An innovative invention could help the Department of the Air Force (DAF) keep its information more secure.
Dr. John P. McIntire, Security Research Analyst in the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Sensors Directorate (RY), recently received a patent from the US Patent and Trademark Office for new technology designed to ensure that safes and other security containers remain properly closed and locked. Also included on the patent issuance were several contract support specialists who collaborated with Dr. McIntire in conducting the work.
Dr. McIntire and his team began their work with the broad goal of reducing information security incidents. The first step in the process was to conduct background research to understand the contours of the issue, which would inform the identification of a specific problem. In pursuing this preliminary work, the team found that one of the most common and pressing challenges in the information security field involves secure containers being left open or unlocked when they should not be. This phenomenon presents an obvious problem when it comes to the issue of keeping sensitive information secure, as having a disengaged security mechanism is no better than having no security mechanism at all. The problem is especially acute when it comes to addressing security violations in challenging environments like ships, Forward Operating Bases (FOBs), and other remote locations, which experience more security-related incidents than do more “stable” locations.
The team also knew from the beginning of the process that any solution would need to be approved for use inside a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF), a requirement that entails stringent security considerations. The team therefore focused on using simple electronics to create a device that would provide the desired capabilities without collecting potentially sensitive data, such as who was using the safe. The core mission was to address the stated needs without creating new security risks in the process.
Dr. McIntire and his collaborators then employed a “design thinking” approach – which revolves around understanding user needs, challenging assumptions, and redefining problems – to address the issue as adeptly as possible. The team interviewed Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) across the Department of War (DoW), including the security personnel who use these containers routinely along with the experts that manage policy, regulations, and design specifications for these items. These interviews were meant to gather user perspectives on what capabilities would likely prove most effective and useful. Using this information, the team then conducted prototyping of a module designed to address the issue in the most user-friendly manner possible. Initial prototyping was then followed by active testing and troubleshooting, which was completed using decommissioned security containers.
The module provides alerts when a container is left unsecured and provides cues during the closing process to ensure key steps are not overlooked. “Heartbeat” noises resembling the chirps issued by refrigerator doors left ajar alert stakeholders when a container is left open or unlocked. Other audio and visual stimuli provide reminders about essential steps in closing and locking procedures to ensure that the proper procedure is followed. Together, these capabilities are meant to aid users in making sure information remains secure every time a container is used.
The innovation can be adapted to fit existing security containers, which could potentially permit DAF to transform its current inventory into “smart safes” without the need for extensive retrofitting or replacement work to be conducted.
According to Dr. McIntire, there is more work to be done before full deployment can be pursued. The initial prototype established proof of concept, but more design work must be conducted to optimize large-scale manufacturability. Plans for deployment would also have to be established and executed. However, should this work prove successful, the innovation could help DAF and the broader DoW – with minimal effort involved – ensure that sensitive information remains protected.
The RY team’s patent application was facilitated by RY’s Office of Research and Technology Application (ORTA). DAF ORTAs protect DAF’s interests in discoveries achieved in DAF research laboratories. DAF ORTAs work with DAF scientists and engineers to navigate the patent application and issuance process, ensuring that DAF’s intellectual property interests are preserved. DAF ORTAs coordinate their activities with the DAF Technology Transfer and Transition (T3) Program Office, which oversees individual ORTAs and performs ORTA functions for DAF laboratories without a designated ORTA.
After initial issuance, many DAF-originated innovations are licensed to external organizations for further development and use, and DAF ORTAs manage this process as well. Given that the RY team’s innovation could be useful to any organization concerned about information security, the potential application of the invention is broad.
United States Patent Office Patent # 12,548,428
About AFRL
The Air Force Research Laboratory, or AFRL, is the primary scientific research and development center for the Department of the Air Force. AFRL plays an integral role in leading the discovery, development, and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for our air, space, and cyberspace forces. With a workforce spanning across nine technology areas and 40 other operations around the globe, AFRL provides a diverse portfolio of science and technology ranging from fundamental to advanced research and technology development. For more information, visit www.afresearchlab.com.