Patents by Inventor Bertrand Cambou

Bertrand Cambou has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20220166638
    Abstract: The present disclosure is related to implementations of computing systems. In particular, it is related to the use of an array of PUFs to enhance security of distributed elements that use security systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2018
    Publication date: May 26, 2022
    Inventors: Abolfazl Razi, Bertrand Cambou
  • Patent number: 10790994
    Abstract: Implementations of light filters for use in cryptographic operations may include: a substrate having at least a first side and a second side, the first side opposing the second side, the substrate including one of a translucent, a transparent, and a semi-transparent material, and any combination thereof; and one or more layers of microscopic structures coupled to one of the first side, the second side, and both the first side and the second side of the substrate, the microscopic structures each containing one or more structural elements configured to interact with light. The microscopic structures may be configured to collectively form a unique light pattern on a detector optically coupled with the light filter. The unique pattern may be configured to be used to form a challenge-response pair (CRP) and the CRP is configured to be used in cryptographic operations to authenticate an electronic device associated with the light filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: Arizona Board of Regents acting for and on behalf of Northern Arizona University
    Inventors: Bertrand Cambou, John Gibbs
  • Patent number: 10503890
    Abstract: An authentication system for a computing environment uses physically unclonable functions (PUFs) to authenticate requests to perform an action in the environment. The system receives, from an imaging device, an image of a physically unclonable object associated with the electronic request. The system then obtains from a computer server operating within the system via an encrypted communication channel, a challenge associated with the object. The system uses extraction parameters encoded within the challenge to transform a portion of the image and produce authentication data representing a response to the challenge. The system extracts, using the extraction parameters, the authentication data from the image and determines whether the challenge and response match and the request is authenticated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: ARIZONA BOARD OF REGENTS ON BEHALF OF NORTHERN ARIZONA UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Bertrand Cambou, Abolfazl Razi
  • Patent number: 10439828
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for authenticating distributed peripherals on a computer network using an array of physically unclonable functions (PUF). As each PUF is unique, each PUF is able to generate a plurality of challenge response pairs that are unique to that PUF. The integrated circuits of the PUF comprise a plurality of cells, where a parameter (such as a voltage) of each cell may be measured (possibly averaged over many readings). The plurality of cells in the PUF may be arranged in a one, two or more dimensional matrix. A protocol based on an addressable PUF generator (APG) allows the protection of a network having distributed peripherals such as Internet of things (IoT), smart phones, lap top and desk top computers, or ID cards. This protection does not require the storage of a database of passwords, or secret keys, and thereby is immune to traditional database hacking attacks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: ARIZONA BOARD OF REGENTS ON BEHALF OF NORTHERN ARIZONA UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: Bertrand Cambou
  • Patent number: 10432410
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for authenticating distributed peripherals on a computer network using an array of physically unclonable functions (PUF). As each PUF is unique, each PUF is able to generate a plurality of challenge response pairs that are unique to that PUF. The integrated circuits of the PUF comprise a plurality of cells, where a parameter (such as a voltage) of each cell may be measured (possibly averaged over many readings). The plurality of cells in the PUF may be arranged in a one, two or more dimensional matrix. A protocol based on an addressable PUF generator (APG) allows the protection of a network having distributed peripherals such as Internet of things (IoT), smart phones, lap top and desk top computers, or ID cards. This protection does not require the storage of a database of passwords, or secret keys, and thereby is immune to traditional database hacking attacks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: ARIZONA BOARD OF REGENTS ON BEHALF OF NORTHERN ARIZONA UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: Bertrand Cambou
  • Patent number: 10402171
    Abstract: Implementations of data compilers may include: a physical device including a physical parameter, the physical parameter including at least three states. The data compiler may also include a data stream generated from the physical parameter. The data stream may include a plurality of bits. Each bit may be coded with one of a 0, a 1, and an X; the 0, the 1, and the X may correspond with one of the at least three states of the physical parameter, respectively. The data compiler may also include an exclusive OR (XOR) data processor. The XOR processor may be configured to randomize the at least three states of the data stream and output a randomized output data stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: The Arizona Board of Regents Acting for and on Behalf of Northern Arizona University
    Inventor: Bertrand Cambou
  • Patent number: 10175949
    Abstract: Implementations of data compilers may include: a physical device including a physical parameter, the physical parameter including at least three states. The data compiler may also include a data stream generated from the physical parameter. The data stream may include a plurality of bits. Each bit may be coded with one of a 0, a 1, and an X; the 0, the 1, and the X may correspond with one of the at least three states of the physical parameter, respectively. The data compiler may also include an exclusive OR (XOR) data processor. The XOR processor may be configured to randomize the at least three states of the data stream and output a randomized output data stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: Arizona Board of Regents acting for and on behalf of Northern Arizona University
