Asymmetric Key Pair Hierarchical Linking via Encryption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for generating and managing cryptographic key pairs lack an efficient mechanism to create dependencies between key pairs, leading to limitations in access control and hierarchical structures, particularly in secure data interchange and electronic health record systems.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced that links two asymmetric cryptographic key pairs by encrypting the secret key of one pair with the public key of another, creating a directional graph structure where a user with one key pair can access subsequent pairs, enabling hierarchical access and secure data interchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional key management methods are used, then key pairs are generated independently without dependencies, but this limits access control and hierarchical structures in secure data interchange systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a hierarchical key structure where outer key pairs encapsulate inner key pairs through cryptographic binding. Specifically, the public key of an outer key pair signs the private key of an inner key pair, creating a nested dependency relationship. This allows multiple levels of access control where outer keys can delegate access to inner keys, enabling hierarchical structures in electronic health record systems without requiring complex permission management mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension to key management by creating directional dependencies between key pairs using cryptographic operations. Instead of independent key generation, the system establishes directed relationships where one key pair can cryptographically access another through signing operations. This dimensional transformation from independent keys to interconnected key graph structures enables sophisticated access control patterns while maintaining cryptographic simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If multiple key pairs are generated independently, then each key pair operates autonomously, but this prevents hierarchical access where one user can access subsequent key pairs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes cryptographic dependencies between key pairs in advance through a structured generation process. When creating a sequence of key pairs, each outer key pair is configured to cryptographically bind to subsequent inner key pairs before deployment. This preliminary establishment of access relationships enables users to automatically access multiple key pairs without requiring real-time permission checks or complex authentication protocols, while the cryptographic bindings ensure security integrity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If key pairs are created without interdependencies, then the system is simpler to implement, but this limits flexibility in secure communication networks and electronic health record systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the key management system into hierarchical levels where each level operates with defined cryptographic relationships. Instead of managing all keys as a monolithic structure, the system divides key pairs into outer and inner levels with specific access patterns. Each segment (key pair) maintains its independence while establishing controlled dependencies through cryptographic operations, enabling flexible adaptation to different security requirements without overwhelming implementation complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for creating a set of asymmetrical cryptographic key pairs, wherein the set of key pairs has a first key pair (K1) and a second key pair (K2), wherein the first key pair is formed by a first private (G1) and a first public key (O1) and the second key pair is formed by a second private (G2) and a second public key (O2), wherein a first cipher (C_G2_O1) is allocated to the first and second key pair, wherein the first cipher is formed by an encryption of the second private key (G2) with the first public key (O1), having the following steps: adding a third asymmetrical cryptographic key pair (K3) to the set of key pairs, wherein the third key pair is formed by a third private (G3) and a third public key (O3); creating a second cipher (C_G3_O1) by encrypting the third private key (G3) with the first public key (O1); storing the second cipher (212; 186), wherein the set of key pairs has a directed graph structure.