New Pseudo-Random Number Generation Method for Information Encryption

Abstract

Disclosed are methods for generating at least one encryption key (130) for encrypting data (142), a method for transmitting data between at least two communication systems (136, 138), a method for encrypting data (142), and a method for decrypting encrypted data (144). Also disclosed are an encryption key generation device (110), a system (134), a data encryption system (148), and a data decryption system (150). Specifically, a method for generating at least one encryption key (130) for encrypting data (142) for data transmission over an insecure channel includes: i. using a hybridization device (112) to hybridize at least two materials (114) according to at least one hybrid information item, thereby generating at least one hybrid (120); ii. using at least one detector (126) to detect at least one material property (124) of the hybrid (120); and iii. using at least one data processing device (132) configured to apply at least one transformation algorithm to the material property (124), converting the material property (124) into an encryption key (130).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for generating at least one encryption key for encrypting data, a method for data transmission between at least two communication systems, a method for encrypting data, a method for decrypting data, an encryption key generation device for generating at least one encryption key for encrypting data, a system comprising a first and a second communication system, a data encryption system, and a data decryption system. The methods, devices, and systems according to the present invention can be used, in particular, for secure communication via at least one insecure channel, such as data transmission via an insecure channel such as the Internet or wireless communication. Furthermore, at least some of the methods and devices of the present invention can also be used in the field of data encryption, for purposes such as secure data storage. Thus, the encrypted data can also be stored in one or more data storage devices accessible via at least one insecure channel such as the Internet. Other applications are also possible.

Background Art

[0002] In many applications, information or data representing information must be transmitted or stored in an insecure environment such as a publicly accessible communication network, cloud, etc. Various encryption methods have been developed to ensure that data is accessible only to authorized persons or entities. Thus, data such as messages or other information representing data is generally encrypted so that only authorized persons can access the data and unauthorized persons cannot access it, or at least cannot access it without significant difficulty or technical effort. Typically, data is encrypted by using at least one encryption algorithm using at least one encryption key, and this data, also called plaintext, is generally converted into encrypted data, also called ciphertext. To decrypt the encrypted data or ciphertext and retrieve the original data or plaintext, a decryption algorithm is used, and the decryption algorithm also typically applies one or more encryption keys. Thus, at least one encryption key used for decryption can be the same as at least one encryption key used for encryption, or alternatively, different encryption keys can be used for encryption and decryption. In principle, it is possible to decrypt a message without possessing the encryption key, but for most of the encryption algorithms commonly used today, significant computing resources, skills, and computing time are required. However, an authorized recipient can typically easily decrypt the encrypted data, specifically the encrypted message, by using an encryption key such as an encryption key provided to the recipient by the sender but not provided to unauthorized users.

[0003] One technical challenge in typical cryptographic methods generally lies in generating at least one encryption key for the encryption process and / or the decryption process. In practical applications, by using an appropriate key generation algorithm, significant computational effort may have to be applied to generate a key that provides satisfactory data confidentiality protection for storing and / or transmitting data. Further, specifically in the case of symmetric encryption algorithms, the transmission of the encryption key via a specifically insecure data transmission channel remains a challenge. Thus, the encryption key may be accessed by unauthorized persons or even intercepted and changed by unauthorized persons. Therefore, a simple yet secure means for generating encryption keys, encrypting and decrypting data, and easily and securely transmitting the encrypted data is needed.

[0004] The technical challenges are further increasing due to the evolution of computer technology and the possibility that so-called "brute-force methods" may be applied to decrypt encrypted data. Thus, as the capabilities and availability of computer resources increase, trial-and-error methods for decrypting data become possible. The challenges are further increasing due to the possibility that quantum computing may become available in the near future for decrypting any algorithmic approach to data encryption.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0005] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a method and device for addressing the above-described technical challenges. Specifically, a method for generating resource-saving and fast encryption keys while ensuring secure storage and / or transmission of data, as well as corresponding systems and devices, shall be provided. Further, specifically, the problem of transmitting encryption keys in an insecure environment and / or via a publicly accessible data transmission channel shall also be addressed.

MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0006] This problem is addressed by a method for generating at least one encryption key for encrypting data, a method for data transmission between at least two communication systems, a method for encrypting data, a method for decrypting data, an encryption key generation device for generating at least one encryption key for encrypting data, a system comprising a first and a second communication system, a data encryption system, and a data decryption system, which have the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments that can be realized separately or in any combination are listed in the dependent claims.

[0007] When used hereinafter, the terms "have", "comprise", or "include", or any grammatical variations thereof, are used non-exclusively. Thus, these terms can refer to both situations where no additional features other than the features introduced by these terms are present within the entity described in this context, and situations where one or more additional features are present. As an example, the expressions "A has B", "A comprises B", and "A includes B" can refer to both situations where no other elements other than B are present within A (i.e., the situation where A consists solely and exclusively of B), and situations where one or more additional elements such as element C, elements C and D, or further elements are present in addition to B within entity A.

[0008] Furthermore, it should be noted that the terms "at least one", "one or more", or similar expressions indicating that a feature or element can be present once or two or more times are typically only used once when introducing each respective feature or element. Hereinafter, in most cases, when referring to each respective feature or element, the expressions "at least one" or "one or more" are not repeated, even though each respective feature or element can be present once or two or more times.

[0009] Furthermore, when used hereinafter, the terms "preferably", "more preferably", "in particular", "more specifically", "specifically", "even more specifically", or similar terms are used with any feature without limiting the possibility of alternatives. Thus, the features introduced by these terms are any features and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims in any way. The present invention can be implemented by using alternative features, as will be recognized by those skilled in the art. Similarly, features introduced by expressions such as "in one embodiment of the present invention" or similar expressions are intended to be any features without imposing any limitation on alternative embodiments of the present invention, any limitation on the scope of the present invention, and any limitation on the possibility of combining features introduced by any other optional or non-optional features of the present invention.

[0010] In a first aspect of the present invention, a method for generating at least one encryption key for encrypting data is proposed. The encryption key can be used for data transmission over an insecure channel, specifically for encrypting data to be transmitted over an insecure channel and / or decrypting data after transmission over an insecure channel. This method includes the following method steps, which can specifically be executed in a given order. Nevertheless, different orders are also possible. Furthermore, two or more of these method steps can be executed completely or partially simultaneously. Additionally, one or more or even all of these method steps can be executed once or can be repeatedly executed, such as being repeated one or more times. Moreover, this method can also include additional method steps not listed.

[0011] This method comprises i. generating at least one hybrid by hybridizing at least two materials according to at least one hybrid information item by using a hybrid device; ii. detecting at least one material property of the mixture by using at least one detector; iii. converting the material property into an encryption key by using at least one data processing device configured to apply at least one conversion algorithm to the material property.

[0012] As used herein, the term "generate" is a broad term and should be given its ordinary and customary meaning to one of ordinary skill in the art and is not limited to a special or specialized meaning. Specifically, without limitation, this term can refer to a process of providing an object and can provide virtual and / or real objects. Thus, by way of example, an object can be an article or an information item. Generating can imply creating an object, and the object can be created in whole or in part. Creating an object can imply a real creation process and / or one or more virtual creation steps. Thus, specifically when the object includes a virtual object, specifically an information item, creating the object can imply one or more virtual creation steps such as one or more computational steps, specifically one or more steps performed by a computer. When the object is a virtual object, specifically an information item, the object can be provided as an analog and / or digital signal, by way of example, via an interface or within a data storage device.

[0013] As used herein, the term "data" is a broad term and should be given its ordinary and customary meaning to one of ordinary skill in the art and is not limited to a special or specialized meaning. Specifically, without limitation, this term can refer to information and / or a machine-readable signal or symbol representing information. Data can specifically be one or both of digital data and analog data, or can include one or both of digital data and analog data. By way of example, data can be stored and / or provided via at least one data storage device.

[0014] In this specification, the term "encrypt" is a broad term and should be given its ordinary and customary meaning to those of ordinary skill in the art and is not limited to a special or specialized meaning. Specifically, without limitation, this term can refer to a process of modifying one or more messages, information, or data such that only authorized persons can access it and unauthorized persons cannot access it, by using at least one encryption means, also called an encryption key. The modified data can also be referred to as "encrypted data" when generated by the encryption process. Specifically, encryption can include a process of modifying one or more messages, information, or data such that only a person having a unique authorization means, also called an encryption key, can convert the modified message, information, or data back to its original or readable form, thereby retrieving the original message, information, or data. The encryption or encryption process, i.e., the process of modifying a message, information, or data, can specifically involve an encryption algorithm by combining the message, information, or data with at least one encryption key. As an example, in binary form, each bit of a message, information, or data can be combined with the corresponding bit of the encryption key to generate an encrypted bit. Other encryption algorithms are generally known and can be used in the context of the present invention.

[0015] Accordingly, in this specification, the term "decrypt" is a broad term and should be given its ordinary and customary meaning to those of ordinary skill in the art and is not limited to a special or specialized meaning. Specifically, without limitation, this term can refer to the process that is the reverse of the encryption process described above. Specifically, without limitation, this term can refer to the process of re-modifying encrypted data such that, by using at least one decryption means, also referred to as a decryption key, the encrypted data is converted into a readable format, i.e., one or more of the original message, information, or data in a readable format. The process of modifying encrypted data can specifically involve, without limitation, a decryption algorithm, such as combining the encrypted data with at least one decryption key. As an example, in binary format, each bit of the encrypted data can be combined with the corresponding bit of the decryption key, thereby generating a decrypted bit. Other decryption algorithms are generally known and can be used in the context of the present invention.

[0016] Accordingly, in this specification, the term "encryption key" is a broad term and should be given its ordinary and customary meaning to those of ordinary skill in the art and is not limited to a special or specialized meaning. Specifically, without limitation, this term can refer to the encryption means or decryption means used in the encryption process or decryption process, respectively. Specifically, this term can refer to an information item that determines the functional output of an encryption algorithm, such as an encryption process and / or a decryption process. An encryption key can also specify the transformation of other encryption algorithms, such as digital signature schemes and message authentication codes.

[0017] For the encryption process and the decryption process, the same key can be used. Therefore, the term "encryption key" is typically used for both the key used in the encryption process and the key used in the decryption process. Nevertheless, in addition to symmetric encryption and decryption processes, asymmetric processes, i.e., processes where the keys used for encryption and decryption are not the same, are generally possible. Nevertheless, in the terminology of the present invention, the term "encryption key" is used for both the key used in encryption and the key used in decryption. The present invention can refer to a symmetric encryption process. Nevertheless, an asymmetric encryption process is also possible.

[0018] In this specification, the term "data transmission" is a broad term and should be given the meaning of common convention to those skilled in the art and is not limited to a special or specialized meaning. Specifically, without limitation, this term can refer to a process of providing data from at least one transmitting entity or transmitter to at least one receiving entity or receiver via at least one transmission means such as at least one transmission channel and / or at least one transmission device. Transmission can specifically be performed electronically, that is, by transmitting at least one electronic signal and / or electromagnetic wave such as radio waves and / or light. As an example, a transmission channel can include at least one of a cable or an interface. Specifically, the channel can include the Internet or the World Wide Web. Additionally or alternatively, a transmission channel can also include at least one wireless channel and / or an optical beam. However, transmission can also be performed via the exchange of physical data storage devices on which data is stored. A transmission channel can be implemented entirely or partially wirelessly and / or entirely or partially wired. Transmission can be performed continuously or discontinuously. Therefore, in this specification, the term "channel" is a broad term and should be given the meaning of common convention to those skilled in the art and is not limited to a special or specialized meaning. Specifically, without limitation, this term can refer to any means for continuous or discontinuous data transmission via one or more of a wired connection, a wireless connection, or the exchange of data storage devices.

[0019] In this specification, the term "unsafe" is a broad term and should be given its ordinary and customary meaning to those of ordinary skill in the art and is not limited to a special or specialized meaning. Specifically, without limitation, this term can refer to the characteristics of a channel for transmission that is accessible not only to the transmitting entity and the receiving entity but also to a third party. Thus, specifically, an unsafe channel can be, or can include, the Internet, as outlined above.

[0020] In this specification, the term "material" is a broad term and should be given its ordinary and customary meaning to those of ordinary skill in the art and is not limited to a special or specialized meaning. Specifically, without limitation, this term can refer to chemical elements or chemical compounds, specifically chemical elements or chemical compounds that can be mixed with other chemical elements or chemical compounds. The material can specifically be suitable for pouring. Generally, the material can be in one or more of a solid state, specifically a granular solid state, a liquid state, or a gaseous state. Specifically, the material can be at least one of a powder or a liquid, or can include at least one of a powder or a liquid. The material can be a homogeneous single material. Alternatively, the material can also include a plurality of components mixed homogeneously or heterogeneously. Thus, the material can be a single substance, a mixture, or a composite. As an example, the material can be a liquid, or can include a liquid, which, as an example, includes at least one solvent and at least one chemical compound dissolved, emulsified, or dispersed in the at least one solvent. The solvent can form part of the material, or alternatively, at least one chemical compound can be regarded as the material, and the solvent can be easily regarded as an auxiliary agent or additive to the material.

