Quantum Key Distribution Line Switching by Key Generation Speed

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional quantum key distribution systems face challenges in selecting an optical transmission line with higher encryption key generation speed due to factors like crosstalk, fiber bending, fiber vibration, optical loss, and external light interference, which affect the detection accuracy of quantum signal channels.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a quantum key distribution system with switch units that can dynamically select between multiple optical transmission lines based on encryption key generation speed measurements, allowing for the selection of the most optimal line for quantum and classical signal channels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single optical transmission line is used for quantum key distribution, then the system structure is simple, but the encryption key generation speed is limited and cannot be optimized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem structureVSAvoidencryption key generation speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the optical transmission system into multiple separate optical transmission lines (first optical transmission line and second optical transmission line), each capable of carrying quantum signals. This segmentation allows the system to select different transmission lines based on their respective encryption key generation speeds, thereby optimizing overall productivity while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If multiple optical transmission lines are used for quantum key distribution, then the encryption key generation speed can be optimized, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveencryption key generation speedVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a dynamic switching mechanism where the quantum signal can be routed through different optical transmission lines based on real-time or pre-measured encryption key generation speeds. The switch unit dynamically selects the optimal transmission line, allowing the system to adapt to varying conditions and maintain high productivity without permanently increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback through the measurement and comparison of encryption key generation speeds across different optical transmission lines. This feedback mechanism enables intelligent decision-making about which transmission line to use, optimizing the encryption key generation speed while managing device complexity through automated control rather than manual configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If transmission lines are fixed for quantum and classical signals, then the system is stable and easy to operate, but the detection accuracy deteriorates due to crosstalk, fiber bending, vibration, and external light interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem operationVSAvoiddetection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of transmission line selection based on measured encryption key generation speeds, which reflect the actual quality of quantum signal transmission. By selecting transmission lines with higher encryption key generation speeds (indicating better detection accuracy), the system compensates for issues like crosstalk, fiber bending, and external light interference without complicating operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Device complexity

If the quantum signal channel uses a single optical fiber, then the system is simple to configure, but the encryption key generation speed is constrained by the fiber's characteristics

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration complexityVSAvoidencryption key generation speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the optical transmission lines universal by designing them to handle both quantum signals and classical signals. The same physical infrastructure (optical fibers, switches, detectors) serves multiple functions, allowing the system to leverage existing resources for quantum key distribution while maintaining configuration simplicity and achieving higher encryption key generation speeds through optimal line selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250293865A1Quantum key distribution system, quantum key distribution device, and quantum key distribution method
Publication Date: 2025.09.18 KK TOSHIBA
  • US20250293865A1 patent drawing
  • US20250293865A1 patent drawing
  • US20250293865A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A quantum key distribution system according to an embodiment includes a transmission device configured to transmit a photon to be used for generating an encryption key in quantum key distribution; and a reception device configured to receive the photon. The transmission device includes a quantum signal transmission unit configured to transmit the photon as a quantum signal. The reception device includes a quantum signal reception unit configured to receive the quantum signal. The quantum key distribution system further includes a first switch unit configured to select a transmission line for transmitting the quantum signal from a plurality of transmission lines; and a second switch unit configured to select the transmission line for receiving the quantum signal from the plurality of transmission lines.