Encrypted Camera Application Identity Profile Encryption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current electronic devices lack comprehensive security measures for encrypting sensitive data across various applications, and existing encryption methods often require sharing different encryption keys, complicating data sharing between applications.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device method that initiates an encrypted camera application separate from regular applications, using identity profiles with associated encryption keys to encrypt image data captured by the camera, ensuring the application does not access unencrypted data and allowing secure sharing across multiple applications with a single set of credentials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate encryption keys are used for different applications, then security is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidcomplexity of managing multiple encryption keys
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal encryption system where a single encryption key derived from one identity profile can be used across multiple applications. The encryption module is designed to work with any application on the device, providing encryption services universally without requiring application-specific key management. This allows the system to maintain high security through centralized key control while eliminating the complexity of managing separate keys for each application.

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

2Reliability

If application-specific encryption is implemented, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidease of data sharing between applications
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary encryption module that acts as a mediator between applications and the identity profile system. This module handles the encryption and decryption operations transparently, allowing applications to share data securely without directly managing encryption keys. The intermediary layer simplifies the operation by automatically managing the encryption process, enabling seamless data sharing while maintaining security through the use of identity profiles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If comprehensive encryption coverage is provided across all applications, then security is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidcomplexity of encryption implementation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the encryption functionality into a single integrated module that works with the device's existing identity profile system. Instead of implementing separate encryption mechanisms in each application, the solution combines encryption services at the system level, where the encryption module interfaces with the identity profiles to provide unified security coverage across all applications. This consolidation reduces device complexity by eliminating redundant encryption implementations while maintaining comprehensive security coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3486828B1Electronic device including display and method of encrypting information
Publication Date: 2021.12.08 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP3486828B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3486828B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3486828B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A method of encrypting information on an electronic device includes displaying information associated with an application running on the electronic device, receiving, via the application running on the electronic device, an input to initiate an encrypted camera application that is separate from the application running on the electronic device, initiating the encrypted camera application, determining an identity profile having an associated key, receiving an input from the encrypted camera application to collect image data with the camera, receiving image data from an image sensor of the camera, encrypting the image data utilizing the key associated with the determined identity profile to generate encrypted image data, adding the encrypted image data to a document associated with the application running on the electronic device.