[0021] Accordingly, in this specification, the term "mixing" is a broad term and should be given its ordinary meaning as understood by those skilled in the art and is not limited to a special or specialized meaning. Specifically, without limitation, this term can refer to the process of mixing at least two materials in a defined form, thereby creating a mixture. Mixing can be performed in various ways depending on the nature of at least two materials. As an example, if at least two materials include powders, mixing can involve simultaneously dispensing the powders into a common receptacle or dispensing them later, and can include the option of stirring the mixture. As an additional or alternative, if at least two materials include liquids, mixing can also involve simultaneously dispensing the liquids into a common receptacle or dispensing them later, and can include the option of stirring the mixture. As an additional or alternative, as will be outlined in more detail below, mixing can also include printing processes, such as inkjet printing of at least two materials onto a common substrate. As an additional or alternative, mixing can include other types of mixing processes of at least two materials, such as mixing of at least two materials onto at least one common substrate. As an example, mixing can include one or more electrostatic precipitation processes, such as electrostatic precipitation of at least two materials onto a common substrate, such as an electrostatically charged surface. Accordingly, specifically, mixing and / or blending can include electrostatic precipitation in a printing process. For example, mixing and / or blending can include electrostatic precipitation in a printing process of at least two electrostatically charged materials onto an electrostatically neutralized surface. Thus, materials can be mixed, thereby changing the charge at least temporarily. Specifically, mixing and / or blending can include electrostatic precipitation in a laser printing process, such as a process typically performed on a laser printer. In particular, at least two materials, such as pigments, can be first electrostatically charged and deposited, for example, onto an equally charged imaging roll where specific areas are electrostatically neutralized, by using, for example, lasers and / or LEDs.Next, as an example, these deposited materials can be removed from and / or detached from the image roll by a reversely charged substrate such as reversely charged paper.

[0022] Hybridization can leave the materials as they are, or can completely or partially change the properties of the materials. Thus, as an example, the materials can be simply mixed without any chemical change. As an additional or alternative method, the materials can be mixed, thereby changing their chemical properties. The latter can specifically be done when the materials contain a solvent, and such a solvent can completely or partially evaporate during or after hybridization. Also in this case, as an additional or alternative method, the materials can also react completely or partially with each other, thereby producing at least one reaction product.

[0023] Furthermore, therefore, in this specification, the term "mixing" is a broad term and should be given its ordinary and customary meaning to those of ordinary skill in the art and should not be limited to a special or specialized meaning. Specifically, without limitation, this term can refer to a mixture of at least two materials. The mixture can specifically be present within at least one receptacle and / or on at least one substrate. The mixture can generally be in one or more of a solid state, specifically a granular solid state, a liquid state, or a gaseous state. Specifically, the mixture can be at least one of a powder or a liquid, or can include at least one of a powder or a liquid. The mixture can be in the same state as the materials or in a different state. As an example, at least one of these materials can be in a liquid state, and the mixture can also be in a solid state, which can be the case, for example, after a drying process. Therefore, as an example, in a mixing process, at least two materials can be mixed in a liquid state and then dried, thereby evaporating at least one solvent and / or thereby changing the chemical properties of the mixed materials. As an example, the mixing process can be suggested to print at least two materials in a liquid state onto at least one substrate, followed by a drying or solidification process, and thus the mixture can be in a dried or solid state. Other examples can suggest a phase change process such as curing or solidification of the materials after mixing.

[0024] As used herein, the term "hybrid information item" is a broad term and should be given its ordinary and customary meaning to those of ordinary skill in the art and is not limited to any special or specialized meaning. Specifically, without limitation, this term can refer to at least one information item that describes a defined hybrid process. At least one hybrid information item can refer to the hybrid process itself, for example, the manner in which at least two materials are mixed to process the parameters of the mixing process, as will be described in more detail below. Additionally or alternatively, at least one hybrid information item can also refer to the materials to be mixed in the hybrid process, such as the mass or volume of the materials, for example, as will also be described in more detail below.

[0025] As used herein, the term "hybrid device" is a broad term and should be given its ordinary and customary meaning to those of ordinary skill in the art and is not limited to any special or specialized meaning. Specifically, without limitation, this term can refer to a device configured to perform the hybrid process described above. Specifically, as will also be described in more detail below, a hybrid device can include at least one feed or reservoir for each of the materials. A hybrid device can also include at least one hybrid element, such as at least one of a nozzle, a stirring device, a printer, a mixer, etc.

[0026] Accordingly, as used herein, the term "hybridize" is also a broad term and should be given its ordinary and customary meaning to those of ordinary skill in the art and is not limited to any special or specialized meaning. Specifically, without limitation, this term can refer to a mixture of at least two materials. The hybrid can specifically be present on a substrate or within a receptacle. The hybrid can specifically contain a finite amount of material.

[0027] As used herein, the term "material property" is a broad term and should be given its ordinary and customary meaning to those of ordinary skill in the art and is not limited to any special or specialized meaning. This term can specifically refer to any property of a material, such as a mixture, without limitation. The property can specifically refer to one or more of physical, chemical, or biological properties. Specifically, the material property can include at least one of the mechanical or optical properties of the material. The material property can specifically refer to a measurable property of each material. Examples of material properties are given in more detail below.

[0028] As used herein, the term "detect" is a broad term and should be given its ordinary and customary meaning to those of ordinary skill in the art and is not limited to any special or specialized meaning. This term can specifically refer, without limitation, to a process of generating information about a property or measurable variable and can extract qualitative and / or quantitative information. This term can specifically refer to a process of measuring at least one measurable variable of an object. Thus, as used herein, the term "detector" is a broad term and should be given its ordinary and customary meaning to those of ordinary skill in the art and is not limited to any special or specialized meaning. This term can specifically refer, without limitation, to any device configured to perform a detection process, such as a device having at least one sensor for measuring at least one measurable variable of an object. As an example, the sensor can include one or more of a weight sensor, specifically a weighing scale, a volume sensor, a density sensor, a color sensor, a particle size distribution sensor. Additionally or alternatively, other sensors can also be used.

[0029] The conversion of at least one material property into at least one encryption key can be performed in a computer-implemented manner. Thus, as outlined above, the conversion of at least one material property into at least one encryption key is performed by using at least one data processing device configured to apply at least one conversion algorithm to the material property. As used herein, the term "data processing device" is a broad term and should be given its ordinary meaning to those of ordinary skill in the art and is not limited to a special or specialized meaning. Specifically, without limitation, this term can refer to a computer or computer system having at least one processor and optionally at least one data storage device. Thus, the processor can comprise, by way of example, at least one integrated circuit configured to execute computer-readable instructions. Additionally or alternatively, the processor can also be or comprise at least one application-specific integrated circuit and / or at least one field-programmable gate array. By way of example, the configuration of the data processing device to apply at least one conversion algorithm can be performed by providing a plurality of computer-readable instructions to the data processing device via, for example, at least one data storage device and / or at least one interface.

[0030] In this specification, the term "processor" is a broad term and should be given the meaning of general convention to those skilled in the art, and is not limited to a special or specialized meaning. Specifically, without limitation, this term can refer to any logic circuit configured to perform the basic operations of an electronic device or system, and / or generally, a device configured to perform computational or logical operations. In particular, a processor can be configured to process the basic instructions that drive a device or system such as a computer. As an example, a processor can include at least one arithmetic logic unit (ALU), at least one floating-point unit (FPU) such as a math coprocessor or a numeric coprocessor, a plurality of registers, specifically registers configured to supply operands to the ALU and store the operation results, and memory such as L1 and L2 cache memories.

[0031] In this specification, the term "algorithm" is a broad term and should be given the meaning of general convention to those skilled in the art, and is not limited to a special or specialized meaning. Specifically, without limitation, this term can refer to a plurality of process steps to be executed subsequently and / or in parallel. An algorithm can specifically include one or more mathematical operations to be applied to at least one input variable. Therefore, the term "conversion algorithm" can specifically refer to an algorithm that executes a conversion process for converting material properties into an encryption key by using one or more mathematical operations to be applied to at least one input variable.

[0032] The conversion of material properties into an encryption key can be performed in a single step or multiple steps. Thus, as will be outlined in more detail below, the mixing step and the detection step can each be performed only once, and the result of the detection step is directly converted into the final encryption key. However, alternatively, one or more or even all of the method steps of mixing, detecting, and converting can be repeatedly performed, for example, by generating one or more intermediate encryption keys, and the intermediate encryption keys are also used in additional mixing and detection steps in this case until the final encryption key is ultimately generated. Exemplary embodiments are given in more detail below.

[0033] As an example, the conversion of material properties into an encryption key can be performed by providing at least one electronic signal, such as digital information representing at least one material property, to at least one data processing device for further processing. Thus, as an example, the detector can communicate directly or indirectly with the data processing device or can even be part of the data processing device. Thus, at least one material property can be provided directly or indirectly to the data processing device for further processing or for applying at least one conversion algorithm directly or after preprocessing.

[0034] The result of the conversion process can be used as an encryption key, and the encryption key can, for example, be provided electronically. As an example, the encryption key can be or can include electronic information in digital or analog form. As an example, the encryption key can be provided to one or more of a data storage device, an interface, a third party, etc.

[0035] As will be outlined in more detail below, this method can specifically be fully or partially computer-implemented. Thus, specifically, step iii. can be automated and / or executed in a fully or partially computer-implemented manner.

[0036] As discussed above, data can generally be provided in various forms. Specifically, the data can be provided in digital form and / or the data can include digital data. Specifically, the data can include binary data. However, other data forms are also possible. Specifically, the data can be subdivided into data packages. Thus, as an example, the data can include a plurality of data packages, and each data package can include at least one of a data header, control data, and a payload portion. The data can also generally include error correction data. Thus, as an example, the error correction data can include at least one parity bit or the like. Other data correction algorithms can also be used.

[0037] At least one hybrid information item can specifically include n hybrid variables, where n represents a positive integer. In this specification, the term "hybrid variable" is a broad term and should be given the meaning of a general convention to those skilled in the art and is not limited to a special or specialized meaning. Specifically, this term can refer to a variable that quantitatively or qualitatively describes at least one aspect or parameter of a hybrid, without limitation. As an example, a hybrid variable can refer to a quantity for a mixture or the like or at least two materials to be detected in a hybrid process such as a material stream. Further, in step ii., m material characteristics of the hybrid can be detected, where m is a positive integer. Specifically, the number m of material characteristics detected in step ii. can be the same as or greater than the number n of hybrid variables. In other words, preferably m≧n. Further in other words, specifically, the information generated in the detection step ii. can be at least the same size as the information used in the hybrid process, and the term "information" can refer to the numbers n and m respectively and / or generally can refer to the degrees of freedom and / or the logarithm of the degrees of freedom such as log n or log m respectively.

[0038] The at least two materials blended in step i can specifically be different materials, specifically with respect to at least one property selected from the group consisting of different chemical properties, specifically chemical composition, optical properties, specifically one or more of color, permeability, luminance, etc., such as optical appearance, mechanical properties, specifically one or more of particle size, particle diameter, density, viscosity, or fluidity, electrostatic chargeability, compressibility, crystallinity, and particle shape. Nevertheless, as an addition or alternative, other properties can also be used.

[0039] The at least two materials can specifically include massive materials and / or particulate materials. Each of the at least two materials can independently be selected from the group consisting of solid materials, gaseous materials, and liquid materials. More specifically, the at least two materials are independently - powders, specifically ○ inorganic powders, specifically inorganic powders made from minerals, ○ organic powders, specifically organic powders made from polymers, ○ powders selected from the group consisting of pigments, - liquids, specifically liquids selected from the group consisting of pure liquids, suspensions, emulsions, or solutions, more specifically at least two materials selected from the group consisting of one or more of liquid dyes and inks, and / or can include such at least two materials.

[0040] As outlined above, step i. involves blending at least two materials in accordance with at least one blending information item. The at least one blending information item can specifically include, for example, the quantity for at least two materials to be blended, the weight for at least two materials to be blended, the volume of at least two materials to be blended, the blending volume ratio of at least two materials to be blended, the blending weight ratio of at least two materials to be blended, a mixing instruction for mixing two or more continuous or discontinuous streams of at least two materials to be blended, a raster image with different inclinations, such as inclination information for blending at least two materials to be blended using a raster image generated by a raster image processor (RIP) of a printer, and at least one of printing instructions for blending at least two materials to be blended. Nevertheless, as an additional or alternative method, other types of blending information can also be used.

[0041] The at least two materials can be supplied continuously or discontinuously into the blending device. Thus, as an example, the blending device can comprise at least two reservoirs for at least two materials to be blended. However, as an additional or alternative method, other means of supplying materials into at least one blending device are also possible. Thus, as an example, as an additional or alternative to using at least one reservoir for at least one of the materials, continuous supply is also possible.

