Wireless Memory Tag Access Control via Radio Directionality

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing memory access control systems face challenges in ensuring secure and synchronized access to non-volatile memory across multiple interfaces, particularly in wireless communication scenarios, where traditional OS-based file locking mechanisms are inadequate for managing dual-head or multi-head memory access, leading to potential data corruption and security vulnerabilities.

Innovation Solution

A wireless memory tag with a RAM-based memory controller that manages access control logic, allowing dual-head memory access by integrating a radio component with the memory chip, enabling secure and synchronized access through preconfigured rules based on interface identity and directionality, using a memory map to dynamically manage access rights and authenticate requests from multiple users.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If traditional OS-based file locking mechanisms are used for memory access control, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but security and synchronization across multiple interfaces deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess control mechanismVSAvoiddata integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a dedicated memory controller as an intermediary component between multiple interfaces and the non-volatile memory. This controller implements access control logic that mediates all read/write requests, maintaining security and synchronization without requiring complex OS-level file locking mechanisms. The controller acts as a hardware-based gatekeeper that enforces access policies independently of the host device's power state or OS status.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces software-based file locking mechanisms with hardware-based access control logic embedded in the memory controller. This substitution eliminates the need for OS intervention and provides more reliable, deterministic control over memory access. The hardware implementation ensures that access rules are enforced at the controller level, preventing data corruption regardless of the host device's state.

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

2Reliability

If memory access is restricted to host device through traditional interfaces, then security is simplified, but accessibility and versatility deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess securityVSAvoidmulti-interface access
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the memory access control functionality into distinct interface handlers within the memory controller, each capable of managing specific wireless or wired interfaces independently. This segmentation allows multiple interfaces to access the memory simultaneously with proper isolation and control, enhancing versatility while maintaining security through interface-specific access rules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The memory controller is designed with universal access control capabilities that support multiple types of interfaces (wireless and wired) through a unified control architecture. The controller can authenticate and manage access from various user equipments using different communication protocols, making the system versatile while maintaining consistent security policies across all interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If wireless interface is added to enable external access, then adaptability improves, but access control complexity and security vulnerabilities increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless access capabilityVSAvoidaccess control logic
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the wireless interface control logic directly into the memory controller, creating a unified device that handles both wireless communication and memory management. This integration reduces overall system complexity by eliminating separate control layers and enables the controller to manage wireless access requests alongside other interface requests through a single, cohesive access control mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If file locking is enforced at OS level, then data protection is improved, but access speed and productivity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata protectionVSAvoidaccess speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary authentication and access rule configuration in the memory controller before any data access occurs. The controller pre-establishes access policies and authentication mechanisms, so that when access requests arrive (whether from wireless or wired interfaces), the controller can quickly evaluate and enforce rules without requiring time-consuming OS-level file locking operations. This preliminary setup enables fast, secure access while maintaining data protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2883131B1Access control for wireless memory
Publication Date: 2020.11.18 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
  • EP2883131B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2883131B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2883131B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The specification and drawings present a new apparatus and method for access control for wireless memory. A memory controller communicating with a plurality of interfaces (at least one interface comprising a radio component for wirelessly communicating with a plurality of UE) can dynamically manage an access control to the memory by the UE and/or other users through any of the interfaces based on the preconfigured rules taking into consideration the identity of the least one interface and/or the determined directionality of the UE relative to the radio component.