Stray Capacitance Monitoring for Electronic Device Data Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for protecting sensitive data in electronic devices like POS machines and ATMs are costly and complex, requiring wire-winding or contact protection technologies that are not easily maintainable and have long development cycles.

Innovation Solution

A method involving power-on detection and monitoring of stray capacitance on signal lines, using a capacitance detection module connected to a processor, which compares real-time capacitance values to standard values, and erases data if a preset threshold is exceeded, employing either direct or indirect monitoring methods and a multiplexer for efficient data protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wire-winding technology is used to protect data lines, then data security is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata securityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wire-winding protection system with an electrical field-based detection system. The capacitance detection module uses electrical field sensing to detect foreign objects near signal lines, eliminating the need for physical wire wrapping while maintaining data security through electronic monitoring and automatic data erasure functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a capacitance detection module as an intermediary between the signal lines and the processor. This module continuously monitors the electrical environment around signal lines and triggers data erasure when foreign objects are detected, providing security without requiring complex physical protection structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If wire-winding technology is used to protect data lines, then data security is improved, but manufacturing time and development period increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata securityVSAvoiddevelopment period
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the time-consuming mechanical wire-winding process with an integrated capacitance detection module that can be incorporated into the circuit board during standard manufacturing. This electronic solution eliminates the manual or semi-automatic wire wrapping process, significantly reducing development time and production cycle while maintaining security functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If contact protection technology is used, then data security is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata securityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a capacitance detection module as an intermediary between the signal lines and the processor. This module continuously monitors the electrical environment around signal lines and triggers data erasure when foreign objects are detected, providing security without requiring complex physical protection structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical wire-winding protection system with an electrical field-based detection system. The capacitance detection module uses electrical field sensing to detect foreign objects near signal lines, eliminating the need for physical wire wrapping while maintaining data security through electronic monitoring and automatic data erasure functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If safe signal lines are used to protect data, then data security is improved, but ease of operation and maintenance worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata securityVSAvoidmaintenance ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a capacitance detection module as an intermediary between the signal lines and the processor. This module continuously monitors the electrical environment around signal lines and triggers data erasure when foreign objects are detected, providing security without requiring complex physical protection structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach provides a simple, reliable, and cost-effective means to secure data by detecting foreign contact with signal lines, ensuring data security with a short development cycle and low manufacturing costs, applicable to various electronic devices.

Implementation Method 1

performing a power-on detection on an electronic equipment of which production and installation are completed, detecting stray capacitance of a signal line thereof

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP2919210B1Protection method for data information about electronic device and protection circuit therefor
Publication Date: 2018.04.25 SHENZHEN XINGUODU TECH
  • EP2919210B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2919210B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2919210B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Disclosed is a method for protecting data information of an electronic device, comprising the following steps: 1) performing power-on detection on an electronic device of which production and installation are completed, detecting the stray capacitance of a signal line thereof, and recording same as a standard value of the signal line; 2) during a power-on operation, monitoring the stray capacitance of the signal line; 3) comparing the monitored capacitance value with the standard value, and entering step 4) when exceeding the set threshold value, otherwise entering step 2); and 4) erasing significant data in the electronic device. The method uses the manner of monitoring the stray capacitance to monitor the contact of outside foreign matter with the signal line, guarantees the security of data in the electronic device, and has the characteristics that the implementation process is simple and easy, safe and reliable, and the cost is low.