[0042] The hybrid device can further comprise at least one receiving element for receiving the mixture. As used herein, the term "receiving element" can generally refer to any element configured to receive the mixture. Specifically, the receiving element can have at least one receiving surface and / or at least one receiving material for receiving the mixture. Thus, by way of example, the at least one receiving element can specifically include at least one element selected from the group consisting of a receiving container for receiving the mixture and a substrate for receiving the mixture. The at least one receiving element can be a stationary receiving element and / or a movable receiving element such as a rotatable receiving element. By way of example, the receiving element can comprise at least one substrate having at least one substrate surface. The at least one substrate surface can be a flat substrate surface or can include a flat substrate surface and / or can be a curved substrate surface or can include a curved substrate surface. By way of example, the receiving element can comprise at least one drum having a receiving surface for receiving the mixture, such as a rotating drum. The mixture can be deposited directly or indirectly onto the rotating drum, specifically by using the hybrid device. By way of example, a drum on which the mixture is temporarily fixed can be used, such as by means of electrostatics. These electrostatic drums are generally known in the technical field of printing, such as laser printing.

[0043] When the receiving element comprises at least one drum, the drum can specifically be a rotating drum. Thus, this method can further include at least one cleaning step, in which, after detecting at least one material property, specifically, the mixture can be removed from the receiving surface of the drum. As an example, powder and / or pigment can be dispensed onto the rotating drum and, as an example, can be temporarily fixed to the surface of the rotating drum by electrostatic force. While the mixture is fixed to the surface of the rotating drum, at least one material property of the mixture on the surface can be detected, for example, by optical reading. As an example, color can be detected, as will be outlined in more detail below, and, as an example, can be converted later into binary information such as binary progression of numbers. Later, the drum can be cleaned, for example, by rotating the drum to a cleaning position, for example, by rotating the drum by 90°.

[0044] By using direct inkjet printing on the drum surface such as a paper substrate and / or on a movable substrate, similar procedures can also be carried out optionally without electrostatic fixing. The drum can be cleaned for reuse after detecting at least one characteristic. Thus, as an example, a hybrid device can comprise at least one inkjet printer. The material can be or can include inkjet printing of the material onto at least one receiving element such as on at least one rotating drum and / or on at least one substrate, and the material can be a liquid material or can include a liquid material. Subsequently, at least one material characteristic such as at least one optical characteristic can be detected, for example by optical reading. As an example, in this case too, color can be detected and, as an example, can later be converted into binary information such as binary progression of numbers. Later, the drum can be cleaned, for example by rotating the drum 90°, by rotating it to a cleaning position. Additionally or alternatively, in addition to cleaning at least one receiving element, a new receiving element or a new portion of the receiving element can be used for further processes such as further printing and repetition of hybridizing and detecting.

[0045] A hybrid device can specifically include at least one hybrid element for generating a hybrid. In this specification, the term "hybrid element" is a broad term and should be given the meaning of common practice to those skilled in the art and is not limited to a special or specialized meaning. This term can specifically refer to, without limitation, for example, any element, device, or combination of elements configured to hybridize at least two materials, specifically by mixing at least two materials before, during, or after deposition onto at least one receiving element. As an example, at least one hybrid element can be, or can include, at least one element selected from the group consisting of a dispenser for continuously or discontinuously dispensing at least one of two materials, a printer for printing at least two materials onto at least one receiving element, specifically onto at least one substrate, specifically at least one printer selected from the group consisting of an inkjet printer and a laser printer. Nevertheless, additional or alternative types of hybrid elements can also be used. Thus, as an example, a hybrid element can be, or can include, at least one of a stirring element, a dispenser, a nozzle, and an extruder.

[0046] At least one material property detected in step ii. can include a wide variety of detectable properties of the mixture. Specifically, the material property can be selected such that, for example, due to a disordered process, non-linear behavior, or other unpredictable process during mixing, the material property cannot be directly derived from a combination of the material properties of at least two materials, and the material properties of the mixture are hardly predictable. Specifically, an amorphous material such as a powder often results in a mixture having unpredictable properties such as the density or distribution of the original materials in the mixture when being mixed. Specifically, at least one material property detected in step ii. can be at least one of the physical properties and chemical properties of the mixture, or can include at least one of the physical properties and chemical properties of the mixture. More specifically, at least one material property can be or can include at least one property selected from the group consisting of the specific gravity of the mixture, the volume of the mixture, the weight of the mixture, the optical properties of the mixture, the color of the mixture, the spectral composition of the mixture, specifically the color spectrum of the mixture, the color intensity of the mixture, and the viscosity of the mixture. Alternatively or in addition, other material properties can also be used.

[0047] The step of detecting at least one material property of the mixture, i.e., step ii., can specifically include generating at least one measurement information item regarding the material property. Thus, the at least one measurement information item can generally refer to the result of the measurement of at least one material property of the mixture, such as at least one numerical measurement value that indicates at least one material property of the mixture or is a characteristic of at least one material property of the mixture. Thus, as an example, the at least one measurement information item can include, as an example, at least one of the information items of the specific gravity measurement value of the mixture, the volume measurement value of the mixture, the weight measurement value of the mixture, the optical property measurement value of the mixture, the color measurement value of the mixture, the spectral composition measurement value of the mixture, specifically the color spectrum measurement value of the mixture, the color intensity measurement value of the mixture, and the viscosity measurement value of the mixture. Each of these measurement values can be, as an example, a single number or a plurality of numbers such as a distribution, a spectrum, etc., or can include a single number or a plurality of numbers such as a distribution, a spectrum, etc. Specifically, the at least one measurement information item can be at least one numerical value such as a digital value, or can include at least one numerical value such as a digital value.

[0048] The conversion of the material property into the encryption key, i.e., step iii., can specifically include subjecting at least one material property to at least one test, specifically at least one predetermined test. As an example, as will be outlined in more detail below, the at least one test can be, for example, by using at least one measurement information item, directly or indirectly comparing at least one material property with at least one comparison value, at least one comparison value range, etc., or can include such comparison. Other mathematical tests are generally feasible and applicable. According to the result of the at least one test, the encryption key or at least a part thereof can be generated. The conversion of the material property into the encryption key can specifically include comparing at least one material property with at least one threshold value, including options that use at least one measurement information item representing the material property. According to the result of this comparison, at least one number can be assigned to the material property. This number can specifically be a binary number. This number can directly form the encryption key or can form a part of the encryption key. Thus, as an example, the encryption key can include a plurality of values, and according to the result of the comparison of the material property with at least one threshold value, at least one of the bit values is assigned. As an example, as will be outlined in more detail below, the spectrum or distribution of at least one material property of the mixture, such as the color distribution, can be measured. For example, according to the statistical occurrence of the unique color of the mixture or the statistical occurrence of another unique feature or characteristic, a unique bit value can be selected. Thus, according to other unique features of the properties of the mixture, for example, other bit values can also be selected. Thereby, the complete encryption key or at least a part thereof can be generated.

[0049] It is assumed that the encryption key can be generated in a single step or multiple steps. Thus, the encryption key can also be repeatedly generated, for example, by repeating processes of mixing and detection, and optionally conversion. For example, in each process of mixing and detection, a portion of the encryption key is generated and / or additional mixing information is generated for further mixing processes. Thereby, even when the number of material properties of a single mixture can be limited, a complex and large encryption key can be repeatedly generated.

[0050] In a further aspect of the present invention, a data transmission method between at least two communication systems is disclosed. As used herein, the term "communication system" is a broad term and should be given its ordinary meaning to those skilled in the art and is not limited to a special or specialized meaning. Specifically, without limitation, this term can refer to a device or combination of devices configured to transmit data and / or configured to receive data. Thus, as outlined in more detail below, for a communication system, the role of a transmission system, i.e., a system configured for data transmission, or a receiving system, i.e., a system configured to receive the transmitted data, can be fixedly assigned. However, alternatively, the assignment of the role as a transmission or receiving system can also be flexible or variable and can be reassigned, for example. Thus, a communication system can act as both a transmission system and a receiving system. As discussed above, the data transmission method can specifically be dedicated to data transmission over an insecure channel or can be used for data transmission over an insecure channel.

[0051] The data transmission method includes the following method steps and can specifically be executed in a given order. Nevertheless, different orders are also possible. Furthermore, it is also possible to execute two or more of these method steps completely or partially simultaneously. Additionally, one or more or even all of these method steps can be executed once, or can be executed repeatedly, such as being repeated one or more times. Furthermore, this method can also include additional method steps not enumerated.

[0052] This method includes I. a step of assigning the role of a transmission system to at least one of the communication systems; II. a step of assigning the role of a reception system to at least another one of the communication systems; III. a step of providing at least one hybrid information item to both the transmission system and the reception system; IV. a step of generating at least one encryption key by the transmission system using a method for generating at least one encryption key for encrypting data according to the present invention, such as at least one hybrid information item and any one of the above-described embodiments and / or any one of the embodiments to be described in more detail below; V. a step of encrypting the data to be transmitted by the transmission system using the encryption key, thereby generating encrypted data; VI. a step of transmitting the encrypted data by the transmission system to the reception system; VII. a step of receiving the encrypted data by the reception system; VIII. a step of generating at least one encryption key by the reception system using a method for generating at least one encryption key for encrypting data according to the present invention, such as at least one hybrid information item and any one of the above-described embodiments and / or any one of the embodiments to be described in more detail below; IX. A receiving system includes a step of decrypting encrypted data by using an encryption key.

[0053] For any further details and possible definitions of the terms used in this specification, reference should be made to the above description. As outlined further above, this method can specifically be executed repeatedly. Thus, data can be transmitted unidirectionally or bidirectionally between at least two communication systems. Thus, specifically when bidirectional communication is possible, the roles of the transmission system and the receiving system can be reassigned, specifically between repetitions of these method steps.

[0054] Specifically, the transmission system and the receiving system can use the same at least one hybrid information item, such as the same hybrid instruction set. Thus, at least one hybrid information item or at least one initial hybrid information item can be transmitted at least once, independently of data transmission, for example, by exchanging at least one hybrid information item between at least two communication systems and / or providing at least one hybrid information item to all communication systems. In a step after data transmission, hybrid information can be generated from the previously transmitted data. Thus, when the method is executed repeatedly or iteratively, in at least one iteration, at least one hybrid information item for the iteration can be derived from the previously transmitted data. Additionally or alternatively, the initial provision of at least one hybrid information item can include providing at least one hybrid information item for various repetitions of these steps, i.e., providing at least one hybrid information item for at least two different repetitions of data transmission.

[0055] Thus, generally, this method can be executed fully or partially repeatedly. In at least one of these iterations, in step III., at least one hybrid information item can be provided for at least one subsequent iteration. As an example, at least one hybrid information item can be fully or partially included in the encryption key itself and / or in one or both of the data. Thus, a part of the data transmitted in one iteration can include at least one hybrid information item for at least one subsequent data transmission. Thereby, the encryption key can be repeatedly generated by the transmission system and / or the receiving system.

[0056] In particular, the encryption key can include a hybrid information item for subsequent data transmission. Thus, the encryption key itself can be used to generate an encryption key for subsequent data transmission, for example, to generate a subsequent encryption key. Thus, as an example, the encryption key itself can include process parameters, such as information on a hybrid process, such as the quantity and / or method of mixing at least two materials. As an example, the hybrid information item can be included at a predefined position within the encryption key. Specifically, the hybrid information item can be included in the encryption key after a predefined amount of data. For example, the encryption key can include the hybrid information item after the transmission of a predefined number of bits or thereafter, such as a predefined amount of data. Additionally or alternatively, the hybrid information item can be included in the encryption key at a predefined time or after a predefined period. Specifically, the hybrid information item can be included in the encryption key after a predefined period has elapsed.

[0057] The encryption key can be further used to verify the synchronization of communication systems, such as a transmission system and a reception system. In particular, at least a part of the encryption key can be exchanged between communication systems, for example, between a transmission system and a reception system, in order to verify the generation of the encryption key at least once. Specifically, by at least partially exchanging the encryption key between communication systems, the accurate generation of the encryption key can be verified or confirmed at least once.

[0058] The data transmission method between at least two communication systems can specifically further include, for example, dispersing at least two communication systems before performing step I. Thus, as an example, at least two communication systems can be dispersed over at least two locations. Specifically, the dispersed communication systems can be made the same with respect to the hybrid device and the detector.

[0059] This method can specifically further include providing the same at least two types of materials to each of the communication systems before performing step I. Thus, as an example, this method can include dispersing a first set including at least two types of materials to a first communication system and dispersing a second set including at least two types of materials to a second communication system, where the first set and the second set each include at least one first identical material and at least one second identical material.

[0060] In a further aspect of the present invention, a method for encrypting data and a method for decrypting encrypted data are disclosed. These methods include the following method steps, which are outlined in more detail below respectively. These method steps can specifically be executed in a given order. Nevertheless, different orders are also possible. Furthermore, it is also possible to execute two or more of these method steps completely or partially simultaneously. Additionally, one or more or even all of these method steps can be executed once, or can be repeatedly executed, such as being repeated one or more times. Furthermore, these methods can include additional method steps not enumerated.

