Optical Phased Array Encryption for Video Sensor Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Video sensors deployed remotely are vulnerable to hacking before encryption, as the recorded information can be compromised during transmission through communication networks, posing a risk of data theft.
Innovation Solution
An optical phased array (OPA) device is positioned between the optical chain and the focal plane array of a sensor to encrypt images by phase shifting or steering light rays, creating a scrambled, encrypted image that can only be decrypted at a command post, thus enhancing security by encrypting data before it is sensed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If encryption is performed after the sensor captures the image, then the encryption process is simpler and requires less computational resources, but the system becomes vulnerable to hacking before encryption can protect the data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing encryption before the sensor captures the image. The optical phased array modifies the optical signal in advance, creating an encrypted representation that is then captured by the sensor. This ensures that even if the sensor or transmission system is compromised, the original unencrypted image remains protected, as the encryption occurs prior to any potential vulnerability points in the system.
2Reliability
If an optical phased array is introduced to encrypt images optically, then data security is enhanced by encrypting before sensing, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional digital encryption methods with an optical encryption system. Instead of encrypting images digitally after capture, the system uses an optical phased array to modulate the optical signal itself, creating an encrypted optical representation. This substitution of mechanical/optical processes for digital processing achieves enhanced security while operating in the optical domain, leveraging the sensor's existing capabilities to capture encrypted data.
3Reliability
If the sensor is physically secured to prevent hacking, then the vulnerability of remote deployment is reduced, but the flexibility and remote operation capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the encryption function from the sensor system itself and implements it in the optical path before the sensor. By placing the optical phased array in the illumination path, the encryption is performed externally rather than requiring the sensor to have built-in encryption capabilities or physical security measures. This allows the sensor to remain vulnerable to physical hacking while the data is protected through optical encryption performed prior to capture.
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
The solution effectively secures video sensor data by ensuring that even if the sensor is hacked, only the encrypted image is accessed, and the original image remains protected, with the ability to disable the sensor if physical hacking occurs, and decrypting the image back to its original form at the command post.
Implementation Method 1
encrypting the optical signal in the optical phased array by phase shifting (e.g., steering, applying a linear phase ramp) the plurality of beams from the first arrangement to a second arrangement
Data Source
AI summary
The concepts, systems and methods described herein are directed towards encrypting optical signals prior to the optical signals being sensed, for example, by a sensor. An optical phased array (OPA) may be disposed between an optical chain and a sensor to encrypt an optical signal being sensed before the signal is received at the sensor. The method includes receiving an optical signal having a plurality of beams organized in a first arrangement at an optical phased array, encrypting the optical signal in the optical phased array by steering or otherwise phase shifting the plurality of beams from the first arrangement to a second arrangement, transmitting the plurality of beams in the second arrangement from the optical phased array to a sensor and sensing the encrypted optical signal having the plurality of beams in the second arrangement at the sensor.