Secure Data Transfer via Optical Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing secure e-mail communication methods are not widely used in non-business settings, lacking user-friendly solutions for establishing secure connections between devices.
Innovation Solution
A method for secure transfer of local private encoding data between communication devices involves providing secure access information via a first secure communication path to establish a secure communication link, allowing for the transfer and storage of encoding data, with options for client-server or server-client device operations using various communication interfaces and encryption methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing secure e-mail communication methods (S/MIME, PGP) are used, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a camera as an intermediary device to transfer encoding data between communication devices. Instead of directly implementing complex cryptographic protocols, the system uses the camera to capture and transmit visual representations of encoding data (QR codes, barcodes, or displayed text), serving as a mediator that simplifies the key exchange process while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/manual secure communication setup processes with an optical system. Instead of manually configuring cryptographic parameters or physically exchanging security tokens, the system uses optical capture (camera) and image processing to automatically extract and transfer encoding data, substituting manual operations with automated optical-mechanical systems.
2Ease of operation
If secure access information is provided via visual/acoustic information, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the secure communication setup process into distinct functional modules: a first communication device that displays or generates visual/acoustic information, a camera device that captures this information, and a processing system that extracts and utilizes the encoding data. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function independently, simplifying individual device design while enabling complex overall functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a camera, which is a common component in modern smartphones and communication devices, to serve multiple functions: capturing visual information, extracting encoding data, and facilitating secure communication setup. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized hardware, thereby managing device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If local private encoding data are transferred between devices, then adaptability is improved, but security risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary verification actions before transferring local private encoding data. The system captures visual information containing encoding data, extracts and verifies its integrity, and establishes a secure communication link before actual data transfer occurs. This preliminary action ensures that only valid, uncorrupted encoding data are used, reducing security risks associated with data transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses visual information (QR codes, barcodes, or displayed text) as an intermediary representation of the actual private encoding data. Instead of directly transmitting sensitive cryptographic keys, the system transfers their visual representations, which can be captured, verified, and converted. This intermediary approach reduces security risks by avoiding direct exposure of sensitive data during transmission.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of secure transfer of local private encoding data between a first communication device and a second communication device, the first communication device and the second communication device being operable to communicate with each other via a communication connection there between, a respectively adapted first communication device, a respectively adapted second communication device, a system comprising such first and second communication devices and also a computer program product for carrying out the above method.