Nova Patents
EP0793367A2

Key distribution system and method

Abstract

A communication system (10) can maintain high security in communication between a communication apparatus (11) and a terminal (12). The communication system (10) includes the communication apparatus (11) and the terminal (12) provided with a memory unit (16) for storing data for specifying function of the communication apparatus. The communication apparatus (11) and the terminal (12) include random number generators (13, 13') for generating random numbers, encryption/decryption key preparing units (14, 14') for preparing encryption/decryption keys (Y1) on the basis of both random numbers (R1) and (R2) generated by the respective random number generators (13, 13') of the communication apparatus (11) and the terminal (12) and a secret key (X1) held in common by the communication apparatus (11) and the terminal (12), and encryption/decryption processing units (15, 15') for encrypting or decrypting communication data between the communication apparatus (11) and the terminal (12) containing the data by means of the encryption/decryption key (Y1), respectively.

EP0793367A2, drawing sheet 1
Sheet 1 of 7

Term

Term ended

Projected expiry passed 19 February 2017, 9.6 years ago.

  1. Priority
  2. Filed
  3. Published
  4. Projected expiry
  5. Today

14 claims: 2 independent, 12 dependent

  1. 1
    A communication system including a communication apparatus for reception or transmission and a terminal provided with a memory unit in which data for specifying function of said communication apparatus are stored, wherein    said communication apparatus and said terminal each comprise:a random number generating unit for generating a random number;an encryption/decryption key preparing unit for preparing an encryption/decryption key on the basis of both random numbers generated by said respective random number generating units of said communication apparatus and said terminal and a secret key held in common by said communication apparatus and said terminal;and an encryption/decryption processing unit for encrypting or decrypting communication data between said communication apparatus and said terminal including said data by using said encryption/decryption key.
  2. 12
    A communication method between a communication apparatus for reception or transmission and a terminal provided with a memory unit in which data for specifying function of said communication apparatus are stored, wherein    first and second random numbers generated by said communication apparatus and said terminal, respectively, and a secret key held in common by said communication apparatus and said terminal are used to encrypt said data and the function of said communication apparatus is restricted by communication of said encrypted data.