Geo-Parameter Encrypted Memory Card for Unauthorized Access Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data encryption solutions for memory cards require specific devices capable of on-the-fly encryption, making them incompatible with existing electronic devices and inconvenient for users who need to protect sensitive data from unauthorized access.
Innovation Solution
A memory card equipped with a processor, interface, and positioning system that generates and uses encryption keys based on geo-parameter values to encrypt and decrypt data, allowing secure access only at authorized locations without storing decryption keys or location information, and includes features to counter fake GPS signals and specific geographical path requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data encryption is implemented on memory cards using existing solutions, then data security is improved, but device compatibility deteriorates because specific electronic devices capable of on-the-fly encryption are required
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring the host device to perform encryption operations, the patent inverts the approach by implementing encryption functionality directly in the memory card. The memory card contains a processor that encrypts data before storage and decrypts data upon retrieval, eliminating the need for specialized host devices and achieving universal compatibility while maintaining strong security
Solution Approach 2:
The memory card becomes self-sufficient by integrating all necessary encryption components (processor, algorithms, key management) within itself. The card autonomously performs encryption when writing data and decryption when reading data, without requiring external assistance from the host device, thus resolving the compatibility issue while preserving security
2Ease of operation
If encryption keys are stored in the memory card to enable decryption, then data accessibility is improved, but security deteriorates because stored keys may be extracted by unauthorized users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent generates decryption keys dynamically at the moment of data retrieval using a key derivation function that processes stored encrypted key material together with current positioning data. This preliminary preparation of encrypted key material, combined with real-time key generation, ensures that no usable decryption key ever resides permanently in the card, preventing extraction while enabling immediate decryption when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The decryption key is not static but changes dynamically based on positioning parameters. The key derivation function combines encrypted key material with current GPS coordinates, meaning the decryption key is different each time it is generated. This parameter-based key generation allows accessibility when needed while preventing unauthorized extraction, as the key only exists temporarily in memory during the decryption operation
3Reliability
If geo-parameter based encryption is implemented to restrict decryption to specific locations, then unauthorized access prevention is improved, but device complexity increases due to positioning system integration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the ubiquitous nature of GPS positioning systems, which are already integrated in most modern electronic devices. By using this existing universal positioning capability, the memory card adds location-based security without requiring specialized or complex positioning hardware, thus improving unauthorized access prevention while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity
4Ease of operation
If decryption is enabled at any location for convenience, then ease of operation is improved, but security deteriorates because stolen memory cards could be accessed anywhere
Solution Approach 1:
The patent preemptively counteracts potential theft by tying decryption capability to location verification. Before allowing decryption, the system checks whether the current position matches authorized location parameters. This preliminary location check prevents unauthorized access in case of theft, while still providing convenient access at authorized locations, thus resolving the contradiction between convenience and security
Data Source
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Figure 3a~3b
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a memory card comprising a memory, a processor, an interface and a positioning system, said memory card being configured for being inserted in a user apparatus, for storing a first encryption key generated depending on intended geo-parameter values and for, - when a command for writing first data in said memory is received from said user apparatus on the interface, encrypting said first data with said first encryption key by the processor and storing said encrypted first data in said memory, - when a user command for reading said first data stored in said memory is received from said user apparatus on the interface, ○ obtaining current geo-parameter values from said positioning system, ○ generating by said processor from the obtained current geo-parameter values a second encryption key and an associated decryption key, ○ verifying if said first and second encryption keys match and when the keys match, decrypting said encrypted first data stored in said memory by the processor with said decryption key and outputting said decrypted encrypted first data to said user apparatus (2) on said interface.