Storage Device Authentication Without Write Operations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Storage devices connected to a host via an intermediate converter often fail to authenticate when their memory is full or write-protected, as existing methods require write operations that cannot be performed in these conditions.

Innovation Solution

Implementing an authentication operational mode that allows storage devices to receive read or write commands and use random authentication addresses for authentication procedures without performing actual read or write operations, enabling authentication without requiring additional storage capacity or violating write protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If write operations are used for authentication, then authentication can be performed, but storage devices with full or write-protected memories cannot be authenticated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthentication capabilityVSAvoidcompatibility with full/write-protected storage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using write operations for authentication as in conventional methods, the patent inverts the approach by using read operations to retrieve authentication data. The storage device reads authentication data from its memory using a read command and a random authentication address, then transmits this data to the host for verification, eliminating the need for write operations during authentication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If conventional authentication methods are used, then authentication procedure can be completed, but additional storage capacity is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthentication completionVSAvoidstorage capacity requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the authentication data from the main storage memory and retrieves it using a read command during authentication operations. By separating the authentication data retrieval from the main storage/write operations, the system can authenticate without requiring additional storage capacity or modifying the main storage medium.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If intermediate converter is used to connect storage device and host, then different storage devices can be connected, but host cannot recognize certain functionality of storage device

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice compatibilityVSAvoidfunctionality recognition

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal authentication mode that can be executed across different storage device types (SD cards, microSD cards, CF cards, etc.) regardless of their specific interfaces or protocols. The host can initiate authentication operations through the intermediate converter, and the storage device responds with a standardized authentication procedure, enabling functionality recognition across diverse device types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11250121B2Method of operating storage device, and system for storage device

Publication Date: 2022.02.15 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A method of operating a storage device that is connected to a host includes entering an authentication mode; and performing the authentication operation responsive to entering the authentication mode. The performing of the authentication operation includes receiving a read command and a first random authentication address from the host; performing an authentication procedure based on at least a portion of the first random authentication address; and generating result data responsive to performing the authentication algorithm.