Memory Controller Virus Scanning via FAT Analysis

Solution Overview

Problem

Portable storage devices lack inherent virus scanning capabilities, making them susceptible to malware infection when connected to infected host systems, and existing solutions require connection to a host system for scanning.

Innovation Solution

A virus scanning method integrated into a memory storage device with a memory controller that utilizes a virus signature database to analyze binary codes and prevent infected data from being written or transmitted, by mapping logical addresses to physical addresses and employing a file allocation table (FAT) for identification and comparison.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a portable storage device is connected to a host system for virus scanning, then the host system can scan for viruses, but the portable storage device lacks inherent scanning capability and relies on the host system

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevirus scanning capabilityVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The portable storage device performs virus scanning autonomously using an embedded memory controller that includes a virus signature database and scanning circuitry. The device scans files for viruses independently without requiring connection to a host system, enabling self-service security protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The memory controller integrates multiple functions including data storage control, virus scanning, and file system management into a single device. This multi-functional design allows the portable storage device to perform both data storage and virus detection without requiring separate external systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Extent of automation

If the host system scans files for viruses, then virus detection can be performed, but the scanning process requires connection to the host system and cannot be executed autonomously by the storage device

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic scanningVSAvoidoperation independence

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The portable storage device performs virus scanning autonomously using an embedded memory controller that includes a virus signature database and scanning circuitry. The device scans files for viruses independently without requiring connection to a host system, enabling self-service security protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The memory controller pre-loads virus signatures into a local database before connection to the host system. This preliminary preparation enables the device to perform scanning operations autonomously without requiring real-time connection to external systems for virus detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the portable storage device is connected to a malicious website, then data can be transferred, but the device becomes susceptible to malware infection without inherent scanning capability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata securityVSAvoidmalware infection risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The portable storage device performs virus scanning autonomously using an embedded memory controller that includes a virus signature database and scanning circuitry. The device scans files for viruses independently without requiring connection to a host system, enabling self-service security protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The memory controller proactively scans files for virus signatures before data transfer occurs, preventing malware infection in advance. The device compares file contents against stored virus signatures and blocks suspicious files from being written to the storage device, taking preliminary action to prevent harm rather than reacting after infection occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Data Source

PatentUS8561194B2Memory storage device and memory controller and virus scanning method thereof

Publication Date: 2013.10.15 PHISON ELECTRONICS

AI summary

A memory storage device, a memory controller, and a virus scanning method are provided. In the method, a virus signature database recording a predetermined file segment and a corresponding virus signature is provided. A plurality of logical addresses is mapped to a part of a plurality of physical addresses in a rewritable non-volatile memory chip of the memory storage device, a host system accesses the logical addresses by using a file system including a file allocation table (FAT). At lease one binary code is received. The FAT is analyzed to identify a file segment containing the at least one binary code. If the file segment matches the predetermined file segment, the at least one binary code is not written into the memory storage device or transmitted back to the host system when the at least one binary code matches the virus signature corresponding to the predetermined file segment.