, and alarm notification. A warning can be sent using means. The control unit 8 may send a warning to the administrator using at least one of e-mail notification, telephone notification, FAX notification, and alarm notification. Of course, a warning may be notified by mixing a plurality of means.

  The control unit 8 can store a history of borrowing expiration of the borrowed portable storage medium 5. At this time, the history of the identifier of the user whose borrowing period has passed can also be stored. In other words, the control unit 8 can store a problem history of the expiration of the portable storage medium 5. The control unit 8 sets borrowing restrictions on the portable storage medium 5 for users who have a history of borrowing expiration. For example, the borrowing time limit is restricted, or the types of portable storage media 5 that can be borrowed are restricted. In order to execute such restriction, the control unit 8 outputs borrowing restriction information to the authentication unit 4 to restrict authentication in the authentication unit 4. At this time, the control unit 8 may control borrowing by controlling either the authentication unit 4 or the lock mechanism 3.

  The borrowing time limit may be set by the user or may be defined by the administrator. For example, the borrowing time limit may be uniquely determined such as 24 hours or 48 hours. Of course, the set borrowing period may be different for each of the plurality of portable storage media 5.

  The control unit 8 may be provided in the storage unit 2 or may be remotely connected to the storage unit 2 by being provided at the manager's hand. When the control unit 8 is remotely connected to the storage unit 2, the control unit 8 is electrically connected to the storage unit 2 (the lock mechanism 3, the authentication unit 4, the initialization unit 7, etc.) by wireless or wired connection. Connecting. By being provided at the manager's hand, collective management of the portable storage medium 5 in the workplace becomes easy.

(Modification 1)
The management storage device 1 according to the first embodiment is also preferably deployed in various modifications. For example, the lock mechanism 3 makes it impossible to take out the portable storage medium 5 using the door 31 (when the door 31 is closed). The door 31 may cover a plurality of the plurality of portable storage media 5 together or may cover each of the plurality of the portable storage media 5. For example, FIG. 3 shows a state where a plurality of the portable storage media 5 which are the former are collectively covered. In the case of such a door 31, any of the plurality of portable storage media 5 that are exposed when the door 31 is opened may be taken out by authentication in the authentication unit 4. Alternatively, the portable storage medium 5 corresponding to the address authenticated in the authentication is taken out.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the management storage device according to the first embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the side. The management storage device 1 shown in FIG. 5 includes a door 31 provided independently for each of the plurality of portable storage media 5. The door 31 is provided corresponding to each of the plurality of portable storage media 5 and covers each of the portable storage media 5.

  In FIG. 5, for convenience of explanation, four portable storage media 5A to 5D are inserted into the insertion portions 21A to 21D. Each of the portable storage media 5A to 5D is covered with a door 31, and the door 31 opens and closes corresponding to each of the portable storage media 5A to 5D.

  In addition, it is also preferable that the light emitting elements 45A to 45D are provided for the portable storage media 5A to 5D, respectively. Each of the light emitting elements 45A to 45D displays whether each of the portable storage media 5A to 5D is subjected to borrowed authentication. For example, when the light emitting element 45 is red, the portable storage medium 5 corresponding to the light emitting element 45 is in a state where it cannot be taken out (in a state where borrowing authentication is not performed), and the light emitting element 45 is blue. In this case, the portable storage medium 5 corresponding to the light emitting element 45 is in a state where it can be taken out (a state where borrowed authentication is performed).

  The user authenticates the borrowing of the portable storage medium 5 at a desired position through the authentication unit 4 by an ID card or biometric authentication. In FIG. 5, the portable storage medium 5D is borrowed. When the authentication unit 4 completes the authentication, the door 31 corresponding to the portable storage medium 5D is opened, and the portable storage medium 5D can be taken out. At this time, the light emitting element 45D turns blue, indicating that the portable storage medium 5D can be taken out. The doors 31 corresponding to the non-authenticable portable storage media 5A to 5C remain closed, and the light emitting elements 45A to 45C also remain red.

  The management storage device 1 has an external connection connector 20, and the portable storage medium 5 is electrically connected to the external device via the external connection connector 20. For example, the portable storage medium 5 is initialized and virus checked by being connected to a personal computer. In addition, it is also preferable that the management storage device 1 is expanded by being connected to other management storage devices in cascade or parallel via the external connection connector 20.

