DNA Data Encoding With Error Detection and Secure Authentication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for encoding and decoding data in DNA face challenges with error detection and correction, particularly in biological hosts where replication errors and environmental conditions introduce inaccuracies, making it difficult to read data accurately and securely.

Innovation Solution

A method involving encoding data into blocks, using a repetition code and cryptographic techniques to ensure error detection and authentication, including a cryptographic randomization function and hash values to verify data integrity, while maintaining secrecy and security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If data is encoded and stored in DNA sequences in biological hosts, then large amounts of data can be stored, but replication errors and environmental conditions introduce inaccuracies that severely impact data reading accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata storage capacityVSAvoiddata reading accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by embedding authentication tags and error-detecting codes into the DNA sequences before storage. This allows the system to proactively prepare for potential replication errors and environmental damage, enabling accurate data recovery even after biological degradation occurs during storage and replication cycles

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms through authentication tags that verify data integrity during read operations. When DNA sequences are retrieved, the system checks the authentication tags to detect and correct errors introduced during biological storage, creating a closed-loop verification system that maintains data accuracy despite the noisy biological environment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If multiple types of DNA encoding methods are used for concealing data, then data security is enhanced, but each encoding type presents unique sequences and challenges that complicate the decoding process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata securityVSAvoiddecoding complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the decoding process into distinct modular steps: first verifying authentication tags, then applying appropriate decoding algorithms based on the encoded data type. This segmentation allows the system to handle multiple encoding methods systematically, reducing the overall complexity by breaking down the challenging multi-method decoding into manageable sequential operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses parameter changes by detecting the encoding type through authentication tag verification and then dynamically selecting the appropriate decoding parameters and algorithms. This allows the system to adapt to different encoding methods without requiring complex simultaneous handling of all methods, simplifying the decoding process through parameter-based routing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional DNA encoding methods are used without error detection mechanisms, then the encoding process is simpler, but there are no easy processes to limit errors read from data inserted into DNA

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveencoding process simplicityVSAvoiderror rate in data reading
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by having the DNA-encoded data carry its own authentication tags and error-detecting codes embedded within the sequence. When retrieved, the data autonomously verifies its own integrity through these built-in mechanisms, eliminating the need for complex external verification systems and maintaining simplicity while improving reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and embedding authentication tags and error-detection codes during the DNA encoding phase. This preliminary preparation enables simple encoding processes to produce reliable output, as the error-detection capability is built in from the start rather than added as a complex post-processing step

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10810495B2Methods for data encoding in DNA and genetically modified organism authentication
Publication Date: 2020.10.20 UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING
  • US10810495B2 patent drawing
  • US10810495B2 patent drawing
  • US10810495B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method is disclosed comprising encoding a message into blocks, determining a collection of DNA symbols for each of the blocks from the encoded message, performing a second encoding of the determined collection of DNA symbols from the encoded message, detecting a presence of errors in the second encoding and establishing an authentication of each block and further using zero-knowledge protocol to securely authenticate the message without disclosing the actual message.