Solid State Memory Microprocessor PIN Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for protecting digital contents in solid state memories are inadequate as they do not effectively prevent access or copying when the memory is transferred to an external device, regardless of the software or interface, and can be bypassed even with protection passwords or cryptography keys.
Innovation Solution
A method where a microprocessor in the solid state memory interrupts reading or writing operations and only proceeds after authenticating a user with a randomly generated PIN, which is communicated through sound or visual messages, ensuring that operations are manual and not automated, thereby preventing unauthorized access or copying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cryptographic protection is used to protect digital contents, then the contents can be protected with a decryption key, but the contents can still be copied by the solid state memory to another storage support where the decryption key can be identified and the contents accessed for free
Solution Approach 1:
The protection system is segmented into multiple independent components: the solid state memory device contains the cryptographic key and control logic, while the external device must sequentially perform specific actions (pause, reverse, fast forward) to demonstrate human presence. This segmentation prevents unauthorized copying because the protection mechanism is distributed across the memory device itself rather than relying solely on external software protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary verification actions before allowing content access. The microprocessor requires the user to execute specific sequence actions (pause, reverse, fast forward) before the actual content playback or copying can proceed. This preliminary action ensures human presence and prevents automated copying scripts from functioning.
2Reliability
If a protection password is set through software to enable access only after verification, then the digital contents can be protected, but the protection is ineffective when the memory is transferred to an external device devoid of the cryptography software
Solution Approach 1:
The solid state memory device performs self-service protection by embedding the cryptographic key and control logic within the memory device itself. The microprocessor autonomously manages the protection mechanism, requiring no external cryptography software. The device independently verifies user actions and controls content access, making the protection portable across different devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection system is designed to be universally compatible with any device that can interface with the solid state memory. By embedding the protection logic within the memory device rather than relying on external software, the system becomes device-independent and can be accessed through various players and devices without requiring specific software installations.
3Reliability
If the microprocessor interrupts reading or writing operations and requests a PIN for authentication, then unauthorized access is prevented, but the user interface complexity increases and manual authentication is required for every operation
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication requirement is applied periodically at critical checkpoints rather than continuously. The microprocessor interrupts operations at specific points (before content playback, before copying) to request PIN verification, rather than requiring authentication for every single action. This periodic approach balances security with usability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback to the user through the reader device interface, displaying PIN requests and verification status. The microprocessor monitors user actions and provides appropriate feedback (PIN request, access granted, access denied) based on the authentication state, creating an interactive loop that guides the user through the security process.
4Reliability
If the microprocessor detects copying speed higher than reproduction speed to prevent automated copying, then software-based automatic copying is prevented, but legitimate fast copying operations may be blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The protection system dynamically adjusts its response based on the detected copying speed. When abnormal high-speed copying is detected (indicative of automated copying), the microprocessor interrupts the operation and requests PIN authentication. For normal-speed operations, the system allows continued access. This dynamic approach distinguishes between legitimate and unauthorized copying based on operational context.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters (interrupt frequency, authentication requirements) based on the detected copying speed parameter. When the copying speed exceeds the reproduction speed by a certain threshold, the microprocessor triggers authentication. This parameter-based control allows the system to adapt its security level to the operational context, preventing automated copying while allowing legitimate fast copying when authenticated.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for protecting the digital contents of a solid state memory comprising a microprocessor. The method is characterised in that the microprocessor inserts at least an interruption during a copy or a reading of the digital contents and proceeds on with the the copy or reading only subsequently to a verification of a PIN. In particular, the verification provides to control that the PIN is inserted manually. The invention relates also to a solid state memory characterised in that it comprises a microprocessor programmed for inserting at least an interruption in a copy or reading of digital contents of the memory, for verifying a PIN, and for going on with the copy or the reading, if the PIN is inserted correctly.