  FIG. 6 shows a state in which the management storage device corresponding to FIG. 5 is viewed from the front. FIG. 6 is a front view of the management storage device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 shows a state where the door 31 is provided in the management storage device 1 so as to open and close corresponding to each of the plurality of portable storage media 5. For convenience of illustration, the number of the portable storage media 5 in the management storage device 1 in FIGS. 5 and 6 is different. In addition, necessary elements (such as the door 31 and the light emitting element 45) are also omitted in order to prevent the illustration from becoming complicated. Omission does not indicate any particular limitation or exclusion.

  Similarly to FIG. 5, FIG. 6 also distinguishes the authenticated portable storage medium 5 and the unauthenticated portable storage medium 5 by the color of the light emitting element 45. Moreover, the door 31 is provided corresponding to each portable storage medium 5, and only the door 31 corresponding to the authenticated portable storage medium 5 opens. The opening direction of the door 31 is various up and down and left and right. Double doors may be used.

(Modification 2)
Moreover, it is also suitable that the lock mechanism 3 that does not use the door 31 is provided with various devices. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a second modification of the management storage device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a side view of the management storage device 1.

  In the management storage device 1 in FIG. 7, individual portable storage media 5 are stored not by the door 31 but by the lock mechanism 3. The user decides the portable storage medium 5 to be borrowed and borrows it. At this time, it is also preferable to clarify to the user which of the borrowable portable storage media 5 can be borrowed and which is not borrowable, depending on the authentication in the authentication unit 4 and other circumstances. It is. For example, a portable storage medium 5 that has just been returned cannot be borrowed, and a portable storage medium 5 that is not so can be borrowed.

  The light emitting element 45 notifies the user of the portable storage medium 5 that can be borrowed and the portable storage medium 5 that cannot be borrowed by the presence / absence of the light emission and the light emission color. For example, in FIG. 7, the portable storage medium 5C can be borrowed, but the other portable storage media 5A, 5B, and 5D cannot be borrowed. In this case, the light emitting elements 45A, 45B, and 45D are not emitting light or emitting red light. On the other hand, the light emitting element 45C corresponding to the borrowable portable storage medium 5 emits light or emits blue light. Thus, the user can recognize that the portable storage medium 5C can be borrowed. By the recognition, the user borrows the portable storage medium 5C. Of course, the light emitting method of the light emitting element 45 indicating the borrowable portable storage medium 5 may be determined as appropriate.

(Modification 3)
FIG. 8 is a side view of Modification 3 of the management storage device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. In the management storage device 1 of Modification 3, the storage unit 2 stores the portable storage medium 5 in a rotating form. A plurality of portable storage media 5 are mounted on a rotatable member. In FIG. 8, four portable storage media 5A to 5D are mounted. The rotatable member rotates to place any one portable storage medium 5 at the takeout port 28. The user takes out the portable storage medium 5 located at the takeout port 28 and borrows it. In FIG. 8, the portable storage medium 5C can be taken out.

  The user obtains authentication in the authentication unit 4 using the ID card 6 or the like. The authentication unit 4 notifies the authentication result, and the rotatable member rotates. By rotation, the borrowable portable storage medium 5C can be taken out. Of course, the lock mechanism 3C is also released. As a result, the user can borrow the portable storage medium 5C.

  By rotating with the rotatable member, only the portable storage medium 5 that can be borrowed is visible from the front of the management storage device 1. As a result, when the door 31 is opened, it is possible to prevent the unusable portable storage medium 5 that is not released from the lock mechanism 3 from being forcibly used.

  As described above, it is also preferable that the management storage device 1 in the first embodiment has various devices for the convenience of the user.

As described above, the management storage device 1 according to the first embodiment prevents theft or loss of the shared portable storage medium 5 in spite of low introduction costs and operation costs, and leaks confidential information. Can be prevented.
(Embodiment 2)

  Next, a second embodiment will be described.

  The management storage device 1 of the second embodiment has various devices in accordance with the initialization.

