Storage Device Data Protection via Dynamic Flow Rate Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
The ease of copying data from flash drives due to their portability and user-friendly interfaces poses a significant risk for copyright infringement, as existing technologies lack effective methods to prevent unauthorized copying of data stored on these devices.
Innovation Solution
A data protection method that configures logical blocks on a storage device with varying output flow rate limits based on file types, allowing the storage device to identify and prevent copying operations by executing interference procedures, such as slowing down data transfer, when a copy operation is detected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If data is stored on a portable flash drive with easy access interface, then portability and ease of operation are improved, but data copying security deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of data transfer rate dynamically. When a read operation is detected, the system initially allows normal transfer speed for legitimate access. When copying is detected through continuous read operations, the transfer rate parameter is reduced to a predetermined low speed, making copying impractical while still allowing occasional legitimate access.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system monitors read operations continuously. When copying behavior is detected through multiple sequential reads, the system provides feedback by slowing down the transfer rate. This feedback loop allows the system to adapt the data protection level based on actual usage patterns.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If data transfer speed is limited to prevent copying, then data protection is improved, but legitimate file access speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the data transfer rate dynamic rather than static. The transfer speed adjusts based on detected usage patterns: normal speed for legitimate single reads or non-copying operations, and reduced speed when copying behavior is detected. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by allowing high speed when needed while preventing copying when detected.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial restriction on data transfer. Instead of completely blocking transfers or uniformly slowing all transfers, it selectively applies speed reduction only when copying behavior is detected through continuous monitoring of read operations, allowing legitimate access to proceed at normal speed.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If flow rate limits are set for different file types, then copying protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the storage device into different logical blocks corresponding to different file types (e.g., video files, audio files, other files). Each logical block has its own flow rate limit settings. This segmentation allows differential protection strategies for different content types while maintaining a relatively simple control structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different flow rate limit qualities to different logical blocks based on their file types. Video and audio files, which are more susceptible to unauthorized copying, receive stricter flow rate limits. Other file types may have more lenient limits. This local quality differentiation provides targeted protection without uniformly complicating the entire system.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage device, a memory controller, and a data protection method are provided. The method includes when receiving a read command sent by a host, adopting a corresponding output flow rate limit to determine an operation that is executed on read data corresponding to the read command by the host according to location information included in the read command or a type of a transmission interface between the host and the storage device. The method also includes executing an interference procedure by the storage device to prevent the read data from being copied to the host or slow down the speed of copying the read data to the host when identifying that the operation is a copy operation.