The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 28, 1998
Filed:
May. 17, 1996
Dennis G Abraham, Concord, NC (US);
Richard K Hite, Manteca, CA (US);
Visa International Service Association, Foster City, CA (US);
Abstract
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for initializing cryptographic terminals in a cryptographic system. The invention provides a base key that is common to all controllers produced by a manufacturer of cryptographic systems. The base key is installed by the manufacturer of cryptographic terminals in each controller prior to shipment of the controllers. The base key is used only for the purposes of initialization of cryptographic terminals, and is not used for normal operations. Each cryptographic terminal that is to be used with any of the controllers containing the common base key is provided with an initial key by the manufacturer of the terminal. Each initial key is derived from the particular terminal's serial number and the common base key. The initial key is used only for initialization purposes and not for system operation. The terminal and controller establish communications in a normal manner using whatever communication protocol is appropriate for them. Upon installation, the controller and terminal enter into communications whereby the controller is able to securely determine the initial key contained in the terminal since the controller contains the base key.