US 11188998

US Patent 11188998 Summary:

Title: Method for embedding searchable information, encryption, signing operation, transmission, storage and retrieval

Assignee: MYPORT TECHNOLOGIES Inc

Inventor: Michael F. Malone

Filing Date: August 16, 2019 (for application US16/543,293)

Issue Date: November 30, 2021

Abstract: A cell phone is described for acquiring and transmitting information to a receiving facility. It includes a capture device, a processor to associate date, time, and subscriber information with the captured data, a transmitter, and an encryptor. The processor creates "augmented captured information" by embedding date and time details, and then includes subscriber information in the transmission. The encryptor uses a symmetrical encryption algorithm to secure this augmented information before transmission.

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims:

• Claim 1 (Method Claim): This claim describes a method for securely handling digital information (images, audio, or video). It involves:

  1. Capturing Information: Acquiring an image, audio, or video file.
  2. Local Certification: Obtaining the date, time, and location where the information was captured.
  3. Embedding Information (Steganography): Embedding this date, time, and location data directly into the captured file using a steganography algorithm, creating "augmented captured information." This makes the information a permanent, hidden part of the file.
  4. Creating a Hash: Generating a unique digital fingerprint (hash) of this augmented file.
  5. Certification Authority (CA) Verification: Sending this hash to a trusted third-party (Certification Authority) to get a digital certificate confirming the file's authenticity.
  6. Receiving Certificate: Getting the certificate back from the CA.
  7. First Encryption Layer (Symmetrical): Encrypting the augmented file using a symmetrical encryption algorithm.
  8. Second Encryption Layer (Asymmetrical): Further encrypting the already encrypted file using an asymmetrical encryption algorithm, resulting in "doubly encrypted augmented captured information."
  9. Transmission: Sending both the doubly encrypted file and the CA certificate to a receiving facility.
  10. Storage: Storing these encrypted files and certificates in a database at the receiving facility.

• Claim 11 (Apparatus Claim): This claim describes a physical apparatus (device) that performs the functions outlined in the method claim. It comprises:

  1. Capture Device: A component (e.g., camera, microphone) to acquire images, audio, or video.
  2. GPS Receiver: A component to obtain the date, time, and location of the capture.
  3. Processor (for Embedding and Hashing): A processing unit configured to embed the date, time, and location information into the captured data using steganography (forming augmented captured information), and then to create a hash of this augmented information and send it to a Certification Authority.
  4. Receiver: A component to receive the certificate from the Certification Authority.
  5. Encryptor (Two Layers): An encryption unit designed to first encrypt the augmented information symmetrically, and then encrypt it again asymmetrically, creating doubly encrypted augmented captured information.
  6. Transmitter: A component to send the doubly encrypted information and the certificate to a receiving facility for storage.

• Claim 19 (System Claim): This claim describes a system that performs the functions using "means-plus-function" language, essentially covering any means capable of performing the steps. It includes:

  1. Capture Device: A device to acquire images, audio, or video.
  2. Means for Obtaining Date/Time/Location: Any component or method for getting the date, time, and location information.
  3. Means for Embedding: Any component or method for embedding this information into the captured data via steganography.
  4. Means for Forming Hash: Any component or method for creating a hash of the augmented data.
  5. Means for Submitting to CA: Any component or method for sending the hash to a Certification Authority.
  6. Means for Receiving Certificate: Any component or method for receiving the certificate from the CA.
  7. Means for Symmetrical Encryption: Any component or method for performing symmetrical encryption on the augmented data.
  8. Means for Asymmetrical Encryption: Any component or method for performing asymmetrical encryption on the symmetrically encrypted data.
  9. Means for Transmitting: Any component or method for sending the doubly encrypted data and certificate to a receiving facility.
  10. Means for Storing: Any component or method for storing the data and certificate in a database at the receiving facility.

Litigation/Legal Status Notes:
The patent's legal status is listed as "Expired - Fee Related". There is a PTAB case IPR2025-01467 filed which had a procedural termination. A US case was filed in the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC) under case number 26-1372. This CAFC case is identified as ongoing litigation.