Method for Controlling Information Supplied from Memory Device
First Claim
1. A method for supplying information from a memory device that stores public and confidential information and that includes a control structure controlling access to the confidential information by different authenticated entities so that access by an authenticated entity is restricted to only a portion of the confidential information, comprising:
- (a) removably connecting said memory device to a host device;
(b) in response to a general information query sent by an individual one of the entities from the host device, the memory device supplying said public information; and
(c) in response to a discreet information query sent by an individual authenticated entity of the entities from the host device, the memory device supplying only the portion of said confidential information that such authenticated entity is allowed to access by the control structure.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A memory storing public and confidential information is removably connected to a host device. General information on data stored in memory devices is accessible to the host device without authentication. Only a portion of confidential information stored in the memory device is accessible through the host device to an authenticated entity, where the entity has access rights to such portion. The entity is not able to access other portions of confidential information to which it has no rights. The public and confidential information is stored in a non-volatile storage medium, and a controller controls the supply of information. Preferably, the non-volatile storage medium and the controller are enclosed in a housing.
-
Citations
11 Claims
-
1. A method for supplying information from a memory device that stores public and confidential information and that includes a control structure controlling access to the confidential information by different authenticated entities so that access by an authenticated entity is restricted to only a portion of the confidential information, comprising:
-
(a) removably connecting said memory device to a host device; (b) in response to a general information query sent by an individual one of the entities from the host device, the memory device supplying said public information; and (c) in response to a discreet information query sent by an individual authenticated entity of the entities from the host device, the memory device supplying only the portion of said confidential information that such authenticated entity is allowed to access by the control structure. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
-
Specification