Quantum Key Token for Secure Network Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cryptographic protocols, such as asymmetric key exchange, quantum key distribution, and key generation based on pseudorandom number generators, face limitations in security, range, and computational power, making them vulnerable to attacks.

Innovation Solution

A method and system utilizing a quantum random number generator (QRNG) to generate quantum keys, which are stored in a server and a quantum key token (QKT) for secure transmission and access control, providing information-theoretic security against computational attacks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If asymmetric key exchange is used for key distribution, then key distribution can be performed, but security depends on the hardness of mathematical problems which can be solved efficiently by new computers and algorithms

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidresistance to computational attacks

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mathematical problem-based security (asymmetric cryptography) with quantum physics-based security. Instead of relying on the computational hardness of mathematical problems, the system uses quantum key distribution where security is guaranteed by the laws of quantum mechanics, making it immune to computational attacks from new computers and algorithms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of security from computational complexity to quantum physical properties. By using quantum states and their measurement properties rather than mathematical problem hardness, the system achieves security that does not depend on adversary computational power.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If quantum key distribution is used to provide higher security, then security level is improved, but transmission range and speed are heavily impeded

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidtransmission speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the quantum key distribution process into two parts: quantum key generation at a centralized location and classical distribution of pre-shared keys. This allows quantum keys to be generated in bulk and stored, enabling faster communication without real-time quantum transmission constraints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs quantum key generation and distribution in advance before actual communication needs arise. Quantum keys are generated, stored in quantum memory, and made available for later use, eliminating the need for real-time quantum transmission and thus improving transmission speed while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If pseudorandom number generators are used for key generation, then key generation is efficient, but the system is susceptible to random number generator attacks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekey generation efficiencyVSAvoidsecurity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces pseudorandom number generators (software-based) with quantum random number generators (physics-based). Instead of using algorithmic randomness that can be attacked, the system uses inherent quantum randomness from quantum processes, providing both efficiency and unattackable security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of operation

If security tokens with unique identifier codes are used for authentication, then authentication can be performed, but the tokens are vulnerable to replay attacks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthentication capabilityVSAvoidresistance to replay attacks

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms static unique identifier codes into dynamic quantum keys that change over time. Quantum keys are generated continuously and updated regularly, ensuring that authentication credentials are never repeated and thus immune to replay attacks while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

The solution offers robust security against random number generator attacks and replay attacks, ensuring secure communication and authentication, particularly suitable for high-security applications like government and military communications.

Implementation Method 1

generating one or more quantum keys using the QRNG

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectQuantum randomness:

Data Source

PatentUS12341880B2Quantum key token

Publication Date: 2025.06.24 NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE

AI summary

A method of using a quantum random number generator, QRNG, for security applications, a system for security applications, and a user device for a system for security applications. The method comprises the steps of generating one or more quantum keys using the QRNG; storing, using a secure network, corresponding sets of the quantum keys in a server located at a controlled access location and in a quantum key token, QKT, for a user, respectively; and using the corresponding sets of quantum keys for secure transmission between the server and a user device comprising the QKT when outside the secure network or for access control to the controlled access location.