Motion-Based Secret Key Sharing Through a Chief Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
The distribution of secret keys over unsecured communication channels poses a challenge, as securing the channel requires the secret key, creating a 'chicken and egg' paradox, while public-key cryptography is computationally intensive and vulnerable to quantum computing. Existing methods are limited to generating keys between two proximal devices and silent on secure communication for IoT devices.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a chief device with motion detection capabilities generates unique secret keys for multiple devices based on relative motion, enabling secure communication without direct proximity, and facilitates encrypted key transmission using a mobile courier device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If public-key cryptography is used to distribute secret keys, then key distribution security is improved, but computational intensity increases and vulnerability to quantum computing attacks occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mathematical cryptographic operations (public-key cryptography) with physical measurement-based key generation. Devices measure physical quantities (time of flight, signal strength) during motion, and these physical measurements directly generate shared secret keys without requiring computationally intensive mathematical computations or vulnerable cryptographic algorithms.
2Ease of operation
If secret keys are distributed through unsecured communication channels, then key distribution is enabled, but security is compromised due to potential eavesdropping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs key generation and distribution through preliminary physical motion and measurement actions. Devices perform motion-based physical measurements (time of flight, signal strength) to generate keys before any data transmission occurs. This preliminary physical action establishes security without requiring secure communication channels, as the key derivation is based on physical measurements made during the motion process itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces physical motion and measurement as an intermediary between devices. Instead of directly transmitting keys through potentially compromised communication channels, devices use physical motion (time of flight measurements, signal strength) as an intermediary to derive shared keys. This physical intermediary cannot be intercepted or manipulated by eavesdroppers without being detected.
3Reliability
If devices generate secret keys based on relative motion, then key uniqueness and security are improved, but device complexity increases due to motion detection requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing communication hardware serve multiple functions. The same transmitters and receivers used for data communication are also used for motion-based key generation. Time of flight measurements and signal strength detection, which are already inherent in wireless communication systems, are utilized for key derivation without adding separate dedicated motion detection hardware.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables secure communication among multiple devices, including IoT devices, by generating identical secret keys without direct proximity and ensuring secure data transmission over unsecured networks, resistant to quantum computing attacks.
Implementation Method 1
the one or more processors are configured to be capable of executing the stored programmed instructions to: generate a unique secret key for each of a plurality of communication devices based on relative motion detected by the motion detection system
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for secure communications includes obtaining at a first device and a chief device signals based on movement of at least one of the devices between them. Both the first device and chief device convert the signals into identical first secret keys which are then stored. The method and system next includes obtaining at a second device and a chief device signals based on movement between them of at least one of the devices. Both the second device and chief device convert the signals into identical second secret keys which are then stored. The chief device then encrypts first secret key with second secret key and transmits to the second device which decrypts it with its copy of second secret key obtaining first secret key. These communicating devices can then transmit data between them securely encrypted and decrypted with the first secret key.