Mixing in small batches
US6813354B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 9, 2000 |
| Grant date | Nov 2, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 9, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L2209/56
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A highly efficient mix network for small numbers of inputs is provided. Four data messages would be a typical number of inputs. The structure of sorting/permutation networks is used to permute the input. This is done in a way that changes the position of pairs of items. A mix network is provided which is highly efficient on small input batches and is robust and private in the face of collusion by any minority set of mix servers. Additionally, the mix network method and apparatus has the feature of being publicly verifiable because the mixing method yields a transcript of results that can demonstrate to a third party that the mix proceeded correctly. An apparatus comprised of a plurality of mix servers is provided. Each mix server includes a randomizer network. Each randomizer network receives a plurality of input data messages and performs re-encryption and permutation operations on the plurality of input data messages to form a plurality of output data messages. The randomizer networks of the plurality of mix servers are arranged in a chain so that the first randomizer network of the first mix server in the chain receives its plurality of input data messages and provides its plura…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.