  The initialization unit 7 performs a virus check on the portable storage medium 5. The initialization unit 7 initializes the portable storage medium 5 stored in the storage unit 2. Apart from the initialization, the initialization unit 7 performs a virus check to increase the safety of use of the portable storage medium 5 shared by different users. The initialization unit 7 may perform a virus check together with the initialization. Or the initialization part 7 may perform a virus check in a fixed cycle.

  The control unit 8 confirms the progress of the virus check in the initialization unit 7 or starts the virus check. For example, for the portable storage medium 5 returned after the borrowing period has passed, the control unit 8 performs a virus check on the assumption that the risk of virus is high. Alternatively, it is assumed that the portable storage medium 5 that has just been returned has a high risk of virus, and the control unit 8 performs a virus check.

  By performing the virus check, the user can borrow the portable storage medium 5 with peace of mind. In particular, since the portable storage medium 5 is shared by different users, there is a high risk of virus contamination. However, as long as the workplace prepares, the portable storage medium 5 can only be shared. The initialization unit 7 can balance these by performing a virus check.

  Note that the control unit 8 can also restrict the use of the authentication unit 4 so as not to permit the borrowing of the portable storage medium 5 that has not undergone the virus check.

  It is also preferable that the initialization unit 7 performs a format check when the portable storage medium 5 is inserted into the insertion unit 21 and returned after the borrowing period has passed. The initialization unit 7 initializes the returned portable storage medium 5. At this time, it is sufficient that the portable storage medium 5 returned within the borrowing deadline is initialized. However, there is a possibility that the portable storage medium 5 returned after the borrowing deadline has various problems. Due to the existence of a hidden file or the like, there is a possibility that confidential information will be leaked when it is used next time.

  In order to prevent such a more severe problem, the initialization unit 7 performs a format check in addition to the initialization. When the format check is performed, the format of the storage area of the portable storage medium 5 is rewritten, and problems such as hidden files and severe viruses are less likely to occur. As a result, leakage of confidential information by the shared portable storage medium 5 is prevented with a higher probability. Of course, the user can feel more comfortable using the portable storage medium 5.

  The initialization unit 7 performs various processes on the portable storage medium 5 to improve the reliability of the use of the portable storage medium 5 and prevent leakage of confidential information.

  Note that the function of the initialization unit 7 described in the second embodiment may be provided as an option.

  (Embodiment 3)

  Next, Embodiment 3 will be described.

  In the third embodiment, a technique for preventing leakage of confidential information from the portable storage medium 5 that has not been returned or has been lost or stolen will be described.

  The plurality of portable storage media 5 stored in the management storage device 1 are borrowed and returned by a plurality of employees or staff members. If the return is not made by the user, a warning is notified to the user as described in the second embodiment. If the warning is notified, the user returns the borrowed portable storage medium 5. In particular, since the warning is notified from the workplace as the manager, the employees and employees who are the users also have a strong consciousness of returning because they lead to their own personnel evaluation. For this reason, normally, the portable storage medium 5 is returned by warning.

  However, if the borrowed user loses the portable storage medium 5 or is stolen, it cannot be returned even if a warning is given. If lost or stolen, the confidential information stored in the portable storage medium 5 will flow out, causing various problems. A plurality of portable storage media 5 are prepared from the workplace to employees and the like, and when the employees must use the portable storage media 5 for business, the portable storage media 5 prepared from the workplace is used. By keeping this mechanism in place, the leakage of confidential information is essentially prevented. However, if the portable storage medium 5 is transferred to a malicious third party due to loss or theft, there is a problem that confidential information is misused.

  The portable storage medium 5 stores its own program. This self-program starts to operate when energized when the portable storage medium 5 is inserted into a connector of an electronic device or information device. The self-program includes a function of starting an initialization operation when the borrowing period has passed. That is, when the borrowable expiration date has passed and the portable storage medium 5 has not been returned to the storage unit 2, the portable storage medium 5 is inserted into an electronic device or information device and energized to initialize itself by the operation of its own program. To do. If initialized, the portable storage medium 5 cannot extract the stored confidential information.

  If the portable storage medium 5 is returned as usual, it is stored in the storage unit 2 and is initialized at the time of storage. Alternatively, even when returning after the return deadline, it is initialized when stored in the storage unit 2. Once initialized, the information and data stored up to that point will be erased, so there is no concern that confidential information will be leaked the next time it is used.

