Patent Application
20100185872
This invention relates to a system, method and apparatus for reading the content of an external storage device, and for an external storage device to enable such a reading.
External storage devices for use with computers and like apparatus have become common. For example, USB Flash drives are now quite small and have a storage capacity of up to several GB. Portable disc drives are now quite compact and have a storage capacity that is even greater. However, to read content stored on such an external storage device normally requires a machine such as a full-function PC, laptop, PDA or the like. Such machines are of necessity relatively complex and expensive as they are readers, generators, receivers and transmitters of content. A relatively simple and inexpensive machine is desirable. Also, controls over access to stored content such as by encryption and/or time may be of advantage.
According to an exemplary aspect there is provided a system for enabling the reading on a reader of content stored in an external storage device; the reader being a read-only device and having a display, a processor for controlling the operation of the reader, a port for operative connection of the external storage device; the external storage device having a non-volatile storage and a central processor, the central processor being able to download to the reader the content stored in the non-volatile storage upon a pre-condition being established; the pre-condition being at least one selected from the group consisting of: receipt of a correct encryption key from the reader, and arrival at a start date and time as determined by a real-time clock.
The real-time clock may be a part of the external storage device. The reader may have a plurality of controls for controlling the display. The plurality of controls may include at least one of: colour, brightness, contrast, on/off, zoom, and cursor. The encryption key may be stored in the reader, and may be sent to the external storage device following operative connection of the external storage device and the reader. The central processor may store the start date and time. The central processor may also store an end date and time. The real-time clock may also determine arrival at the end date and time. Upon arrival at the end date and time, all downloading may cease and the content may no longer displayed on the reader. The reader may further comprise a buffer for smooth downloads and display. The external storage device may further comprise an encryption module for encrypting and decrypting the content using the encryption key.
According to another exemplary aspect there is provided a reader, the reader being a read-only device and having a display, a processor for controlling the operation of the reader, a port for operative connection of the external storage device; the reader being able to download to the reader content stored in a non-volatile storage upon a pre-condition being established; the pre-condition being at least one selected from the group consisting of: sending of a correct encryption key by the reader to the external storage device, and arrival at a start date and time as determined by a real-time clock.
The real-time clock may be a part of the external storage device or a part of the reader. The reader may have a plurality of controls for controlling the display. The plurality of controls may include at least one of: colour, brightness, contrast, on/off, zoom, and cursor. The encryption key may be stored in the reader, and may be sent to the external storage device following operative connection of the external storage device and the reader. The reader may further comprise a buffer for smooth downloads and display. The reader may be for use in the system described above.
According to a further exemplary aspect there is provided an external storage device comprising a non-volatile storage and a central processor, the central processor being able to download to a reader content stored in the non-volatile storage upon a pre-condition being established; the pre-condition being at least one selected from the group consisting of: receipt of a correct encryption key from the reader, and arrival at a start date and time as determined by a real-time clock.
The real-time clock may be a part of the external storage device. The encryption key may be stored in the reader and may be sent to the external storage device following operative connection of the external storage device and the reader. The central processor may store the start date and time. The central processor may also store an end date and time. The real-time clock may also determine arrival at the end date and time. Upon arrival at the end date and time, all downloading may cease and the content may no longer displayed on the reader. The external storage device may further comprise an encryption module for encrypting and decrypting the content using the encryption key.
According to a final exemplary aspect there is provided a method for enabling the reading on a reader of content stored in an external storage device; the reader being a read-only device and having a display, a processor for controlling the operation of the reader, a port for operative connection of the external storage device; the external storage device having a non-volatile storage and a central processor; the method comprising connecting the external storage device to the reader using the port, and establishing a pre-condition, the central processor being able to download to the reader the content stored in the non-volatile storage upon the pre-condition being established; the pre-condition being at least one selected from the group consisting of: receipt of a correct encryption key from the reader, and arrival at a start date and time as determined by a real-time clock.
The real-time clock may be a part of the external storage device. The encryption key may be stored in the reader and may be sent to the external storage device following operative connection of the external storage device and the reader. The central processor may store the start date and time. The central processor may also store an end date and time. The real-time clock may also determine arrival at the end date and time. Upon arrival at the end date and time, all downloading may ceases and the content may no longer be displayed on the reader.
In order that the invention may be fully understood and readily put into practical effect there shall now be described by way of non-limitative example only exemplary embodiments, the description being with reference to the accompanying illustrative drawings.