[0061] The method for encrypting data comprises a. generating at least one encryption key by using the method according to any one of the preceding claims referring to a method for generating an encryption key; and b. encrypting the data by using the encryption key, thereby generating encrypted data.

[0062] The method for decrypting encrypted data comprises A. generating at least one key by using the method according to any one of the preceding claims referring to a method for generating an encryption key; and B. decrypting the encrypted data by using the encryption key, thereby generating decrypted data.

[0063] For possible definitions, options, or embodiments, refer to the above description.

[0064] In a further aspect of the present invention, an encryption key generation device is disclosed. As used herein, the term "encryption key generation device" is a broad term and should be given its ordinary and customary meaning to those of ordinary skill in the art and is not limited to a special or specialized meaning. Specifically, without limitation, this term can refer to any device, such as a computerized device, configured to generate at least one encryption key for encrypting data. The encryption key generation device comprises - at least one hybridizing device configured to hybridize at least two materials according to at least one hybrid information item, thereby generating at least one hybrid; and - at least one detecting device configured to detect at least one material property of the hybrid and having at least one detector; and - at least one converting device having at least one data processing device configured to convert the material property into an encryption key and configured to apply at least one conversion algorithm to the material property.

[0065] Most of the terms, definitions, and possible embodiments may be referred to the description of the method described above. As used herein, the term "detecting device" is a broad term and should be given its ordinary and customary meaning to those of ordinary skill in the art and is not limited to a special or specialized meaning. Specifically, without limitation, this term can refer to any device having at least one detector, which is configured to detect at least one material property as outlined above. The at least one detector can be part of the detecting device, or alternatively, the detecting device can be the same as the at least one detector. However, generally, in most cases, the detecting device comprises at least one detector and, in addition, other components such as one or more computer devices.

[0066] As used herein, the term "conversion device" is also a broad term and should be given its ordinary and customary meaning to those of ordinary skill in the art and is not limited to a special or specialized meaning. Specifically, without limitation, this term can refer to any device configured to convert material properties into encryption keys by using at least one data processing device. In this case as well, a data processing device configured to apply at least one conversion algorithm to the material properties can form part of the conversion device, and the conversion device can include one or more additional components. However, alternatively, the conversion device and the data processing device can be wholly or partially identical. Generally, the conversion device can be implemented wholly or partially as a hardware device. However, alternatively, the conversion device can also be implemented wholly or partially in software.

[0067] The encryption key generation device can specifically be configured to execute a method for generating at least one encryption key according to the present invention, such as any one of the embodiments disclosed above and / or any one of the embodiments disclosed in further detail below. Accordingly, specifically, the hybrid device can be configured to execute step i., the detection device can be configured to execute step ii., and the data processing device can include at least one processor configured to execute method step iii.

[0068] As outlined above, various hybrid means can be used. Specifically, one or more of the hybrid devices disclosed above can be applied. More specifically, the hybrid device can include at least one printer such as an inkjet printer and / or a laser printer. However, other types of hybrid devices and / or printers can also be used.

[0069] As further outlined above, various types of detectors can be used within the detection device, and a single detector or multiple detectors can be used. The type of detector can be specifically adapted to at least one material property to be detected. However, specifically, the detection device can comprise at least one light detector configured to detect at least one optical property of the mixture, such as at least one scanning device, such as at least one optical scanner, etc. The at least one light detector and / or optical scanner can, for example, be at least one of a color detector, a brightness detector, or a spectrometer, or can include at least one of a color detector, a brightness detector, or a spectrometer. The at least one light detector and / or optical scanner can comprise a single light detector, or multiple light detectors such as an array of light detectors.

[0070] In a further aspect of the invention, as described above or as will be further detailed below, a printer configured to be used as a hybrid device within an encryption key generation device is disclosed. The printer is configured to perform at least step i. of a method of receiving at least one hybrid information item and generating at least one encryption key for encrypting data, as described above or as will be further detailed below. Thus, most of the terms, definitions, and possible embodiments are to be referred to the description of the methods and devices described above.

[0071] In this specification, the term "printer" is a broad term and should be given the meaning of common practice to those skilled in the art and is not limited to a special or specialized meaning. Specifically, without limitation, this term can refer to a device configured to apply, for example, print, at least one material onto at least one printing surface or substrate in a specifically patterned form according to at least one printer control information. Thus, typically, a printer can be configured to generate text and / or images on at least one printing surface according to at least one printer control information, such as, for example, one or more of a character string, a bitmap image, a vector image, a computer program provided in at least one printer control language. In particular, at least one function of a printer, specifically a printer, can be made controllable via at least one printer control language such as one or more page description languages (PDLs), printer command languages (PCLs), PostScript, XML Paper Specification, etc.

[0072] In particular, a printer can include one or more of a drum such as an imaging drum, a laser, a lens system such as a lens system including at least one mirror, for example a rotatable mirror, a cleaning element such as a roll, a scraper, or similar means for cleaning, for example cleaning the drum, a cassette such as a paper cassette for storing one or more of the substrates, for example, and at least one transport element such as a roller and / or a conveyor for feeding a substrate, specifically paper, into the printer, transmitting it within the printer, and / or discharging it from the printer, and a printer control unit configured to control the printer.

[0073] The printer can specifically be configured to mix at least two materials onto at least one substrate according to at least one hybrid information item. In particular, the printer can be configured to mix at least two materials onto a substrate for receiving the mixture according to the hybrid information item, thereby generating, for example, a mixture.

[0074] The substrate can specifically be at least one carrier medium selected from the group consisting of a glass carrier such as a glass plate or a glass sheet, a plastic carrier such as a plastic plate or a plastic sheet, a paper carrier such as a paper sheet, a canvas, or can include at least one such carrier medium. Other substrates can also be feasible.

[0075] Furthermore, the printer can include a substrate, for example, a carrier medium. Thus, as an example, the substrate can be part of the printer itself or can be embedded within the printer. In particular, the substrate included by the printer can be a reusable carrier medium such as a medium having a washable surface, for example, a drum of the printer, for example, a rotating drum.

[0076] The printer can be further configured to mix at least two materials such that at least one pattern, specifically at least one interference pattern, is generated. The at least two materials to be mixed by the printer can particularly be different materials, specifically materials different with respect to at least one property. As an example, the at least two materials to be mixed by the printer can be different with respect to at least one property selected from the group consisting of chemical properties, specifically chemical composition, optical properties, specifically one or more of color, permeability, luminance, etc., such as an optical appearance, mechanical properties, specifically one or more of particle size, particle diameter, density, viscosity, or fluidity, electrostatic chargeability, compressibility, crystallinity, particle shape.

[0077] In particular, at least two materials to be mixed by the printer can include - powders, specifically ○ inorganic powders, specifically inorganic powders made from minerals, ○ organic powders, specifically organic powders made from polymers, ○ powders selected from the group consisting of pigments, - liquids, specifically liquids selected from the group consisting of pure liquids, suspensions, emulsions, or solutions, more specifically at least two materials including one or more of liquid dyes and inks.

[0078] Specifically, at least one mixing information item for configuring the printer to mix at least two materials accordingly can include, for example, the quantity for at least two materials to be mixed, the weight for at least two materials to be mixed, the volume of at least two materials to be mixed, the mixing volume ratio of at least two materials to be mixed, the mixing weight ratio of at least two materials to be mixed, a mixing instruction for mixing two or more continuous or discontinuous streams of at least two materials to be mixed, different inclination raster images, for example, inclination information for mixing at least two materials to be mixed using raster images generated by a raster image processor (RIP) of the printer, etc., and at least one of the printing instructions for mixing at least two materials to be mixed.

[0079] The printer can specifically include at least one processor, and the processor can be configured to control at least one printing operation of the printer. Thus, as an example, when the printer executes step i of the method for generating at least one encryption key for encrypting data, it can be controlled via at least one processor.

[0080] Furthermore, the printer can specifically include at least two reservoirs for at least two materials to be mixed. However, additional reservoirs, such as for a plurality of, for example, three or more materials, such as powders and / or inks of different colors, can also be provided by the printer. Thus, as an example, the printer can include a plurality of reservoirs, each of which can contain at least one material, such as a material having a different color. In particular, each reservoir can contain materials of specific colors such as black, yellow, cyan, and magenta. Other material colors can also be made feasible, specifically additional or alternative material colors.

[0081] In particular, the printer can be, or can include, a printer selected from the group consisting of inkjet printers, laser printer, electrostatic printer, such as a liquid ink electrostatic printer. Furthermore, the printer can include at least one scanning device, such as at least one optical scanner.

[0082] In a further aspect of the present invention, as described above or as will be described in more detail below, a scanning device configured to be used as a detection device within an encryption key generation device is disclosed. Furthermore, the scanning device is configured to perform at least step ii. of a method for generating at least one encryption key for encrypting data, as described above or as will be described in more detail below. Thus, most of the terms, definitions, and possible embodiments can be referred to the description of the methods and devices described above.

[0083] In this specification, the term "scanning device" is a broad term and should be given its common and customary meaning to those skilled in the art and is not limited to a special or specialized meaning. Specifically, without limitation, this term can refer to a device configured to detect at least one object of a mixture and / or at least one characteristic of an element. In particular, a scanning device can be configured to inspect and / or detect at least one material characteristic of a mixture. As an example, a scanning device can have at least one scanning element configured to optically record and / or capture spatially resolved one-dimensional, two-dimensional, or even three-dimensional optical information regarding a mixture. Thus, for example, for optical detection, a scanning device can comprise at least one sensor, such as an optical sensor, specifically an image sensor, for example at least one photosensitive capacitor, at least one charge-coupled device (CCD). A scanning device can comprise, for example, at least one CCD chip and / or at least one CMOS chip. Specifically, a scanning device can be configured to detect the optical signal of a mixture, such as a mixed and / or dissolved powder component, by using an optical system or the like. In particular, a scanning system can be configured to convert, for example decompose, the optical signal of a mixture into primary colors such as red, green, and blue by using a prism or the like. A scanning device can specifically be configured to convert an optical signal, such as an optical signal converted into primary colors, into at least one digital image by using at least one sensor, such as a sensor comprising a plurality of photosensitive capacitors. Further, a scanning device can comprise at least one illumination element, such as an element configured to illuminate a mixture, and the scanning device can be configured to detect at least one characteristic of the mixture by using the reflection of the mixture. In this specification, the scanning device may also be referred to as a scanner.The scanning device can specifically be a device selected from the group consisting of a CCD scanner, a CIS scanner, a camera, and a film, or can be provided with such a device.

[0084] In particular, the scanning device can be provided with at least one light detection system, and the light detection system can specifically include one or more of a photodetector, an image sensor, such as a photomultiplier tube (PMT), such as a vacuum tube that converts incident photons into an electrical signal, a silicon photomultiplier (SiPM), such as a solid-state device that converts incident photons into an electrical signal.

[0085] The scanning device can specifically be provided with at least one processor, and the processor can be configured to control at least one scanning operation of the scanning device. Thus, as an example, the scanning device can be controlled via at least one processor when specifically performing step ii. and optionally step iii. of the method for generating at least one encryption key for encrypting data.

[0086] The scanning device can specifically be configured to generate at least one measurement information item regarding material properties. In particular, the scanning device can generate at least one measurement information item regarding the material properties of a mixture when detecting at least one material property of the mixture, such as when the scanning device is used to perform step ii. of the method. In particular, an image such as a digital image obtained by using the scanning device can include at least one binary code, and at least a part of the binary code can be used to generate at least a part of the encryption key.

[0087] Furthermore, the scanning device can be configured to be used as a conversion device within the encryption key generation device. Thus, the scanning device can be configured to perform at least step iii. of a method for generating at least one encryption key for encrypting data. In particular, for example when performing step iii. of the method, the scanning device can be configured to subject at least one material property to at least one test. The test can specifically be at least one predetermined test or can include at least one predetermined test. Thus, the scanning device can be configured to subject at least one material property to at least one predetermined test. By subjecting at least one material property to at least one test, an encryption key can be generated according to the result of the test. In particular, when the scanning device subjects at least one material property to at least one test, it can generate at least one encryption key according to the result of the at least one test.

[0088] Specifically, the scanning device can be configured to compare at least one material property with at least one threshold value and assign a number according to the result of the comparison. In particular, when performing step iii. of the method, and thus when converting the material property into an encryption key, the scanning device can be configured to compare at least one material property with at least one threshold value and assign a number according to the result of the comparison.

[0089] Furthermore, the scanning device can be configured to perform steps ii) and / or iii) of the method by scanning a substrate in which at least two materials are mixed, for example a carrier medium, specifically an optical scan, with a printer, specifically the printer described above or further detailed below.

