Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing a control channel in a data network. A method is provided that operates to provide a control channel in a data network. The method includes receiving one or more server digests, and generating a control channel digest from the one or more server digests. The method also includes communicating with a device, and transmitting the control channel digest to the device.

Abstract: A storage system encrypts a plain text received from an external device and stores the cryptogram into a disk unit and, thereafter, decrypts the stored data in the disk unit and transmits the decrypted text to the external device. The storage system includes an encryption unit for encrypting first data received from the external device, a decryption unit for decrypting the encrypted data into second data, and a comparison unit for comparing the first and second data. When the first data and the second data are in disagreement, the first data is encrypted by an encryption unit different from the encryption unit encrypted the first data and the encrypted data is decrypted by the decryption unit into third data, whereupon the first data and the third data are compared. When the first data and the third data are also in disagreement, a failure report is sent to the external device.

Abstract: The device tracking location adherence and route adherence technology, according to an exemplary embodiment of this invention, at least provides for secure message reception from a remote device. The present invention allows for secure data transmission between a remote device and while employing a small amount of bandwidth thereby providing a cost-effective data transmission system. This is especially advantageous where a fleet of remote devices is employed within a network.

Abstract: Devices, systems and related methods are disclosed for improving operational security of a network and/or network devices, such as wireless access points (APs). In the disclosed systems, a network device is not fully operational until it is attached to a network and downloads sensitive information. The information is stored in the network device so that when the device is disconnected from the network, the sensitive information is erased from the device, making the device inoperative and removing sensitive information, such as passwords, network security keys, or the like. Disabling the network device in this manner not only prevents the theft of sensitive network access information, by also discourages theft of the device itself because it cannot be used on another network without the configuration information. In addition to downloading configuration information, the network device can also download an executable image that is likewise not permanently resident on the device.

Abstract: A method of authenticating an object in which a computer system receives indicating data from a sensing device. The indicating data is generated in response to sensing of coded data provided on or in a surface associated with the object and is indicative of an identity of the object and at least part of a signature. The signature is in turn a digital signature of at least part of the identity. The computer system uses the indicating to determine a received identity and a received signature part, before using the using the received identity to determine at least a determined signature part. The determined signature part is then compared to the received signature part to authenticate the object.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a method includes receiving a packet at a physical interface of a network security gateway. The packet is tagged with a first VLAN identifier associated with an external network. The method also includes communicating a copy of the packet to a first processor, analyzing the copy of the packet at the first processor to determine whether the packet violates a security condition, and communicating a reply message from the first processor to the interface. The reply message indicates whether the packet violates a security condition. If the packet does not violate a security condition, the method includes re-tagging the packet with a second VLAN identifier associated with a protected network by using a second processor at the physical interface. The method further includes communicating the re-tagged packet to the protected network if the packet does not violate a security condition.

Abstract: A phase-modulated, double-ended, half-bridge topology-based DC-AC converter supplies AC power to a load, such as a cold cathode fluorescent lamp used to back-light a liquid crystal display. First and second converter stages generate respective first and second sinusoidal voltages having the same frequency and amplitude, but having a controlled phase difference therebetween. By employing a voltage controlled delay circuit to control the phase difference between the first and second sinusoidal voltages, the converter is able to vary the amplitude of the composite voltage differential produced across the opposite ends of the load.

Abstract: A single sign-on technique allows multiple accesses to one or more applications or other resources using a proof-of-authentication module operating in conjunction with a standard authentication component. The application or other resource issues an authentication information request to the standard authentication component responsive to an access request from the user. The application or other resource receives, responsive to the authentication information request, a proof-of-authentication value from the standard authentication component, and authenticates the user based on the proof-of-authentication value. The standard authentication component interacts with the proof-of-authentication module to obtain the proof-of-authentication value. The proof-of-authentication module is configured to generate multiple proof-of-authentication values for authentication of respective access requests of the user.

Abstract: A method of using a mobile device to authenticate a print medium online before completing printing onto the print medium, the mobile device including processing means, a printhead, a sensor, a transmitter and a receiver, the print medium comprising a laminar substrate, the method comprising the steps of: using the sensor to sense coded data provided on a surface of the substrate; using the processing means to determine, from the sensed coded data: an identity of the print medium; and at least part of a signature, the signature being a digital signature of at least part of the identity; using the transmitter to send first data to a remote computer system, the first data being indicative of the identity and the at least part of the signature; using the receiver to receive second data from the remote computer system in reply to the first data, the second data being indicative of whether the print medium is authentic based on the identity and the at least part of the signature; and in the event the print medium i

Abstract: A system and method for producing electrons and ions are disclosed. One embodiment includes an outer electrode with a discharge chamber; an inner electrode positioned inside the discharge chamber, the inner electrode positioning forming a upper portion of the discharge chamber and a lower portion of the discharge chamber; and a gas inlet positioned in the lower portion of the discharge chamber; wherein a plasma formed within the lower portion of the discharge chamber provides priming particles usable to form a plasma in the upper portion of the discharge chamber.

