Graphical Cryptographic Key for Secure LAN Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for securing wireless local area networks in home or business environments are inadequate, as short alphanumeric transmission keys are difficult to remember and easily readable when written down, posing risks of unauthorized access and legal liability.
Innovation Solution
A method using a single cryptographic key that is converted into a graphical form for secure communication, allowing access to multiple electronic devices via a master device, which can display or print the key in an unintelligible format, eliminating the need for remembering or writing down the key.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a strong cryptographic key with many characters is used to secure network access, then network security is improved, but the key becomes difficult to remember and cumbersome to enter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the cryptographic key from its original digital/alphanumeric form into a visual graphical representation. This parameter change allows the key to maintain its security strength while becoming visually distinct and easier to communicate, as the graphical form is intuitive to recognize and share without verbal transmission
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual entry mechanism (typing alphanumeric characters) with an optical recognition mechanism (scanning graphical code). This substitution eliminates the need for users to manually input the key, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining security
2Adaptability or versatility
If the transmission key is shared with another communication device within signal range, then network access is granted, but the risk of unauthorized access and legal liability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a visual graphical representation as an intermediary between the cryptographic key and the communication devices. This intermediary allows secure key distribution to multiple authorized devices while maintaining control over access, as the graphical form can be selectively shared only with intended recipients rather than being transmitted verbally or in plain text
3Ease of manufacture
If the cryptographic key is provided in digital clear form, then key distribution is simplified, but the key becomes readable and memorable by unauthorized persons
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a parameter change by converting the cryptographic key from digital clear form (alphanumeric string) to a visual graphical form. This transformation maintains the key's distributability while ensuring confidentiality, as the graphical representation is not immediately readable or interpretable by humans without the appropriate scanning and decoding capability
Data Source
AI summary
Method for granting a plurality of electronic communication devices access to a local area network (LAN) via an access point using a single cryptographic key to secure communications exchanged through the LAN. The method comprising an activation phase performed once at initialization of the LAN and an operating phase wherein the electronic communication devices accesses the LAN. The activation phase comprising: providing the cryptographic key in a digital form by the access point; transferring the cryptographic key to a master device, switching the access point into a secure mode in which any further communication with the access point is secured with the cryptographic key. The operating phase comprising: transferring the cryptographic key from the master device to the electronic communication devices. The cryptographic key is converted from its digital form into a graphic form and then transferred in the graphic form to the electronic communication devices during the operating phase.