PHYSICAL KEYING METHOD FOR CELLULAR PHONE SYSTEMS

   
 

LEAD INVENTOR:
Patrick Madden

TEAM MEMBERS:
David Garrison

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Dr. Eugene Krentsel
Assisant Vice President for Technology Transfer and Innovation Partnerships
Tel: 607-777-5871
Fax: 607-777-5788
krentsel@binghamton.edu

Scott Hancock

Assitant Director of Technology Transfer and Innovation Partnerships

Tel: 607-777-5874

Fax: 607-777-5788

shancock@binghamton.edu

DESCRIPTION:

The current disclosure extends innovations described in disclosure RB-170, that allows secure electronic communications, between individuals or groups of individuals, particularly when such communications involves wireless devices such as cell phones. The methodology is inexpensive, uses extremely little battery power, and gives the user much greater privacy in communications. Unlike current technology, the use of the encryption is transparent and requires no additional actions from the user.

This disclosure describes the user of "disposable phones" with strong encryption, and provides an easy method for upgrading and modifying the encryption system.

POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS:

Cell phone and other forms of wireless technology where security of communications is a top priority. Potential end-users include cell phone manufacturers, law enforcement agencies, the military, medical professionals, legal professionals, and corporations requiring this level of communication security.

ADVANTAGES:

  • The disclosed encryption approach is much stronger than methods currently in use;

  • The methodology can be used and accessed without the use of security-weakening passphrases/passwords;

  • The methodology requires far less computing resources as compared to current technologies; and

  • The encryption device is portable between cell phones allowing for lowered costs and giving the end-user greater flexibility and choice of cell phone systems.

DISADVANTAGES:

  • Use of the disclosed technology may be ultimately restricted;

  • Initial coordination between users is required; secure communication is possible only between users who have performed this coordination step.

  • The encryption requires the use of hardware device that supports a limited amount of communication (several hours or days of voice communication) prior to needing a servicing step.

PATENT STATUS:

Initial internal disclosure documents filed and a patent strategy is being evaluated.