Quantum Encryption Key State Verification via Attribute Comparison

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a challenge in securely sharing encryption keys for quantum encryption communication, as existing techniques lack a method to confirm the state of quantum encryption communication, which is crucial for ensuring secure data transmission and reception, especially for sensitive data like genome data.

Innovation Solution

An information processing system and method that includes a communication management device configured to acquire and compare attribute information of encryption keys from both communication devices and key management devices, using this information to determine the state of quantum encryption communication and output relevant information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If quantum key distribution is used to share encryption keys, then information theoretical security is achieved, but there is no method to confirm the state of quantum encryption communication

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity of encryption key sharingVSAvoidability to confirm communication state

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where attribute information about encryption keys is collected from both communication devices and key management devices, compared against each other, and used to determine and output the state of quantum encryption communication. This feedback loop enables confirmation of communication security status without compromising the underlying quantum key distribution security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary information processing device that acts as a mediator between the quantum key distribution system and the users. This intermediary collects, compares, and processes attribute information to determine communication states, providing a user-friendly interface for confirming security without directly interfering with the quantum key sharing process itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If attribute information is collected from multiple sources for state confirmation, then accuracy of security verification is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of communication state verificationVSAvoidcomplexity of information collection and comparison system

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the information processing device to perform multiple functions: collecting attribute information from diverse sources (communication devices and key management devices), storing it, comparing different pieces of information, determining communication states, and outputting results. This multi-functional approach consolidates complexity into a single versatile device rather than requiring separate specialized components for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the functions of collecting, storing, comparing, and analyzing attribute information from multiple sources into a unified information processing device. By combining these operations into a single integrated system, the patent reduces overall system complexity while maintaining the accuracy benefits of multi-source verification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables users to confirm whether quantum encryption communication is securely available, ensuring that data can be transmitted and received securely, thereby addressing the challenge of securely sharing encryption keys and maintaining information theoretical security.

Implementation Method 1

Quantum key distribution (hereinafter, QKD) is a technique for securely sharing an encryption key between a QKD device that continuously transmits a single photon and another QKD device that receives the single photon. The QKD devices are connected by an optical fiber link.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectQuantum key distribution:

Data Source

PatentUS20250070964A1Information processing device, information processing method, computer program product, and information processing system

Publication Date: 2025.02.27 KK TOSHIBA

AI summary

An information processing device is connected to at least a first communication device. The information processing device includes a processor. The first communication device acquires, from a first key management device, an encryption key shared between the first key management device and a second key management device. A second communication device acquires the encryption key from the second key management device. The processor acquires first attribute information indicating an attribute of the encryption key from the first communication device or from a message transmitted and received through communication. The processor acquires second attribute information indicating an attribute of the encryption key on the basis of the information acquired from the first key management device. The processor outputs information related to the first attribute information and the second attribute information.