Encoder for Encrypted Data Transmission via Multicore Fiber

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional data transmission methods lack security measures that utilize the physical structure of transmission paths, making them vulnerable to interception and manipulation, especially in optical fiber networks where physical characteristics are not leveraged for protection.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves an encoder that encrypts data block by block and randomly distributes encrypted data across multiple channels within a transmission medium, using a processing unit to provide each sub-block with a channel identification and code value for secure transmission, and a decoder to verify and decrypt the data, while also utilizing an optical multicore fiber with separate data and monitor channels to detect any physical changes or interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional encryption methods are used, then data security is provided, but the transmission path remains vulnerable to interception and manipulation without physical structure utilization

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata securityVSAvoidinterception and manipulation vulnerability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides encrypted data blocks into multiple sub-blocks and distributes them across different channels within the transmission medium. Each sub-block contains only a portion of the complete encrypted data, making interception of individual channels insufficient for compromising overall security. This segmentation transforms a single point of failure into multiple distributed points, directly addressing the vulnerability to interception.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a multi-layered security structure where physical transmission path monitoring is nested within cryptographic encryption. The system combines conventional encryption with physical layer security monitoring, creating nested protection layers. The monitor channels are embedded within the same transmission medium as data channels, providing nested physical surveillance that detects manipulation attempts without interfering with data transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If data are distributed across multiple channels, then security against interception is improved, but system complexity increases due to random distribution and verification requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterception resistanceVSAvoiddistribution and verification system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where monitor channels continuously surveil the transmission medium for physical manipulations. The system provides real-time feedback about channel integrity to the transmission control, enabling dynamic adjustment of security measures. This feedback loop simplifies the verification process by automatically detecting manipulations rather than requiring complex post-transmission verification of each sub-block.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the transmission medium serve multiple functions simultaneously: data channels transmit encrypted sub-blocks while monitor channels within the same medium detect physical manipulations. The system uses universal error detection codes that serve both as authentication markers for sub-block verification and as indicators of channel integrity. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by combining multiple security functions into unified mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If monitor channels are added to detect physical changes, then manipulation detection capability is improved, but transmission medium complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanipulation detectionVSAvoidtransmission medium structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges data transmission and security monitoring functions into a single transmission medium structure. Multiple cores within the same fiber optic cable serve dual purposes: some cores transmit data sub-blocks while others monitor for physical manipulations. The monitor channels are physically integrated with data channels in the same transmission medium, eliminating the need for separate monitoring infrastructure and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The transmission medium performs self-monitoring through its inherent physical properties. The monitor channels detect manipulations by measuring changes in the transmission medium's physical characteristics without requiring external monitoring equipment. The system uses the transmission medium's own structure to surveil itself, eliminating the need for additional complex monitoring systems and reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If block by block encryption with random distribution is implemented, then security against copying is improved, but transmission time and processing overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata protectionVSAvoidtransmission and processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic encryption and distribution of data blocks in a structured sequence. Rather than truly random distribution that would cause variable processing times, the system uses periodic patterns in block distribution across channels. This periodic action maintains security through distribution while enabling predictable, optimized processing at the receiver end, reducing transmission and processing overhead compared to completely random approaches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS10904228B2Encoder, decoder, system and method for transmitting encrypted data
Publication Date: 2021.01.26 FRAUNHOFER GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG EV
  • US10904228B2 patent drawing
  • US10904228B2 patent drawing
  • US10904228B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An encoder for providing encrypted data for transmission via a transmission medium includes an encryption unit that is configured to encrypt data received at the encoder block by block and a processing unit. The processing unit is configured to randomly distribute an encrypted data block to a plurality of channels that are allocated to the transmission medium and to provide a sub-block, which includes part of the encrypted data block, to be transmitted via one of the channels, together with a channel identification allocated to the channel and a code value that is based on the encrypted data in the sub-block to be transmitted and the channel identification, for transmission via the allocated channel of the transmission medium.