Patent ID: 7539648
Filing Date: 2009-05-26
Classification: G06F,G06Q,G07B,H04L

Abstract:
1. A method for obtaining a cryptographic certificate, comprising: receiving at a metering device a request for a cryptographic certificate, the metering device including a register having funds stored therein; determining if sufficient funds are present in the register for obtaining the certificate; if sufficient funds are present in the register, generating, at the metering device, a cryptographic key pair including a private key and a public key; sending a certificate request to a certificate authority, the certificate request including the public key of the cryptographic key pair; receiving a cryptographic certificate from the certificate authority, the cryptographic certificate including the public key of the cryptographic key pair generated by the metering device; deducting funds from the register for obtaining the requested certificate; and in response to funds being deducted from the register, activating the private key of the cryptographic key pair.