Memory Overwriting Protection via Disabling Program Execution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information processing systems face issues with improper overwriting of data in storage units, leading to potential data loss and corruption.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus and system that includes a memory with a disabling program to prevent overwriting, an electronic control unit that executes the disabling program after writing is finished, and a communicator to send data and receive disablement instructions, ensuring that overwriting is only disabled when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the writing program is stored in the memory for future writing operations, then the system can perform subsequent writing tasks, but the memory becomes vulnerable to improper overwriting of the writing program itself
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the writing program from the main memory space where user data is stored, creating a separate protected area. This extraction allows the writing program to be preserved and executed while preventing it from being accidentally overwritten by normal writing operations, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining writing capability and ensuring data integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary protective measures by establishing write protection mechanisms before any writing operations occur. The system preemptively prevents overwriting of the writing program and reference information, rather than detecting and correcting errors after they occur, thus maintaining both writing functionality and data integrity.
2Reliability
If the disabling program is executed automatically after writing is finished, then improper overwriting is prevented, but the system complexity increases due to additional control logic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the electronic control unit automatically executes the disabling program after detecting that writing operations are complete. This automatic self-protection eliminates the need for external intervention or complex manual control logic, achieving data protection while minimizing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where the electronic control unit monitors the writing process, detects completion, and automatically triggers the disabling program. This closed-loop feedback control provides reliable data protection through simple, automated decision-making logic rather than complex predetermined control sequences.
3Quantity of substance
If reference information is overwritten with unrelated information, then the memory space is utilized more efficiently, but the system loses the ability to reference critical data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts reference information from the general memory space into a protected area, similar to how the writing program is protected. This extraction allows the majority of memory to be utilized for new data while preserving critical reference information in a secure location where it cannot be accidentally overwritten, thus balancing memory utilization with information preservation.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus that includes a memory that is configured to store written information and to store a writing program for writing information to the memory; and an electronic control unit that is configured to write information to the memory in accordance with the writing program stored in the memory, wherein: the memory stores a disabling program for disabling overwriting of the information stored in the memory, the electronic control unit disables overwriting of the information stored in the memory in accordance with the disabling program stored in the memory for disablement when writing of the information executed by the electronic control unit is finished, the memory stores reference information to be referred to when the electronic control unit executes writing of information, and the electronic control unit overwrites the reference information stored in the memory with information that is unrelated to the reference information.