Voice-Controlled Portable Memory Storage Device Authentication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing portable memory storage devices face security risks with traditional password and biometric solutions, and they often require cumbersome button controls, which are inconvenient for use in certain situations.

Innovation Solution

A voice-controlled portable memory storage device that enrolls user voice input as a template for authentication, minimizing the need for buttons by using voice commands for access and device control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional password and biometric solutions are used for device access control, then security can be provided, but the solutions are either vulnerable to hacking and forgetting (password) or complex, unreliable, and expensive (biometric sensors)

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidcomplexity of access control mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical access control mechanisms (physical buttons, keyboards) with a voice-based authentication system. The voice recognition module captures and processes spoken commands, substituting the need for physical interaction with buttons or complex biometric sensors. This reduces device complexity while maintaining security through voiceprint analysis and pattern recognition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If traditional buttons are used to control device functions, then device functionality can be controlled, but buttons occupy valuable real estate on small portable devices and are inconvenient to use in certain situations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvenience of device controlVSAvoiddevice real estate

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical button controls with voice-based command recognition. The voice recognition module interprets spoken instructions to control device functions, eliminating the need for physical buttons that consume valuable space on portable devices. This substitution maintains full device functionality while improving ease of operation, especially in situations where button pressing is inconvenient.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The voice recognition system serves multiple functions: authentication, command control, and interface navigation. A single voice interface replaces what would traditionally require multiple buttons, switches, or controls, demonstrating multi-functionality that reduces the overall device footprint while maintaining comprehensive control capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8161289B2Voice controlled portable memory storage device

Publication Date: 2012.04.17 SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

Method for a portable memory storage device is provided. The method includes, enrolling the device after the device interfaces with a host system and an application is launched that requests a user to provide voice input; receiving the user voice input and storing the voice input as a template for subsequent user access; wherein the template is stored in non-volatile memory cells of the device; and authenticating a user by receiving user voice input and comparing the voice input with the stored template, wherein access to user files is provided after the user is authenticated.