Quantum Key Distribution Device Bypassing Q3P Protocol Delays

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing quantum key distribution systems face processing delays due to the need for protocol handling using Quantum Point-to-Point Protocol (Q3P) for synchronizing and managing cryptographic keys, which limits the efficiency and versatility of key sharing operations.

Innovation Solution

A quantum key distribution device and system that eliminates the need for Q3P protocol handling by using a quantum key sharer, key distillation processor, and application key manager to generate and manage cryptographic keys directly, allowing for secure key sharing without the delays associated with Q3P operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If Q3P protocol handling is used for synchronizing and managing cryptographic keys, then key sharing security is maintained, but processing delays occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekey sharing securityVSAvoidprocessing delay

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the Q3P protocol handling steps from the key sharing process. By removing the protocol overhead while maintaining the essential security functions through direct quantum key distribution and classical communication, the system achieves both security and speed without the processing delays inherent in traditional protocol handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary key generation and distribution through quantum channels before classical communication is needed. By pre-establishing quantum-secured key material and preparing it for future use, the system avoids time-consuming protocol negotiations when actual key sharing is required, thus reducing processing delays while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If Q3P protocol handling is used for key synchronization, then key management reliability is improved, but communication efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekey management reliabilityVSAvoidcommunication efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The quantum key distribution system performs self-service by automatically generating, distributing, and managing cryptographic keys through quantum mechanical processes. The system eliminates the need for external protocol handling and manual key management operations, allowing keys to be generated and shared directly through quantum channels followed by efficient classical communication, thus improving both reliability and communication efficiency simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional key distribution methods are used, then protocol compatibility is maintained, but processing speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotocol compatibilityVSAvoidprocessing speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical protocol handling systems with quantum mechanical key distribution mechanisms. By using quantum phenomena (such as quantum entanglement and no-cloning theorem) to establish secure keys directly, the system eliminates the need for complex classical protocol negotiations, thereby achieving both protocol compatibility through standard quantum key distribution interfaces and dramatically improved processing speed through direct quantum channel communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 reduces processing delays and enhances the efficiency of cryptographic key sharing, enabling secure communication over longer distances and supporting various cryptographic methods, including one-time pad encryption, while maintaining the safety level of link keys.

Implementation Method 1

The transmitter transmits a string of single photons to the receiver via the optical fiber link (a quantum communication channel) that serves as the communication channel for optical fiber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectQuantum key distribution:

Implementation Method 2

the photons used for the purpose of sharing cryptographic keys possess quantum uncertainty which is one of the basic principles of quantum mechanics indicating that the photons undergo physical changes when tapped

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectQuantum uncertainty:

Data Source

PatentUS9755826B2Quantum key distribution device, quantum key distribution system, and quantum key distribution method

Publication Date: 2017.09.05 KK TOSHIBA

AI summary

According to an embodiment, a quantum key distribution device includes a sharer, a key distillation processor, a first manager, and a second manager. The sharer is configured to share a photon string with the another quantum key distribution device using quantum key distribution via a quantum distribution channel, and obtain a photon bit string corresponding to the photon string. The key distillation processor is configured to generate a link key from the photon bit string. The first manager is configured to store the link key as a link transmission key. The second manager is configured to store, in a storage, a first application key from an application key to be used in cryptographic data communication, encrypt a second application key from the application key, using the link transmission key, and send the encrypted second application key to another quantum key distribution device via a classical communication channel.