Abstract: The object of the present invention is to perform verifiable secret sharing by a practical amount of calculation and a practical amount of communication. In addition, by using this process, a shared digital signature is generated, or a shared authentication server is provided.In a communication system where a plurality of information processing apparatuses are connected across secret communication channels and a broadcast communication channel, an information processing apparatus d generates a secret matrix from secret information s, l1, . . . , lk, extracts the first information segments for individual apparatuses i, and secretly transmits it to each apparatus i. The information processing apparatus d performs hash function on the secret matrix and broadcasts the output value.

Abstract: A method of decrypting retransmitted parts of a message includes receiving (201) a message comprising encryption synchronization and a plurality of encrypted blocks. Until a first block of the plurality of encrypted blocks is received with error, a first keystream is generated (205) from the encryption synchronization and at least one of the plurality of encrypted blocks, and, using the first keystream, the plurality of encrypted blocks, received without error before the first block of the plurality of encrypted blocks is received with error, is decrypted (207). A priming block is determined (211) from the message. When the first block of the plurality of encrypted blocks is received with error, a second message is transmitted (219) requesting a retransmission of the first block.

Abstract: A copy prevention method and apparatus of a digital magnetic recording/reproducing system performs the copy prevention function by encoding to insert a marker involving copy prevention function information and executing the function and allows a program supplier to realize a desired copy prevention function of various patterns, in which the marker formed by a control word for scrambling audio and video bit straps and copy prevention information for preventing an illegal copy is encrypted by an encoded key to be multiplexed with the audio and video bit strips scrambled by the control word. The marker transmitted is detected from the bit strips to be decrypted and analyzed by the encoded key to determine whether the copy is permitted or not, so that the detected marker is updated to be recorded on a video tape and the control word is produced from the marker to perform the descrambling to supply the result to a monitor to be displayed.

Abstract: The method provides for tracking a meter vault which is adapted for use in combination with a graphic interface unit. The graphic interface unit includes the graphics for the indicia town circle with an assigned area of origin code. The meter vault has an input keyboard for inputting additional information to the meter vault. The method involves the steps of storing the unique code of origin information in the non-volatile memory of the meter vault during initialization of the meter vault and in the graphic interface unit. During each power-up cycle of the meter vault request the unique code of origin from the graphic interface unit, A comparison of the received code of origin with the store code of origin is made. If the codes comparison is untrue, the meter locks requiring the manufacturer to issue an unlock code after verification of meter vault location.

Abstract: The postage meter terminal has the ability to telecommunicate with a remote central computer for the principal purpose of remotely resetting the funding registers of the postage meter terminal. During the telecommunication and subsequent to completing meter recharge, the postage meter terminal can be remotely inspected by the central computer. The terminal includes a microprocessor control system which is programmed to generating inspection data and store that data in a memory unit. The microprocessor control system also includes a random number generator for generating a random number within a limited range. Each number within the range of random number selections corresponds to a respective scrambling technique executable by the microprocessor system. The method of remote inspection is carried out by the microprocessor control system storing desired inspection data in the terminal memory unit generating a random number and then creating a data word of the inspection data and the random number.

Abstract: A process for using a trusted third party to create an electronic certificate for an electronic file that can be used to establish the file and verify the identity of the creator of the file. The process is composed of two phases, a registration phase and an electronic file distribution phase. In the registration phase, a trusted third party receives information about an author, including the author's public key and affirmatively verifies the accuracy of this information. In the file distribution phase, an author sends to the trusted third party a signed message containing the hash of the file the author wants to distribute. The trusted third party creates an electronic certificate, signed by the trusted third party, containing the hash of the file sent by the author.

Abstract: An executable interactive program is combined with audio/video data for transmission. The program is divided into modules, similar to computer files, and a Directory Module is created which links program modules. Security for the executable application is provided by attaching a signed certificate to respective Directory Modules. The integrity of respective modules is monitored by hashing respective modules and including respective hash values in the Directory Module. A hash value of the Directory Module containing the other hash values is generated, encrypted and attached to the Directory Module. At a receiver the certificate is decoded and checked for authenticity of provider. If the certificate is authentic the program may be executed but only if receiver generated hash values of respective program modules are identical to corresponding hash values contained in the Directory Module.