In the drawings:
To refer to
The reader 100 has a power supply 104 that may be one or more batteries and/or mains supply for supplying power to a processor 108 and a display 112. The processor 108 controls the operations of the reader 100. The port 102 has an interface 10 that is operatively connected to the processor 108. The display 112 has a display driver 110 operatively connected to the processor 108 and the display 112. External controls for colour 114, brightness 116 and/or contrast 118 may be provided, if required or desired. The external controls 114, 116, 118 may be simple “+ −” controls as often used on monitors and the like.
In addition, “cursor” controls 120 are provided for controlling reading direction on display 112—up or down. A zoom control (not shown) may also be provided. A final control may be an on/off switch 124.
Furthermore, an encryption key 122 may be stored in reader 100, as will be understood from the description below. The encryption key 122 is pre-loaded into the reader 100. It may be amended, replaced, updated or corrected from time-to-time by a control authority (not shown) using communication through port 102 to access the processor 108 and encryption key 122. The encryption key 122 for a reader 100 is preferably unique for that reader 100, although readers 100 for a common use may have a common encryption key 122.
The reader 100 does not have a key pad on keyboard, nor a touch sensitive screen. Its sole purpose is to display the data stored on external storage device 200. It cannot amend, delete, or add to that data. The reader 100 is a read-only device.
The external storage device 200 is preferably able to connect directly with the reader 100 via port 102. The external storage device 200 has a processor 202 that is operatively connected to a connector 204 via a connector drives 206. It is also operatively connected to a non-volatile storage or memory 208 via a storage controller 210.
The external storage device 200 also has a real-time clock 212, and an encryption module 214. The encryption module 214 is for encrypting and decrypting data stored in storage 208. The real-time clock 212 is for controlling a time and date of release of data stored in storage 208. The encryption module 214 and real-time clock 212 may be used together, independently, or not at all. This will depend on the requirements in relation to the data stored in storage 208.
There are three possible methods of operation:
The first possible method is therefore relatively standard and will not be described in detail.
The second is illustrated in
A determination is then made if the display is complete (407). This may be on a basis of time, all of the data having been read, user action in switching off reader 100, and so forth. If yes, the process ends (408). If no, after a short time delay (e.g. a few minutes) (409) the process reverts to (407).
The third is illustrated in
A determination is then made if the display is complete (507). This may be on a basis of time, all of the data having been read, user action is switching off reader 100, and so forth. By time it is meant that an expiry date and time may also be stored in processor 202 so that at the when the expiry time and date are arrived at, the downloading will cease and all data at the reader 100 will be removed such that all display of data at reader 100 ceases. If yes, the process ends (509). If no, after a short time delay (e.g. a few minutes, (508) the process reverts to (506).
The fourth option is illustrated in
A determination is then made if the display is complete (610). This may be on a basis of time, all of the data having been read, user action is switching off reader 100, and so forth. By time it is meant that an expiry date and time may also be stored in processor 202 so that at the when the expiry time and date are arrived at, the downloading will cease and all data at the reader 100 will be removed and encrypted such that all display of data at reader 100 ceases. If yes, the process ends (611). If no, after a short time delay (e.g. a few minutes, (612) the process reverts to (609).
The downloading by time may be for different files at different times. Similarly, the downloading may be for different files for different encryption keys.
The reader 100 and the external storage device 200 may therefore be used to advantage in those situations where it is desired to have one or more persons read content of the external storage device 200 but only at a predetermined date and time. This may be relevant in situations such as, for example, examinations where the content is the examination paper; media briefings where the content is the full media release; government agencies or departments for the release of important papers such as, for example, budget papers; and so forth. By having an expiry time, the examination use is enhanced as the expiry time would be the end time of the examination. In this way candidates must stop work at the allocated time as the examination paper is no longer readable by the candidate. Even if the external storage device 200 is inserted into the port 102 and reader 100 switched on before the pre-stored start date and time, downloading will not commence until that pre-stored start date and time; and at the expiry sate and time all reading would cease.
The real-time clock 212 may form part of the reader 100 rather than the external storage device 200.
Whilst there has been described in the foregoing description exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the technology concerned that many variations in details of design, construction and/or operation may be made without departing from the present invention.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/SG07/00167 | 6/19/2007 | WO | 00 | 5/27/2008 |
