Abstract: A method and apparatus for activating an optical media device with a conditional access mechanism is presented. The optical media device is configured with a conditional access system such as an optical shutter assembly and the apparatus is configured to receive such an optical media device and establish communication with the optical media device. The apparatus may include one or more electrodes that are positioned such that they come into physical or near physical contact with a corresponding electrode on the optical media device and thereby establish electrical communication. The apparatus may also be configured to send and receive acoustical signals to establish an acoustical communication path with the optical media device. A data communication path may also be established between the optical media device and the apparatus. Upon establishing communication with the optical media device, the apparatus may send an activation signal to the optical media device to activate the conditional access system.

Abstract: A system is provided for authenticating and securing product transactions. An integrated circuit is attached to a target, such as an optical disc or electronic device. The integrated circuit has an RF transceiver that is capable of establishing communication with an associated reading device. The integrated circuit also has a hidden memory, which can not be read externally, and a user memory. The hidden memory stores an authentication message, while the user memory stores readable authentication information. The hidden authentication message and the authentication information are related through a cryptographic process. However, even though the integrated circuit benefits from the cryptographic security, the integrated circuit only operates relatively simple logic operations. In this way, a highly secure transaction is enabled without requiring significant processing power or time at the integrated circuit.

Abstract: A system and method for wireless activation of a target. A communication device transmits an ID associated with the target to a network operations center. The network operations center provides an activation signal to the communication device. The communication device wirelessly transmits an acoustic activation signal to a nearby activation device. The activation device is positioned proximate the target and causes a change in at least one physical property of the target. The target may be an optical media containing an electrochromic material with optical properties that change on application of an electric signal.

Abstract: An acoustic transmission is retransmitted by telephone to a network operations center over one path. The network operations center receives acoustic transmissions containing inaudible marks from other sources over secondary paths. The retransmitted acoustic transmission and secondary transmissions are processed and compared to determine a best match between the retransmitted acoustic transmission and one of the secondary transmissions. An acoustic mark in the best match secondary transmission is decoded and associated with the retransmitted acoustic transmission. This association in combination with decision rules stored at the operations center may be used to trigger a variety of transactions with the user.

Abstract: An acoustic transmission is retransmitted by telephone to a network operations center over one path. The network operations center receives acoustic transmissions containing inaudible marks from other sources over secondary paths. The retransmitted acoustic transmission and secondary transmissions are processed and compared to determine a best match between the retransmitted acoustic transmission and one of the secondary transmissions. An acoustic mark in the best match secondary transmission is decoded and associated with the retransmitted acoustic transmission. This association in combination with decision rules stored at the operations center may be used to trigger a variety of transactions with the user.

Abstract: A system and method for wireless activation of a target. A communication device transmits an ID associated with the target to a network operations center. The network operations center provides an activation signal to the communication device. The communication device wirelessly transmits an acoustic activation signal to a nearby activation device. The activation device is positioned proximate the target and causes a change in at least one physical property of the target. The target may be an optical media containing an electrochromic material with optical properties that change on application of an electric signal.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for enabling electronic transactions via a personal device (e.g., a cellular phone). A user initiates a transaction with a second party, both of whom are located in a point-of-presence (POP), by establishing communication between the personal device and a network operations center (NOC). The personal device and NOC communicate via a wide area communication link. The personal device communicates with a POP device for the second party via a local area communication link. The POP device communicates with the NOC via the personal device, which bridges the wide area communication link with the local area communication link. The personal device and POP device provide pertinent information for the transaction to the NOC. The NOC may also access other pertinent information stored for the user and/or the second party. The NOC implements decision rules appropriate for the transaction and provides results for the transaction.