Secret Key Generation via Physical Movement Measurements
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The distribution of secret keys in symmetric cryptography is challenging, as the communication channel cannot be secured until the secret key is distributed, creating a 'chicken and egg' problem, and existing solutions like public-key encryption are computationally intensive or based on unproven mathematical assumptions.
Innovation Solution
Generating secret keys based on measurements of shared characteristics between devices, such as distance or velocity, allowing for simultaneous and independent key creation without transmitting the keys, using a system with data acquisition and key generation components that produce identical key material for secure communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If public-key encryption is used to solve key distribution problem, then key distribution security is improved, but computational efficiency deteriorates (100 times slower than symmetric key algorithm)
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the key management process into two phases: (1) a one-time public-key exchange to establish initial trust, and (2) subsequent symmetric key generation from physical measurements. This segmentation allows the system to use computationally intensive public-key cryptography only when necessary, while relying on efficient symmetric operations for ongoing communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces physical measurements (distance, velocity, acceleration) as an intermediary mechanism that bridges the security requirements of public-key cryptography with the efficiency needs of symmetric encryption. These measurements serve as a trusted intermediary that both parties can independently verify to generate matching secret keys without direct key transmission.
2Productivity
If symmetric encryption is used for efficient communication, then computational efficiency is improved, but key distribution becomes problematic (chicken and egg problem)
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables each device to independently generate the same secret key through self-service measurement of shared physical characteristics. Each device autonomously measures distance, velocity, or acceleration and processes these measurements locally to produce identical cryptographic keys without requiring manual key distribution or trusted third-party intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the key distribution problem by changing the parameter space from cryptographic algorithms to physical measurements. Instead of relying on mathematical hardness assumptions, the system uses physically measurable quantities (distance, velocity, acceleration) that naturally differ between device pairs, providing both security and ease of operation.
3Reliability
If mathematical-based key agreement algorithms are used, then key distribution security is improved, but vulnerability to future attacks increases (based on unproven mathematical assumptions)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the abstract mathematical system with a concrete physical measurement system. Instead of relying on unproven mathematical assumptions about computational hardness, the system uses direct physical measurements of distance, velocity, and acceleration that are governed by immutable laws of physics, making the security basis more robust and adaptable to future mathematical breakthroughs.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for generating one or more keys includes obtaining at two or more devices data based on movement of at least one of the devices with the respect to the other device. At least one key is generated based on the obtained data at each of the devices for use in securing communications between the devices. The key at each of the devices is substantially the same.