Abstract: When image date has been decomposed into a plurality of components, and a plurality of components of the components have been encrypted, the encrypted image file must be able to be used without confusion. On a component decomposing means, image data is decomposed into a plurality of components for the hierarchical levels, for example. On an encrypting means, a plurality of components of the components are encrypted. And, on an encrypting information preparing means, encrypting information H concerning the contents of this encryption is prepared, and from the encrypted components and the non-encrypted components, and the encrypting information H, an encrypted image file F is generated on an encrypted image file generating means. When the encrypted image file F is to be decrypted, the encryption contents of the encrypted components can easily be grasped by referring to the encrypting information H.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for amortizing the authentication overhead of data transmissions. The method comprises establishing a first secure transmission of data between a transmitter and a receiver by transmitting at least one token to the receiver during the first secure transmission. There may be any number of senders and receivers, and any receivers may be a sender and vice versa. The method also comprises establishing at least one additional transmission of data between the sender and the receiver and transmitting the data and at least one token during the at least one additional transmission. In addition, the method compares the at least one token transmitted during the at least one additional transmission to the token transmitted during the first secure transmission to guarantee the authenticity of that at least one additional transmission. The method may also include transmitting a preselected number of tokens during the first secure transmission.

Abstract: A system and method for a third party logging server to keep track of sales by online merchants of copyrighted works. Providers of copyrighted works, such as publishers and authors, register with the third party logging server and acquire an authentication mechanism to use the server, such as a username and password. The providers upload digital works and royalties corresponding to the works to the third party logging proxy server. Online merchants register with the third party logging proxy server and also acquire an authentication mechanism to use the server. The merchant downloads works and royalty rates to the merchant's computer for online sales. The merchant also downloads software that informs the third party logging proxy server whenever the merchant makes a sale. The server keeps track of the sale. The server collects royalty payments from merchants. The server also calculates and sends providers their royalty payments.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for facilitating a self-organizing workforce of one or more workers through payment and recognition incentives, a set of configurable operating rules, and a set of credentials to represent the reputations and organizational capital of individual workers. The system includes a worksite having one or more configurable worksite rules where the one or more workers may work on an idea. Work includes posting to a discussion about the idea, voting on the idea, and recommending an outcome for the idea. Worker credentials for each worker are updated based on a worker's work on the idea within the worksite.

Abstract: A content copying system is formed from a host computer and connected disc drive, a removable recording medium being loaded into the latter. When the removable recording medium loaded into the disc drive is DVD-Audio, the disc drive reads a title, recorded on the recording medium and outputs it to the host computer, where it is-stored in a hard disk. When the removable recording medium loaded into the disc drive is DVD-RAM, the disc drive has the host computer read the title recorded in the hard disk, and records this title onto the DVD-RAM. The disc drive does not increment the number of copies made for a title when it is read from DVD-Audio and recorded in the hard disk in the host computer, but only when it is read from the hard disk and recorded onto DVD-RAM.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic credit card swipe system for the transportation industry. One embodiment has a currency conversion feature and a voice synthesizer that recites the fare in both the local language and a selected one of a number of foreign language options. The customer card swipe box is located in the passenger compartment and the driver control box is located in the front of the taxi readily accessible to the driver.