Removable Storage Command Argument Instruction Passing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing generic drivers for removable data storage units, such as MMC and USB keys, face limitations in passing additional instructions beyond standard read/write commands, leading to potential erroneous interpretations by microcontrollers due to fortuitous reproduction of command signaling or passwords within data packets.

Innovation Solution

A method is introduced where a data packet read/write command from a host station includes an instruction presence parameter in its argument, allowing for the execution of instructions other than standard data writing and reading, and enabling the microcontroller to interpret and execute specific commands or scripts within the data packets.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If standard read/write commands are used for data transmission, then compatibility with generic drivers is maintained, but the command set remains limited and cannot pass additional instructions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommand set capabilitiesVSAvoidprotocol complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges instruction transmission with standard read/write commands by embedding an instruction presence parameter within the argument field of these commands. When the microcontroller detects this parameter, it extracts and executes the associated instruction from the data packets, thereby combining data transmission and instruction passing into a single protocol mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The standard read/write commands are enhanced to serve dual purposes: traditional data read/write operations and instruction transmission. The argument field of these commands is made multi-functional, capable of containing either standard parameters or an instruction presence parameter that triggers instruction execution, allowing one command type to fulfill multiple functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional instructions are passed through data packets, then command set capabilities are enhanced, but erroneous interpretation of command signaling or passwords within data packets may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstruction passing capabilityVSAvoidcommand interpretation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The instruction presence parameter acts as an intermediary marker that mediates between the data packets and the microcontroller's command interpretation mechanism. When this parameter is detected in the argument field, it signals the microcontroller to treat the subsequent data as an instruction rather than ordinary data, preventing erroneous interpretation of command signaling or passwords embedded in the data stream.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the state of the argument field parameter to indicate the presence of an instruction. By setting the instruction presence parameter to a specific value (indicating an instruction is present), the microcontroller changes its interpretation mode from standard data processing to instruction execution, thereby reliably distinguishing instructions from ordinary data packets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If a limited command set is used for generic driver compatibility, then ease of operation is improved, but functionality beyond standard data management is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedriver compatibilityVSAvoidinstruction execution capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The microcontroller is pre-programmed with the capability to detect the instruction presence parameter in the argument field and to execute instructions embedded in data packets. This preliminary preparation allows the system to maintain compatibility with standard generic drivers while being ready to execute additional instructions when the parameter is present, without requiring driver modifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8327036B2Method of passing instructions between a host station and a portable electronic device, and device for implementation

Publication Date: 2012.12.04 IDEMIA FRANCE SAS

AI summary

The method includes in placing an instruction presence parameter in the “argument” field of a binary word defining a read/write command generated by generic management programs (drivers) for removable data storage units. This makes it possible to circumvent the limitation of the set of the commands authorized by a generic program for managing a removable data storage unit, without running the risk of data being interpreted wrongly as instructions.