Volatile Memory Data Deletion for Thin Client Security

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Solution Overview

Problem

In thin client-server systems, data leakage is a concern when mobile communication terminals are lost, as they typically do not delete data from volatile memory even when the power is turned off, due to continuous power supply, potentially exposing sensitive information.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a thin client-server system with a thin client terminal that includes communication processing means to acquire and store data from a server in volatile memory, and control means to delete the data after a predetermined time has passed since the last reference, ensuring secure data management and preventing leakage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If data is stored in volatile memory for continuous use, then data access speed is improved, but data security deteriorates when the terminal is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata access speedVSAvoiddata security
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic data management by automatically deleting data from volatile memory based on time elapsed since last access or connection status. The system transitions from static data storage to dynamic data lifecycle management, where data retention is adjusted based on real-time conditions such as terminal connection state and access patterns, thereby balancing speed and security requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of data retention time from indefinite to time-limited based on connection status and access patterns. By introducing time-based parameters (predetermined time periods since last access or connection loss), the system dynamically adjusts data security levels while maintaining efficient access during normal operation, resolving the contradiction between speed and security

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the power supply is turned off to delete data, then data security is improved, but user convenience deteriorates due to repeated data downloads

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata securityVSAvoidtime for data download
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by proactively deleting data from volatile memory when the terminal is lost or disconnected, rather than waiting for power off. This advance data deletion mechanism ensures security is maintained without requiring user intervention or repeated downloads, as the system automatically manages data lifecycle based on connection status

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically managing data deletion based on its own connection status and access patterns. The terminal autonomously determines when to delete data from volatile memory without requiring user action or server intervention, thereby maintaining security while avoiding the time loss associated with repeated data downloads

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If volatile memory is used for data storage, then system cost is reduced, but data persistence deteriorates when power is turned off

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem costVSAvoiddata persistence
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the data persistence function from the storage medium by implementing a software-based data lifecycle management system. Instead of relying on non-volatile storage hardware, the system extracts persistence requirements and implements them through automated data deletion policies in volatile memory, thereby maintaining low cost while achieving effective data persistence through controlled ephemerality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP2383675B1Thin client-server system, thin client terminal, data management method, and computer readable recording medium
Publication Date: 2019.08.21 NEC CORP
  • EP2383675B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2383675B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2383675B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided are a thin client-server system, a thin client terminal, a data management method, and a computer readable recording medium capable of preventing data leakage when the thin client terminal is lost. A thin client-server system comprising a server provided with a database storing user data, and a thin client terminal acquiring the user data from the server, connected through a network, wherein the thin client terminal is provided with communication processing means to transmit and receive data; storage means to execute a user data acquisition request to the server through the communication processing means, and store the user data acquired from the server in a volatile memory; and control means to judge whether or not a predetermined time has passed after the reference to the user data stored in the volatile memory has been completed, and delete the data stored in the volatile memory when the time has passed.