Abstract: A vehicle safety system (10) includes a light source (32). A beam-forming assembly (34) is optically coupled to the light source (32). An object detection sensor (16) detects an object and generates an object detection signal. A controller (18) is coupled to the beam-forming assembly (34) and the object detection sensor (16). The controller (18) adjusts illumination output of the vehicle safety system (10) in response to the object detection signal.

Abstract: A bias circuit and a method for operating the same minimizes a picture distortion. The bias circuit includes a main capacitor and a plurality of sub capacitors for compensating picture distortion, a controller provides control signals having different duty cycles, and a plurality of switches receiving each of the switch control signals and changing each link (or path) between the main capacitor and the sub capacitors in accordance with the received switch control signals.

Abstract: An illuminating device comprises a plurality of light-emitting element groups each including a plurality of series-connected light-emitting elements, a load which is connected in series with one of the light-emitting element groups, and forms a reference element group together with the one light-emitting element group, and a driving circuit which includes a monitor unit which monitors an electrical characteristic value of the reference element group, and supplies an electric current set on the basis of the electrical characteristic value obtained by the monitor unit to the reference element group and the other light-emitting element groups.

Abstract: A computing system includes data encryption in the data path between a data source and data storage devices. The data storage devices may be local or they may be network resident. The data encryption may utilize a key which is derived at least in part from an identification code stored in a non-volatile memory. The key may also be derived at least in part from user input to the computer. In a LAN embodiment, public encryption keys may be automatically transferred to a network server for file encryption prior to file transfer to a client system.

Abstract: A computing system includes data encryption in the data path between a data source and data storage devices. The data storage devices may be local or they may be network resident. The data encryption may utilize a key which is derived at least in part from an identification code stored in a non-volatile memory. The key may also be derived at least in part from user input to the computer. In a LAN embodiment, public encryption keys may be automatically transferred to a network server for file encryption prior to file transfer to a client system.

Abstract: In order to enable a home network operator to also control the issuing of certificates to a roaming subscriber, first information indicating whether or not it is allowed to issue a certificate to the subscriber is maintained in the subscription information. The first information is checked in response to a subscriber's certificate request received from the subscriber and the certificate is generated and delivered to the subscriber only if certificate issuance is allowed.

Abstract: An electrodeless lighting system comprises: a first case in which a microwave generator, a waveguide for guiding microwave energy and a luminous part communicating with the waveguide, for emitting light by the microwave energy are installed, wherein one side of the first case is opened so that light from the luminous part is emitted to the outside; a second case coupled to the first case to open or close the opened one side of the first case and configured to pass the light from the luminous part; and a third case positioned at one outer side of the first case, in which a high voltage generator for supplying a high voltage to the microwave generator is installed. Accordingly, in the electrodeless lighting system, lateral lighting can be made like a streetlight, heat generating components and lighting components can be installed at separated spaces, respectively, and the generated heat can be smoothly emitted to the outside.

Abstract: In a communication system, a first wireless communication apparatuses belonging to a communication group receives a connection request frame including a notifying security level from a second communication apparatus outside of the communication group. The first communication apparatus stores a reference security level peculiar to the communication group, which is selected from security levels depending on one of encryption methods including non-encryption and encryption strengths. In the first communication apparatus, the notifying security level is compared with the reference level, and a response frame including one of a connect rejection and a connection permission is described, is generated and transferred to the second communication apparatus. The connect rejection represents a rejection of connection to the second communication apparatus and the connection permission represents a permission of connection to the second communication apparatus.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer instructions for managing files in a data processing system. An attribute for a file is specified as having a special designation. The file with the attribute having the special designation is processed, by the operating system, in a different manner from other files when performing operations, such as, for example, copying the file to a removable media, printing the file, or sending the file over a network.

Abstract: A dimmable electronic ballast for an HID lamp includes a rectifier stage for rectifying an AC input and providing a rectified DC output, a power factor correction stage for modifying a power factor of the AC input and for providing an increased voltage DC output from the rectified DC output, an electronic ballast control circuit for providing a driving signal comprising a pulse train for controlling a switching operation of an output switch stage driving the HID lamp; the output switch stage having at least one electronic switching element coupled to the increased voltage DC output for providing a pulsed power signal to the HID lamp to power the lamp, the electronic ballast control circuit having a feedback input comprising a signal related to the power dissipated by the HID lamp for maintaining the power at a desired level, the desired level being set by a dimming control input to the electronic ballast control circuit. The circuit provides high frequency power, typically above 50 kHz, to the HID lamp.