Method and apparatus for controlling access to confidential data by analyzing property inherent in data
US6438666B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 25, 1998 |
| Grant date | Aug 20, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 25, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F21/6245
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for controlling access to confidential data are disclosed. The disclosed apparatus includes a non-volatile memory for storing data and a logic circuit for controlling access to the data contained in the memory. The logic circuit selectively accesses the memory to determine whether at least a portion of the data contained in the memory comprises confidential data by analyzing a property inherent in the accessed data. The disclosed method includes the steps of: defining a predetermined section of the programmable memory as a repository for confidential data; addressing the predetermined section of the programmable memory; calculating a number of data blocks in the predetermined section having a predetermined characteristic; comparing the calculated number to a threshold value; and defining the memory as including confidential data in the predetermined section if the calculated number has a predetermined relationship to the threshold value.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.