Key Management Device for Quantum Cryptography Communication Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional quantum key distribution (QKD) technologies are unable to supply both an encryption key and a random number as requested, limiting their applicability in secure data communication systems.

Innovation Solution

A key management device and quantum cryptography communication system that utilize a determination unit, generation unit, and supply unit to provide a response message containing either a random number or an encryption key shared via QKD, based on request data from applications, through a communication network.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional QKD technology is used, then encryption key sharing is ensured, but the ability to supply random numbers according to request is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to supply different types of cryptographic dataVSAvoidsystem functionality limitation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The key management device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can supply both encryption keys generated through QKD and random numbers generated by an integrated random number generation unit. This multi-functional design allows a single device to meet diverse cryptographic requirements without needing separate systems for key management and random number generation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the QKD-based key management functionality with a random number generation unit into a single key management device. This merging allows the system to provide both encryption keys and random numbers through one integrated platform, resolving the limitation of conventional QKD systems that could only handle encryption keys.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a single QKD system is used, then quantum security is maintained, but the flexibility to provide different cryptographic materials is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecryptographic data supply flexibilityVSAvoidquantum security guarantee

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The key management device segments its functionality into distinct units: a QKD unit that generates encryption keys through quantum key distribution and a separate random number generation unit. This segmentation allows each unit to maintain its specific security properties while working together in an integrated system, preserving quantum security for key generation while adding flexibility through the random number capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12341879B2Key management device, quantum cryptography communication system, and computer program product

Publication Date: 2025.06.24 KK TOSHIBA

AI summary

A key management device according to an embodiment includes one or more hardware processors configured to function as a determination unit, a generation unit, and a supply unit. The determination unit determines a type of request data requested by a request message transmitted from an application that performs encrypted data communication. The generation unit generates a response message including at least one of a random number and an encryption key shared by quantum key distribution (QKD) via a communication network according to a type of the request data. The supply unit supplies the response message to the application.