Optical Keyboard Interface Using DMD Light Patterns for Secure Data Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic data transmission between devices is vulnerable to eavesdropping due to the use of electronic signal interfaces.
Innovation Solution
An optical interface using a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device with an array of mirrors, such as a digital micromirror device (DMD), sets mirror positions according to an encoding scheme to generate light patterns corresponding to keystrokes, which are then transmitted optically through an optical channel to a light sensor for decoding, eliminating the need for an electronic data stream interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an electronic signal interface is used to transmit data between devices, then data transmission can be achieved, but the data becomes vulnerable to electronic eavesdropping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electronic signal interface with an optical interface using a MEMS device. The MEMS device modulates light based on keypress inputs, converting electrical signals to optical signals for transmission. This substitution eliminates the electronic data stream that is vulnerable to eavesdropping, thereby improving data security while maintaining transmission functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary medium to transmit data between the keyboard and computer. Instead of direct electronic signal transmission, the system uses light patterns generated by the MEMS device to carry information optically. This intermediary approach prevents direct electronic interception while preserving data transmission capability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If an optical interface with MEMS device is used to eliminate electronic eavesdropping risk, then data security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The MEMS device serves multiple functions: it acts as a modulator to encode keypress information onto light patterns, serves as a transmitter to send optical signals, and integrates the encoding scheme functionality. By consolidating these functions into a single component, the patent reduces overall system complexity despite introducing optical transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an encoding scheme that dynamically changes light pattern parameters (such as intensity, position, or timing) to represent different keypress information. This parameter-based encoding allows complex information to be transmitted through simple optical variations, managing system complexity while maintaining security.
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 solution significantly reduces the risk of data exposure to electronic eavesdropping by converting keystroke information into light patterns for secure optical transmission.
Implementation Method 1
A described embodiment utilizes a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device in the form of a digital micromirror device (DMD) whose mirror positions are set according to an encoding scheme to generate light patterns
Implementation Method 2
The generated light patterns are optically transmitted along an optical fiber to a light sensor located at a personal computer (PC)
Implementation Method 3
The generated light patterns are transmitted along an optical channel to a light sensor located at the receiver. Light patterns sensed by the sensor are decoded at the receiver
Data Source
AI summary
A data transmitter includes a keyboard with keys, a digital micromirror device (DMD) having an array of micromirrors, and a light source directed towards the array of micromirrors. The keys are connected to the DMD such that each key corresponds to a separate micromirror of the array of micromirrors in order to generate a unique light pattern associated with each depressed key. An optical transmission channel is configured to receive the unique light pattern and transfer the unique light pattern to a light sensor of a computer.