Abstract: Apparati, methods, and computer-readable media for improving the security of communications networks. An embodiment of the present invention is a system for enabling smart devices (1401, 1402, 1403) to communicate with each other over a network (1450) without human intervention. The system comprises at least two bidirectional smart devices (1401, 1402) adapted to send and receive messages (1460) over the network (1450). Each smart device (1401, 1402) is coupled to the network (1450) via a bidirectional intelligent chip, logic device, or smart device (1411, 1421). In message sending mode, intelligent chip, logic device, or smart device (1411) appends an identifier (1417) to each message (1460) emanating from its associated sending smart device (1401). The identifier (1417) comprises a fixed portion (1415, 1416) uniquely identifying the associated sending smart device (1401), and a variable portion (1414) containing a time having a secret random starting point.

Abstract: Apparati, methods, and computer-readable media for improving the security of communications networks. An embodiment of the present invention is a system for enabling smart devices (1401, 1402, 1403) to communicate with each other over a network (1450) without human intervention. The system comprises at least two bidirectional smart devices (1401, 1402) adapted to send and receive messages (1460) over the network (1450). Each smart device (1401, 1402) is coupled to the network (1450) via a bidirectional intelligent chip, logic device, or smart device (1411, 1421). In message sending mode, intelligent chip, logic device, or smart device (1411) appends an identifier (1417) to each message (1460) emanating from its associated sending smart device (1401). The identifier (1417) comprises a fixed portion (1415, 1416) uniquely identifying the associated sending smart device (1401), and a variable portion (1414) containing a time having a secret random starting point.

Abstract: Apparati, methods, and computer-readable media for improving the security of communications networks. An embodiment of the present invention is a system for enabling smart devices (1401, 1402, 1403) to communicate with each other over a network (1450) without human intervention. The system comprises at least two bidirectional smart devices (1401, 1402) adapted to send and receive messages (1460) over the network (1450). Each smart device (1401, 1402) is coupled to the network (1450) via a bidirectional intelligent chip, logic device, or smart device (1411, 1421). In message sending mode, intelligent chip, logic device, or smart device (1411) appends an identifier (1417) to each message (1460) emanating from its associated sending smart device (1401). The identifier (1417) comprises a fixed portion (1415, 1416) uniquely identifying the associated sending smart device (1401), and a variable portion (1414).

Abstract: Apparati, methods, and computer-readable media for improving the security of communications networks. In one embodiment, an application control device (1102) controls another device (1109) from a remote location. The system comprises a remote device (1101) coupled to the device (1109) being controlled. The remote device (1101) has an action portion (1103) and a security portion (1104). The security portion (1104) contains a unique security portion identifier (1142). Remotely situated from the remote device (1101), the application control device (1102) comprises a rolling transaction code generator (1120) adapted to assign a unique rolling transaction code to each occurrence for which the application control device (1102) wishes to control the action portion (1103) of the remote device (1101). Another embodiment is a system for enabling two or more devices (1401, 1402, 1403) to communicate with each other over a network (1450) without human intervention.

Abstract: Apparati, methods, and computer-readable media for improving the security of communications networks. An embodiment of the present invention is a system for enabling smart devices (1401, 1402, 1403) to communicate with each other over a network (1450) without human intervention. The system comprises at least two bidirectional smart devices (1401, 1402) adapted to send and receive messages (1460) over the network (1450). Each smart device (1401, 1402) is coupled to the network (1450) via a bidirectional intelligent chip, logic device, or smart device (1411, 1421). In message sending mode, intelligent chip, logic device, or smart device (1411) appends an identifier (1417) to each message (1460) emanating from its associated sending smart device (1401). The identifier (1417) comprises a fixed portion (1415, 1416) uniquely identifying the associated sending smart device (1401), and a variable portion (1414).

Abstract: Apparati, methods, and computer-readable media for improving the security of communications networks. In one embodiment, an application control device (1102) controls another device (1109) from a remote location. The system comprises a remote device (1101) coupled to the device (1109) being controlled. The remote device (1101) has an action portion (1103) and a security portion (1104). The security portion (1104) contains a unique security portion identifier (1142). Remotely situated from the remote device (1101), the application control device (1102) comprises a rolling transaction code generator (1120) adapted to assign a unique rolling transaction code to each occurrence for which the application control device (1102) wishes to control the action portion (1103) of the remote device (1101). Another embodiment is a system for enabling two or more devices (1401, 1402, 1403) to communicate with each other over a network (1450) without human intervention.

