Optical Out-Of-Band Key Distribution

Abstract

One aspect of the disclosure relates to an out-of-band communication system and associated process. The out-of-band communication system includes an encrypted data path that is configured to convey encrypted data. The out-of-band communication system includes an optical out-of-band channel that is physically distinct from the encrypted data path. The encrypted data path extends between an optical transmitter and an optical receiver. The optical out-of-band channel is configured to transmit key information from the optical transmitter to the optical receiver.

1 . A method of using out-of-band signaling to transmit and receive key information associated with an encryption key over an optical out-of-band channel, wherein the key information is transmitted at least in part in optical form. 
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein a user does not have to type in the encryption key from the monitor. 
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the key information is received at a peripheral device. 
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 3 , further comprising binding the peripheral to a host. 
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the out-of-band channel includes an optical transmitter and an optical receiver, and wherein the key information is transmitted from the optical transmitter to the optical receiver. 
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the optical transmitter includes a computer display, wherein the key information is generated as images on the computer display. 
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the optical receiver is located in a peripheral device. 
   
   
       8 . A computer readable medium that can be accessed by a general purpose computer, the computer readable medium having computer executable instructions for causing the general purpose computer to perform a method comprising:
 using out-of-band signaling to transmit and receive key information associated with an encryption key over an out-of-band channel.   
   
   
       9 . The method performed by the general purpose computer of  claim 8 , further comprising receiving the key information using a peripheral device. 
   
   
       10 . The method performed by the general purpose computer of  claim 8 , further comprising transmitting the key information using a peripheral device. 
   
   
       11 . The method performed by the general purpose computer of  claim 8 , further comprising receiving the key information by a peripheral device over a first optical out-of-band channel, and transmitting the key information by the peripheral device over a second out-of-band channel. 
   
   
       12 . A method comprising:
 using out-of-band signaling to transmit and receive key information associated with an encryption key over an out-of-band channel;   receiving the key information at a peripheral device over a first optical out-of-band channel; and   transmitting the key information by the peripheral device over a second out-of-band channel.   
   
   
       13 . An apparatus, comprising
 an optical detector configured to receive key information in the form of an light; and   a close-coupling device that reduces the light intended to be received by the optical detector from traveling to locations wherein the light could be detected by unintended persons or unintended detection media.   
   
   
       14 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the close-coupling device is included in a peripheral device. 
   
   
       15 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the peripheral device is an optical mouse. 
   
   
       16 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the peripheral device is an optical keyboard. 
   
   
       17 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the close-coupling device is included in a computer.