Postal security device incorporating periodic and automatic self implementation of public/private key pair
US6041317A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 19, 1997 |
| Grant date | Mar 21, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 19, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG07B2017/00967
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a greatly improved Postal Security Device (PSD) incorporating periodic and automatic self implementation of a public/private key pair. According to the invention, it is provided that the appropriate resources are contained in a PSD, thereby permitting the PSD generate a new set of public/private key pairs as required to change the secure cryptographic identity of the PSD. Such generation may occur in response to an arbitrary criterion, such as a request, a change in usage patterns, the amount spent, and/or the number of pieces processed. The number of key pair generations may be limited to a predetermined maximum. The appropriate authorities are then notified of the new PSD Public key. The new PSD key pair is used upon receipt of the appropriate certificate from the Certification Authority.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.