Self-Locking Mass Storage System with Inactivity Timer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mass storage systems lack protection against unauthorized access when left unattended, as they remain unlocked and accessible even after the user departs, posing a significant risk to sensitive data.
Innovation Solution
A self-locking mass storage system incorporating an inactivity timer that locks access when a preset maximum idle time is exceeded and resets upon activity, ensuring secure data protection when the system is unattended.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the mass storage system remains unlocked for easy access during use, then ease of operation is improved, but security against unauthorized access deteriorates when the system is left unattended
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary locking action automatically after detecting inactivity for a predetermined period. The inactivity timer monitors user interactions and triggers the locking mechanism before unauthorized access can occur, proactively securing the data without requiring user intervention to manually lock the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the inactivity timer continuously monitors user activity and provides feedback to the locking mechanism. When inactivity exceeds the threshold, the system automatically transitions from unlocked to locked state, creating a closed-loop security system that adapts to usage patterns.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If automatic locking is implemented to improve security, then protection against unauthorized access is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inactivity timer serves multiple functions: it monitors user activity, determines when locking should occur, and triggers the locking mechanism. By making this single component multi-functional, the patent reduces overall system complexity while achieving automatic security without requiring separate sensors, processors, and control circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-locking automatically without requiring external control or complex management systems. The inactivity timer and locking mechanism work together in a self-contained manner, where the system monitors itself and executes the locking action autonomously when conditions are met, eliminating the need for additional security management infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operation of a self-locking mass storage system includes: providing storage media and an inactivity timer; timing a period of read/write inactivity of the storage media using the inactivity timer; comparing the period of read/write inactivity against a preset maximum idle time; locking access to the storage media when the period of read/write inactivity exceeds the preset maximum idle time; and, resetting the period of read/write inactivity following read/write activity while the self-locking mass-storage system is in an unlocked state.