Data Storage Device With Secure Peer-to-Peer Wireless Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data storage devices face challenges in securely and privately transferring data without relying on a host computer system, especially when USB ports are insufficient or unavailable, and wireless protocols require routers or servers.
Innovation Solution
A data storage device equipped with a wired data port for host computer connection and a wireless control port for peer-to-peer communication with user devices, enabling secure data transfer and registration as a block storage device without intermediate entities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data storage device uses traditional USB connection to host computer for data transfer, then data transfer capability is provided, but data privacy and security are compromised due to reliance on host computer system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wireless communication module as an intermediary communication channel between the data storage device and external devices. This wireless channel (supporting protocols like WiFi Direct, Bluetooth, or NFC) enables direct peer-to-peer data transfer without requiring connection through a host computer system, thereby maintaining data privacy while preserving transfer capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the data transfer function into two independent pathways: wired USB connection for host computer access and wireless communication for direct device-to-device transfer. This segmentation allows users to choose the privacy-preserving wireless path when needed, without sacrificing the traditional wired connection capability
2Reliability
If data storage device implements locked state for security, then data security is improved, but accessibility and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic state transitions for the data storage device, allowing it to switch between locked and unlocked states based on authentication. The device remains in a locked state by default for security, but can transition to an unlocked state when authenticated via wireless communication from authorized devices, providing both security and accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless communication module serves as an intermediary authentication mechanism that enables authorized devices to prove their identity and gain access to the unlocked state without physical connection to a host computer, maintaining security while improving accessibility
3Adaptability or versatility
If data storage device supports multiple connection protocols, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple communication protocols (USB wired connection and wireless protocols including WiFi Direct, Bluetooth, and NFC) into a single data storage device. The wireless communication module is designed to support multiple wireless protocols simultaneously, enabling the device to adapt to different connection scenarios without requiring separate devices
Data Source
AI summary
A computer implemented method for transferring data from a user device to a non-volatile storage medium of a data storage device via a wireless peer-to-peer communication channel. The method executing on a user device comprising a user interface and memory store. The method comprises establishing a wireless peer-to-peer control channel between the user device and the data storage device. In response to receiving, via the user interface, a request to transfer data from the user device to the storage medium, sending, to the data storage device, via the control channel, a command to enable control channel access, and performing a secure unlocking process to transition the data storage device to a control channel access state. In response to successfully completing the secure unlocking process, obtaining write data, and sending, to the data storage device, via the control channel, a write command comprising the write data.