Patents by Inventor Merrill Smith
Merrill Smith has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20160164913Abstract: The present invention is a security tool for protection of data on a mobile computing device. The security tool provides a plurality of security policies to be enforced based on source information for the data and a location associated with a network environment in which a mobile device is operating. The security tool may be either located at the mobile computing device or at the server. The security tool includes a file access module for determining whether files are visible or accessible. The file access module comprises a tag generator, an association module, and a policy enforcement module. The tag generator creates source information for the file being accessed and the policy enforcement module determines what actions, if any, can be performed on the file and under what conditions such as location and network environment, type of file and other factors.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2014Publication date: June 9, 2016Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Peter BOUCHER, Michael WRIGHT, Tim CRANNY, Gabe NAULT, Merrill SMITH
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Patent number: 9197668Abstract: The present invention is a security tool for protection of data on a mobile computing device. The security tool provides a plurality of security policies to be enforced based on source information for the data and a location associated with a network environment in which a mobile device is operating. The security tool may be either located at the mobile computing device or at the server. The security tool includes a file access module for determining whether files are visible or accessible. The file access module comprises a tag generator, an association module, and a policy enforcement module. The tag generator creates source information for the file being accessed and the policy enforcement module determines what actions, if any, can be performed on the file and under what conditions such as location and network environment, type of file and other factors.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2006Date of Patent: November 24, 2015Assignee: NOVELL, INC.Inventors: Peter Boucher, Michael Wright, Tim Cranny, Gabe Nault, Merrill Smith
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Publication number: 20140259092Abstract: The present invention is a security tool for protection of data on a mobile computing device. The security tool provides a plurality of security policies to be enforced based on source information for the data and a location associated with a network environment in which a mobile device is operating. The security tool may be either located at the mobile computing device or at the server. The security tool includes a file access module for determining whether files are visible or accessible. The file access module comprises a tag generator, an association module, and a policy enforcement module. The tag generator creates source information for the file being accessed and the policy enforcement module determines what actions, if any, can be performed on the file and under what conditions such as location and network environment, type of file and other factors.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2014Publication date: September 11, 2014Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Peter BOUCHER, Michael WRIGHT, Tim CRANNY, Gabe NAULT, Merrill SMITH
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Patent number: 8020192Abstract: The protection of data on a client mobile computing device by a server computer system such as within an enterprise network or on a separate mobile computing device is described. Security tools are described that provide different security policies to be enforced based on a location associated with a network environment in which a mobile device is operating. Methods for detecting the location of the mobile device are described. Additionally, the security tools may also provide for enforcing different policies based on security features. Examples of security features include the type of connection, wired or wireless, over which data is being transferred, the operation of anti-virus software, or the type of network adapter card. The different security policies provide enforcement mechanisms that may be tailored based upon the detected location and/or active security features associated with the mobile device. Examples of enforcement mechanisms are adaptive port blocking, file hiding and file encryption.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2007Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Inventors: Michael Wright, Peter Boucher, Gabe Nault, Merrill Smith, Sterling K. Jacobson, Jonathan Wood, Robert Mims
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Patent number: 7636936Abstract: The administration of protection of data on a client mobile computing device by a server computer system such as within an enterprise network or on a separate mobile computing device is described. Security tools are described that provide different security policies to be enforced based on a location associated with a network environment in which a mobile device is operating. Methods for detecting the location of the mobile device are described. Additionally, the security tools may also provide for enforcing different policies based on security features. Examples of security features include the type of connection, wired or wireless, over which data is being transferred, the operation of anti-virus software, or the type of network adapter card. The different security policies provide enforcement mechanisms that may be tailored based upon the detected location and/or active security features associated with the mobile device.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2007Date of Patent: December 22, 2009Assignee: Novell, Inc.Inventors: Michael Wright, Peter Boucher, Gabe Nault, Merrill Smith, Sterling K Jacobson, Jonathan Wood, Robert Mims
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Patent number: 7526800Abstract: The protection of data on a client mobile computing device by a server computer system such as within an enterprise network or on a separate mobile computing device is described. Security tools are described that provide different security policies to be enforced based on a location associated with a network environment in which a mobile device is operating. Methods for detecting the location of the mobile device are described. Additionally, the security tools may also provide for enforcing different policies based on security features. Examples of security features include the type of connection, wired or wireless, over which data is being transferred, the operation of anti-virus software, or the type of network adapter card. The different security policies provide enforcement mechanisms that may be tailored based upon the detected location and/or active security features associated with the mobile device. Examples of enforcement mechanisms are adaptive port blocking, file hiding and file encryption.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2004Date of Patent: April 28, 2009Assignee: Novell, Inc.Inventors: Michael Wright, Peter Boucher, Gabe Nault, Merrill Smith, Sterling K. Jacobson, Jonathan Wood, Robert Mims
