Dynamically Reconfigurable Storage Device with Virtual Partitioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Directly connected storage devices lack user control over data access, are susceptible to malware transmission, and pose security risks due to unrestricted access to their content when connected to other devices.
Innovation Solution
A dynamically-reconfigurable storage device that uses a data store mediator and access configurator to subdivide actual storage into virtual stores, allowing users to control access through data access configurations, ensuring only selected content is visible and secure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a storage device is directly connected to a computing device, then data transfer convenience and speed are improved, but security control and access management deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the storage device into multiple isolated partitions, each with its own access control policies. This allows the system to maintain direct connection convenience while implementing granular security control over different data sections, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and security reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an access control layer that acts as an intermediary between the computing device and storage partitions. This mediator enforces security policies and access rules, enabling both convenient direct connection and robust security control simultaneously.
2Adaptability or versatility
If entire storage content is made accessible, then data sharing capability is improved, but malware transmission risk and security vulnerabilities worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different access control qualities to different partitions - some are open for sharing, others are restricted or encrypted. This local differentiation enables selective data sharing while isolating sensitive content from malware risks, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary security measures including encryption and access control policies before data sharing occurs. This preemptive approach prevents malware transmission while maintaining sharing capability, as the security controls are already in place before any data exchange.
3Ease of operation
If physical access to storage device is granted, then device portability and usability are improved, but unauthorized access and data compromise worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic access control that adjusts security parameters based on context such as user identity, device state, and partition sensitivity. This allows the portable device to maintain ease of use while dynamically responding to potential unauthorized access threats.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary authentication and authorization mechanisms that are activated when the device is accessed. These pre-established security measures verify user credentials and enforce access policies before any data operations, preventing unauthorized access while maintaining portability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides several embodiments of a dynamically-reconfigurable storage device. A primary feature of a dynamically-reconfigurable storage device is that it appears to a data store accessing device, such as a PC, as if it were an actual data store, say a USB thumb drive, whereas in reality the dynamically-reconfigurable storage device hosts several virtual data stores, each of which may be dynamically selectable to be made individually visible to the connected data store accessing device each as a separate actual data store. As such, a single dynamically-reconfigurable storage device is configurable to store what may appear, for example, as several individual USB thumb drives whereas said dynamically-reconfigurable storage device uses a single SD card to store all those virtual USB thumb drives. When a data store accessing device, such as a PC, is connected to the dynamically-reconfigurable storage device, a data store access configurator, possibly an app on a smartphone, is contacted to obtain a data access configuration, thereby enabling a user to dynamically select which virtual data store is made visible to the data store accessing device as an actual data store.