[0090] The scanning device can be further configured to complement a printer, specifically to complement a printer as described above or described in further detail below. In particular, both the scanning device and the printer can be configured to be used as an encryption key generation device, as described above or described in further detail below.

[0091] In a further aspect of the invention, a system is disclosed that can generally be configured for data transmission between at least two communication systems. The system comprises at least one first communication system and at least one second communication system. As outlined above, at least one first communication system and at least one second communication system can each, by way of example, comprise at least one computer. For possible definitions of the system, the first communication system, and the second communication system, reference is made to the description above. The system is configured to execute a method for data transmission between at least two communication systems according to the invention, such as any one of the embodiments disclosed above and / or any one of the embodiments disclosed in further detail below.

[0092] Specifically, at least one of the communication systems can include at least one data transmission system for transmitting encrypted data, and at least one other of the communication systems includes at least one data reception system for receiving encrypted data. Thus, as used herein, the term "data transmission system" is a broad term and should be given its ordinary and customary meaning to those of ordinary skill in the art and is not limited to a special or specialized meaning. Specifically, without limitation, this term can refer to any device or combination of devices configured to transmit data to a wireless transmitter, network transmitter, modem, IR transmitter, Bluetooth transmitter, etc. Similarly, as used herein, the term "data reception system" is a broad term and should be given its ordinary and customary meaning to those of ordinary skill in the art and is not limited to a special or specialized meaning. Specifically, without limitation, this term can refer to any device or combination of devices configured to receive data, such as a wireless receiver, network receiver, modem, IR receiver, Bluetooth receiver, etc. Also in this case, as discussed above, the roles of the transmission system can be fixedly assigned by allocating the role of the transmission system to one of the first and second communication systems and the role of the reception system to the other of the first and second communication systems. However, alternatively, for example, the roles can be changed between iterations of data transmission. In the latter case, each of the first and second communication systems can include at least one data transmission system and at least one data reception system.

[0093] Each of the communication systems, i.e., both at least one first communication system and at least one second communication system, can each include at least one encryption key generation device according to the present invention, i.e., according to any one of the foregoing embodiments referring to an encryption key generation device and / or any one of the embodiments described hereinafter.

[0094] At least one of the communication systems, i.e., at least one first communication system and / or at least one second communication system, can further comprise at least one encryption device configured to encrypt data to be transmitted by using an encryption key, thereby generating encrypted data. As used herein, the term "encryption device" is a broad term and should be given the meaning of common convention to those skilled in the art and is not limited to a special or specialized meaning. Specifically, this term can refer to any device configured to encrypt data, without limitation. The encryption device can specifically comprise at least one processor configured to perform encryption, as outlined above. Therefore, the encryption device can be implemented fully or partially by software executed on at least one computer.

[0095] Furthermore, at least one other of the communication systems can further comprise at least one decryption device configured to decrypt the encrypted data by using an encryption key. As used herein, the term "decryption device" is a broad term and should be given the meaning of common convention to those skilled in the art and is not limited to a special or specialized meaning. Specifically, this term can refer to any device configured to perform the process of decrypting data, without limitation. The decryption device can specifically comprise at least one processor configured to perform decryption, as outlined above. The decryption device can be implemented fully or partially by software executed on at least one computer.

[0096] As further outlined above, at least one of the communication systems can comprise an encryption device, and at least one other of the communication systems can comprise a decryption device. Nevertheless, one or both of the communication systems can comprise both at least one encryption device and at least one decryption device. Thus, both at least one first communication system and at least one second communication system can each comprise at least one encryption device and at least one decryption device. The latter is specifically useful for two-way communication and / or data transfer.

[0097] In a further aspect, a data encryption system is disclosed. As used herein, the term "data encryption system" is a broad term and should be given its ordinary and customary meaning to those of ordinary skill in the art and is not limited to a special or specialized meaning. This term can specifically refer, without limitation, to a device, a combination of devices, or components, or a combination of components configured to encrypt data. The data encryption system can be implemented fully or partially as a computer or computer system, or can be included within a computer or computer system. The data encryption system comprises - at least one encryption key generation device according to the present invention, such as any one of the embodiments disclosed above with reference to the encryption key generation device or further disclosed in detail below, and - at least one encryption device configured to encrypt data by using the encryption key, thereby generating encrypted data.

[0098] In a further aspect, a data decryption system is disclosed. As used herein, the term "data decryption system" is a broad term and should be given its ordinary meaning to those of ordinary skill in the art and is not limited to a special or specialized meaning. Specifically, without limitation, this term can refer to a device, a combination of devices, or components, or a combination of components configured to decrypt data. The data decryption system can be implemented fully or partially as a computer or computer system, or can be included within a computer or computer system. The data decryption system - at least one encryption key generation device as recited in any one of the preceding claims that references an encryption key generation device, and - at least one decryption device configured to decrypt data by using the encryption key and thereby generate decrypted data.

[0099] As outlined above, the methods disclosed herein can be fully or partially computer-implemented by at least one computer or computer network. Thus, specifically, step iii. can be fully or partially computer-implemented. Further, one or both of steps i. and ii. can also be partially computer-implemented or computer-assisted. Similarly, one or more or even all of steps IV., V., VIII., and IX. can be fully or partially computer-implemented, or at least computer-assisted. One or more or even all of the remaining steps can also be at least computer-assisted. Accordingly, the present invention also discloses a computer program and a computer program product having program code means for fully or partially executing or assisting one or more of the methods according to the present invention in one or more of the embodiments encompassed herein when the computer program is executed on a computer or computer network. Specifically, the program code means can be stored on a computer-readable data carrier and / or a computer-readable storage medium. As used herein, the terms "computer-readable data carrier" and "computer-readable storage medium" can specifically refer to non-transitory data storage means such as a hardware storage medium storing computer-executable instructions. The computer-readable data carrier or storage medium can specifically be or include a storage medium such as random access memory (RAM) and / or read-only memory (ROM).

[0100] The methods, devices, and systems according to the present invention offer a number of advantages compared to well-known methods, devices, and systems of a similar type or purpose. Specifically, the present invention can be applied for the protection of confidential information that requires encryption techniques. Unauthorized access to encrypted data can be prevented, or at least significantly obstructed.

[0101] The methods, devices, and systems specifically address the above-mentioned problems of resources and time for generating encryption keys. As outlined above, today, encryption keys are typically derived by using algorithmic methods, so computational power often becomes the most important factor in the competition for information confidentiality protection. In this context, the present invention also addresses the problem that each time a new computer generation appears, typically the complexity of the encryption key needs to be increased, and again typically an increase in computational power is required. However, as an example, since the expansion of the number of bits of the encryption key only requires an expansion of the material properties to be measured and / or an increase in the number of iterations of the method, the method proposed herein can be easily expanded without requiring a significant increase in computational power.

[0102] The present invention can specifically provide a method for creating an encryption key by utilizing the complexity of the characteristics of a material mixture, such as a mixture of solid particle powders or a mixture of liquid materials such as ink. As an example, in a material mixture such as a solid particle powder mixture, since there are a large number of particles and the physical actions have different effects, it is very difficult, even if reproducible, to derive the characteristics of the powder mixture from the characteristics of its components. Therefore, the material characteristics of the mixture are generally affected by the interaction of various effects such as in the direction of the mass law, electrostatics, and binding properties. Therefore, even if the material characteristics of the mixture are reproducible by applying accurate mixing information items to detect the characteristics of the mixture, it is very difficult to simulate or predict them. In most cases, as an example, the characteristics of a particle powder mixture can only be identified by measurement and cannot be derived from simulation.

[0103] In the simplest case, as an example, two or more powder components can be used for encryption. This is because the mixture of at least two of these powder components provides new information such as new material properties of the mixture, such as density, flow rate, color, etc. However, reproducibility generally requires applying a defined mixing or blending process, which is ensured by providing at least one blending information item. The new powder properties of the new blend or mixture can be transformed into a binary code number that can act as an encryption key.

[0104] The methods, devices, and systems according to the present invention also generally, and specifically when the materials to be blended are clearly characterized and clearly defined, result in highly reproducible encryption and decryption. Furthermore, the blending and detection steps are also important and should be clearly defined. In the case of blending, reproducibility is typically ensured by providing at least one blending information item. Additionally, the detection of at least one material property should also be performed according to a clearly defined procedure in both cases of encryption and decryption. Thus, as an example, the same or at least equivalent procedures for detecting at least one material property should be used in both the transmission system and the receiving system as well as in both the encryption method and the decryption method.

[0105] Generally, the methods, devices, and systems of the present invention can result in the generation of pseudo-random numbers that can be used to generate encryption keys. The generation of encryption keys can be used in a composite manner basically anywhere, such as by simply applying the same mixing and detection processes in different locations to generate the same encryption key and / or encrypted or decrypted data. Thereby, a pseudo-randomized non-algorithmic method for generating encryption keys can be provided, specifically for secure data transmission, secure communication, or secure data storage. The materials for mixing can be provided by the same provider or manufacturer, specifically to ensure reproducibility in all locations where the encryption method is applied. The materials can be off-the-shelf materials, or even modified materials, or can include modified materials, such materials can be specifically changed according to special orders for the method of generating encryption keys.

[0106] Compared with conventional symmetric encryption algorithms, the methods, devices, and systems of the present invention further address the problem of exchanging encryption keys, specifically in an insecure environment. Thus, in addition to at least one hybrid information item, additional knowledge about the hybrid process can be required. Thus, a person who is not permitted to access the data but attempts to interfere with the data should have to obtain additional background information about the knowledge of the hybrid process. As an example, a non-permitted person may have to obtain knowledge about the type of hybrid device, additional knowledge about the materials to be used, or other additional knowledge that may not be part of at least one hybrid information item. Thus, at least one hybrid information item can fully or partially describe the hybrid process. When at least one hybrid information item only partially describes the hybrid process, additional background information can be required for all permitted persons. Thus, compared with conventional symmetric keys typically exchanged within a single unit, the methods required for hybridization and thus for generating encryption keys can be composed of several parts that can be transmitted or exchanged independently, such as by combining at least one hybrid information item, such as information about the type of hybrid device known only to those people, and additional information. Thereby, even if a non-permitted person can interfere with and possess at least one hybrid information item, specifically when additional information is required to perform the hybridization, the non-permitted person may still not be able to generate at least one encryption key. Thus, the encryption proposed herein provides the option of generating the encryption key at least partially non-analytically and / or using means other than simple algorithms for encryption, so the present invention can further provide protection from brute-force techniques or undesirable decryption by the application of additional computing resources or even quantum computing.

[0107] In summary, without excluding further possible embodiments, the following embodiments can be assumed.

[0108] Embodiment 1: Specifically, a method for generating at least one encryption key for encrypting data for data transmission via an insecure channel, comprising: i. mixing at least two materials according to at least one hybrid information item by using a hybrid device, thereby generating at least one hybrid; ii. detecting at least one material property of the hybrid by using at least one detector; iii. converting the material property into an encryption key by using at least one data processing device configured to apply at least one conversion algorithm to the material property.

[0109] Embodiment 2: The method according to Embodiment 1, wherein step iii. is performed in a fully or partially computer-implemented manner.

[0110] Embodiment 3: The method according to Embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the data includes digital data.

[0111] Embodiment 4: The method according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the data includes binary data.

[0112] Embodiment 5: The method according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the data is subdivided into data packages.

[0113] Embodiment 6: The method according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the data includes error correction data.

[0114] Embodiment 7: The method according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the data includes payload data and control data.

[0115] Embodiment 8: The method according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 7, wherein at least one hybrid information item includes n hybrid variables, n is a positive integer, and in step ii, m material properties of the mixture are detected, and m is a positive integer.

[0116] Embodiment 9: The method according to Embodiment 8, wherein m ≥ n.

[0117] Embodiment 10: The method according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 9, wherein at least two materials are different materials, specifically in terms of at least one property selected from the group consisting of different chemical properties, specifically chemical composition, optical properties, specifically one or more of color, permeability, luminance, etc., mechanical properties, specifically one or more of particle size, particle diameter, density, viscosity, or fluidity, electrostatic chargeability, compressibility, crystallinity, and particle shape.

[0118] Embodiment 11: At least two materials are - powders, specifically ○ inorganic powders, specifically inorganic powders made from minerals, ○ organic powders, specifically organic powders made from polymers, ○ powders selected from the group consisting of pigments, - liquids, specifically liquids selected from the group consisting of pure liquids, suspensions, emulsions, or solutions, more specifically at least two materials selected from the group consisting of one or more of liquid dyes and inks, according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 10.

[0119] Embodiment 12: The method according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 11, including at least one of the following for mixing at least two materials to be mixed: quantity with respect to at least two materials to be mixed, weight with respect to at least two materials to be mixed, volume of at least two materials to be mixed, mixing volume ratio of at least two materials to be mixed, mixing weight ratio of at least two materials to be mixed, mixing instruction for mixing at least two continuous or discontinuous streams of at least two materials to be mixed, inclination information for mixing at least two materials to be mixed using different inclination raster images, such as raster images generated by a raster image processor (RIP) of a printer, and printing instruction for mixing at least two materials to be mixed.

