Embedding Data in Strings via Format-Preserving Encryption
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing database systems face challenges in embedding additional information without modifying existing database structures, particularly when storing sensitive data like medical records or credit card information, as adding new fields during daily operations is impractical.
Innovation Solution
The method involves recoding data strings from their original format to a larger character set, allowing embedded information to be stored without altering the original data, using format-preserving encryption and decryption engines to encrypt and decrypt data strings while maintaining their original format, thus enabling information embedding without requiring database modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional data fields are added to an existing database, then the database can store encryption-related information, but the database structure must be modified which disrupts daily operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines encryption-related information with existing data fields by embedding it within the character set of existing data strings. Instead of creating separate fields for encryption keys or metadata, the system merges this additional information into the character representation of existing fields, allowing the database to store both original data and encryption information in the same structure without modification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of character set utilization by using a larger character set than traditionally required for the data type. For example, using the full range of alphanumeric characters in fields that previously only used numeric characters, thereby embedding additional information within the existing field structure without changing field length or data type definitions.
2Loss of information
If the database structure is altered to embed information, then information can be stored, but legacy systems and applications cannot access the data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing data fields multi-functional by enabling them to simultaneously store their original data and embedded encryption information. The same field that stores a customer ID or account number also contains embedded encryption keys or version information, making the field universal and compatible with both legacy systems that read the original data and new systems that can extract the embedded information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of the data representation in a different format within the same field. The original data is preserved in its traditional format while a parallel representation containing encryption information is embedded within the character set, allowing legacy systems to read the original format while cryptographic systems can access the embedded copy.
3Loss of information
If a larger character set is used, then more information can be embedded, but the data format changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of character set scope to include a superset of characters that encompasses both traditional data representation and embedded information. By using a larger character set that includes alphanumeric and special characters, the system increases information capacity while maintaining the appearance of format consistency through controlled character selection and substitution.
Data Source
AI summary
A data processing system is provided that includes applications, databases, encryption engines, and decryption engines. Encryption and decryption engines may be used to perform format-preserving encryption on data strings stored in a database. Applications may be used to embed information in data strings. Information may be embedded by using a character set that is larger than a character set being used by a data string. A data string may be converted into a larger character set, analogous to converting a number from a lower base to higher base. Such a conversion may shorten a data string, allowing information to be embedded as appended characters.