Remote Credential Verification for Secure Memory Card Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Memory cards lack a secure method for selectively sharing protected data with authorized individuals while preventing unauthorized access, especially in scenarios where the card owner wants to share sensitive information like medical data or personal photos with specific persons.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that allows the card owner to remotely control access to memory card data using a communication link, where the card owner's device, potentially a mobile communication device, provides credentials or cryptographic keys to access specific groups of data stored on the memory card, with digital signatures and security logic ensuring secure access and encryption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If data is protected on the memory card using a credential, then security against unauthorized access is improved, but accessibility for authorized persons in specific situations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidaccessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a remote device as an intermediary between the memory card and the terminal. The remote device receives access requests, verifies credentials remotely, and provides access authorization. This mediator enables the card owner to control access remotely without being physically present, thus improving accessibility for authorized persons while maintaining security protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary credential verification through the remote device before actual data access occurs. The remote device pre-authenticates the requesting terminal and establishes access permissions in advance, so that when the terminal accesses the memory card, the security check has already been performed remotely, enabling quick and convenient access for authorized users.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If the card owner uses a remote device to control access, then selective sharing with authorized individuals is improved, but system complexity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveselective sharing capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The remote device leverages the terminal's existing communication capabilities and credential verification functions to perform access control. Instead of introducing a completely new complex system, the patent makes the existing terminal serve multiple functions: it acts as both the user interface and the security verification device. This multi-functionality approach enables selective sharing capability while minimizing additional system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8464941B2Method and terminal for providing controlled access to a memory card

Publication Date: 2013.06.18 VODAFONE HOLDING GMBH

AI summary

There is provided a method for providing access to data securely stored in a memory card. An exemplary method comprises receiving the memory card in a terminal. The exemplary method also comprises transmitting a request for accessing the data via a communication link from the terminal to a device. The exemplary method additionally comprises sending first information from the device to the terminal via the communication link upon receipt of the request. In addition, the exemplary method comprises receiving the first information in the terminal and accessing the data using the first information.