Mobile Data Memory Automatic Deletion via Contact Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile data memories are vulnerable to unauthorized access and theft, as the information remains accessible even after the device is separated from its assigned user, allowing malicious intent to read or transfer the data.
Innovation Solution
A mobile data memory system with a contact detection device integrated into a holding device that monitors assignment to a user, ensuring secure access by automatically deleting information when the device is removed or no longer assigned, using a low-energy assignment monitoring module connected to the semiconductor memory or access controller, and employing a communication interface for secure, wireless data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the mobile data memory is made portable and wearable, then ease of transport and user convenience is improved, but security against unauthorized access and theft deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously monitoring contact status and detecting removal events before unauthorized access can occur. The automatic delete function is triggered preemptively when removal is detected, preventing potential data theft rather than responding after the fact.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile data memory system serves itself by automatically detecting removal and deleting its own data without external intervention. The assignment monitoring module and automatic delete function operate autonomously to protect the data, eliminating the need for external security measures.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If automatic delete function is implemented to prevent unauthorized access, then security is improved, but risk of unintentional data loss deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system establishes preliminary conditions for deletion by requiring both removal detection and reassignment detection before data is deleted. This preliminary verification process ensures that only genuine unauthorized removal events trigger deletion, preventing accidental loss during normal operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The assignment monitoring module provides continuous feedback about the device's assignment status to the control logic. This feedback mechanism allows the system to distinguish between intentional removal (user taking off the device) and unauthorized removal (theft), enabling selective deletion only when appropriate.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If continuous monitoring of user assignment is performed, then security against unauthorized access is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic monitoring instead of continuous monitoring, checking contact status at regular intervals rather than constantly. This periodic action reduces energy consumption while still effectively detecting removal events, as the monitoring resumes after each check regardless of outcome.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact detection device leverages the inherent electrical properties of the wearable device and user body to detect contact status without requiring active power consumption for sensing. The system monitors its own operational state and environmental conditions passively, minimizing energy usage while maintaining security.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a mobile data memory (1) comprising a data memory module (2) and a holding and/or carrying device (3), wherein the data memory module (2) has a non-volatile, re-writable semiconductor memory (4) and an access controller (5) with a communications module (7), wherein furthermore the communications module (7) is connected to a communications interface (8). The holding and/or carrying device (3) has a contact detection unit (16); the data memory module (2) furthermore has an allocation monitoring module (6) which is designed to evaluate the contact detection unit (16) and which is connected to the semiconductor memory (4) and/or to the access controller (5). The invention further relates to a method for person-based saving of information in a mobile data memory, wherein a remote communications station can access information saved in the data memory via a communications interface, and wherein a loss of the allocation of the mobile data memory to a person is detected. The data memory is deleted as soon as it is removed from the holding and/or carrying device.