[0120] Embodiment 13: The method according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 12, wherein the mixing device comprises at least two reservoirs for at least two materials to be mixed.

[0121] Embodiment 14: The method according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 13, wherein the mixing device comprises at least one receiving element for receiving the mixture.

[0122] Embodiment 15: The method according to Embodiment 14, wherein the receiving element comprises at least one element selected from the group consisting of a receiving container for receiving the mixture and a substrate for receiving the mixture.

[0123] Embodiment 16: The method according to Embodiment 15, wherein the substrate comprises a drum having a receiving surface for receiving the mixture, specifically a drum on which the mixture is temporarily fixed electrostatically.

[0124] Embodiment 17: The drum is a rotating drum, and the method further includes at least one cleaning step, in which after detecting at least one material property, the mixture is removed from the receiving surface of the drum.

[0125] Embodiment 18: The method according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 17, wherein the hybrid device comprises at least one hybrid element for generating a hybrid, specifically a dispenser for continuously or discontinuously dispensing at least one of two materials, and at least one printer for printing at least two materials onto at least one receiving element, specifically onto at least one substrate, the at least one printer being selected from the group consisting of an inkjet printer and a laser printer, and comprising at least one hybrid element selected from the group consisting of at least one printer.

[0126] Embodiment 19: The method according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 18, wherein at least one material property includes at least one of the physical properties and chemical properties of the hybrid.

[0127] Embodiment 20: The method according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 19, wherein at least one material property includes at least one property selected from the group consisting of the specific gravity of the hybrid, the volume of the hybrid, the weight of the hybrid, the optical properties of the hybrid, the color of the hybrid, the spectral composition of the hybrid, specifically the color spectrum of the hybrid, the color intensity of the hybrid, and the viscosity of the hybrid.

[0128] Embodiment 21: The method according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 20, wherein the step of detecting at least one material property of the hybrid includes generating at least one measurement information item regarding the material property.

[0129] Embodiment 22: The method according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 21, wherein converting at least one material property into an encryption key includes subjecting at least one material property to at least one test, specifically at least one predetermined test, and the encryption key is generated according to the result of the test.

[0130] Embodiment 23: The method according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 22, wherein converting at least one material property into an encryption key includes comparing at least one material property with at least one threshold value and assigning a number according to the result of the comparison.

[0131] Embodiment 24: The method according to Embodiment 23, wherein the number is in binary.

[0132] Embodiment 25: Specifically, a data transmission method between at least two communication systems for data transmission via an insecure channel, I. Assigning the role of a transmission system to at least one of the communication systems; II. Assigning the role of a receiving system to at least another one of the communication systems; III. Providing at least one hybrid information item to both the transmission system and the receiving system; IV. By the transmission system, generating at least one encryption key by using the method according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 24 that refers to a method for generating at least one hybrid information item and at least one encryption key; V. By the transmission system, encrypting the data to be transmitted by using the encryption key, thereby generating the encrypted data; VI. By the transmission system, transmitting the encrypted data to the receiving system; VII. By the receiving system, receiving the encrypted data; VIII. By the receiving system, generating at least one encryption key by using the method according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 24 that refers to a method for generating at least one hybrid information item and at least one encryption key; IX. By the receiving system, decrypting the encrypted data by using the encryption key.

[0133] Embodiment 26: The method according to Embodiment 25, wherein the method is repeatedly executed.

[0134] Embodiment 27: The method according to Embodiment 26, wherein in the iteration, the roles of the transmission system and the receiving system are reassigned.

[0135] Embodiment 28: The method according to embodiment 26 or 27, wherein in at least one of the iterations, in step III., at least one hybrid information item is provided for at least one subsequent iteration.

[0136] Embodiment 29: The method according to embodiment 28, wherein at least one hybrid information item is fully or partially included in one or both of the encryption key and the data.

[0137] Embodiment 30: The method according to any one of embodiments 25 to 29, which further includes dispersing at least two communication systems, specifically before performing step I., with reference to a data transmission method between at least two communication systems.

[0138] Embodiment 31: The method according to embodiments 25 to 30, wherein the dispersed communication systems are identical with respect to the hybrid device and the detector.

[0139] Embodiment 32: The method according to embodiment 30 or 31, which further includes providing the same at least two materials to each of the communication systems, specifically before performing step I.

[0140] Embodiment 33: A method for encrypting data, comprising: a. generating at least one encryption key by using the method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 24 with reference to a method for generating an encryption key; and b. encrypting the data by using the encryption key, thereby generating encrypted data.

[0141] Embodiment 34: A method for decrypting encrypted data, comprising: A. generating at least one key by using the method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 24 with reference to a method for generating an encryption key; and A method including decrypting encrypted data by using an encryption key, thereby generating decrypted data.

[0142] Embodiment 35: An encryption key generation device for generating at least one encryption key for encrypting data, - At least one mixing device for mixing at least two materials according to at least one hybrid information item, thereby generating at least one mixture; - At least one detection device configured to detect at least one material property of the mixture and having at least one detector; - An encryption key generation device comprising at least one conversion device configured to convert the material property into an encryption key and having at least one data processing device configured to apply at least one conversion algorithm to the material property.

[0143] Embodiment 36: The encryption key generation device according to Embodiment 35, wherein the encryption key generation device is configured to execute the method for generating at least one encryption key according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 24 that refer to the method for generating at least one encryption key.

[0144] Embodiment 37: The encryption key generation device according to Embodiment 35 or 36, wherein the mixing device comprises at least one printer.

[0145] Embodiment 38: The encryption key generation device according to any one of Embodiments 35 to 37, wherein the detection device comprises at least one light detector, specifically at least one scanning device such as at least one optical scanner.

[0146] Embodiment 39: A printer configured to be used as a hybrid device within the encryption key generation device according to any one of Embodiments 35 to 38 that refers to an encryption key generation device, the printer being configured to receive at least one hybrid information item and execute at least step i. of the method for generating at least one encryption key for encrypting data according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 24 that refers to a method for generating at least one encryption key for encrypting data.

[0147] Embodiment 40: The printer according to Embodiment 39, comprising one or more of a drum such as an image drum, a laser, a lens system such as a lens system including at least one mirror, for example a rotatable mirror, a cleaning element such as a roll, a scraper, or similar means for cleaning, for example cleaning the drum, a cassette such as a paper cassette for storing one or more of the base materials, for example a cassette for storing a base material, specifically paper, and supplying it into the printer, transmitting it within the printer, and / or discharging it from the printer, and a printer control unit configured to control the printer.

[0148] Embodiment 41: The printer according to Embodiment 39 or 40 that refers to a printer, the printer being configured to mix at least two materials onto at least one base material such as a base material for receiving a mixture according to at least one hybrid information item.

[0149] Embodiment 42: The printer according to Embodiment 41, wherein the base material is at least one carrier medium.

[0150] Embodiment 43: The printer according to any one of Embodiments 41 or 42, further comprising a base material, for example a carrier medium, the base material being a reusable carrier medium having a washable surface, for example a drum of the printer, for example a rotating drum.

[0151] Embodiment 44: The printer according to any one of Embodiments 41 to 43, wherein at least two materials are configured to be mixed so that at least one pattern, specifically at least one interference pattern, is generated.

[0152] Embodiment 45: The printer according to any one of Embodiments 41 to 44, wherein at least two materials to be mixed by the printer are different materials, specifically materials different with respect to at least one property.

[0153] Embodiment 46: The printer according to any one of Embodiments 41 to 45, wherein at least one of at least two materials to be mixed by the printer contains a powder such as an inorganic powder, an organic powder, or a pigment.

[0154] Embodiment 47: The printer according to any one of Embodiments 41 to 46, wherein at least one of at least two materials to be mixed by the printer contains a liquid such as a pure liquid, a suspension, an emulsion, or a solution.

[0155] Embodiment 48: The printer according to any one of Embodiments 39 to 47, wherein at least one of at least one mixing information item in which the printer is configured to mix at least two materials includes at least one of the following: the quantity for at least two materials to be mixed, the weight for at least two materials to be mixed, the volume of at least two materials to be mixed, the mixing volume ratio of at least two materials to be mixed, the mixing weight ratio of at least two materials to be mixed, a mixing instruction for mixing two or more continuous or discontinuous streams of at least two materials to be mixed, a raster image with different inclinations, for example, inclination information for mixing at least two materials to be mixed using a raster image generated by a raster image processor (RIP) of the printer, etc., and at least one of the printing instructions for mixing at least two materials to be mixed.

[0156] Embodiment 49: The printer according to any one of Embodiments 39 to 48 referring to a printer, further comprising at least one processor configured to control at least one printing operation of the printer.

[0157] Embodiment 50: The printer according to any one of Embodiments 39 to 49 referring to a printer, comprising at least two reservoirs for at least two materials to be mixed.

[0158] Embodiment 51: The printer according to any one of Embodiments 39 to 50 referring to a printer, wherein the printer is selected from the group consisting of an inkjet printer, a laser printer, an electrostatic printer, such as a liquid ink electrostatic printer.

[0159] Embodiment 52: The printer according to any one of Embodiments 39 to 51 referring to a printer, further comprising at least one scanning device, such as at least one optical scanner.

[0160] Embodiment 53: A scanning device configured to be used as a detection device in the encryption key generation device according to any one of Embodiments 35 to 38 referring to an encryption key generation device, wherein the scanning device is configured to execute at least step ii. of a method for generating one encryption key for encrypting data according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 24 referring to a method for generating at least one encryption key for encrypting at least data.

[0161] Embodiment 54: The scanning device according to Embodiment 53, wherein the scanning device is configured to generate at least one measurement information item regarding a material property when specifically detecting at least one material property of a mixture.

[0162] Embodiment 55: The scanning device is further configured to be used as a conversion device within the encryption key generation device, and the scanning device is configured to execute at least step iii. of the method for generating at least one encryption key for encrypting data according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 24 that refer to a method for generating at least one encryption key for encrypting data. The scanning device according to Embodiment 53 or 54 that refers to a scanning device.

[0163] Embodiment 56: The scanning device is configured to subject at least one material property to at least one test, specifically at least one predetermined test, and the encryption key is generated according to the result of the test, specifically when converting the material property into the encryption key. The scanning device according to Embodiment 55.

[0164] Embodiment 57: The scanning device is configured to compare at least one material property with at least one threshold value, specifically when converting the material property into the encryption key, and assign a number according to the result of the comparison. The scanning device according to Embodiment 55 or 56.

[0165] Embodiment 58: The scanning device is a printer, specifically a printer according to any one of Embodiments 39 to 52 that refers to a printer, and scans a substrate in which at least two materials are mixed, such as a carrier medium, specifically optically scans, so as to execute step ii. and / or iii. of the method. The scanning device according to any one of Embodiments 55 to 57.

[0166] Embodiment 59: The scanning device includes at least one light detection system, and at least one light detection system specifically includes one or more of a photodetector, an image sensor, such as a photomultiplier tube (PMT), such as a vacuum tube that converts incident photons into an electrical signal, a silicon photomultiplier (SiPM), such as a solid-state device that converts incident photons into an electrical signal. The scanning device according to Embodiment 58.

[0167] Embodiment 60: The scanning device according to any one of Embodiments 53 to 59 that refers to a scanning device, further comprising at least one processor configured to control at least one scanning operation of the scanning device.

[0168] Embodiment 61: The scanning device according to any one of Embodiments 53 to 60 that refers to a scanning device, configured to be used in complement with the printer according to any one of Embodiments 39 to 52 that refers to a printer, specifically, both the scanning device and the printer are configured to be used as an encryption key generation device.

[0169] Embodiment 62: A system comprising at least one first communication system and at least one second communication system, configured to execute a data transmission method between at least two communication systems according to any one of Embodiments 25 to 32 that refers to a data transmission method between at least two communication systems.

[0170] Embodiment 63: The system according to Embodiment 62, wherein at least one of the communication systems comprises at least one data transmission system for transmitting encrypted data, and at least another one of the communication systems comprises at least one data reception system for receiving encrypted data.

[0171] Embodiment 64: The system according to Embodiment 62 or 63, wherein each of the communication systems comprises at least one encryption key generation device according to any one of Embodiments 35 to 38 that refers to an encryption key generation device.

[0172] Embodiment 65: The system according to Embodiment 64, wherein at least one of the communication systems further comprises at least one encryption device configured to encrypt data to be transmitted by using an encryption key, thereby generating encrypted data.

[0173] Embodiment 66: The system according to Embodiment 65, wherein at least one of the communication systems further comprises at least one decryption device configured to decrypt encrypted data by using an encryption key.

[0174] Embodiment 67: A data encryption system, - at least one encryption key generation device according to any one of Embodiments 35 to 38 that refers to an encryption key generation device, and - at least one encryption device configured to encrypt data by using an encryption key and thereby generate encrypted data.

