Digital certificates containing multimedia data extensions

摘要

A method and apparatus of communicating information comprising providing a datum which includes a digital certificate containing data. The digital certificate including an extension which includes: a first identifier which specifies a major classification of the data; a second identifier which specifies a minor classification of the data; and data in a format according to the major classification and the minor classification, the data indicating an owner of the datum and a use for which the datum is intended. The certificate allows authentication of the certificate itself and the data contained therein, and the data contained in the certificate can include information allowing verification of the identity of the holder of the certificate.