Abstract: Methods, apparati, and computer readable media for enabling a Smart Device (102) to securely validate an incoming message emanating from an external source (906). A method embodiment comprises the steps of a SPARC Internet Security Corporation (SISC 900) verifying (912) that the incoming message contains a pre-stored validity identifier (901). When the incoming message contains the correct validity identifier (901), SISC (900) appends (914) a SSD Unsolicited Transaction Identifier (SSD UT ID) to the message. The SSD UT ID comprises a unique security device (104) identifier and an optional message count. SISC (900) then sends (915) the message and the SSD UT ID to the Smart Device 102. The security device (104) is a device separate and apart from the Smart Device (102), and works in conjunction with the Smart Device (102) to securely process Smart Device (102) transactions, without the need for encryption, PINs, or passwords.

Abstract: Methods, apparati, and computer readable media for enabling a Smart Device (102) to securely validate an incoming message emanating from an external source (906). A method embodiment comprises the steps of a SPARC Internet Security Corporation (SISC 900) verifying (912) that the incoming message contains a pre-stored validity identifier (901). When the incoming message contains the correct validity identifier (901), SISC (900) appends (914) a SSD Unsolicited Transaction Identifier (SSD UT ID) to the message. The SSD UT ID comprises a unique security device (104) identifier and an optional message count. SISC (900) then sends (915) the message and the SSD UT ID to the Smart Device 102. The security device (104) is a device separate and apart from the Smart Device (102), and works in conjunction with the Smart Device (102) to securely process Smart Device (102) transactions, without the need for encryption, PINs, or passwords.

Abstract: Methods and systems for operating a Smart Device 102 with a secure communication system. A SPARC Security Device (SSD) 104 is in communication with one or more Smart Devices 102. SSD 104 receives a request for a transaction from a Smart Device 102 executing an application obtained from an Application Controlling Institution (ACI) 101, and is asked to verify the validity of the transaction. A one-time identifier (SSD ID, which replaces the user's account number) is generated by the SPARC Security Device 104. The one-time identifier comprises a unique SSD 104 unit identifier and a one-time transaction number; and optionally comprises a date, a time, an ACI 101 identifier, and a subject matter field. In one embodiment, the Smart Device 102 is not able to send or receive messages to other external devices without first receiving approval from the SSD 104.

Abstract: A Smart Device (102) securely validates an incoming message emanating from an external source (906). A method embodiment comprises the steps of a SPARC Internet Security Corporation (SISC 900) verifying (912) that the incoming message contains a pre-stored validity identifier (901). When the incoming message contains the correct validity identifier (901), SSC (900) appends (914) a SSD Unsolicited Transaction Identifier (SSD UT ID) to the message. The SSD UT ID comprises a unique security device (104) identifier and an optional message count. SISC (900) then sends (915) the message and the SSD UT ID to the Smart Device 102. The invention does not require encryption, PINs, or passwords. In an embodiment of the invention, Smart Device (102) is not allowed to communicate directly with external networks (506), but rather must do so via SSD (104). This removes the security burden from Smart Device (102), speeding and simplifying transactions.

Abstract: Methods and systems for operating a Smart Device 102 with a secure communication system. A SPARC Security Device (SSD) 104 is in communication with one or more Smart Devices 102. SSD 104 receives a request for a transaction from a Smart Device 102 executing an application obtained from an Application Controlling Institution (ACI) 101, and is asked to verify the validity of the transaction. A one-time identifier (SSD ID, which replaces the user's account number) is generated by the SPARC Security Device 104. The one-time identifier comprises a unique SSD 104 unit identifier and a one-time transaction number. In a Loyalty Application, an ACIRD 81 stores on behalf of participating entities an accounting of at least one of inducements, rebates, loyalty points, and rewards earned by or attributable to users of the SD's 102, and communicates with the SD's 102 and with the associated ACI(s) 101 and SSD(s) 104.

Abstract: Methods and systems for operating a Smart Device 102 with a secure communication system used in loyalty and other applications. An application controlling institution response device (ACIRD) 81 comprises a processing module 86 and a communications module 82 for communicating with at least one Smart Device 102 and with at least one application controlling institution 101. The ACIRD 81 is adapted to store on behalf of one or more participating entities an accounting of at least one of inducements, rebates, loyalty points, and rewards earned by or attributable to users of the Smart Device(s) 102.