[0175] Embodiment 68: A data decryption system, - at least one encryption key generation device according to any one of Embodiments 35 to 38 that refers to an encryption key generation device, and - at least one decryption device configured to decrypt data by using an encryption key and thereby generate decrypted data.

[0176] Further optional features and embodiments are disclosed in more detail in the description of the later embodiments, preferably together with the dependent claims. Thus, each optional feature can be implemented separately and in any feasible combination, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. The scope of the present invention is not limited by the preferred embodiments. The embodiments are schematically shown in the figures. Therefore, the same reference numerals in these figures refer to the same or functionally equivalent elements.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0177]

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Figure 12

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0178] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an encryption key generation device 110. The encryption key generation device 110 includes a mixing device 112 for mixing at least two materials 114, specifically at least a first material 116 and a second material 118, according to at least one hybrid information item, thereby generating at least one mixture 120. Further, the encryption key generation device 110 includes a detection device 122 configured to detect at least one material property 124 of the mixture 120. The detection device 122 has at least one detector 126. In addition, the encryption key generation device 110 includes at least one conversion device 128 configured to convert the material property 124 into an encryption key 130. The conversion device 128 has at least one data processing device 132 configured to apply at least one conversion algorithm to the material property 124. Converting the material property 124 into the encryption key 130 can specifically include comparing at least one material property 124 with at least one threshold value and assigning a number, for example, a binary number, according to the result of the comparison.

[0179] FIG. 2 shows a different embodiment of the encryption key generation device 110. Therein, the mixing device 112 can mix five materials 114 according to the hybrid information item, thereby generating at least one mixture 120. The detection device 122 and the conversion device 128 can be integrally formed to detect the material property 124 of the mixture 120 and convert it into the encryption key 130.

[0180] FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of system 134. System 134 includes at least one first communication system 136 and at least one second communication system 138. Each of communication systems 136, 138 can include an encryption key generation device 110. The first communication system 136, specifically the transmission system 141, can include at least one encryption device 140 configured to encrypt data 142 to be transmitted by using encryption key 130, thereby generating encrypted data 144. The terms transmission system 141 and transmission system can be used interchangeably and specifically can refer to the same system. The second communication system 138, specifically the reception system 145, can include at least one decryption device 146 configured to decrypt encrypted data 144 by using encryption key 130.

[0181] FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of a data encryption system 148 including at least one encryption key generation device 110. Further, data encryption system 148 can include at least one encryption device 140 configured to encrypt data 142 to be transmitted by using encryption key 130, thereby generating encrypted data 144.

[0182] FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of a data decryption system 150 including at least one encryption key generation device 110. Further, data decryption system 150 can include at least one decryption device 146 configured to decrypt data, specifically encrypted data 144, by using encryption key 130, thereby generating decrypted data 152 such as data 142 for example.

[0183] The encryption key generation device 110 can be configured to execute a method 154 for generating at least one encryption key 130, for example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method 154 for generating at least one encryption key 130 for encrypting data 142. The method 154 includes the following steps, and these steps can specifically be executed in a given order. Nevertheless, different orders are also possible. Two or more of these method steps can be executed completely or partially simultaneously. Further, one, two or more, or even all of these method steps can be executed once or repeatedly. This method can include additional method steps not listed herein. The method steps of the method 154 for generating at least one encryption key 130 for encrypting data 142 are i. a step of mixing at least two materials 114 according to at least one hybrid information item by using a hybrid device 112, thereby generating at least one hybrid 120 (indicated by reference numeral 156); ii. a step of detecting at least one material property 124 of the hybrid 120 by using at least one detector 126 (indicated by reference numeral 158); iii. a step of converting the material property 124 into an encryption key 130 by using at least one data processing device 132 configured to apply at least one conversion algorithm to the material property 124 (indicated by reference numeral 160).

[0184] System 134 is configured to execute a data transmission method 162 between at least two communication systems 136, 138, as shown, for example, in FIG. 3. FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a data transmission method 162 between at least two communication systems 136, 138. Method 162 includes the following steps, which can specifically be executed in a given order. Nevertheless, different orders are also possible. Two or more of these method steps can be executed completely or partially simultaneously. Further, one, two or more, or even all of these method steps can be executed once or repeatedly. This method can include additional method steps not listed herein. The method steps of the data transmission method 162 between at least two communication systems 136, 138 are I. Assigning the role of transmission system 141 to at least one of communication systems 136, 138 (indicated by reference numeral 164); II. Assigning the role of receiving system 145 to at least another one of communication systems 136, 138 (indicated by reference numeral 166); III. Providing at least one hybrid information item to both the transmission system 141 and the receiving system 145 (indicated by reference numeral 168); IV. Generating at least one encryption key 130 by using method 154 to generate at least one encryption key 130 and at least one hybrid information item by the transmission system 141 (indicated by reference numeral 170); V. Encrypting the data 142 to be transmitted by using the encryption key 130 by the transmission system 141, thereby generating encrypted data 144 (indicated by reference numeral 172); VI. Transmitting the encrypted data 144 to the receiving system 145 by the transmission system 141 (indicated by reference numeral 174); VII. Receiving the encrypted data 144 by the receiving system 145 (indicated by reference numeral 176); VIII. A method 154 for generating at least one hybrid information item and at least one encryption key 130 by a receiving system 145 is used to generate at least one encryption key 130 (indicated by reference numeral 178), and IX. A receiving system 145 includes a step of decrypting encrypted data 144 by using an encryption key 130 (indicated by reference numeral 180).

[0185] FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method 182 for encrypting data. The method 182 includes the following steps, which can specifically be executed in a given order. One or more of the method steps can be executed once or repeatedly. This method can include additional method steps not listed herein. The method steps of the method 182 for encrypting data are a. A step of generating at least one encryption key 130 by using a method 154 for generating at least one encryption key 130 (indicated by reference numeral 184), and b. A step of encrypting data 142 by using the encryption key 130, thereby generating encrypted data 144 (indicated by reference numeral 186).

[0186] FIG. 9 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method 188 for decrypting data. The method 188 includes the following steps, which can specifically be executed in a given order. One or more of the method steps can be executed once or repeatedly. This method can include additional method steps not listed herein. The method steps of the method 188 for decrypting data are A. A step of generating at least one key 130 by using a method 154 for generating an encryption key 130 (indicated by reference numeral 190), and B. A step of decrypting the encrypted data 144 by using the encryption key 130, thereby generating decrypted data 152 (indicated by reference numeral 192).

[0187] FIG. 10 shows an embodiment in which at least two materials are mixed so that at least one pattern is generated. In particular, this figure can show an example of generating a pattern such as an interference pattern when mixing a first material 116 and a second material 118 into at least one mixture 120. Specifically, for example, as exemplarily shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, when using a printer 194, the first material 116 can be applied onto at least one substrate 196 such as a drum 198 and / or a sheet of paper 200. For example, the pattern can be specifically generated by using raster images with different inclinations. Thus, in particular, for example, by a printer control unit 202, the raster image generated by the second material 118 can be inclined with respect to the raster image generated by the first material 116. As exemplarily shown in FIG. 10, as a result of mixing two materials such as overlapping the raster images generated by the first material 116 and the second material 118 respectively, a pattern can be caused to occur in the mixture 120.

[0188] Such patterns within the hybrid 120 can be generated, specifically, by using a printer 194 as illustratively shown in FIG. 11. In particular, FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of the encryption key generation device 110. The encryption key generation device 110 can specifically include a printer 194 configured to be used as a hybrid device 112, and can further include a scanning device 204 configured to be used as a detection device 122. The printer 194 is configured to perform at least step i. of a method for generating at least one encryption key for encrypting data. The printer 194 can be a laser printer or can include a laser printer, and at least one laser 206 and at least one rotating mirror 208 can be used to print, for example, hybridize, at least two types of materials 114 housed in at least two reservoirs 210 onto a drum 198. Specifically, the first material 116 can be housed in the first reservoir 212, and the second material 118 can be housed in the second reservoir 214.

[0189] The scanning device 204 is configured to perform at least step ii. of a method for generating at least one encryption key for encrypting data. Further, the scanning device 204 can be used to detect a pattern within the hybrid 120, for example, by optically scanning the hybrid 120 printed on the drum 198. Thus, the scanning device 204 can be configured to generate at least one measurement information item, for example, from this pattern. In addition, the scanning device 204 can be configured to perform at least step iii. of the method, for example, by converting the pattern into an encryption key 130. Further, the printer 194 can include a cleaning element 216 such as a cleaning roll 218, specifically, to remove the hybrid 120 from the drum 198, for example, to clean the substrate 196. Thus, as an example, the cleaning element 216 can be configured to prepare the drum 198 for further printing, such as to prepare for carrying the next hybrid 120.

[0190] In particular, in order to be made available for generating at least one encryption key for encrypting data, the drum 198 can be coated in a laser printer with at least two printer powders, which powders can be mixed to produce a pattern, for example a unique pattern. The pattern can specifically be produced by using the printer control unit 202 to control the raster image processor (RIP) of the printer 194. In particular, the raster image processor of the printer 194 can convert the brightness gradation of the printed material into different grids consisting of small dots for each material 114, thereby controlling, for example, the raster image generated by the second material 118 to be inclined with respect to the raster image generated by the first material 116. Specifically, as an example, the RIP can be controlled according to the hybrid information item.

[0191] FIG. 12 shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the encryption key generation device 110. Specifically, the encryption key generation device 110 can include at least one printer 194 for at least one hybrid device 112. Further, the encryption key generation device 110 can include at least one scanning device 204 for at least one detection device 122, for example, and in addition, for at least one conversion device 128. As an example, the printer 194 can include a plurality of reservoirs 210, each reservoir 210 containing at least one type of material 114, and each material 114 can be different from all other materials 114. In particular, the printer 194 can include a standard color laser cartridge having, for example, "CMYK" toner colors. Thus, as an example, the printer 194 can include five reservoirs 210, each reservoir 210 containing a material 114 having a different color, such as materials for cyan 220, magenta 222, yellow 224, and black 226, for example, toner 217. Further, each reservoir can include at least one image roll 219 and at least one laser 227. Additionally or alternatively, the printer 194 can include at least one active material 228, such as one or more materials having an optically detectable reaction with one or more other materials, such as a reflective material, a fluorescent material, or one or more of the "CMYK" color materials. In particular, by using a plurality of materials 114, the complexity of the encryption key 130 can be increased.

[0192] The scanning device 204 can further include at least one illumination element 230, such as an element configured to illuminate the mixture 120. Specifically, the scanning device 204 can be configured to detect at least one characteristic of the mixture 120 by using the reflection of the mixture 120. Thus, as an example, when scanning the mixture 120 using the scanning device 204 having the illumination element 230, the complexity of the encryption key 130 can be increased by using light effects such as special reflections, for example, by using the active material 228.

[0193] Furthermore, for example, by controlling the printer 194 by the printer control unit 202, the raster image can be changed, for example, to produce a unique pattern and / or color. Specifically, for example, by making slight modifications to the hybrid information items, such as performing the changes only within the printer control unit 202 while maintaining the previously used materials, a new color image can be obtained. Thus, specifically, for example, the position of the deposition of the material can be moved by a defined distance for some of the color components, thereby obtaining an image that can correct a region that was previously blue or red to a green or orange region.

[0194] As shown in FIG. 12, the printer 194 can further include at least one transport element, such as rollers 232 and / or a conveyor 234, for supplying, for example, a substrate 196, specifically paper 200, into the printer 194, transporting it within the printer 194, and / or discharging it from the printer 194. Further, the conveyor 234 itself can also be used as the substrate 196 to transport the mixture 120, for example, a printed color image, to the scanning device 204. The cleaning element 216 can be further used specifically to clean the conveyor 234 after the mixture 120 has passed through the scanning device. Thus, as an example, the conveyor 234 can function as a transfer belt. In particular, the mixture 120 can be printed onto the conveyor 234 and then transported by the conveyor 234 to the scanning device 204, and thus the scanning device 204 can detect at least one characteristic of the mixture 120. Then, the conveyor 234 can be configured to move the mixture 120 to the cleaning element 216 after specifically passing through the scanner, and the cleaning element 216 can clean the conveyor 234, for example, remove the mixture 120, for example, the color image, from the conveyor 234. Thus, for example, when the conveyor 234 is used as the substrate 196, unlike when the printer 194 is in the normal printer mode, the paper 200 may not be transported. Specifically, in this case, the scanning device 204 can be arranged behind the paper discharge section, as exemplarily shown in FIG. 12.

[0195] An encryption key generation device 110, such as a printer 194, can be configured to generate at least one encryption key 130 for encrypting data, together with a scanning device 204. As an example, for data communication via an insecure channel, specifically for secure communication between at least two communication systems 136, 138, each communication system 136, 138 can include at least one encryption key generation device 110. Thus, each communication system 136, 138 can include, for example, at least one printer 194 and at least one scanning device 204, and within each communication system 136, 138, the printer 194 and the scanner 204 can generate the same encryption key 130 to be used for encrypting and / or decrypting data 142. In particular, within each communication system 136, 138, the printer 194 and the scanner 204 can generate the encryption key 130 by using the same material 114, such as printer powder, according to a hybrid information item such as the same print command, and / or by using the same information for controlling the printer 194, such as a printer control unit 202 like the RIP of the printer 194.

