Patent ID: 7178031
Filing Date: 2007-02-13
Classification: G06F,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A method for providing a portable secure interface to a data storage cartridge, said data storage cartridge having data storage media for storing data for read/write access by a user of a data storage drive when mounted in said data storage drive, and a wireless interface mounted in said portable data storage cartridge for receiving power and data from, and sending data to, said data storage drive when mounted in said data storage drive, said data storage cartridge having a user table separate from said data storage media, comprising at least a unique user identifier for each authorized user and at least one permitted activity said user is authorized to conduct with respect to said data storage media, said user identifier, when combined with a user authentication message from said authorized user in accordance with a predetermined algorithm, authorizes said user, said method comprising the steps of: receiving said user authentication messages from said data storage drive via said wireless interface; separate from said data storage media, combining said user authentication message with at least part of said user identifier from said user table in accordance with said predetermined algorithm to authorize or deny said user activity; and transmitting said user authorization or denial to said data storage drive via said wireless interface.