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Patent number: 7478420Abstract: The protection of data on a client mobile computing device by a server computer system such as within an enterprise network or on a separate mobile computing device is described. Security tools are described that provide different security policies to be enforced based on a location associated with a network environment in which a mobile device is operating. Methods for detecting the location of the mobile device are described. Additionally, the security tools may also provide for enforcing different policies based on security features. Examples of security features include the type of connection, wired or wireless, over which data is being transferred, the operation of anti-virus software, or the type of network adapter card. The different security policies provide enforcement mechanisms that may be tailored based upon the detected location and/or active security features associated with the mobile device. Examples of enforcement mechanisms are adaptive port blocking, file hiding and file encryption.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2007Date of Patent: January 13, 2009Assignee: Novell, Inc.Inventors: Michael Wright, Peter Boucher, Gabe Nault, Merrill Smith, Sterling K. Jacobson, Jonathan Wood, Robert Mims
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Publication number: 20080109679Abstract: The administration of protection of data on a client mobile computing device by a server computer system such as within an enterprise network or on a separate mobile computing device is described. Security tools are described that provide different security policies to be enforced based on a location associated with a network environment in which a mobile device is operating. Methods for detecting the location of the mobile device are described. Additionally, the security tools may also provide for enforcing different policies based on security features. Examples of security features include the type of connection, wired or wireless, over which data is being transferred, the operation of anti-virus software, or the type of network adapter card. The different security policies provide enforcement mechanisms that may be tailored based upon the detected location and/or active security features associated with the mobile device.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2007Publication date: May 8, 2008Inventors: Michael Wright, Peter Boucher, Gabe Nault, Merrill Smith, Sterling Jacobson, Jonathan Wood, Robert Mims
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Patent number: 7353533Abstract: The administration of protection of data on a client mobile computing device by a server computer system such as within an enterprise network or on a separate mobile computing device is described. Security tools are described that provide different security policies to be enforced based on a location associated with a network environment in which a mobile device is operating. Methods for detecting the location of the mobile device are described. Additionally, the security tools may also provide for enforcing different policies based on security features. Examples of security features include the type of connection, wired or wireless, over which data is being transferred, the operation of anti-virus software, or the type of network adapter card. The different security policies provide enforcement mechanisms that may be tailored based upon the detected location and/or active security features associated with the mobile device.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2003Date of Patent: April 1, 2008Assignee: Novell, Inc.Inventors: Michael Wright, Peter Boucher, Gabe Nault, Merrill Smith, Sterling K Jacobson, Jonathan Wood, Robert Mims
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Publication number: 20080077971Abstract: The administration of protection of data on a client mobile computing device by a server computer system such as within an enterprise network or on a separate mobile computing device is described. Security tools are described that provide different security policies to be enforced based on a location associated with a network environment in which a mobile device is operating. Methods for detecting the location of the mobile device are described. Additionally, the security tools may also provide for enforcing different policies based on security features. Examples of security features include the type of connection, wired or wireless, over which data is being transferred, the operation of anti-virus software, or the type of network adapter card. The different security policies provide enforcement mechanisms that may be tailored based upon the detected location and/or active security features associated with the mobile device.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2007Publication date: March 27, 2008Inventors: Michael Wright, Peter Boucher, Gabe Nault, Merrill Smith, Sterling Jacobson, Jonathan Wood, Robert Mims
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Publication number: 20080052108Abstract: Methods of activating a communication device are disclosed. These methods may comprise receiving at a central processor an authorization request from a merchant terminal at the merchant store to authorize activation of a communication device, the central processor being in selective communication with the merchant terminal and a communications service provider; determining at the central processor whether the communication device was validly sold from the merchant store in a purchase transaction; authorizing at the central processor activation of the communication device, responsive to a determination that the communication device was validly sold from the merchant store in a purchase transaction; informing the communications service provider that the communication device is authorized and ready for activation; receiving at the central processor an activation notification from the communications service provider; and sending an activation notification message to the communication device.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2007Publication date: February 28, 2008Applicant: e2interactive, Inc. d/b/a e2Interactive, Inc.Inventors: Merrill Smith, Phillip Graves
