Abstract: Access authorization is validated for an information processing system wherein a "slave device" such as a terminal desires access to information contained in or controlled by a "master device" such as a computer. Apparatus associated with the slave device receives validation data from the master device, modifies it according to a pre-determined algorithm implemented through logical circuitry in the apparatus, and returns the resulting "convoluted" data to the master device. The same validation data is convoluted in the master device through mathematical implementation of the algorithm. If the two sets of convoluted data match, it is presumed that the slave device is authorized to access information through the master device.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating entry of pre-defined sequences of data characters into a computer or computer-controlled system, and preferably connected between the computer and its keyboard. Each data sequence is identified by a multi-character alphanumeric code name assigned by the user. The apparatus accepts and stores the code names and corresponding data sequences in a self-contained memory, and subsequently accepts a code name from the computer's keyboard, retrieves the corresponding data sequence, and transmits the data sequence to the computer system as if the data sequence had been manually entered in full using the computer system's keyboard. The apparatus can be set to match the characteristics of the transmission link between the computer and its keyboard, and the rate at which each data sequence is transmitted can be adjusted to automatically accommodate the ability of the computer system and its programs to accept and process data.