  On the other hand, when it is not returned, it is not stored in the storage unit 2 and therefore cannot be initialized by the storage unit 2. Of course, if it is before the return deadline, it is considered that the borrowed user possesses it, so that the initialization impairs the convenience of the user.

  However, when the return deadline has passed, there is a risk of leakage of confidential information, whether owned by the borrowed user or held by a third party. In particular, a third party who obtains the portable storage medium 5 by theft or the like tries to obtain information on the portable storage medium 5 by connecting to an electronic device or an information device. However, since the self-program initializes itself by energization, a third party cannot obtain information and confidential information is prevented from being leaked. The self-program is activated only when the borrowing period has expired, and during the period of use by the borrowed user, the data being created can be prevented from being lost, so the convenience of the user is impaired. There are few things.

  It is also preferable for the control unit 8 to store information on the borrowing deadline set at the time of authentication by the authentication unit 4 in the portable storage medium 5 in order to operate the self program with certainty. The portable storage medium 5 initializes the storage area based on the operation of the self-program by receiving energization after the borrowing deadline has passed based on the self-program provided in advance and the borrowing deadline information.

  It should be noted that the self-program may be configured by various programming as long as the main function is to receive the energization and output the initialization command signal for the storage area.

  A flow of the entire operation of the portable storage medium 5 in consideration of automatic initialization in the case of theft or loss described in the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the portable storage medium according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

  First, in step ST1, the portable storage medium 5 is connected to an electronic device or the like. When the portable storage medium 5 is a USB memory or a memory card, the portable storage medium 5 is inserted into a corresponding slot or connector provided in the electronic device and connected. By this connection, a current is passed through the portable storage medium 5. Next, if it is within the borrowing period, the user inputs an authentication word and an authentication code for identity verification in step ST2. That is, authentication information is input. This is input according to the GUI of the electronic device. At this time, there may be a limit on the number of inputs. The information input in step ST2 is confirmed in step ST3. In this state, the authentication word and the authentication code input to the electronic device are confirmed in step ST3.

  If it is determined in this step ST3 that it is appropriate, the process moves to step ST4, and the portable storage medium 5 can be used in the connected electronic device. Conversely, if it is determined in step ST3 that it is inappropriate, the process moves to step ST5, the self-program of the portable storage medium 5 is started, and the above-described automatic initialization is started.

On the other hand, if the portable storage medium 5 is connected to an electronic device or the like in step ST1, and the borrowing time limit has passed, the program moves to step ST5 without moving to step ST2, etc. Is activated, the portable storage medium 5 is initialized. The initialization of step ST5 can prevent confidential information from leaking from the portable storage medium 5. The same applies to the case of shifting from step ST3 to step ST5.
Here, the authentication information is information that only the user and the administrator can know, and includes various authentication information such as a password, biometric authentication, physical authentication, and machine authentication. As described above, the portable storage medium 5 can prevent leakage of confidential information based on theft or loss by the operation based on the flow shown in FIG.

  As described above, the management storage device 1 according to Embodiment 3 can prevent leakage of confidential information due to loss or theft.

  The portable storage medium management storage device described in the first to third embodiments is an example for explaining the gist of the present invention, and includes modifications and alterations without departing from the gist of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Management storage apparatus 2 Storage part 3 Lock mechanism 4 Authentication part 5 Portable storage medium 6 ID card 7 Initialization part 8 Control part 9 Power supply

Claims (13)

