Dell Products Inc.

Trilogy Development Group, Inc.

Versata Development Group, Inc.

Trilogy Software, Inc.

Ajay Agarwal

Neeraj Gupta

Venky Veeraraghavan

Thomas Pratt

William Allen Curtis

Winston Bumpus

A system and method is disclosed for authenticating a removable data storage device (RDSD) by using a trusted information module (TIM) to control access to data files stored on the RDSD. A security information input receiver receives identity verification factors from a user and provides the identity verification factors to the TIM for processing. In some embodiments of the invention, the TIM uses identity verification factors in cryptographic operation to authenticate the user, the RDSD and the information processing system to each other. The TIM then performs similar operations with the contents of one or more authorization files to control access and usage of the data files stored on the RDSD.

Removable hard disk with front panel input

A system and method is disclosed for authenticating a removable data storage device (RDSD) by implementing a removable trusted information module (TIM) comprising a non-volatile storage medium operable to securely store passwords, digital keys, digital certificates and other security credentials ('security credentials'). An RDSD enclosure comprising a disk storage drive, one or more interfaces, one or more connectors, and a TIM is implemented to be connected, disconnected and reconnected to a plurality of predetermined information handling systems. The RDSD is authenticated by the TIM initiating comparison and cryptographic operations between its contents and the contents of authentication files comprising the RDSD. Once the RDSD has been authenticated, the TIM performs similar operations to authorize access and usage of its contents by the information handling system. Other cryptographic operations are performed to determine whether the integrity of data files has been compromised. Removal of the TIM prevents an information handling system from accessing the contents of the RDSD.

Removable hard disk with embedded security card

A system and method is disclosed for visually communicating disk storage meta information comprising a removable data storage device (RDSD). An RDSD enclosure comprising a disk storage drive, input/output interface, one or more connectors, a storage information module (SIM), a power storage device, and a display is implemented to be connected, disconnected and reconnected to a plurality of predetermined information handling systems. The RDSD is connected to a predetermined information handling system and the SIM gathers information from a plurality of disk information files comprising the RDSD. Once gathered, this information is visually communicated via the SIM to a display comprising the RDSD. When connected to, and powered by, an information handling system, the displayed information is dynamically updated as the operational status of the RDSD changes, but becomes static when RDSD is disconnected. Mechanical switches or a touch sensitive screen are implemented to navigate static and dynamic disk information displayed on the RDSD display. Disk information that was current when the RDSD was last connected to an information handling system is persistently displayed on a display powered by battery.

Removable hard disk with display information

The invention provides the ability to interactively select and configure a product among a set of related products based on availability and compatibility of features and options. It does not impose an order in the selection of products, features or options; only valid selections can be made at any time. To create an electronic representation of the product information to achieve the above goal, the invention provides a framework for defining a systems by defining the components of the system using elements contained in a parts catalog and defining relationships between the components of a system. A configuration system validates a configuration using the system definition, the current state of the configuration and user input.

Growing community of inventors

Austin, TX, United States of America

Ajay Agarwal