Non-Volatile Swap Memory Encryption for Mobile Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile computing devices face limitations in the number of applications that can be pre-loaded into volatile memory due to limited DRAM capacity, leading to delays in launching applications, and existing swap mechanisms can cause performance issues and security concerns with data exposure.
Innovation Solution
The use of non-volatile swap memory to extend volatile memory, with techniques for pre-loading applications, bandwidth control during swap operations, encryption of data, and fast erasure of swap areas to address these limitations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If applications are pre-loaded into volatile memory to enable faster access, then application launch speed is improved, but the limited DRAM capacity restricts the number of applications that can be pre-loaded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the memory dimension by introducing non-volatile swap memory as an additional storage layer beyond volatile DRAM. This allows applications to be pre-loaded across both volatile and non-volatile memory spaces, effectively increasing the total capacity for pre-loaded applications while maintaining fast access to frequently used apps in DRAM.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the memory system into volatile DRAM for active applications and non-volatile swap memory for inactive or less frequently accessed applications. This segmentation allows the system to manage limited DRAM resources efficiently while providing extended storage capacity through the swap partition, enabling more applications to be pre-loaded across the combined memory space.
2Quantity of substance
If swap memory is used to extend volatile memory capacity, then the number of pre-loadable applications is improved, but data security and exposure risks worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the security risk of using non-volatile swap memory into a benefit by implementing encryption mechanisms. The swap partition stores encrypted data, and the encryption keys are managed securely in volatile memory. This approach transforms the potential security vulnerability of persistent storage into a secure extended memory solution that protects data even when swapped out.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If data is encrypted in swap memory to improve security, then data protection is improved, but the complexity of memory management operations worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service encryption where the encryption and decryption operations are automatically performed by the memory management system without requiring manual intervention. The encryption keys are automatically loaded into volatile memory when needed, and data is automatically encrypted when swapped to non-volatile memory, reducing the perceived complexity for users while maintaining strong security.
4Loss of time
If bandwidth control is implemented during swap operations to improve system performance, then latency is reduced, but the complexity of swap operation management worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic bandwidth control where the swap operation bandwidth is adjusted based on real-time system conditions and application priorities. High-priority applications receive higher bandwidth allocation during swap operations, reducing their latency, while lower-priority applications receive reduced bandwidth. This dynamic approach optimizes overall system performance without requiring complex manual management.
Data Source
AI summary
The following embodiments generally relate to the use of a “swap area” in a non-volatile memory as an extension to volatile memory in a computing device. These embodiments include techniques to use both volatile memory and non-volatile swap memory to pre-load a plurality of applications, to control the bandwidth of swap operations, to encrypt data stored in the swap area, and to perform a fast clean-up of the swap area.