Card Reader Controller Permission Management via Memory Key

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing USB flash drives with security mechanisms, such as keypads or fingerprint recognition, increase product size and manufacturing costs, making them less attractive while still notifying the presence of private data.

Innovation Solution

A card reader system that uses a specific memory device as a key to control access to embedded memory, maintaining the appearance and functionality of a typical card reader without additional security modules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If additional security modules (keypad or fingerprint recognition) are installed on USB flash drives, then data security protection is improved, but product size and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata security protectionVSAvoidproduct size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by using a standard card reader socket that already exists in the device for its original purpose (reading cards), and simultaneously using it as a security authentication mechanism. The socket serves multiple functions: normal card reading and security verification, avoiding additional hardware while maintaining security protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the card reader's own existing infrastructure (the socket and controller) to provide security functionality. Instead of adding external security modules, the device leverages its built-in card reader components to perform authentication, making the existing system serve dual purposes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If additional security modules (keypad or fingerprint recognition) are installed on USB flash drives, then data security protection is improved, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata security protectionVSAvoidmanufacturing costs

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by using a standard card reader socket that already exists in the device for its original purpose (reading cards), and simultaneously using it as a security authentication mechanism. The socket serves multiple functions: normal card reading and security verification, avoiding additional hardware while maintaining security protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the card reader's own existing infrastructure (the socket and controller) to provide security functionality. Instead of adding external security modules, the device leverages its built-in card reader components to perform authentication, making the existing system serve dual purposes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If traditional security mechanisms are used, then data protection is achieved, but the presence of private data is notified and additional hardware is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata protectionVSAvoidhardware requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by using a standard card reader socket that already exists in the device for its original purpose (reading cards), and simultaneously using it as a security authentication mechanism. The socket serves multiple functions: normal card reading and security verification, avoiding additional hardware while maintaining security protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The card inserted into the socket acts as an intermediary authentication element. Instead of requiring direct interaction with complex security modules, the card serves as a simple mediator that triggers the security verification process through the existing card reader interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12242738B2Card reader and controller, and method for permission management

Publication Date: 2025.03.04 REALTEK SEMICON CORP

AI summary

A card reader and a controller thereof, and a method are provided. The card reader includes a storage device and the controller, wherein the controller is coupled to the storage device. The storage device is configured to store specific identification data of a specific memory device. The controller is configured to receive identification data of the external memory device plugged into the card reader, and determine whether the external memory device is the specific memory device according to the identification data and the specific identification data, to generate a determination result. More particularly, the controller may control whether to open permission of at least one function according to the determination result.