Encryption Key Sharing Controller with Dynamic Reference Amount

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing quantum key distribution (QKD) systems face processing delays in sharing encryption keys, as key sharing occurs only after a request is made, leading to inefficiencies in secure data communication.

Innovation Solution

A communication device with a sharing processing unit, storage, and controller that proactively shares and manages encryption keys by comparing current and reference amounts, allowing for immediate key supply upon request, and dynamically adjusts the reference amount based on usage frequency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If encryption keys are shared only after request, then storage capacity is optimized, but processing delay increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekey sharing delayVSAvoidstorage capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system proactively shares encryption keys with external devices before they are requested, based on predetermined conditions such as storage availability and communication patterns. This preliminary action eliminates the processing delay that occurs when keys are generated and shared only after a request is made, while the controller monitors storage capacity to ensure optimal resource utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If encryption keys are proactively shared, then processing speed improves, but storage capacity is consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekey sharing efficiencyVSAvoidstorage capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The controller continuously monitors both the storage capacity of encryption keys and the communication patterns between devices. Based on this feedback, the controller dynamically adjusts the proactive key sharing behavior, initiating key sharing when storage is sufficient and communication conditions are favorable, while pausing or reducing key sharing when storage capacity becomes constrained. This feedback mechanism enables the system to improve productivity without permanently consuming excessive storage resources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If reference amount is increased, then key availability improves, but storage utilization increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekey availabilityVSAvoidstorage utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The reference amount for proactive key sharing is not fixed but dynamically adjusted based on current storage capacity and observed communication patterns. When storage capacity is abundant and devices exhibit frequent communication patterns, the reference amount is increased to improve key availability and reduce delays. When storage becomes constrained, the reference amount is reduced to maintain sustainable storage utilization. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize reliability while adapting to changing storage conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9755828B2Communication device, communication method, computer program product, and communication system

Publication Date: 2017.09.05 KK TOSHIBA

AI summary

According to a communication device includes a sharing processing unit, a storage, and a controller. The sharing processing unit shares an encryption key with one or more external devices. The storage stores therein the encryption key. The controller compares a current amount representing an amount of the stored encryption key with a specified reference amount and performs control to continue or stop sharing processing, which is performed by the sharing processing unit, for sharing the encryption key on the basis of a comparison result.