Abstract: Methods and systems for operating a Smart Device 102 with a secure communication system. A SPARC Security Device (SSD) 104 is in communication with one or more Smart Devices 102. SSD 104 receives a request for a transaction from a Smart Device 102 executing an application obtained from an Application Controlling Institution (ACI) 101, and is asked to verify the validity of the transaction. A one-time identifier (SSD ID, which replaces the user's account number) is generated by the SPARC Security Device 104. The one-time identifier comprises a unique SSD 104 unit identifier and a one-time transaction number; and optionally comprises a date, a time, an ACI 101 identifier, and a subject matter field. In one embodiment, the Smart Device 102 is not able to send or receive messages to other external devices without first receiving approval from the SSD 104.

Abstract: A Smart Device (102) securely validates an incoming message emanating from an external source (906). A method embodiment comprises the steps of a SPARC Internet Security Corporation (SISC 900) verifying (912) that the incoming message contains a pre-stored validity identifier (901). When the incoming message contains the correct validity identifier (901), SSC (900) appends (914) a SSD Unsolicited Transaction Identifier (SSD UT ID) to the message. The SSD UT ID comprises a unique security device (104) identifier and an optional message count. SISC (900) then sends (915) the message and the SSD UT ID to the Smart Device 102. The invention does not require encryption, PINs, or passwords. In an embodiment of the invention, Smart Device (102) is not allowed to communicate directly with external networks (506), but rather must do so via SSD (104). This removes the security burden from Smart Device (102), speeding and simplifying transactions.

Abstract: Methods and systems for operating a Smart Device 102 with a secure communication system. A SPARC Security Device (SSD) 104 is in communication with one or more Smart Devices 102. SSD 104 receives a request for a transaction from a Smart Device 102 executing an application obtained from an Application Controlling Institution (ACI) 101, and is asked to verify the validity of the transaction. A one-time identifier (SSD ID, which replaces the user's account number) is generated by the SPARC Security Device 104. The one-time identifier comprises a unique SSD 104 unit identifier and a one-time transaction number. In a Loyalty Application, an ACIRD 81 stores on behalf of participating entities an accounting of at least one of inducements, rebates, loyalty points, and rewards earned by or attributable to users of the SD's 102, and communicates with the SD's 102 and with the associated ACI(s) 101 and SSD(s) 104.

Abstract: A method for operating a security device comprises receiving a request for a transaction from a programmable device executing an application obtained from an application controlling institute, and verifying a validity of the transaction. A user is alerted, in which the user indicates an acceptance of the request. A one-time identifier is generated. The one-time identifier comprises a security device identification, a transaction number, a date and a time. The one-time identifier is communicated to the programmable device, in which the application verifies a validity of the security device identification and instructs the programmable device to communicate the one-time identifier and transaction to the application controlling institute for processing. The application controlling institute verifies validity of the one-time identifier and processes the transaction, wherein said security device, application programmable device and application controlling institute securely processes the transaction.

Abstract: A method for operating a security device comprises receiving a request for a transaction from a programmable device executing an application obtained from an application controlling institute, and verifying a validity of the transaction. A user is alerted, in which the user indicates an acceptance of the request. A one-time identifier is generated. The one-time identifier comprises a security device identification, a transaction number, a date and a time. The one-time identifier is communicated to the programmable device, in which the application verifies a validity of the security device identification and instructs the programmable device to communicate the one-time identifier and transaction to the application controlling institute for processing. The application controlling institute verifies validity of the one-time identifier and processes the transaction, wherein said security device, application programmable device and application controlling institute securely processes the transaction.

Abstract: A customer incentive system involving a plurality of service or merchandise providers comprises a customer-carried, portable device (74), a provider device (76), and a base device (72). To earn incentive credits, the customer enters into a transaction with one of the providers participating in the incentive system (70). A transaction amount is derived from the transaction and, based on this amount, an incentive credit amount is computed. The base device (72) performs this computation by deriving an incentive code and cross-referencing this incentive code with all customer incentive codes stored on the customer-carried device (74) and incentive program codes stored on the provider device (76) to derive an incentive rate. This incentive rate is applied to the transaction amount to derive the incentive amount. The incentive amount is stored on the customer-carried device (74).