USB Storage Driver Assignment Control for Security and Usability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information processing apparatuses lack a systematic method to differentiate and manage USB storage devices connected externally and internally, leading to potential security vulnerabilities and inefficient driver association.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus with a first controller to detect USB-connected devices and a second controller to associate storage devices with drivers, switching between modes based on predetermined setting values to optimize driver assignment for security and functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If drivers are universally associated with all USB storage devices for ease of use, then usability is improved, but security is worsened due to inability to restrict external device access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments USB storage devices into two categories: external USB storage devices (connected via USB interface) and internal USB storage devices (integrated into the apparatus). The controller applies different driver association rules to each segment: internal devices automatically receive storage drivers while external devices have driver association restricted based on settings, thereby achieving both ease of use for internal devices and security control for external devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different quality characteristics (driver association policies) to different locations/sources of USB storage devices. Internal USB storage devices are treated with permissive driver association (storage driver always associated), while external USB storage devices are treated with restrictive driver association (storage driver associated only when settings permit). This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between universal usability and targeted security
2Object-affected harmful factors
If driver association is restricted for external USB storage devices to enhance security, then security is improved, but usability is worsened due to limited access control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic driver association control for external USB storage devices based on changeable setting values. The controller can switch between different operational modes (first mode and second mode) depending on the settings, allowing flexible adjustment of driver association policies. This dynamic approach enables security restrictions to be modified according to user needs, balancing security requirements with usability demands
3Device complexity
If a unified driver association method is used for all USB storage devices, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision of device type differentiation is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary identification and classification of USB storage devices as external or internal types before driver association occurs. The controller detects the connection source and device type in advance, then applies pre-determined driver association rules appropriate to each type. This preliminary differentiation enables subsequent precise driver management without requiring complex real-time analysis, thus reducing overall system complexity while maintaining accurate device type differentiation
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus performs control in a first mode in which respective drivers to be associated with a first type storage device and a second type storage device are each set to be a storage driver if setting values do not satisfy a predetermined condition, and performs control in a second mode in which the driver to be associated with the second type storage device is set to be the storage driver and the driver to be associated with the first type storage device is not set to be the storage driver if the setting values satisfy the predetermined condition.