USB Host Controller Encryption for Secure Data Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sensitive data transmitted over USB channels are often unprotected, making them vulnerable to security threats like spyware, malware, and viruses, and existing solutions require modifications to individual USB devices, which are costly and limited in scalability.
Innovation Solution
Modifying the USB host controller on host computing devices to provide an encrypted data channel between USB devices and host computing devices, using an encryption unit and decryption unit within the USB host controller, and expanding endpoint data structures with encryption enable and key fields, allowing secure data transmission without modifying the USB devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sensitive data are transmitted through unsecure USB data channels, then data transmission speed and compatibility are maintained, but security is compromised exposing data to spyware, malware, and viruses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary encryption layer within the USB host controller that acts as a mediator between the USB device and the host system. This encryption unit intercepts data streams, applies cryptographic transformations, and manages security without requiring modifications to the USB devices themselves, thus maintaining compatibility while enhancing security
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical hardware security modifications with a software-based encryption system implemented in the host controller. Instead of modifying USB devices with specialized security hardware, the solution uses firmware-level encryption routines that substitute mechanical/hardware changes with software-based security mechanisms
2Reliability
If specialized security technology is included in each USB device, then data security is improved, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal security solution implemented in the USB host controller that serves multiple USB devices simultaneously. The encryption unit provides security services to all connected USB devices through a common infrastructure, eliminating the need for device-specific security implementations and reducing manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The USB host controller automatically manages encryption operations without requiring user intervention or device-specific configuration. The system self-manages key distribution, encryption/decryption operations, and security protocol handling, reducing the burden on both manufacturers and end users
3Reliability
If encryption is implemented at the USB device level, then security is improved, but scalability and affordability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional security architecture by moving the encryption function from the USB device level to the USB host controller level. This inversion allows the host system to provide security services to multiple devices, improving scalability and affordability while maintaining broad compatibility with standard USB devices
Data Source
AI summary
An example includes a computing device including a controller configured to communicably couple the computing device to a peripheral computing device. The controller includes an encryption unit configured to encrypt input data received from the peripheral computing device before sending the input data to an application running on the computing device, and a decryption unit configured to decrypt output data received from the application before sending the output data to the peripheral computing device. The computing device also includes a memory device including a data structure that directs the flow of the data between the peripheral computing device and the application. The data structure includes an encryption enable field and an encryption key field for controlling the encryption and decryption units of the controller.