Memory Data State Transform to Reverse Data Imprinting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Data imprinting occurs in memory storage, where traces of deleted data remain, making it difficult to completely erase sensitive information, especially over time, which is a concern for security applications.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that store payload data in memory in multiple states related by a transform, using a transformer to reverse data imprinting by periodically reading and transforming the data until it is verified to be in the correct state, without storing an indication of the state, thus minimizing and reversing data imprinting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If data is stored indefinitely in memory, then data retention is improved, but data imprinting occurs causing traces to remain after deletion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata retention timeVSAvoidcomplete data erasure

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by repeatedly transforming the stored data over time intervals. The data is transformed multiple times during its storage period, and upon retrieval, the transformation is reversed through iterative verification and transformation steps until the original data is recovered. This periodic transformation prevents data imprinting while maintaining long-term data retention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the state parameter of the stored data by applying transformations that convert the data between different states. These transformations modify the physical or logical representation of the data in memory, preventing the formation of stable imprints while allowing the data to be recovered through inverse transformations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If data is frequently transformed to prevent imprinting, then data security is improved, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata securityVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining the transformation functions and verification procedures before data storage and retrieval operations. The system prepares the transformation logic in advance, so that during actual data operations, only the necessary transformations are applied without redundant processing, minimizing time loss while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses feedback mechanisms where the verification step checks whether the transformed data matches expected characteristics. This feedback allows the system to determine when sufficient transformations have been applied to prevent imprinting without excessive processing, optimizing the balance between security and processing time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS7949912B1System and method of securing data stored in a memory

Publication Date: 2011.05.24 XILINX INC

AI summary

A system and method of securing data stored in a memory are disclosed. The method comprises storing a payload data in a memory in one of first and second states related by a transform, reading the payload data from the memory, attempting to use the payload data for an application, verifying the payload data as being in the first state, transforming the payload data as a function of the transform in response to verifying that the payload data is in the second state, and repeating performing the verifying and transforming steps until the payload data is verified as being in the first state.