Multi-step digital signature method and system
US6209091A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 29, 1998 |
| Grant date | Mar 27, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 29, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F7/725
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A multi-step signing system and method uses multiple signing devices to affix a single signature which can be verified using a single public verification key. Each signing device posesses a share of the signature key and affixes a partial signature in response to authorization from a plurality of authorizing agents. In a serial embodiment, after a first partial signature has been affixed, a second signing device exponentiates the first partial signature. In a parallel embodiment, each signing device affixes a partial signature, and the plurality of partial signatures are multiplied together to form the final signature. Security of the system is enhanced by distributing capability to affix signatures among a plurality of signing devices and by distributing authority to affix a partial signature among a plurality of authorizing agents.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.