Software-Based SCIP VOIP Security on Mobile Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing VOIP communications devices require specialized hardware to enable secure SCIP communications, limiting user choice and increasing costs, as they are not equipped with the necessary hardware configurations for secure VOIP transactions.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that enables standard communications devices to facilitate SCIP secure communications through software, allowing users to select communication protocols and manage VOIP calls using either packet-switched or non-packet-switched protocols, by providing software code that enables secure network communications and manages protocol selection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If specialized hardware is used to enable secure SCIP communications, then security is improved, but device cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidhardware configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces specialized secure communication hardware with software-based SCIP protocol implementation. The software code enables standard communications devices to perform secure VOIP transactions by implementing SCIP protocols in the software domain rather than requiring dedicated hardware security modules or specialized communication processors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes standard communications devices universal by enabling them to perform both regular VOIP communications and secure SCIP-protected communications through software. The same device can operate in multiple modes (secure and non-secure) depending on software configuration, eliminating the need for separate specialized hardware devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If specialized hardware is required for secure VOIP, then security is improved, but user choice and accessibility deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoiduser choice

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes hardware-based security restrictions with software-based security implementation. This allows users to select from various communications devices based on their preferences rather than being constrained to specifically configured hardware, while still providing SCIP security through software code running on the device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Loss of energy

If VOIP communications are transmitted over data networks, then cost is reduced, but susceptibility to eavesdropping increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecostVSAvoideavesdropping

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the vulnerability of data network transmission to eavesdropping into a benefit by implementing SCIP security protocols. The same IP-based data network infrastructure that enables cost-effective VOIP transmission is enhanced with encryption and authentication mechanisms that protect against eavesdropping, turning the inherent security weakness into a secure communication solution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

4Loss of energy

If packet-switched protocols are used for VOIP, then cost efficiency is improved, but voice quality and reliability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecostVSAvoidvoice quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes packet-switched VOIP parameters to improve voice quality while maintaining cost efficiency. By adjusting transmission parameters, error correction mechanisms, and quality-of-service settings within the software implementation, the system achieves reliable voice communication over cost-effective IP networks without requiring expensive circuit-switched infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9088638B1System and method for facilitating secure voice communication over a network

Publication Date: 2015.07.21 APRIVA ISS LLC

AI summary

The present invention involves providing secure Voice Over IP (VOIP) communications to a mobile communications device. Specifically, the disclosed systems and methods enable a standard remote communications device (e.g., a cellular telephone) to utilize the Secure Communications Interoperability Protocol (SCIP) as designed by the U.S. Department of Defense. The invention provides SCIP access to users without requiring specific hardware configurations to be built into, or added to, the remote communications device. The remote communications device is equipped with software that emulates what was previously accomplished through a hardware configuration in order to facilitate secure VOIP communications over standard mobile communication devices.