Biometric Storage Device Host-Offloaded Fingerprint Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional portable storage devices with fingerprint sensors are costly due to the need for advanced microprocessors and separate fingerprint image processing and identification ICs, and they require complex installation processes on terminal systems, limiting their usability and compatibility across different systems.
Innovation Solution
A storage device design that utilizes the terminal host's microprocessor to execute fingerprint image processing and identification tasks, with a control module that automatically runs necessary drivers and programs, and divides the memory into public, private, and hidden blocks to enhance security and simplify installation, while hiding the fingerprint sensor and memory from the terminal host.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an independent fingerprint identification device with advanced microprocessor and separate IC is used, then fingerprint identification accuracy and reliability are improved, but device cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fingerprint image processing and identification functions from the storage device and relocates them to the terminal host system. The storage device only retains the fingerprint sensor and basic control logic, while the complex processing tasks are performed by the host's microprocessor. This separation reduces the storage device's complexity and cost while maintaining identification accuracy through the host's capable processing unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent leverages the terminal host's existing microprocessor and operating system to perform fingerprint processing, making the solution universally applicable across different terminal systems (PCs, laptops, etc.). Instead of requiring a dedicated fingerprint identification device, the host system's general-purpose processing capabilities are utilized, reducing the need for specialized hardware components.
2Reliability
If an independent fingerprint identification device with separate IC is used, then fingerprint identification reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for separate fingerprint identification ICs by extracting the processing functions to the terminal host. This eliminates the need to manufacture and assemble additional specialized components, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining identification reliability through the host's processing capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
By utilizing the terminal host's existing processing capabilities, the patent avoids the need for specialized fingerprint identification ICs. This universal approach allows the same storage device to work across different terminal systems without requiring system-specific components, thereby reducing per-unit manufacturing costs.
3Ease of operation
If fingerprint processing software is pre-installed on terminal systems, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability across different systems deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic driver installation and system detection capabilities within the storage device. When connected to a terminal system, the device automatically detects the host environment, installs necessary drivers, and configures itself without requiring pre-installation on the terminal system. This self-service approach maintains ease of operation while preserving adaptability across different terminal systems.
4Ease of operation
If memory is fully accessible to terminal host, then ease of operation is improved, but data security deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the memory into distinct regions: a first region for general data storage accessible to the terminal host, and a second region for sensitive data that requires fingerprint authentication for access. This segmentation allows the system to maintain ease of operation for general data while providing enhanced security for sensitive information through biometric protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different access control qualities to different parts of the memory system. The first memory region has open access for convenience, while the second memory region has restricted access controlled by fingerprint verification. This local differentiation of access rights enables the system to balance ease of operation with data security based on the specific data location and sensitivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage device and a method for protecting data stored therein. The storage device includes a host interface connected to a terminal host, a control module connected to the interface, and a biometrics sensor and a memory module both connected to the control module. The control module makes the host automatically run a suitable driver and a suitable application program. The host receives an instruction from a user through the driver and program and informs the control module to control the sensor to read and process to-be-recognized biometrics data of the user and extract to-be-recognized minutiae data. The host sends the to-be-recognized minutiae data back to the control module through the interface. The control module compares the to-be-recognized minutiae data with template minutiae data stored in the memory module, and enables a private block of the memory module to be accessed by the host according to a matching result.