Non-volatile Memory Terminal Mixing for Secure Data Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Non-volatile memory devices in portable digital devices lack secure data storage, as they do not inherently protect data from unauthorized access when lost or stolen, necessitating a solution for secure data encryption and user-controlled storage order.
Innovation Solution
A non-volatile memory device with an input/output terminal mixing section and user data authenticating section that allows users to select and store data in a mixed order, coupled with a method for encrypting data by receiving a user's ID and storing the coupling configuration, ensuring only authorized users can access the data in the correct order.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data is stored in a fixed order in non-volatile memory, then data access is simple and fast, but data security is compromised as unauthorized users can easily access the data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic terminal coupling where the connection between memory device terminals and page buffer terminals changes based on user authentication. The input/output terminal mixing section dynamically reconfigures the data path coupling according to authentication results, transforming a static storage system into a dynamic one that adapts to security requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary authentication of user data before enabling data access. The user data authenticating section verifies authentication information in advance, and only after successful authentication does the system enable the proper terminal coupling for data access. This preliminary action ensures security before the actual data retrieval operation.
2Reliability
If standard memory architecture is used, then manufacturing is simple, but data protection against unauthorized access is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the authentication function with the existing memory read operation. The user data authenticating section is integrated into the memory controller, and the authentication process is combined with the terminal coupling control. This merging allows data protection to be implemented without requiring a completely separate authentication system, thus limiting the increase in manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The input/output terminal mixing section serves multiple functions: it acts as a standard I/O interface during normal operation and as a security control mechanism during authentication. By making this component multi-functional, the patent avoids adding dedicated security hardware that would increase manufacturing complexity, while still providing unauthorized access protection.
3Reliability
If data is stored without encryption, then read/write operations are fast and simple, but data confidentiality is lost when device is lost or stolen
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-authentication by verifying the user's authentication information against stored credentials. The user data authenticating section automatically checks authentication credentials without requiring external verification, and the terminal mixing section automatically configures the data path based on authentication results. This self-service mechanism maintains operational convenience while ensuring data confidentiality.
Data Source
AI summary
A non-volatile memory device includes an input/output terminal mixing section configured to couple data input/output terminals of the memory device to data input/output terminals of a page buffer in accordance with a user selection. A user data authenticating section is configured to transmit a control signal to the input/output terminal mixing section so that the input/output terminal mixing section couples the data input/output terminals of the memory device to the data input/output terminals of the page buffer in accordance with the user selection. A spare cell is configured to store the coupling configuration of the data input/output terminals of the memory device and the data input/output terminals of the page buffer in accordance with the user selection.