Compagnie Internationale Pour L'informatique Cii-honeywell Bull (societe

Compagnie Internationale Pour L'informatique Cii-honeywell Bull

Cii Honeywell Bull (societe Anonyme)

Other

Compagnie Internationale Pour L'informatique

Compagnia Internationale Pour L'informatique

Jean H Mollier

Georges M Giraud

Michel Ugon

Charles J Saada

Charles Saada

The invention relates to a method and a device for protecting software delivered to a user by a supplier. The method amounts to rendering the programs non-executable in the state in which they have been delivered to the users. With each program (P.sub.i) there is associated a validation key defined via a main validation key (V.sub.i) delivered by the supplier and recorded in a storage area (M) of the user's machine (1), and via a supplementary key (V'.sub.i) computed on the lever of a card (C) issued to the user via a secret code (S) and via arguments (b.sub.i) that identify each program (P.sub.i) and are recorded in a storage area (M1) of the card (C).

Method and device for protecting software delivered to a user by a

A process and a device for authenticating the signature of a signed message includes a nominal signature card (1a) coupled to a transmitting device 1 which sends signed messages. The card (1a) includes at least one memory (5) in which there are secretly prerecorded at least one secret key (S) and one program (P) which automatically processes the signature of a message (M), as well as circuits (6) for computing the signature (SG). A control card (3b), which is not nominal, is coupled to a device (3) for receiving signed messages. The card (3b) includes at least one memory in which there are secretly prerecorded at least the secret key (S) and the program (P) for recomputing via processing circuits (15) the signature (SG) of the received message (M).

Process and apparatus for authenticating the signature of a signed

The object of the invention is a process for certifying the origin of at least one item of information stored in the memory of a first electronic device such as a portable card and transmitted to a second electronic device such as a portable card, and a system for implementing said process. An individual A controls a card C.sub.A which has a memory M.sub.A that contains an item of information I.sub.A specific to the individual A. An individual B controls a card C.sub.B which has a memory M.sub.B that contains an item of information I.sub.B specific to individual B. In order for individual B, who receives the information I.sub.A, to be certain of the origin of this information I.sub.A, each of the two cards C.sub.A and C.sub.B calculates a result R related to the information I.sub.A, to a secret set (S) shared by the two cards, to a random number (E.sub.B) supplied by individual B, and to a parameter J which, in turn, is related to the two items of information (I.sub.A, I.sub. B) which are combined in accordance with a predetermined symmetrical algorithm p. The invention applies in particular to mutual identification and certification between two individuals of the same group who have been issued individual cards. Each individual of the group is issued his own personal card.

Method for certifying the origin of at least one item of information

The transmission of signed messages occurs between a transmitter (1) and a receiver (3) connected by a transmission line system (2). The transmitter (1) and the receiver (3) respectively comprise a coding device 7 and a decoding device 11. Means 4 situated at the transmitter supply a signature SG as a function of the message M which is to be transmitted. The message associated with its signature, as well as a common key E, are transmitted by the transmitter towards the receiver after coding by means of an intrinsic key R.sub.1. Upon being received, the message M linked with its signature SG is decoded by means of an intrinsic key R.sub.2 determined at the receiver location in such manner as to establish equality between intrinsic keys R.sub.1 and R.sub.2.

Process and system for transmission of signed messages

A credit card includes a memory having first and second zones in which are respectively stored variable and fixed data. The data stored in the first zone includes first, second and third bit fields respectively representing a card serial number, a card invalidation character and a card validation character. The first, second and third bit fields are subject to change by improper use of the card. The first, second and third bit fields are read to derive first, second and third signals. The second signal is compared with a predetermined signal indicative of a desired value for the second field. A set of bits is written into the third field in response to the second signal being equal to the predetermined signal and the first signal being equal to a stored signal indicative of an assigned serial number. The set of bits written into the third field is tested to determine if the bits were properly written into the third field. In response to the test on the third field indicating that the bits were properly written into the third field and the second signal being equal to the predetermined signal and the first signal being equal to a stored signal indicative of an assigned serial number, the variable data stored in the second part of the memory are changed.

Apparatus for and method of recycling recording carriers, such as credit

Each card of a set of credit cards includes a memory having plural memory fields. The memory of each card in a set includes a first unalterable multi-bit field indicative of an identification of an external means with which the card can be used, as well as a second unalterable mutli-bit field indicative of operations that can be performed with the card on the external means and an alterable multi-bit field indicative of the number of credit units available to a card holder. Each card includes circuits for controlling the memory, and means for temporarily coupling the memory and circuits to the external means. Each of the first and second unalterable bit fields includes n bits. A change from one bit state to the other bit state of a predetermined number, m, of bits in the unalterable fields of each card in the set is irreversible after imprinting, where m is equal to or less than n.

System for keeping account of predetermined homogeneous units

A memory matrix is divided into a plurality of zones, one of which has a predetermined address and is set aside for a control character having multiple bits, stored in plural cells of the one zone. Each cell stores electric charge, with the cells in the control zone storing a charge no greater than that in the remaining zones. After the cells of the control zone have been initially supplied with the predetermined control character, the cells of the control zone are isolated from write command signals during normal operation. The cells of the control zone can be read out during normal operation.

Method of and apparatus for inscribing a control character in a memory

A control character having a predetermined sequence of binary values is written into a control zone of a memory matrix. It is impossible to alter the binary values in the control zone during normal operation of the matrix, but it is possible to read out the values stored in the control zone during normal operation. A comparison is made with the signals read out from the control zone during normal operation with predetermined values for the bits in the control zone, to determine if deleterious effects, during normal operation, have altered the data stored in the remaining zones of the matrix.

Method of and apparatus for testing a memory matrix control character

A credit card system includes a credit card containing a memory for storing coded information indicative of: an identification of the use for which the article is intended, an identification of units used to keep account of operations which are performed in connection with the credit card, and the number of units available to a holder of the credit card. The memory is structured so that the two identification data zones have bits wherein a change from one binary value to another is irreversible, to prevent tampering of the identification of the card. The card also includes circuits for controlling the memory and contacts for temporarily coupling the card to an imprinting and/or operating means that are respectively coupled to the card at the time it is purchased and when it is being used to purchase goods or services. When the card is purchased, the number of units is imprinted onto the card in the third zone, and the number of these units is decremented as the card is being used.

A system for keeping account of predetermined homogeneous units by means of an article such as a card, carrying information which may be the amount of a credit balance, and an external device for operating on the information. In general, the balance on the card is initially validated. Thereafter, the balance is irrevocably drawn upon as desired until a zero balance is reached. In order to avoid a single large expenditure to validate the card, and at the same time to minimize the possibility of fraud, a memory in the card has a plurality of zones which are individually validatable. A separate validating field in the memory has validating bits corresponding to individual memory zones. The validity field is accessible by the external device only, and is protected by a coded key embodied in the card. To make the system usable for recording other than whole numbers of units, one of the zones may have a plurality of sub-zones. One of the sub-zones may be allocated to multiples or sub-multiples of individual units.

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Bougival, France

Jean H Mollier