Digital Key Registration via Key Tracking Server Attestation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The security of digital keys used in electronic devices is compromised due to their exposure to hacking risks, necessitating high-security processing methods.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for registering a shared digital key involve receiving a digital key sharing attestation and a Key Tracking Server (KTS) signature, and transmitting an authentication response including the attestation and signature to a target device, utilizing a second electronic device with a communicator, memory, and processor to ensure secure authentication and key sharing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If digital keys are used for access and control, then user convenience is improved, but security risk increases due to hacking exposure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidsecurity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a Key Tracking Server (KTS) as an intermediary between the user device and the target device. The KTS signs the digital key sharing attestation to provide third-party verification, ensuring that key sharing occurs through a trusted mediator rather than direct peer-to-peer communication, thus enhancing security while maintaining convenience

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary security verification by obtaining and verifying the KTS signature before completing the digital key sharing process. This preliminary action ensures that the attestation is authentic and has not been tampered with, preventing hacking risks before they can compromise the system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If digital key sharing attestation is transmitted, then authentication capability is improved, but vulnerability to hacking increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthentication capabilityVSAvoidhacking risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the digital key sharing attestation by adding a cryptographic signature from the Key Tracking Server. This parameter change converts a vulnerable unverified attestation into a secure verified credential, maintaining authentication capability while eliminating hacking vulnerabilities through cryptographic transformation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system converts the potential harm of transmitting authentication data over networks into a benefit by using cryptographic signatures. The KTS signature serves as a protective layer that turns the transmission process from a security vulnerability into a verified secure communication channel

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentUS11949779B2Method and apparatus for registering shared key

Publication Date: 2024.04.02 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

Provided is a method and apparatus for registering a shared key. A method of registering, by a second electronic device, a shared digital key in a target device includes receiving a digital key sharing attestation and a key tracking server (KTS) signature corresponding to the digital key sharing attestation, receiving an authentication request from the target device, and transmitting an authentication response including the digital key sharing attestation and the KTS signature to the target device in response to the authentication request.