Genetic Data Segmentation for Secure Storage and Search

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for managing human genetic information lack robust security measures, making them vulnerable to hacking and data breaches, which can compromise both individual and family genetic characteristics.

Innovation Solution

A genetic information managing apparatus and method that divides a base sequence into multiple base code groups, allocates unique identifiers to each group, and stores them securely, allowing exact restoration and searching when identification information is provided, while ensuring data deletion by destroying identification information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If genetic information is stored in a centralized database, then searching and access efficiency is improved, but security vulnerability to hacking increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesearching efficiencyVSAvoidsecurity vulnerability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the base sequence into multiple base code groups and stores them in different databases or locations. Each base code group is associated with separate identification information, so that even if one database is compromised, the complete genetic information cannot be reconstructed without all segments and their corresponding identifiers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces identification information as an intermediary layer between the user and the stored base code groups. This intermediary requires additional authentication steps and acts as a security barrier, preventing direct access to the genetic information even if the database is accessed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If complete base sequence is stored for easy retrieval, then search accuracy is improved, but data security risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesearch accuracyVSAvoiddata security risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The complete base sequence is segmented into multiple base code groups that are stored separately. Each segment can be independently managed and protected, reducing the security risk associated with storing the complete sequence in one location while maintaining the ability to reconstruct it for accurate searching when proper authentication is provided.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent pre-divides and stores base code groups with their identification information before any search operation. This preliminary segmentation and secure storage setup enables both accurate reconstruction of the complete sequence for searching and inherent security protection against unauthorized access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If traditional encryption is used for personal information, then basic security is provided, but genetic information requires stronger protection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity protectionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of applying a single complex encryption system to the entire genetic database, the patent segments the data into multiple base code groups that can be stored and managed separately. This segmentation approach provides enhanced security through distributed storage and multiple access control points without requiring a single overly complex encryption mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a new dimension to security by introducing identification information that operates independently from the base code groups. This creates a multi-dimensional security structure where both the base code groups and their identifiers must be protected and authenticated, providing stronger protection than traditional single-layer encryption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP2798553B1Apparatus and method for managing genetic information
Publication Date: 2022.02.09 MACROGEN INC
  • EP2798553B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2798553B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2798553B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A genetic information managing apparatus compares a base sequence of a subject with a standard base sequence to determine a longest common base sequence, and arranges the base sequence of the subject on the standard base sequence in accordance with the longest common base sequence. The genetic information managing apparatus divides the arranged base sequence into a plurality of base code groups, allocates a plurality of identifiers to the plurality of base code groups, respectively, and stores the plurality of base code groups to a plurality of storing units in association with corresponding identifiers.