Abstract: Secure transmission of data is provided between a plurality of computer systems over a public communication system, such as the Internet. Secure transmission of data is provided from a customer computer system to a merchant computer system, and for the further secure transmission of data from the merchant computer system to a payment gateway computer system. The payment gateway system evaluates the information and returns authorization or denial of credit via a secure transmission to the merchant which is communicated to the customer by the merchant.

Abstract: A personal assistance system and method for use with a cellular communication system operating over a cellular communication band and having a plurality of cell-sites. A transceiver transmits to the cell-sites a spread spectrum burst of pulses including a service request codeword indicating a request for service from a service provider. A proxy cell-phone, coupled to a preferred one of the cell-sites, originates a cellular call on the cellular communication system to a destination number of the service provider and on behalf of the transceiver to thereby create a cellular communication link between the transceiver and the service provider. A transceiver location feature provides the service provider with the geographic location of the transceiver.

Abstract: A keyboard controller or interface with scans entered key sequences for a key sequence activating a keyboard lock feature. A password and particular hot key are loaded by the system microprocessor. The keyboard interface then scans untl the designated sequence is activated. All keyboard activity is blocked from the system microprocessor until a password sequence is entered. Codes releasing some of the key strokes in the activation sequence are transmitted and normal operation, including activation sequence scanning, resumes. The password mode may be directly activated on command from the system microprocessor.