Means for physically securing mnemonic phrases

Abstract

Means for physically securing mnemonic phrases (seed phrases), in particular for use in cryptocurrency custody, characterized in that A) a hand drill is used to drill a mnemonic phrase according to Braille on a metallic material and B) the pattern of the braille script (which is based on a grid of six dots per letter, arranged in two columns of three dots each in a rectangle), engraved or visually depicted on the metallic material.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a means for physically securing mnemonic phrases, also called seed phrases, on metallic materials, in particular for use in cryptocurrency custody according to the BIP39 standard.

[0002] Conventional means of physically securing seed phrases use tools such as hammers and letterpress dies, punches, electric engraving machines, or mechanical engraving pens and punches for engraving on metallic materials. The seed words are engraved into metal either directly as a written word in Latin letters or as dots in a grid of letters and their positions within the word.

[0003] Overall, the current state of the art has disadvantages in terms of readability, cost, or user-friendliness when engraving. Furthermore, superficial damage often leads to the seed phrases no longer being clearly identified.

[0004] These problems are solved by the features listed in claim I.

[0005] The invention makes it easier, more cost-effective, and more secure to physically store seed phrases by engraved or visually depicting a Braille pattern on the metallic material. The Braille pattern on the metallic surface dictates drilling positions, thus making it easier for the user to engrave the seed words.

[0006] The invention provides for the use of a hand drill to engrave the letters. The advantage of a hand drill, especially a mechanical hand drill, is good legibility due to sufficient drilling depth and diameter, while being low in cost.

[0007] A further advantage of the invention is that it reduces the risk of misinterpretation due to superficial damage. Surface damage can usually be easily identified due to its different shape, size, and position compared to the bores.

[0008] In addition, the use of Braille provides barrier-free readability for visually impaired people and represents a space-saving alternative to the conventional grids used in the state of the art.

[0009] The following description of preferred embodiments serves to explain the invention. They show: Fig. 1A-D illustrate the engraving of the seed word "LAMP" in Braille on a metal plate, according to one embodiment of the invention. Figure AD describes the process of engraving the seed word by the user. Fig. 2 Example of a seed plate (metal plate on which the seed phrase is engraved) on which a seed phrase with a maximum of 24 words is engraved according to the BIP39 standard.

[0010] The Fig. Figure 1A shows the seed word "LAMP" in Braille. This serves to illustrate the subsequent drilling of the metal plate.

[0011] In Fig. Figure 1B shows the hand drill (1), in this example a drill bit, with the metal plate (2) and the dots engraved on it in a braille pattern. The engraved dots help the user position the hand drill and act similarly to a grain in the subsequent drilling process. Without the engraved dots, the drill tends to stray when drilling into the workpiece, sliding uncontrollably across the surface.

[0012] The drilling process is carried out in Fig. 1C and in this embodiment is carried out by moving the lower handle of the hand drill up and down.

[0013] The Fig. 1D shows the engraved seed word (3) “LAMP” in the metal plate.

[0014] The Fig. Figure 2 shows an embodiment in which the braille pattern (4), based on a grid of six dots per letter, is engraved or visually depicted. In this embodiment, a seed phrase with a maximum of 24 words can be engraved / drilled. The first four letters of each seed word (4) are engraved, which can be uniquely identified according to the BIP39 standard. List of reference symbols 1 hand drill 2 metal plates 4 Engraved Seed Word 3 Braille patterns

Claims

[1] Means for physically securing mnemonic phrases (seed phrases), particularly for use in cryptocurrency custody, characterized by , that A) a hand drill is used to drill a mnemonic phrase according to Braille on a metallic material and B) the pattern of the braille (which is based on a grid of six dots per letter, arranged in two columns of three dots each in a rectangle), is engraved or visually represented on the metallic material. [2] Agent according to claim 1, characterized by that the seed phrase is stored in a form that allows easy identification using only the first letters of the individual seed words, whereby the first four letters of each seed word uniquely identify the entire seed word according to the BIP39 standard. [3] Agent according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the engraved pattern of the braille (six dots per letter) on the metallic material serves as a grain or centering aid for drilling with a mechanical hand drill. [4] Agent according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the metallic material is not a single piece, but is divided into several parts, in particular into several metal plates. [5] Agent according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the metallic material is coated or surface treated. [6] Agent according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the metallic material is made of a fire-resistant material. [7] Agent according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the metallic material is made of a non-rusting material.

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