    Inventor: Bertrand Cambou
  • Publication number: 20180343129
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for authenticating distributed peripherals on a computer network using an array of physically unclonable functions (PUF). As each PUF is unique, each PUF is able to generate a plurality of challenge response pairs that are unique to that PUF. The integrated circuits of the PUF comprise a plurality of cells, where a parameter (such as a voltage) of each cell may be measured (possibly averaged over many readings). The plurality of cells in the PUF may be arranged in a one, two or more dimensional matrix. A protocol based on an addressable PUF generator (APG) allows the protection of a network having distributed peripherals such as Internet of things (IoT), smart phones, lap top and desk top computers, or ID cards. This protection does not require the storage of a database of passwords, or secret keys, and thereby is immune to traditional database hacking attacks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2018
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Inventor: Bertrand Cambou
  • Publication number: 20180343130
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for authenticating distributed peripherals on a computer network using an array of physically unclonable functions (PUF). As each PUF is unique, each PUF is able to generate a plurality of challenge response pairs that are unique to that PUF. The integrated circuits of the PUF comprise a plurality of cells, where a parameter (such as a voltage) of each cell may be measured (possibly averaged over many readings). The plurality of cells in the PUF may be arranged in a one, two or more dimensional matrix. A protocol based on an addressable PUF generator (APG) allows the protection of a network having distributed peripherals such as Internet of things (IoT), smart phones, lap top and desk top computers, or ID cards. This protection does not require the storage of a database of passwords, or secret keys, and thereby is immune to traditional database hacking attacks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2018
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Inventor: Bertrand Cambou
  • Patent number: 10062833
    Abstract: A MRAM-based magnetic device including an electrical interconnecting device including: a magnetic tunnel junction; a strap portion electrically connecting a lower end of the magnetic tunnel junction; a current line portion electrically connecting an upper end of the magnetic tunnel junction; an upper metallic stud electrically connecting a lower metallic stud through a via; the strap portion being in direct electrical contact with the via, such that a current passing in the magnetic tunnel junction flows directly between the strap portion and the via and between the via and the lower metallic stud or the upper metallic stud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: CROCUS TECHNOLOGY SA
    Inventor: Bertrand Cambou
  • Patent number: 9985791
    Abstract: A physically unclonable function generating system and related methods. Implementations may include comparing at least one physical parameter of a memory cell with a threshold value of the physical parameter and identifying a relationship of the at least one physical parameter of the memory cell to the threshold value. Implementations may also include associating one of a 0, 1, or X state to the memory cell based on the relationship of the at least one physical parameter to the threshold value and programming at least one state storage memory cell to store a programmed value corresponding with the associated 0, 1, or X state. Implementations may include including the programmed value of the at least one state storage memory cell in a PUF data stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Arizona Board of Regents acting for and on behalf of Northern Arizona University
    Inventor: Bertrand Cambou
  • Patent number: 9971566
    Abstract: A method of identifying a memory cell state for use in random number generation (RNG) includes comparing at least one physical parameter of a memory cell with a threshold value of the physical parameter and identifying a relationship of the at least one physical parameter of the memory cell to the threshold value. A state of 0, 1, or X is associated to the memory cell based on the relationship of the at least one physical parameter to the threshold value. At least one state storage memory cell is programmed with a value corresponding with the associated 0, 1, or X state. The programmed value of the at least one state storage memory cell is included in an RNG data stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Arizona Board of Regents acting for and on behalf of Northern Arizona University
    Inventor: Bertrand Cambou
  • Publication number: 20180067725
    Abstract: Implementations of data compilers may include: a physical device including a physical parameter, the physical parameter including at least three states. The data compiler may also include a data stream generated from the physical parameter. The data stream may include a plurality of bits. Each bit may be coded with one of a 0, a 1, and an X; the 0, the 1, and the X may correspond with one of the at least three states of the physical parameter, respectively. The data compiler may also include an exclusive OR (XOR) data processor. The XOR processor may be configured to randomize the at least three states of the data stream and output a randomized output data stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2017
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Inventor: Bertrand Cambou
  • Publication number: 20170309812