[0196] In particular, for data communication, specifically for secure communication, all of the relevant communication systems 136, 138 can include the same printer 194 and the same scanning device 204, such as the same laser printer and / or the same optical scanner, which are identical in both hardware, and a printer control unit 202 that is identically programmed, such as a RIP, and software used for controlling the printer 194 and / or the scanning device 204.

[0197] Confidential protection of communication can be increased by modifying and / or changing the encryption key 130. Thus, as an example, the hybrid information item can be changed and / or modified periodically. For example, the software used to control, for example, the printer 194 and / or the scanning device 204 can be synchronized at predefined time intervals, and the material 114 to be hybridized can be exchanged and / or modified according to the information transmitted via external communication. Additionally or alternatively, the software can be modified synchronously according to an algorithm, and the material 114 can be exchanged and / or modified by the information contained in the transmitted encrypted data 144, such as within the appendix of the transmitted encrypted data 144.

[0198] Specifically, data, such as the data 142 to be encrypted, can be encrypted by transforming and / or converting it into an image, such as an image in an image format printable by the printer 194. In particular, hybrid information items, such as print commands for controlling the printer 194 and a conforming version, such as a RIP conforming version, can be transmitted together with the encrypted data 144.

Explanation of Symbols

[0199] 110 Encryption key generation device 112 Hybrid device 114 Material 116 First material 118 Second material 120 Hybrid 122 Detection device 124 Material property 126 Detector 128 Conversion device 130 Encryption key 132 Data processing device 134 System 136 First communication system 138 Second communication system 140 Encryption device 141 Transmission system 142 Data 144 Encrypted data 145 Receiving system 146 Decryption device 148 Data encryption system 150 Data decryption system 152 Decrypted data 154 Method for generating at least one encryption key 156 Step i. 158 Step ii. 160 Step iii. 162 Method for data transmission between at least two communication systems 164 Step I. 166 Step II. 168 Step III. 170 Step IV. 172 Step V. 174 Step VI. 176 Step VII. 178 Step VIII. 180 Step IX. 182 Method for encrypting data 184 Step a. 186 Step b. 188 Method for decrypting data 190 Step A. 192 Step B. 194 Printer 196 Substrate 198 Drum 200 Paper 202 Printer control unit 204 Scanning device 206 Laser 208 Rotary mirror 210 Reservoir 212 First reservoir 214 Second reservoir 216 Cleaning element 217 Toner 218 Cleaning roll 219 Image roll 220 Cyan 222 Magenta 224 Yellow 226 Black 227 Laser 228 Active Material 230 Lighting Element 232 Roller 234 Conveyor

Claims

**Claim 1** A method for generating at least one encryption key (130) for encrypting data (142) for data transmission via an insecure channel, comprising: i. mixing at least two materials (114) according to at least one hybrid information item by using a hybrid device (112), thereby generating at least one hybrid (120); ii. detecting at least one material property (124) of the hybrid (120) by using at least one detector (126); iii. converting the material property (124) into the encryption key (130) by using at least one data processing device (132) configured to apply at least one conversion algorithm to the material property (124), wherein the at least two materials are powders. **Claim 2** The method according to claim 1, wherein step iii. is performed by a program implemented fully or partially on a computer. **Claim 3** The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the data (142) includes one or more of digital data, binary data, error correction data, payload data, and control data. **Claim 4** The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the data (142) is subdivided into data packages. **Claim 5** The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one hybrid information item includes n hybrid variables, n being a positive integer, and in step ii., m material properties (124) of the hybrid (120) are detected, m being a positive integer. **Claim 6** The powder is ○ inorganic powder, ○ organic powder, ○ pigment, selected from the group consisting of. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5. **Claim 7** The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least one hybrid information item includes at least one of the quantity of the at least two materials to be mixed, the weight of the at least two materials to be mixed, the volume of the at least two materials to be mixed, the mixing volume ratio of the at least two materials to be mixed, the mixing weight ratio of the at least two materials to be mixed, and a mixing instruction for mixing two or more continuous or discontinuous streams of the at least two materials to be mixed. **Claim 8** The hybrid device comprises at least one receiving element for receiving the mixture, the receiving element comprising at least one element selected from the group consisting of a receiving container for receiving the mixture; a drum made of a substrate having a receiving surface for receiving the mixture, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The drum is a rotating drum, and the method further comprises at least one washing step, in which the mixture is removed from the receiving surface of the drum after detecting the at least one material property, the method according to claim 8.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the at least one material property (124) comprises at least one of a physical property of the mixture (120) and a chemical property of the mixture (120).

11. Converting the material property (124) into the encryption key (130) comprises subjecting the at least one material property (124) to at least one test, and the encryption key (130) is generated according to the result of the test, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A data transmission method between at least two communication systems (136, 138) for data transmission via an insecure channel, I. Assigning the role of a transmission system (141) to at least one of the communication systems (136, 138); II. Assigning the role of a receiving system (145) to at least another one of the communication systems (136, 138); III. Providing at least one hybrid information item to both the transmission system (141) and the receiving system (145); IV. Generating at least one encryption key (130) by using, by the transmission system (141), the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11 for generating the at least one hybrid information item and at least one encryption key (130); V. Encrypting the data (142) to be transmitted by using, by the transmission system (141), the encryption key (130), thereby generating encrypted data (144); VI. transmitting the encrypted data (144) to the receiving system (145) by the transmission system (141); VII. receiving the encrypted data (144) by the receiving system (145); VIII. generating at least one encryption key (130) by the receiving system (145) by using the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, which refers to a method for generating at least one hybrid information item and at least one encryption key (130); IX. decrypting the encrypted data (144) by the receiving system (145) by using the encryption key (130).

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the method is repeatedly executed, and in the repetition, the roles of the transmission system (141) and the receiving system (145) are reassigned.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein in at least one of the repetitions, in step III., at least one hybrid information item is provided for a subsequent repetition after at least one time.

15. A method for encrypting data (142), comprising: a. generating at least one encryption key (130) by using the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, which refers to a method for generating an encryption key (130); b. encrypting the data (142) by using the encryption key (130), thereby generating encrypted data (144).

16. A method for decrypting encrypted data (144), comprising: A. generating at least one encryption key (130) by using the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, which refers to a method for generating an encryption key (130); B. decrypting the encrypted data (144) by using the encryption key (130), thereby generating decrypted data (152).

17. An encryption key generation device (110) for generating at least one encryption key (130) for encrypting data (142), - At least one hybrid device (112) for hybridizing at least two materials (114) according to at least one hybrid information item, thereby generating at least one hybrid (120); - At least one detection device (122) configured to detect at least one material property (124) of the hybrid (120) and having at least one detector (126); - At least one conversion device (128) having at least one data processing device (132) configured to convert the material property (124) into the encryption key (130) and configured to apply at least one conversion algorithm to the material property (124); The encryption key generation device (110) in which the at least two materials are made of powder.

18. The encryption key generation device (110) according to claim 17, configured to execute the method for generating at least one encryption key (130) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, which refers to a method for generating at least one encryption key (130).

19. A printer configured to be used as a hybrid device in the encryption key generation device according to claim 17 or 18, which receives the at least one hybrid information item and refers to a method for generating at least one encryption key for encrypting data according to any one of claims 1 to 11. A printer configured to execute at least step i. of the method for generating at least one encryption key for encrypting data.

20. The printer according to claim 19, wherein the printer includes one or more drums, lasers, lens systems, cleaning elements, cassettes, at least one transport element, and a printer control unit configured to control the printer.

21. The printer according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the printer is configured to hybridize the at least two materials onto at least one substrate for receiving the hybrid according to the at least one hybrid information item.

22. The printer according to claim 21, wherein the substrate is at least one carrier medium.

23. The printer according to claim 21 or 22, further comprising the substrate, wherein the substrate is a reusable carrier medium.

24. The printer according to any one of claims 21 to 23, configured to mix the at least two materials so that at least one interference pattern is generated.

25. The printer according to any one of claims 21 to 24, wherein the at least two materials to be mixed by the printer are materials that differ with respect to at least one property.

26. The printer according to any one of claims 21 to 25, wherein at least one of the at least two materials to be mixed by the printer includes an inorganic powder, an organic powder, or a pigment powder.

27. The printer according to any one of claims 21 to 26, wherein at least one of the at least two materials to be mixed by the printer includes a pure liquid, a suspension, an emulsion, or a solution liquid.

28. The at least one mixing information item for which the printer is configured to mix the at least two materials includes at least one of the quantity for the at least two materials to be mixed, the weight for the at least two materials to be mixed, the volume of the at least two materials to be mixed, the mixing volume ratio of the at least two materials to be mixed, the mixing weight ratio of the at least two materials to be mixed, a mixing instruction for mixing two or more continuous or discontinuous streams of the at least two materials to be mixed, and inclination information for mixing the at least two materials to be mixed using a raster image generated by a raster image processor (RIP) of the printer, the printer according to any one of claims 19 to 27.

29. The printer according to any one of claims 19 to 28, further comprising at least one processor configured to control at least one printing operation of the printer.

30. The printer according to any one of claims 19 to 29, wherein the printer comprises at least two reservoirs for the at least two materials to be mixed.

31. The printer according to any one of claims 19 to 30, wherein the printer is selected from the group consisting of an inkjet printer, a laser printer, and an electrostatic printer.

32. The printer according to any one of claims 19 to 31, wherein the printer further comprises at least one scanning device including at least one optical scanner.

33. A scanning device configured to be used as a detection device within the encryption key generation device according to claim 17 or 18, with reference to the encryption key generation device, wherein the scanning device performs at least step ii. of the method for generating at least one encryption key for encrypting data according to any one of claims 1 to 11, with reference to the method for generating at least one encryption key for encrypting data.

34. The scanning device according to claim 33, wherein when the scanning device detects the at least one material property of the mixture, the scanning device is configured to generate at least one measurement information item regarding the material property.

35. The scanning device according to claim 33 or 34, with reference to the scanning device, wherein the scanning device is further configured to be used as a conversion device within the encryption key generation device, and the scanning device performs at least step iii. of the method for generating at least one encryption key for encrypting data according to any one of claims 1 to 11, with reference to the method for generating at least one encryption key for encrypting data.

36. The scanning device according to claim 35, wherein the scanning device is configured to subject the at least one material property to at least one test, and the encryption key is generated according to the result of the test, specifically when converting the material property into the encryption key.

37. The scanning device according to claim 35 or 36, wherein when converting the material property into the encryption key, the scanning device is configured to compare at least one of the at least one material property with at least one threshold value and assign a number according to the result of the comparison.

38. The scanning device according to any one of claims 35 to 37, wherein the scanning device scans a base material in which at least two materials are mixed by the printer according to any one of claims 19 to 32 with reference to the printer, thereby performing step ii. and / or iii. of the method.

39. The scanning device according to claim 38, wherein the scanning device includes at least one light detection system, and the at least one light detection system includes one or more of a detector, an image sensor, a photomultiplier tube (PMT), a vacuum tube that converts incident photons into an electrical signal, a silicon photomultiplier tube (SiPM), and a solid-state device that converts incident photons into an electrical signal.

40. The scanning device according to any one of claims 33 to 39 with reference to a scanning device, further comprising at least one processor configured to control at least one scanning operation of the scanning device.

41. The scanning device according to any one of claims 33 to 40 with reference to a scanning device, wherein the scanning device is configured to be used in complement with the printer according to any one of claims 19 to 32 with reference to the printer, specifically, the scanning device and the printer are both configured to be used as the encryption key generation device.

42. A system (134) comprising at least one first communication system (136) and at least one second communication system (138), the system (134) being configured to execute the data transmission method between at least two communication systems (136, 138) according to any one of claims 12 to 14 with reference to the data transmission method between at least two communication systems (136, 138).

43. At least one of said communication systems (136, 138) comprises at least one data transmission system (141) for transmitting encrypted data (144), and at least another one of said communication systems (136, 138) comprises at least one data receiving system (145) for receiving encrypted data (144), the system (134) according to claim 42.

44. Each of said communication systems (136, 138) comprises at least one encryption key generation device (110) as claimed in claim 17 or 18 with reference to an encryption key generation device (110), the system according to claim 42 or 43.

45. A data encryption system (148), - at least one encryption key generation device (110) as claimed in claim 17 or 18 with reference to an encryption key generation device (110); and - at least one encryption device (140) configured to encrypt said data (142) by using said encryption key (130), thereby generating encrypted data (144).

46. A data decryption system (150), - at least one encryption key generation device (110) as claimed in claim 17 or 18 with reference to an encryption key generation device (110); and - at least one decryption device (146) configured to decrypt said data (144) by using said encryption key (130), thereby generating decrypted data (152).

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