Optical Encoding Element for Secure Data Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing data coding and decoding methods face security issues due to vulnerability in wireless transmission and storage, particularly under adverse environmental conditions, where ciphered messages can be corrupted or deciphered without the decryption key.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a data encoding element that alters selective areas to modify the polarization characteristics of incident optical radiation, allowing for permanent storage of ciphered messages or keys, using localized heating and cooling to create a Sub-Surface Laser Engraving pattern, which is resistant to environmental alterations and enables secure encryption and decryption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If data is transmitted on a wireless channel, then communication speed and convenience are improved, but security is worsened due to vulnerability to fraudulent receipt and brute force attacks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication speedVSAvoidsecurity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional electronic data transmission with optical radiation transmission. The encoding element modulates optical properties (transmission, reflection, absorption) to encode data, substituting electromagnetic field-based electronic communication with photon-based optical communication, thereby enhancing security against conventional electronic eavesdropping and attacks

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of data encoding from electronic signals to optical radiation properties. The encoding element varies optical parameters (transmission coefficient, reflection coefficient, absorption coefficient) to represent data, making the communication medium inherently more secure as optical signals are harder to intercept and decode without proper authorization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Quantity of substance

If ciphered data is stored in conventional storage devices, then data storage capability is improved, but reliability is worsened due to susceptibility to environmental damage and corruption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata storage capacityVSAvoiddata integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes phase transition of optical properties in the encoding element. By locally altering the optical phase characteristics (transmission, reflection, absorption states) of different areas in the encoding element, data is stored in a physically stable manner that resists environmental degradation, unlike conventional electronic storage media

Inventive Principle:
Principle #36Phase transitions

Solution Approach 2:

The encoding element functions as a composite optical structure with areas having different optical properties. This composite nature, with regions of varying transmission, reflection, and absorption characteristics, creates a robust storage medium that maintains data integrity under adverse environmental conditions such as temperature variations, humidity, and electromagnetic interference

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If conventional ciphering algorithms are used, then encryption capability is improved, but vulnerability is worsened when partial memory corruption occurs, jeopardizing the entire ciphered message

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveencryption capabilityVSAvoiddata loss risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the encoded data across multiple spatially distributed areas of the encoding element. Each area stores a portion of the ciphered message or key information independently. This segmentation means that partial corruption or damage to one area does not compromise the entire data set, as the remaining intact areas preserve other portions of the information

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

This method provides secure and durable encryption and decryption capabilities, resistant to environmental factors and mechanical or chemical actions, ensuring the integrity of ciphered messages even under adverse conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a step of processing said encoding element at least selectively transparent to infrared or ultraviolet light radiation, wherein in said step for processing the selected areas of said crystalline element or said encoding element at least selectively transparent encoding element are selectively altered according to said localised alteration pattern, and wherein, with said selective alteration of said selected areas is varied at least one distinctive characteristic of an optical radiation incident and passing through said encoding element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPolarization: Polarisation

Implementation Method 2

said localised alteration is a heating followed by a natural or induced cooling

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 3

a step of processing said encoding element at least selectively transparent to infrared or ultraviolet light radiation, wherein in said step for processing the selected areas of said crystalline element or said encoding element at least selectively transparent encoding element are selectively altered according to said localised alteration pattern

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentEP3673612B1Methods for data ciphering and deciphering by variation of a characteristic of an optical radiation, encoding element and system.
Publication Date: 2023.11.15 S-LUX GMBH
  • EP3673612B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP3673612B1 patent drawingFigure 5~8
  • EP3673612B1 patent drawingFigure 9~10

AI summary

Encoding element (100) at least selectively transparent to an infrared or ultraviolet light radiation, incident thereon on a first incidence surface (101), wherein - in the volume defined by said encoding element (100) - a plurality of areas (104) is provided, previously selected and arranged according to a predefined pattern wherein at least one polarisation characteristic of the optical radiation (200) that is incident thereon is varied, wherein the variation of said polarisation characteristic of said incident radiation is varied according to a localised alteration pattern biunivocally associated to a predefined ciphering key, and wherein said plurality of areas is arranged between said first incidence surface (101) on which said infrared or ultraviolet light radiation is incident in use, and a second output surface (102) of said infrared or ultraviolet light optical radiation.