Managing Unit for Secure Data Transfer Between Protected Memory Cards

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for transferring data between protected memory cards lack a secure and convenient mechanism, as they often require multiple connections and authentication processes, making data transfer cumbersome and vulnerable to unauthorized access.

Innovation Solution

A method and system utilizing a managing unit within a mobile communication device, which stores credentials on a SIM card, establishes radio data links with memory cards to securely transfer data between them, allowing easy and secure data copying or moving from one protected memory card to another by verifying credentials and using a single card reader unit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If data transfer is performed between protected memory cards using existing methods, then data can be transferred between cards, but the process requires multiple connections and authentication processes making it cumbersome and vulnerable to unauthorized access

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidoperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a managing unit as an intermediary device that mediates data transfer between protected memory cards. The managing unit stores credentials and handles authentication, allowing seamless secure transfer without requiring direct authentication between cards or multiple connection processes. This resolves the contradiction by centralizing security management while simplifying the user operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The managing unit serves multiple functions: it acts as a credential storage device, an authentication server, and a data transfer mediator. By consolidating these functions into a single device, the system eliminates the need for multiple card reader units and complex authentication sequences, thereby improving both security and ease of operation simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple card reader units are used for data transfer between protected memory cards, then secure access can be maintained, but the need for multiple units reduces user convenience

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess controlVSAvoidnumber of devices
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The managing unit is designed as a universal device that can authenticate and transfer data between multiple different memory cards using stored credentials. This single multi-functional device replaces the need for multiple specialized card reader units, maintaining access control security while reducing the quantity of devices required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the functions of multiple card reader units into a single managing unit that consolidates credential storage, authentication, and data transfer capabilities. This combination maintains security through centralized credential management while eliminating the need for users to manage multiple separate devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If credentials are stored in the managing unit for automatic verification, then data transfer becomes more convenient, but the risk of unauthorized access increases if credentials are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransfer convenienceVSAvoidunauthorized access risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The managing unit acts as a secure intermediary that stores credentials in a protected manner and controls their usage. Rather than exposing credentials directly to users or applications, the managing unit mediates authentication requests, verifying credentials securely and granting access only when appropriate. This maintains convenience while mitigating unauthorized access risks through controlled credential management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2175393B1Data exchange between protected memory cards
Publication Date: 2019.03.06 VODAFONE HOLDING GMBH
  • EP2175393B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2175393B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for transferring data from a first memory card (102a) to a second memory card (102b), each memory card (102a,b) allowing reading and/or writing access upon verification of an allocated credential. The method comprises the steps of (i) providing the credentials allocated to the memory cards (102a,b) to a managing unit (108, 118), (ii) receiving in the managing unit (108, 118) data from the first memory card (102a), (iii) providing to the second memory card (102b) the credential allocated to the second memory card (102b) by the managing unit (108, 118), and (iv) forwarding the data from the managing device to the second memory card (102b) and storing the data in the second memory card (102b) after having successfully verified said credential in the second memory card (102b). Furthermore the invention relates to a system for use in performing the method and a mobile communication device for use in the method.