NFC-Enabled Memory Device Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable storage devices, such as USB flash drives, face security challenges due to their portability and susceptibility to unauthorized access, especially when used for sensitive information, as they often require pre-installed authentication applications on host devices, limiting cross-platform compatibility and convenience.
Innovation Solution
A restricted access memory device equipped with a processor, near field communication (NFC) transceiver, and a host interface connector, allowing authentication via NFC without the need for a pre-installed memory access application, enabling encrypted data transfer and application installation on host devices, thus providing secure and convenient access across different platforms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data encryption and authentication applications are provided on USB flash drives, then security against unauthorized access is improved, but cross-platform compatibility and ease of use deteriorate due to requiring pre-installed applications on host devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces NFC technology as an intermediary authentication mechanism between the storage device and host device. Instead of requiring pre-installed applications on the host, the system uses NFC-based challenge-response authentication where the storage device communicates authentication challenges and responses with the host via NFC, eliminating the need for platform-specific applications while maintaining security
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/software-based authentication system (requiring installed applications) with a wireless NFC-based authentication system. This substitution eliminates the need for application installation and provides universal cross-platform compatibility while maintaining strong authentication security through challenge-response protocols
2Ease of operation
If NFC-based authentication is implemented without requiring pre-installed applications, then cross-platform compatibility and ease of use are improved, but authentication security may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a challenge-response authentication mechanism where the storage device sends authentication challenges to the host via NFC and verifies the responses. This feedback-based authentication ensures that even though no pre-installed applications are required, strong security is maintained through dynamic challenge-response protocols that prevent unauthorized access
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the authentication parameter from requiring installed applications to using NFC-based challenge-response authentication. This parameter change enables cross-platform compatibility while maintaining security by using cryptographic challenges and responses that can be verified without pre-installed software
3Device complexity
If traditional USB authentication methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but security against data theft and unauthorized access deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges NFC authentication capability with the existing USB storage device, combining wireless authentication with traditional storage functionality. This integration provides enhanced security against data theft while maintaining relative simplicity by leveraging the existing USB interface for data transfer and adding NFC for authentication
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
Enables secure and convenient access to encrypted data on multiple devices with varying operating systems, eliminating the need for pre-installed authentication applications and ensuring secure data transfer through NFC-based authorization, enhancing usability and security.
Implementation Method 1
A restricted access memory device equipped with a processor, near field communication (NFC) transceiver, and a host interface connector
Data Source
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AI summary
A memory device (32) may include a memory (34), a host interface connector (35), a short range communication transceiver (36), and a processor (38) coupled with the memory and the short range communication transceiver. The processor may be capable of storing data in the memory, and reading the data from the memory to the host device (31) via the host interface connector based upon at least one of receiving first authentication data including a password, via the host interface connector, from a memory access application (70) installed on the host device, or receiving second authentication data via the short range communication transceiver without use of the memory access application.