------------------------------------------ Computer Science Department Seminar Series ------------------------------------------ Cryptology using Fractals and Chaos Jonathan Blackledge Loughborough Univ and Durand Technology Limited 14:00, Wednesday, 5 March 2003 Room 103, Computer Science Building, Univ. of York This seminar looks at the trends and some novel approaches to cryptology based on the applications of fractals and chaos. It presents an overview of some of the research being undertaken at Loughborough University and the commercial applications of this research, including some fresh products. The presentation will first look at the use of multiple iterative function systems for designing block cyphers and algorithmic complexity for enhancing security in data transmission. The application of wavelets for digital watermarking will then be examined and in particular, the use of the Fresnel transform for the covert watermarking of digital images and chirp coding for watermarking digital audio files. It is shown how this approach leads naturally to the application of pseudo-random and pseudo-chaotic number generators for the production of overt texture fields that can be used for protecting and embedding information in security documents using standard printing technology for example. Finally, the techniques discussed above are combined to produce a novel encryption system that uses chaos for data encryption and chirp-coding for key transmission and authentication. ABOUT THE SPEAKER: Jonathan Michael Blackledge is a graduate of Imperial College and completed his PhD in Theoretical Physics at London University in 1983. He continued at the University of London as a Research Fellow of Physics from 1983 to 1988 specializing in inverse problems in electromagnetics and acoustics. In 1988, he joined the Department of Applied Mathematics and Computing at Cranfield University where he promoted postgraduate teaching and research in Industrial and Applied Mathematics, including CAD/CAM/CAE and DSP. In 1994, he joined DeMontfort University as Head of the Department of Mathematical Sciences where he established the Institute of Simulation Sciences and promoted a number of commercial activities and spin-off companies. He is now Director of Research and Development for Durand Technology Limited and holds visiting chairs at the Universities of Loughborough and London (Kings College). Professor Blackledge has published over 100 research papers and books. He has lectured widely to audiences composed of mathematicians, computer scientists and engineers in areas ranging from Programming and Software Engineering to Artificial Intelligence. His current research interests include Computer Aided Geometric Design, Fractal Geometry in Digital Imaging and Cryptography. He holds Fellowships with the Institute of Physics, the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications, the British Computer Society, the Institute of Electrical Engineers, the Institute of Mechanical Engineers and the Royal Statistical Society. His principal additional interests are in Music and European History.