Abstract: A secured system of access checking using a portable storage carrier (C) on which there is recorded an electronic key (CL), a digital data processing instrument (LE) for the production of keys, and an electronic lock (L) function capable of authorizing access should the storage carrier have the requisite electronic key. To transfer an entitlement to produce keys (CL) from one production digital data processing instrument (LE) to another, it is loaded with a new public key (K′) and the signature (CER′) of this key.

Abstract: A system of payment by the transfer of electronic money and especially of electronic cheques with blind signatures comprises an interbank compensation unit, an interbank network, and a verification unit. The interbank compensation unit permits the transfer of electronic money between multiple bank units in payment of amounts owed therebetween arising from the electronic cheques. The interbank network links the interbank compensation unit to the multiple bank units, and enables the transfer of electronic cheques from a payment terminal to the interbank compensation unit. The verification unit is linked to the interbank compensation unit, and is capable of verifying the authenticity and the non-reutilization of electronic cheques which have already travelled through the interbank network after a first payment.

Abstract: An electronic fingerprint sensor works by the detection of pressure, the ridge lines of the finger exerting a greater pressure than the valleys. The sensor has a matrix of pressure microsensors and electronic control and signal-processing circuits. It is made in an entirely monolithic form, according to techniques for the making of electronic circuits (deposition of thin layers, photo-etching, doping and thermal processing), both for the pressure detection part and for the signal-processing and control part. The matrix-type pressure sensor uses either piezoelectric resistors lying on an insulator layer stretched above a cavity or a variable capacitor or a microcontactor.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems for checking access limited to authorized time slots renewable by means of a portable storage device.The system comprises, for this purpose, an element (LE) producing electronic keys formed by a data element pertaining to a time slot and by the signature of this data element. These keys are loaded into devices such as memory cards (C). Electronic locks (L) capable of verifying the signatures are implanted in the different (physical or logical) locations, the access to which has to be guarded.Application to the checking of access to buildings or computer systems.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for securizing a document incorporating a processing module, which calculates and associates with each document page (10), comprising a zone (11) containing the text of the information to be certified, a graphic seal (12) representing it in the form of interlaced bar codes.The invention also relates to a process for securizing a document and a graphic authentification code.Particular application to the securized storage of documents and to securizing transmissions by fax.

Abstract: Device and process for securing the transmission of telecopies or faxes and a secured telecopier or fax unit having such a security device. The device incorporating a user interface (16) permitting the establishment of a dialogue therewith and a security module (17) permitting the production and checking of digital signatures and preventing replay. The invention also relates to a fax unit including such a device and to a process for securing the transmission of faxes.

Abstract: A system embodying the invention for verifying signatures appended to bank checks comprises a check feed stand, a CMC7 code reader, a video camera and a control equipment. The checks are conveyed across the stand and are read in turn by the code reader and the camera which respectively issue the identity of the account holder and an image of the signature appended to the check. The control equipment is preferably comprised of a microcomputer in which algorithms are resident to authenticate the signatures by comparison with previously recorded reference signatures. The signatures are represented by static parameters relating to the shapes and dimensions of their drawings. The verification method embodying the invention therein comprises an optimization algorithm resident in the control equipment in order to specifically select for each signature the parameters that should be used to minimize a decision error.