Abstract: A data storage device is secured by extracting timing information encoded within a password-related symbol stream received by the storage device and denying access if the timing information is incorrect or the symbol stream is not identical to a valid authentication sequence. In one embodiment, each symbol corresponds to a password, and at least one symbol is transmitted within a specified timing window while at least one other symbol must be transmitted at a random time that varies with each authentication attempt. In certain embodiments, a computing device associated with the data storage device is configured to provide a single password prompt, receive a character sequence corresponding to a plurality of passwords from a user, and communicate an encrypted symbol stream to the storage device with a specified timing pattern imposed thereon.

Abstract: A data storage device is secured by extracting timing information encoded within a password-related symbol stream received by the storage device and denying access if the timing information is incorrect or the symbol stream is not identical to a valid authentication sequence. In one embodiment, each symbol corresponds to a password, and at least one symbol is transmitted within a specified timing window while at least one other symbol must be transmitted at a random time that varies with each authentication attempt. In certain embodiments, a computing device associated with the data storage device is configured to provide a single password prompt, receive a character sequence corresponding to a plurality of passwords from a user, and communicate an encrypted symbol stream to the storage device with a specified timing pattern imposed thereon.

Abstract: A data storage device is secured by extracting timing information encoded within a password-related symbol stream received by the storage device and denying access if the timing information is incorrect or the symbol stream is not identical to a valid authentication sequence. In one embodiment, each symbol corresponds to a password, and at least one symbol is transmitted within a specified timing window while at least one other symbol must be transmitted at a random time that varies with each authentication attempt. In certain embodiments, a computing device associated with the data storage device is configured to provide a single password prompt, receive a character sequence corresponding to a plurality of passwords from a user, and communicate an encrypted symbol stream to the storage device with a specified timing pattern imposed thereon.

Abstract: A data storage device is secured by extracting timing information encoded within a password-related symbol stream received by the storage device and denying access if the timing information is incorrect or the symbol stream is not identical to a valid authentication sequence. In one embodiment, each symbol corresponds to a password, and at least one symbol is transmitted within a specified timing window while at least one other symbol must be transmitted at a random time that varies with each authentication attempt. In certain embodiments, a computing device associated with the data storage device is configured to provide a single password prompt, receive a character sequence corresponding to a plurality of passwords from a user, and communicate an encrypted symbol stream to the storage device with a specified timing pattern imposed thereon.

Abstract: A vending machine has a nonvolatile data storage device for storing transactions with customers. The customers may use a number of cashless options to make purchases from the vending machine, including magnetic credit or debit cards, or universal vending cards. The transactions are stored on the storage device and later retrieved either locally or remotely. The security of the data is enhanced by requiring separate passwords for the data storage device, access to the data storage device, and, optionally, for the vending machine controller. In addition, the data is inaccessible should the storage device become separated from the controller.

Abstract: A vending machine has a nonvolatile data storage device for storing transactions with customers. The customers may use a number of cashless options to make purchases from the vending machine, including magnetic credit or debit cards, or universal vending cards. The transactions are stored on the storage device and later retrieved either locally or remotely. The security of the data is enhanced by requiring separate passwords for the data storage device, access to the data storage device, and, optionally for the vending machine controller. In addition, the data is inaccessible should the storage device become separated from the controller.

Abstract: A data storage and retrieval system is provided which has extremely high capacity. The system includes a large array of small disk files, and three storage managers for controlling the allocation of data to the array, access to data, and the power status of disk files within the array. The allocation manager chooses the disk files upon which incoming data is written based on the current state of the disk files (active or inactive), the available capacity, and the type of protection desired (i.e. unprotected, RAID, mirrored, etc.). The access manager interprets incoming read requests to determine the location of the stored data. The power manager sequences disk files between active and inactive to provide the storage requested by the access and allocation managers.