Encrypted Email Attachment Transmission via Automatic Password Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for emailing encrypted attachments are inefficient, requiring recipients to have the same encryption program, are prone to data entry errors due to manual password management, and do not retain the original format of attachments, hindering collaboration and security.
Innovation Solution
A method that generates an interface for users to select encryption options, encrypts attachments using the originating application's feature, and automatically transmits a password to recipients, allowing for secure, rapid, and efficient encrypted attachment transmission without requiring multiple emails or specific encryption software.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If an encryption program integrated with the email application is used, then the email transmission can be encrypted efficiently, but the recipient must have the same encryption program integrated with the email application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third-party encryption service as an intermediary between the sender and recipient. Instead of requiring both parties to have the same encryption program, the system uses an external encryption service that processes attachments before transmission. This mediator handles the encryption/decryption process, eliminating the need for shared encryption software between sender and recipient while maintaining secure transmission.
2Reliability
If the attachment is converted into an encrypted PDF file, then the attachment is protected, but the recipient cannot directly edit the data contained in the attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the attachment into two separate components: an encrypted version for security and an unencrypted version for editing. The system transmits both the encrypted attachment (for protection) and the original unencrypted attachment (for editing capability). This segmentation allows recipients to access and edit the original file while the encrypted version remains protected, resolving the contradiction between security and editability.
3Reliability
If the user manually encrypts the attachment and sends a separate email with the password, then the attachment can be encrypted with the originating application, but the process is time consuming and prone to data entry errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by automatically encrypting attachments before they are attached to the email. The encryption process is initiated and completed in the background before the user sends the email, eliminating the need for manual encryption steps and separate password email composition. This automated preliminary encryption reduces time consumption while maintaining security through the originating application's encryption features.
4Shape
If the attachment is encrypted using the originating application, then the original format is retained, but the process is far more time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuity of useful action by running the encryption process in the background continuously before the email is sent. The encryption occurs automatically as part of the attachment handling process, not as a separate manual step. This continuous background encryption maintains the original attachment format while reducing perceived processing time through automated handling and parallel processing of encryption and email composition operations.
Data Source
AI summary
The application discloses an improved method of transmitting encrypted emails by prompting the user to select at least one attachment for attaching with the email, prompting the user to select an encryption option from among several encryption options, causing an application to encrypt the selected attachment using the selected encryption option while retaining the original format of the attachments, attaching the encrypted attachment to the email, transmitting the email containing the encrypted attachment to at least one recipient address using the email application, and transmitting a second email containing at least one password to the recipient address using the email application.