Format-Preserving Location Encryption via Bijective Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing encryption methods for location information, such as GPS data and IP addresses, lose semantic properties during encryption, failing to preserve format and semantics, which is crucial for privacy protection under regulations like GDPR.
Innovation Solution
The method employs bijective functions to transform location data into indicator ranges, followed by format-preserving encryption, ensuring that the encrypted data retains semantic classifications and format, allowing for customizable anonymity levels while maintaining privacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If format preserving encryption is used to encrypt location data, then the format of the encrypted data is preserved, but semantic information such as geo-location classification is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the encryption process into distinct stages: first determining semantic classification of the location, then applying format-preserving encryption while preserving that classification. This segmentation allows the system to maintain both format preservation and semantic information by handling them as separate but coordinated operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary determination of semantic classification before applying the encryption transformation. By establishing the semantic category first, the encryption process can then preserve both the format and the semantic meaning, rather than losing information during the encryption process.
2Reliability
If traditional encryption methods are applied to location information, then privacy is protected, but the encrypted data cannot retain semantic classifications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters of the encryption approach by incorporating semantic classification determination as a prerequisite step. This parameter change transforms the encryption from a purely obfuscating operation to a structured transformation that preserves semantic categories while still protecting privacy through format-preserving encryption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces semantic classification as an intermediary concept that bridges between the original location data and the encrypted output. This intermediary allows the system to maintain semantic meaning while achieving privacy protection, as the classification acts as a mediating layer that preserves information structure.
3Ease of operation
If location data is encrypted without preserving semantics, then anonymity is maintained, but data usability for analysis is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamics by allowing the degree of semantic preservation to be adjustable. The system can adaptively determine how much semantic information to preserve based on privacy requirements and usability needs, making the encryption process flexible rather than static. This dynamic approach balances anonymity and data usability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by selectively preserving only certain semantic classifications rather than all possible information. This partial preservation achieves the right balance between maintaining anonymity and ensuring data usability, preserving enough semantic structure for analysis while discarding sufficient detail for privacy protection.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present systems and methods may provide techniques for encryption of location information, while preserving a format and semantics of the information. For example, in an embodiment, a computer-implemented method for encrypting data may comprise receiving location data and generating encrypted data from the received location data, wherein the encrypted data preserves the format and semantics of the received location data.