    Abstract: A MRAM-based magnetic device including an electrical interconnecting device including: a magnetic tunnel junction; a strap portion electrically connecting a lower end of the magnetic tunnel junction; a current line portion electrically connecting an upper end of the magnetic tunnel junction; an upper metallic stud electrically connecting a lower metallic stud through a via; the strap portion being in direct electrical contact with the via, such that a current passing in the magnetic tunnel junction flows directly between the strap portion and the via and between the via and the lower metallic stud or the upper metallic stud.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2015
    Publication date: October 26, 2017
    Inventor: Bertrand Cambou
  • Publication number: 20170235938
    Abstract: An authentication system for a computing environment uses physically unclonable functions (PUFs) to authenticate requests to perform an action in the environment. The system receives, from an imaging device, an image of a physically unclonable object associated with the electronic request. The system then obtains from a computer server operating within the system via an encrypted communication channel, a challenge associated with the object. The system uses extraction parameters encoded within the challenge to transform a portion of the image and produce authentication data representing a response to the challenge. The system extracts, using the extraction parameters, the authentication data from the image and determines whether the challenge and response match and the request is authenticated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: Bertrand Cambou, Abolfazl Razi
  • Patent number: 9728233
    Abstract: An apparatus has magnetic logic units a logic circuit configured to receive a serial input bit stream at an input node. Individual bits of data from the serial input bit stream are serially written into individual magnetic logic units without buffering the serial input bit stream between the input node and the individual magnetic logic units. Individual bits of data from individual magnetic logic units are serially read to produce a serial output bit stream on an output node without buffering the serial output bit stream between the individual magnetic logic units and the output node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Crocus Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Thao Tran, Douglas Lee, Bertrand Cambou
  • Publication number: 20170134174
    Abstract: Implementations of light filters for use in cryptographic operations may include: a substrate having at least a first side and a second side, the first side opposing the second side, the substrate including one of a translucent, a transparent, and a semi-transparent material, and any combination thereof; and one or more layers of microscopic structures coupled to one of the first side, the second side, and both the first side and the second side of the substrate, the microscopic structures each containing one or more structural elements configured to interact with light. The microscopic structures may be configured to collectively form a unique light pattern on a detector optically coupled with the light filter. The unique pattern may be configured to be used to form a challenge-response pair (CRP) and the CRP is configured to be used in cryptographic operations to authenticate an electronic device associated with the light filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2016
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Inventors: Bertrand Cambou, John Gibbs
  • Patent number: 9583695
    Abstract: A magnetic logic unit (MLU) cell includes a first magnetic tunnel junction and a second magnetic tunnel junction, each magnetic tunnel junction including a first magnetic layer having a first magnetization, a second magnetic layer having a second magnetization, and a tunnel barrier layer between the first and second layer. A field line for passing a field current such as to generate an external magnetic field is adapted to switch the first magnetization. The first magnetic layer is arranged such that the magnetic tunnel junction magnetization varies linearly with the generated external magnetic field. An MLU amplifier includes a plurality of the MLU cells. The MLU amplifier has large gains, extended cut off frequencies and improved linearity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: CROCUS TECHNOLOGY SA
    Inventors: Ioan Lucian Prejbeanu, Bernard Dieny, Kenneth MacKay, Bertrand Cambou
  • Publication number: 20170048072
    Abstract: A physically unclonable function generating system and related methods. Implementations may include comparing at least one physical parameter of a memory cell with a threshold value of the physical parameter and identifying a relationship of the at least one physical parameter of the memory cell to the threshold value. Implementations may also include associating one of a 0, 1, or X state to the memory cell based on the relationship of the at least one physical parameter to the threshold value and programming at least one state storage memory cell to store a programmed value corresponding with the associated 0, 1, or X state. Implementations may include including the programmed value of the at least one state storage memory cell in a PUF data stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2015
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventor: Bertrand Cambou
  • Publication number: 20170046129
    Abstract: A method of identifying a memory cell state for use in random number generation (RNG) includes comparing at least one physical parameter of a memory cell with a threshold value of the physical parameter and identifying a relationship of the at least one physical parameter of the memory cell to the threshold value. A state of 0, 1, or X is associated to the memory cell based on the relationship of the at least one physical parameter to the threshold value. At least one state storage memory cell is programmed with a value corresponding with the associated 0, 1, or X state. The programmed value of the at least one state storage memory cell is included in an RNG data stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2016
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventor: Bertrand Cambou