Storage Medium Controller Pin Position Conversion for Copy Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic storage media lack effective copyright protection against illegal copying and hacking, as current security measures are insufficient to prevent unauthorized access and data theft.

Innovation Solution

A data storage medium incorporating One-Time Programmable (OTP) memory and a security controller that authenticates output apparatuses by comparing unique numbers, converting pin positions and data storage locations using key data, thereby preventing unauthorized access and ensuring secure data transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional electronic storage media are used to store media content, then data accessibility is maintained, but copyright protection and security against illegal copying are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecopyright protectionVSAvoidsecurity function
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-storing unique identification numbers in the OTP memory during manufacturing and pre-configuring the security controller with authentication logic. This allows the storage medium to perform security functions automatically upon connection without requiring additional security hardware or complex user setup, thus improving copyright protection while minimizing device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary authentication mechanism where the controller acts as a mediator between the storage medium and the output apparatus. It compares unique numbers from the output apparatus with stored values and controls data transmission accordingly. This intermediary layer provides robust copyright protection without requiring the output apparatus itself to be complex, as the security logic resides in the storage medium's controller

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If authentication mechanisms are added to storage media, then security against unauthorized access is improved, but device complexity and hardware additions increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity functionVSAvoidhardware additions
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller in the patent performs multiple functions: it manages normal data read/write operations, performs authentication by comparing unique numbers, and controls security functions. By making the controller universal and multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate dedicated security hardware components, thus improving security function while minimizing hardware additions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The storage medium is self-sufficient in performing security functions through its built-in OTP memory and controller that can autonomously authenticate output apparatuses and control data transmission. The system does not require external security hardware or complex additional components, as the storage medium itself provides all necessary security services, minimizing hardware additions while maintaining robust security

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If OTP memory is used to store unique numbers, then unauthorized copying is prevented, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecopy protectionVSAvoidmanufacturing process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The OTP memory is pre-programmed with unique identification numbers during the manufacturing process itself, rather than requiring post-manufacturing configuration. This preliminary action during manufacturing simplifies the overall process by integrating security configuration into the standard production line, preventing unauthorized copying while maintaining ease of manufacture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses OTP memory which is a cost-effective, one-time programmable storage solution. Once programmed with unique numbers during manufacturing, it provides permanent copy protection. The low cost and simplicity of OTP memory technology make it economically viable to integrate into storage media without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity, achieving reliable copy protection at minimal added cost

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentEP2492914B1Data storage medium having security function and output device thereof
Publication Date: 2019.07.10 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP2492914B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2492914B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2492914B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Provided are a storage medium, which has a security function, for storing media content and an output apparatus for outputting data stored in the storage medium. The storage medium includes a controller for converting at least one of a position of pins of a connector and a storage position of media content in a memory unit in order to control transmission of the media content in the memory unit to the output apparatus.