(19)

(11)

EP 1 629 623 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 01.03.2006 Bulletin 2006/09 (21) Application number: 03817157.5 (22) Date of filing: 30.05.2003

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):  H04L 9/00(1968.09) (86) International application number: PCT/US2003/016817 (87) International publication number: WO 2004/109971 (16.12.2004 Gazette 2004/51)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IT LI LU MC NL PT RO SE SI SK TR Designated Extension States: AL LT LV MK (71) Applicant: University of North Carolina at Charlotte Charlotte, North Carolina 28223 (US)	(72) Inventors: ZHENG, Yuliang Charlotte, NC 28270 (US) TEO, Lawrence Chin Shiun Charlotte, NC 28213 (US) AHN, Gail-Joon Harrisburg, NC 28075 (US) (74) Representative: Weston, Robert Dale et al PHILLIPS & LEIGH 5 Pemberton Row London EC4A 3BA London EC4A 3BA (GB)