Importance

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Abstract

Cryptographic methods and apparatus for forming (102) and verifying (103) private signatures and proofs (203,204, 207, and 209) are disclosed. Such a signature convinces the intended recipient that it is a valid undeniable or designated-confirmer signature. And such a proof convinces the intended recipient, just as any cryptographic proof. Even though the signatures and proofs are convincing to the intended recipient, they are not convincing to others who may obtain them. Unlike previously known techniques for convincing without transferring the ability to convince others, those disclosed here do not require interaction--a signature or proof can simply be sent as a single message. Because the intended recipient can forge the signatures and proofs, they are not convincing to others; but since only the intended recipient can forge them, they are convincing to the intended recipient. Exemplary embodiments use a cryptographic challenge value that is said to pivot on a trap-door function, in that the value can be manipulated by those with the corresponding trap-door information, and is believed impractical to manipulate without it.

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First Claim