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User authentication method and apparatus

  • US 5,668,876 A
  • Filed: 06/24/1994
  • Issued: 09/16/1997
  • Est. Priority Date: 06/24/1994
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method for authenticating a prospective user of an electronic service associated with a service node, the user having a personal unit, said method comprising the steps of:

  • transmitting a challenge code generated from an authentication center, which is either separate from or integral in the service node, over a network that is independent of the type of electronic service being selected;

    receiving said challenge code in said personal unit;

    generating, in said personal unit, a response code based on an algorithm having at least said challenge code and a user input as variables;

    generating, in said personal unit, an output code comprising said response code for either transmission from the personal unit to the authentication center or input to a terminal, said terminal being linked to said electronic service;

    comparing by the authentication center or the service node said response code with an expected response code; and

    permitting access to said electronic service only when a result of said comparison step is accepted.

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