NFC Public Key Acquisition for Secure WLAN Handover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems face challenges in securely switching communication from Near Field Communication (NFC) to WLAN, as encryption keys stored in the main memory of image processing apparatuses cannot be read when in power-off or sleep mode, requiring users to wait for the apparatus to be activated.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a first communication apparatus acquiring a public key from a near field communication unit of a second communication apparatus, encrypting data using this key, and transmitting it, while the second apparatus decrypts using its corresponding private key, allowing data processing regardless of the power supply state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If encryption keys are stored in the main memory of the image processing apparatus, then security encryption can be performed, but the keys cannot be read when the apparatus is in power-off or sleep mode, requiring users to wait for activation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the key storage system into two parts: public keys are stored in the NFC unit's memory (accessible even when powered off), while private keys are stored in the image processing apparatus's main memory (accessible only when powered on). This segmentation allows the system to perform pairing and data transmission preparation without requiring the apparatus to be active, resolving the contradiction between security and waiting time.
Solution Approach 2:
The NFC unit acts as an intermediary that stores public keys and enables communication setup even when the image processing apparatus is powered off. The NFC unit mediates the pairing process by allowing the mobile terminal to acquire public keys and establish secure communication channels before the main apparatus is activated, eliminating the waiting time problem while maintaining security.
2Speed
If the image processing apparatus is kept in active state to enable immediate communication, then communication speed is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by storing public keys in the NFC unit before the image processing apparatus is activated. This allows the mobile terminal to acquire necessary information and prepare for data transmission in advance, so when the apparatus is activated, communication can begin immediately without requiring the apparatus to remain continuously active, thus reducing power consumption while maintaining communication speed.
3Reliability
If pairing is performed after activation, then security can be maintained, but user convenience is reduced due to waiting time
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the pairing process into two phases: first phase occurs when the apparatus is powered off, where the mobile terminal acquires public keys from the NFC unit and establishes preliminary communication; second phase occurs after activation, where the private key is accessed and full data transmission begins. This segmentation maintains security by requiring activation for private key access while improving convenience by allowing pairing preparation in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The NFC unit serves as an intermediary that enables secure pairing before activation by storing and providing public keys to the mobile terminal. This intermediary allows the system to perform authentication and communication setup in advance, improving user convenience without compromising security, as the private key remains protected until activation.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a first communication apparatus having an acquisition unit to acquire connection information and a public key stored in a first memory of a short distance wireless communication unit of a second communication apparatus, an encryption unit to encrypt, by using the acquired public key, data to be processed by the second communication apparatus, and a transmission unit to transmit the encrypted data to the second communication apparatus via an established long distance communication. The second communication apparatus includes a decryption unit to decrypt, by a private key which corresponds to the public key and is stored in a second memory of the second communication apparatus, the transmitted encrypted data. While the second communication apparatus operates in a power saving state, the public key is acquired by the first communication apparatus, and the private key is not able to be acquired by the first communication apparatus.