Abstract: An unpredictable microprocessor or microcomputer comprises a processor (1), a first working memory (51), a main memory (6) containing an operating system, a main program (P1) and a secondary program (P2), a second working memory (52), and switching means which, during the performance of the programs, makes it possible to switch from using one of the two working memories (51, 52) to using the other working memory, while preserving their contents. Switching means comprise at least one first block of registers (54) for storing the operating context of the programs in the main memory and a switching circuit (53) for enabling one of the working memories and the access registers (A1–a3) (d1–d3) associated with each memory (51, 52, 6) and controlled by said switching circuit (53).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a smart integrated circuit. This smart integrated circuit is characterized in that it has a main processor (1) and an operating system executing a main program (P1) for constituting a main task-performing process, at least one secondary processor (2) capable of concurrently executing at least one secondary program (P2) for constituting at least one task-performing process, power supply circuits (6) common to the processors and means for ensuring that the secondary processor or processors with similar power and different operating signatures are executed concurrently with the main process by continuously or intermittently inducing, in the power supply circuits, power disturbances that are superimposed on those of the main process so as to produce a continuous or intermittent scrambling.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved integrated circuit for a microprocessor controlled by at least one program and the process for using the circuit which includes means which can decorrelate the running of at least one instruction sequence of a program from internal or external electrical signals of the integrated circuit. The internal or external electrical signals include timing, synchronization and status signals.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for loading a protected storage zone of an information processing device, with confidential data and/or programs, and to the associated information processing device.The information processing device (1) includes a module (8) that includes a non-volatile memory having a protected zone (11) which is read-write accessible to a processing means (9) inside the module, but is at least write-protected from outside the module. The process executes a transfer of confidential information to the protected zone (11) from an analogous protected zone (27) of a portable object (21) with a structure similar to that of the module. The portable object is received in a portable object reader (6) which is provided in the information processing device.

Abstract: With confidential information being composed of authenticating signs which belong to a first series, a second series of signs or designating symbols is defined, the first and second series of signs are displayed in a relatively random position, and this placement in correspondence is used to enter the confidential information in such a way that a third party who observes the entry operations cannot determine the confidential information. The invention also relates to the terminal associated with this process.

Abstract: A data processing system is provided which includes at least one processing unit and at least one nonvolatile memory which is electrically erasable and reprogrammable at least under the partial control of the processing unit, with the system further including a reinitialization request signal detector which is operatively connected to a programming voltage inhibitor which is capable of inhibiting or preventing the application of at least one signal (V.sub.pp, WE, EE) to the nonvolatile memory, the signal being necessary for the programming of the nonvolatile memory, the reinitialization request signal detector operating to control the inhibitor such that the signal is inhibited from being applied to the nonvolatile memory at least when the reinitialization request signal is detected at a level sufficient to activate reinitialization.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for signature of a primary information processing file (FP), of the type consisting of causing circuits of an information processing device (1, 3, 4) to calculate at least one signature (SG) of the file, by using at least one secret datum (S; Sd) specific to the signer, but unknown to him, memorized in a secret memory zone of a portable electronic object (4), having a memory and processing circuits, which is at the disposal of the signer, and linking the calculated signature to the primary file.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for checking the integrity of a message such as a program and/or data against an original message supposed to correspond to it.By using an algorithm (A) on at least part of the original message, at least one signature (S1, S2, . . . Sm) of this part is calculated and memorized in a memory area (10) of a portable object (1) which also has processing circuits (11) able to implement algorithm (A). In order to check the integrity of a message, at least one signature of a message part is calculated by the processing circuits (11) of the portable object by implementing the algorithm (A) and is compared to an original message signature supposed to correspond, and memorized in memory area (10).

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable user controlled pointing peripheral device enabling connection of a memory and/or microcomputer module (44) to a processing machine, without requiring a specific connector and/or interface circuit, while preserving the portable nature of such a module. The main characteristic of the invention resides in the fact that the device additionally constitutes a pointing peripheral (47, 48, 49), such as a "mouse", and the electronic circuits of the device are arranged to use conductors (RXD, TXD, RTS, DTR) which are shared between the machine and the device in order to permit the use of the pointing functions and the use of the functions of the module.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for authenticating an external authorizing datum by a portable object, such as a memory card.The authorizing datum (C1) entered into an apparatus (2) is enciphered with a predetermined datum (E) to yield a message (M) which is transmitted to a portable object (1). The object (1) deciphers the message (M), taking into account a reference authorizing datum (C1), in order to retrieve a datum (E'), which must be coherent with the datum (E).The invention applies in particular to the recognition of the carrier code of the owner of a credit card.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for certifying services obtained with the aid of a portable carrier such as a memory card. A portable carrier (2) such as a credit card is adapted to be connected to an apparatus (1) that calculates a visual record or certificate (C), composed of a result (R) and parameters (PI, PE) necessary for calculating the result. This result is calculated by processing circuits (T2) in the card (2) under the control of a program (P2) recorded in its memory (M2) and of a secret key (S). The result emitted after a service has been furnished can then be recalculated, to certify that the service has been furnished.

