Protection Circuit for Secure Data Storage Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Open operating systems in electronic devices, such as Android, are vulnerable to Trojan programs, posing a risk to data security due to the inability to effectively lock or unlock storage units to prevent unauthorized access.

Innovation Solution

A protection circuit is integrated into the electronic device, comprising a processor, storage unit, key circuit, and clock signal generating circuit, which generates enable or disable signals based on key signals and clock cycles to control the storage unit's locking and unlocking, using delay units and logic gates to ensure secure data access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If an open operating system is used, then system functionality and ease of operation are improved, but data security and reliability deteriorate due to vulnerability to Trojan programs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem functionalityVSAvoiddata security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into two independent parts: a normal operating system for user operations and a separate protection circuit for security control. The protection circuit independently manages the storage unit's lock state, preventing Trojan programs from accessing sensitive data while maintaining normal system functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A protection circuit acts as an intermediary between the processor and the storage unit. It receives control signals from the processor, processes them through delay units and logic gates, and generates enable/disable signals to control storage unit access, thereby mediating security control independently from the operating system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a protection circuit is added, then data security is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata securityVSAvoidcircuit structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The protection circuit is integrated with the existing processor and storage unit structure. The delay units are formed by cascading logic gates (AND, OR, NOT gates) that are combined to create time-delay functionality, merging multiple functions into a unified circuit structure rather than adding completely separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The logic gates serve multiple functions: they perform logical operations for signal processing and simultaneously act as delay units by cascading them. The same circuit components fulfill both computational and temporal control functions, reducing the need for additional dedicated delay circuitry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If delay units are used to control access timing, then security control precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess control timingVSAvoidcircuit components
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The delay units are created by cascading logic gates (AND, OR, NOT gates) that are already part of the digital circuit structure. By combining these logic gates in series, the patent achieves time-delay functionality using existing circuit elements, avoiding the need for separate delay components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The logic gates perform dual functions: they execute logical operations for signal processing and simultaneously provide time-delay functionality when cascaded. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed while maintaining precise timing control for security operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8914907B2Electronic device for protecting data
Publication Date: 2014.12.16 CLOUD NETWORK TECH SINGAPORE PTE LTD
  • US8914907B2 patent drawing
  • US8914907B2 patent drawing
  • US8914907B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An electronic device generates an access signal according to user input. The electronic device includes a processor, a key circuit to generate a key signal according to press of the user, a storage unit to store data, a clock generator circuit to generate a clock signal, and a protection circuit. The protection circuit generates an enable signal or a disable signal according to the key signal and the clock signal to control the storage unit to unlock or lock, and transmits the access signal to the storage unit to access the data.