Nonvolatile Memory Erasure Using Inertial Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional memory devices are unable to effectively erase important data before a physical attack, such as opening, cutting, or damaging, and may not operate when power is unavailable, leaving them vulnerable to illegal access.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using an inertial measurement sensor and a low power microprocessor to detect attitude information and erase data from nonvolatile memory, regardless of power supply state, by comparing the information with predetermined threshold values and error counts to determine when to block power and erase data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional memory devices use physical attack detection methods, then data protection is provided after attack detection, but data cannot be erased before physical attack occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by detecting abnormal attitudes or positions of the memory device before physical attacks occur. The system continuously monitors device orientation and triggers data erasure when abnormal conditions are detected, preventing the need for actual physical attack detection. This allows data to be erased proactively before the attack happens, resolving the timing contradiction.
2Reliability
If memory erasing function is implemented without power supply capability, then device simplicity is maintained, but erasure cannot occur when external power is unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by switching between different power sources based on availability. The system detects whether external power or battery power is supplied and adjusts its operation accordingly. When external power is available, normal erasure operations proceed; when unavailable, the system switches to battery power mode to complete erasure operations, ensuring continuous availability without requiring a completely complex dual-power architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery acts as an intermediary power source that bridges the gap between external power availability and erasure operation requirements. The power management module mediates between the external power source, battery, and erasure function, selecting appropriate power sources dynamically. This intermediary approach enables erasure operations regardless of external power status without requiring complete system redesign.
3Measurement precision
If continuous monitoring of attitude information is implemented, then data erasure timing accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by monitoring attitude information at specific intervals rather than continuously. The system checks device orientation periodically and triggers erasure operations when abnormal patterns are detected over multiple measurement cycles. This periodic monitoring approach maintains sufficient detection accuracy while significantly reducing power consumption compared to continuous monitoring, resolving the contradiction between precision and energy usage.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures secure and effective erasure of important data from memory devices before physical attacks, even in the absence of external power, by continuously monitoring attitude information and managing power supply to intercept potential threats.
Implementation Method 1
measuring attitude information of the device with an inertial measurement sensor
Implementation Method 2
measuring attitude information of the device with an inertial measurement sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A memory erasing method and apparatus for erasing important data of a nonvolatile memory within the apparatus to prevent illegal access using attitude information measured in an inertial measurement sensor and a low power microprocessor regardless of the power supply state of the apparatus. The apparatus includes a power switching circuit unit for selecting one from among an external power source and a battery. An inertial measurement sensor measures attitude information of the memory erasing apparatus, using power supplied from the external power source or the battery. A low power microprocessor erases important data from a memory device in a first manner using power from the external power source, and in a second manner using power from the battery, the first manner being different from the second manner.