Abstract: One chip microprocessor, which is more particularly designed to execute culation algorithms of a public code encoding system formed by a public function and a secret inverse function of the type comprising at least one programmable read-only memory, a processing unit and an input/output device, wherein it comprises a memory, in which is recorded at least one algorithm corresponding to the performance of said secret function, and wherein the programmable read-only memory contains the secret parameters constituting the secret code and recorded in an area of the read-only memory which is inaccesible from the outside, the processing unit including the multiplying circuits necessary for the execution of the algorithm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a security device (1) prohibiting the execution of at least one function of an electronic data processing unit (2) after a first cutoff of its electric power even in the case of a resumption of supply voltage.This device includes a first means (8) that functions only once in the course of a period beginning at the instant (T.sub.0) of a first connection to voltage by the power supply (3), and finishing prior to the instant (T.sub.2) of a first cutoff of this power supply, and a second means (10) connected to the output of the first means (8) and furnishing an inhibiting signal having a first level that authorizes the function of the unit, from the instant (T.sub.0) of the first connection to voltage until the instant (T.sub.2) of the first cutoff, this inhibiting signal having a second level that prohibits said execution of said function beginning at the instant (T.sub.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for authorizing the holder of a portable object such as a card to gain access with this card to at least one service provided by at least one authorizing entity. According to the invention, the method enables the holder of a card C to become authorized to have access to a particular service by causing an authorizing datum to be written on his card C by an authorizing system T, causing the calculation by both the card C and the system of a result taking into account at least one secret datum S, comparing in a comparator CC of the card the results calculated, and validating the authorizing datum if the results are identical.

Abstract: An insulative data carrier of the credit card type having a protective device that protects electronic circuits, such as integrated circuits (3a, 3b), incorporated therein against electrostatic charges, said electronic circuits being mounted on an auxiliary electrically insulating carrier element (2, 4) disposed within a recess in an insulative carrier and having fixed input/output contacts (5) connected by an interconnecting net (6, 7) to input/output terminals (8) mounted on said auxiliary carrier element (4). The terminals (8) are accessible from the outside and are concentrated in at least one zone of the carrier element (4). At least one metal ring (20) carried by said carrier element (4) is mounted so as to circle said input/output terminals (8) concentrated in said zone.

Abstract: Each section includes a data processing unit (1) provided with circuitry (7) for transmitting processed data to the other station, as well as circuitry (7) and (2) for reception of the data processed by the other station. The transmission occurs between the stations via only one connection 1.sub.3, plus a return connection such as 1.sub.1.

Abstract: Process and device for authenticating or certifying at least one item of information contained in a memory of a portable electronic carrier, such as a credit card. To certify an item of information (I) recorded in a memory (M) of a card (C), the process consists in causing processing circuits (TC) of the card (C) to execute a program (P) which takes into account the address of the information (I) in the memory (M). The address is communicated to the card (C) externally. The execution of the program (P) leads to a result (R) which is compared with a result (R') calculated in identical fashion by a transaction apparatus (l) to which the card (C) is connected, agreement between the results establishing the authentication of the information.

Abstract: The invention relates to a power supply system for a device designed to cooperate with a portable electronic medium, e.g., a credit or identification card having integrated electronic circuits therein. This system comprises a main power supply circuit (5a) that applies at least one voltage (V) to a processing unit (3) by means of a main supply source (6a) and an auxiliary backup supply circuit (5b) by means of an auxiliary supply source (6b). A detector circuit (7) detects any anomaly of the main source (6a) and automatically connects the auxiliary source (6b) in order to apply the voltage (V) to the unit (3).The invention is more particularly applicable to the supply of a transaction terminal or unit which cooperates with portable electronic mediums, e.g., credit or identification cards.

Abstract: A portable hand-held machine M1 includes a keyboard M4, a display screen a microprocessor, and a memory. The machine includes a receptacle M2, and a connector M6 to enable connection to at least one removable carrier M3 comprising a memory associated with a microprocessor M8. Circuits are provided for establishing a dialog between the machine M1 and the removable carrier M3.

Abstract: A system and method for distribution of articles or services, especially adapted to be secure against use by unauthorized personel, receives first and second data carriers. Each data carrier includes a processor, data storage, and interfacing circuits. A random number generator feeds a random number to each of the data carriers which use a program to generate a resultant based on the random number, a secret code and an identification number. The secret code and identification number are stored in the data storage of each data carrier. The resultants are compared to determine if they are equal, in which case access is allowed.