QR Code Encryption Key Output for Secure File Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a risk of data leakage and damage to information equipment due to loss or malware, such as computer viruses, which existing technologies have not adequately addressed.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus is designed with a file acquiring unit, a generating unit for creating restriction information, and an output unit that encrypts files using a 128-bit random number sequence and outputs the encryption key as a QR code on a paper medium, allowing secure access to the encrypted file.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If encryption key is stored together with encrypted file, then access to encrypted file is convenient, but security is compromised due to risk of data leakage and malware damage

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the encryption key from the encrypted file into separate storage locations. The encryption key is stored in a secure key management system while the encrypted file is stored separately, preventing both from being compromised simultaneously and enhancing security without requiring complex integrated security systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The encryption key is extracted and removed from the file storage system and placed in a separate key management infrastructure. This extraction eliminates the security risk of key leakage from file storage while maintaining the ability to retrieve keys through controlled key management processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If encryption key is separated from encrypted file, then security is improved, but access convenience is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidaccess convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A key management system acts as an intermediary between the user and the encrypted file. When access is needed, the key management system securely provides the encryption key to the authorized user or system, maintaining both security through separation and convenience through automated key distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Encryption keys are pre-generated and securely stored in the key management system before files are encrypted. This preliminary preparation ensures that when files need to be accessed, the keys are already available through controlled retrieval processes, maintaining convenience without compromising security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9530018B2Information processing apparatus, information processing system, and non-transitory computer readable medium for outputting encryption key on paper

Publication Date: 2016.12.27 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

An information processing apparatus includes a file acquiring unit, a generating unit, a data processing unit, and an output unit. The file acquiring unit acquires a file on the basis of an instruction from a user. The generating unit generates restriction information for restricting access to the file acquired by the file acquiring unit. The data processing unit associates the restriction information generated by the generating unit with the file acquired by the file acquiring unit. The output unit outputs the restriction information generated by the generating unit on a paper medium.