Pre-Shared Key Parity Exchange for Quantum-Resistant Data Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing encryption methods, particularly symmetric encryption, face challenges in securely distributing pre-shared keys (PSKs) due to the risk of unauthorized access by third parties, and quantum computers can break traditional cryptographic algorithms like RSA and elliptic-curve cryptography.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a trusted authority (TA) generates parity information between pre-shared keys (PSKs) for devices, allowing them to deduce each other's keys securely, and uses multiple TAs to distribute and replenish PSKs via quantum networking, ensuring secure communication without relying on a single trusted entity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If asymmetric encryption (RSA, elliptic-curve cryptography) is used for secure communication, then key distribution is simplified through public/private key pairs, but security is compromised because quantum computers can break these cryptographic algorithms using Shor's algorithm

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekey distributionVSAvoidsecurity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from classical cryptographic parameters (mathematical problems like integer factorization) to quantum cryptographic parameters (quantum mechanical properties such as superposition and entanglement). This parameter change enables security that is resistant to quantum computer attacks while maintaining ease of key distribution through quantum key distribution protocols

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mathematical/mechanical cryptographic system (RSA, elliptic-curve) with a quantum physical system. Instead of relying on the difficulty of mathematical problems, the security is based on fundamental quantum mechanical principles, making it immune to quantum computer attacks that exploit mathematical weaknesses

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If symmetric encryption is used for secure communication, then security is maintained against quantum attacks, but key distribution becomes problematic due to the need for secure pre-shared key distribution

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidkey distribution

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces quantum key distribution protocols as an intermediary mechanism that enables secure symmetric key distribution without requiring pre-shared secrets. The quantum channel acts as a mediator that allows two parties to establish shared symmetric keys securely, combining the security of symmetric encryption with the ease of key distribution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the communication system into two distinct channels: a quantum channel for key distribution and a classical channel for data transmission. This segmentation allows symmetric encryption to be used for data security while quantum protocols handle the key distribution problem separately, optimizing both security and operational ease

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If a single trusted authority is used for key distribution, then key management is simplified, but security is compromised because the single authority becomes a potential point of failure or corruption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekey managementVSAvoidsecurity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the trusted authority function into multiple distributed quantum key distribution nodes. Instead of relying on a single centralized authority, the system uses multiple independent quantum channels and nodes that can operate autonomously, reducing the risk associated with any single point of failure or corruption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements redundancy through multiple trusted authorities and quantum channels, providing beforehand cushioning against potential failures or corruption. If one authority or channel is compromised, the system can still function through alternative authorities, preventing complete system failure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 approach enhances security by enabling secure key distribution and replenishment, protecting against eavesdropping and corruption, even with multiple TAs, using quantum key distribution and XOR operations to generate encryption/decryption keys.

Implementation Method 1

The TA generates parity information between the first-device PSK and the second-device PSK

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectXOR operation:

Implementation Method 2

uses quantum key distribution and XOR operations to generate encryption/decryption keys

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectQuantum key distribution:

Data Source

PatentUS20260106752A1Methods, devices and systems for securely transmitting and receiving data and for replenishing pre-shared keys

Publication Date: 2026.04.16 PHOTONIC INC

AI summary

In a method for supporting secure data transmission between a first device and a second device, the first device and a trusted authority, TA, possess a first-device pre-shared key, PSK, and the second device and the TA possess a second-device PSK. The TA generates parity information between the first-device PSK and the second-device PSK. The TA communicates the parity information to at least one of the first device and the second device.