A storage section for storing at least one of a plurality of USB memories, memory sticks, magnetic memories, and small HDDs by insertion;
A locking mechanism that is provided in the housing and opens and closes by authentication;
An authentication unit for performing authentication for permitting opening and closing of the lock mechanism;
An initialization unit for performing initialization processing of the plurality of USB memories, memory sticks, magnetic memories, and small HDDs ;
A control unit that controls at least one of the storage unit, the lock mechanism, the authentication unit, and the initialization unit;
A display device provided in the authentication unit,
The lock mechanism can be opened when authentication by the authentication unit is performed, and is closed when authentication by the authentication unit is not performed.
When the locking mechanism is opened, at least one of the plurality of USB memories, memory sticks, magnetic memories, and small HDDs can be taken out. When the locking mechanism is closed, the plurality of USB memories At least one of a memory, a memory stick, a magnetic memory, and a small HDD cannot be removed,
At least one of the USB memory, the memory stick, the magnetic memory, and the small HDD is portable, is connected to a personal computer, and is electronic data generated from the personal computer generated by the personal computer. Can remember
The storage portion has a plurality of insertion portions that are respectively adapted to at least one of the plurality of USB memories, memory sticks, magnetic memories, and small HDDs, and the locking mechanism is provided in each of the plurality of insertion portions. Provided,
The authenticating unit authenticates opening and closing of the locking mechanism based on a borrowing deadline and a borrowing purpose of a user who wants to borrow at least one of the plurality of USB memories, memory sticks, magnetic memories, and small HDDs. ,
The control unit stores borrowing restriction information, which is a history of the borrowing deadline for the user, and can be output to the authentication unit. Based on the borrowing restriction information , authentication by the authentication unit is performed. Limit
The storage unit includes a plurality of light emitting elements in accordance with each of the plurality of insertion units, and each of the plurality of light emitting elements includes the USB memory, the memory stick, the magnetic memory, and the small HDD by the authentication unit. Display the presence or absence of at least one borrowed certificate,
The initialization unit is generated by a user's operation of the personal computer to which at least one of the USB memory, memory stick, magnetic memory, and small HDD is connected, and the USB memory, memory stick, magnetic memory, and small HDD A portable storage medium managing and storing device that deletes the electronic data stored in at least one of the electronic data when the electronic data is inserted into the insertion section.   The portable storage medium management storage apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the lock mechanism includes a door provided in the storage unit and covering at least one of the plurality of USB memories, a memory stick, a magnetic memory, and a small HDD.   Each of the plurality of insertion units has an address corresponding to insertion of at least one of the plurality of USB memory, memory stick, magnetic memory, and small HDD, and the address corresponds to the identifier of the user. 3. A portable storage medium management storage apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.   The control unit can grasp which of at least one of the plurality of USB memories, memory sticks, magnetic memories, and small HDDs housed in the housing unit is borrowed, and the borrowed USB memory, The portable storage medium management storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising information on at least one borrower of a memory stick, a magnetic memory, and a small HDD.   When the control unit detects at least one of the USB memory, the memory stick, the magnetic memory, and the small HDD that has passed the borrowing deadline, at least one of the USB memory, the memory stick, the magnetic memory, and the small HDD is detected. The portable storage medium management storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a warning is sent to at least one of the tenants and the manager.   The portable storage medium management storage device according to claim 5, wherein the warning is at least one of e-mail, telephone notification, FAX notification, and alarm notification.   7. The portable storage according to claim 1, wherein the initialization unit starts initialization when at least one of the USB memory, a memory stick, a magnetic memory, and a small HDD is inserted into the insertion unit. Media storage device.   The portable storage medium management storage device according to claim 1, wherein the initialization unit performs a virus check.   9. The initialization unit performs a format check when at least one of the USB memory, a memory stick, a magnetic memory, and a small HDD is inserted into the insertion unit after the borrowing period has elapsed. A management storage device for a portable storage medium according to any one of the above.   The portable storage medium management storage apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is remotely connected to the storage unit via an electric communication line.   If at least one of the USB memory, memory stick, magnetic memory, and small HDD is not returned to the storage unit after the borrowing period has elapsed, energization is performed by insertion into the personal computer after the borrowing period has elapsed. 11. The portable storage medium management storage device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the USB memory, the memory stick, the magnetic memory, and the small HDD erases its own storage area by receiving the data.   12. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the USB memory, the memory stick, the magnetic memory, and the small HDD stores information on a borrowing deadline set at the time of authentication by the authentication unit. Management storage device for portable storage media.   At least one of the plurality of USB memories, memory sticks, magnetic memories, and small HDDs is supplied to a user so that it can be borrowed, and can be shared by each of the users, and borrowed for a predetermined period and used repeatedly. The portable storage medium management storage device according to claim 1.

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