Shared Storage Partitions via Coded Image Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data storage solutions, such as cloud storage, face issues with security and cost, particularly concerning data ownership and privacy, and lack efficient sharing mechanisms among trusted individuals without relying on third-party services.
Innovation Solution
The system enables the creation of shared partitions on locally owned and operated devices using coded images for authentication, allowing secure and cost-effective sharing of storage capacity among trusted individuals, leveraging removable storage devices like SD cards or USB drives, and facilitating peer-to-peer file transfers without temporary cloud storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cloud storage services are used for data storage and sharing, then data accessibility and convenience are improved, but security concerns and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a trusted device as an intermediary that hosts shared partitions. This device acts as a mediator between the data owner and remote devices, enabling secure access without relying on third-party cloud services. The trusted device's authentication mechanisms and local storage provide the security foundation while maintaining cloud-like accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage system is segmented into private partitions (for sensitive data) and shared partitions (for collaborative access). This segmentation allows different security policies to be applied to different data portions, enabling secure sharing of specific datasets while maintaining protection of other data through coded image authentication.
2Ease of operation
If cloud storage services are used for data storage, then data accessibility is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service storage sharing where trusted devices voluntarily host shared partitions for others. This eliminates the need to pay for third-party cloud storage infrastructure, as the storage capacity is provided voluntarily by participants in the network rather than through commercial cloud service subscriptions.
3Ease of operation
If traditional sharing mechanisms are used without coded image authentication, then ease of access is improved, but security and verification of trusted individuals deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical authentication methods (passwords, physical keys) with optical coded image authentication. The coded images can be displayed on screens or printed, and scanned by cameras or image readers, substituting physical key exchange with optical signal transmission while maintaining security and enabling verification of trusted individuals.
4Ease of operation
If cloud storage is used for file sharing, then accessibility is improved, but data duplication and storage efficiency worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple users' storage needs into a single shared partition hosted on one trusted device. Instead of each user maintaining separate copies of shared files across multiple cloud services, all authorized users access the same physical storage location, eliminating data duplication while maintaining accessibility for all participants.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed that enable shared partitions to be created on devices owned and operated by trusted persons (e.g., family or friends). The disclosed devices and methods provide for partitioning of stored devices and designating one or more of the partitions for sharing with other devices. Access to the shared partitions is managed using coded images thereby requiring the devices to be physically close to one another. Consequently, people sharing the storage partitions are required to meet in person to grant access, increasing the chances that the persons know and trust one another.