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Publication number: 20080052395Abstract: The protection of data on a client mobile computing device by a server computer system such as within an enterprise network or on a separate mobile computing device is described. Security tools are described that provide different security policies to be enforced based on a location associated with a network environment in which a mobile device is operating. Methods for detecting the location of the mobile device are described. Additionally, the security tools may also provide for enforcing different policies based on security features. Examples of security features include the type of connection, wired or wireless, over which data is being transferred, the operation of anti-virus software, or the type of network adapter card. The different security policies provide enforcement mechanisms that may be tailored based upon the detected location and/or active security features associated with the mobile device. Examples of enforcement mechanisms are adaptive port blocking, file hiding and file encryption.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2007Publication date: February 28, 2008Inventors: Michael Wright, Peter Boucher, Gabe Nault, Merrill Smith, Sterling Jacobson, Jonathan Wood, Robert Mims
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Publication number: 20080046965Abstract: The protection of data on a client mobile computing device by a server computer system such as within an enterprise network or on a separate mobile computing device is described. Security tools are described that provide different security policies to be enforced based on a location associated with a network environment in which a mobile device is operating. Methods for detecting the location of the mobile device are described. Additionally, the security tools may also provide for enforcing different policies based on security features. Examples of security features include the type of connection, wired or wireless, over which data is being transferred, the operation of anti-virus software, or the type of network adapter card. The different security policies provide enforcement mechanisms that may be tailored based upon the detected location and/or active security features associated with the mobile device. Examples of enforcement mechanisms are adaptive port blocking, file hiding and file encryption.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2007Publication date: February 21, 2008Inventors: Michael Wright, Peter Boucher, Gabe Nault, Merrill Smith, Sterling Jacobson, Jonathan Wood, Robert Mims
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Publication number: 20080020734Abstract: Systems and methods of authorizing the activation of a previously functioning by subsequently deactivated or disabled communication device are disclosed. The method comprises receiving at a central processor an authorization request from a merchant terminal at the merchant store to authorize activation of a communication device, the central processor being in selective communication with the merchant terminal and a communications service provider; determining at the central processor whether the communication device was validly sold from the merchant store in a purchase transaction; authorizing at the central processor activation of the communication device, responsive to a determination that the communication device was validly sold from the merchant store in a purchase transaction; and sending a notification from the central processor to the communications service provider that the communication device is authorized and ready for activation.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2007Publication date: January 24, 2008Applicant: e2interactive, Inc. d/b/a e2Interactive, Inc.Inventors: Merrill Smith, Phillip Graves
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Patent number: 7308703Abstract: Security tools are described that provide different security policies to be enforced based on a location associated with a network environment in which a mobile device is operating. Methods for detecting the location of the mobile device are described. Additionally, the security tools may also provide for enforcing different policies based on security features. Examples of security features include the type of connection, wired or wireless, over which data is being transferred, the operation of anti-virus software, or the type of network adapter card. The different security policies provide enforcement mechanisms that may be tailored based upon the detected location and/or active security features associated with the mobile device. Examples of enforcement mechanisms are adaptive port blocking, file hiding and file encryption.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2003Date of Patent: December 11, 2007Assignee: Novell, Inc.Inventors: Michael Wright, Peter Boucher, Gabe Nault, Merrill Smith, Sterling K Jacobson, Jonathan Wood, Robert Mims
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Publication number: 20070187492Abstract: A computer-implemented method for processing a stored-value card transaction request in a card data management system is presented. The management system has a central processor in communication with one or more point-of-sale terminals over a communications network. Each terminal has a unique terminal identifier and is associated with a location and a prepaid card merchant. The central processor is in communication with a database having stored therein a plurality of card records. Each of these card records contains data associated with a stored-value card distributed to a prepaid card merchant for further distribution to purchasers at a location controlled by the prepaid card merchant. The transaction request comprises a requesting terminal identifier, a card identifier assigned to a stored value card, and information indicative of a requested transaction type.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2007Publication date: August 16, 2007Inventors: Phillip Graves, Merrill Smith, Phil Chakiris
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Publication number: 20070118477Abstract: The present invention is directed at systems and methods of inserting value into a customer account with a provider of goods or services. Methods may comprise distributing to a customer a bill pay card wherein the bill pay cards comprise information sufficient to identify the provider of goods or services, the customer, and the customer's account with the provider of goods or services; presenting the bill pay card at a point of sale (POS) location; reading or otherwise obtaining from the bill pay card the information thereon; receiving value from the customer; and crediting the value received from the customer to the customer's account with the provider of goods or services. Systems may comprise a bill pay card; a provider of goods or services; and a POS.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2007Publication date: May 24, 2007Inventors: Phillip Graves, Merrill Smith
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Publication number: 20070118478Abstract: A system and method for adding value into a customer's stored-value account is provided. A stored-value card is distributed to a merchant for distribution to a customer who has an account with a specific provider of goods and/or services. The stored-value card has an associated identifier that can be used to associate a stored value with the card. The associated stored value is redeemable with one or more providers, including the specific provider. The account has an associated account number. During a card purchase transaction, a central processor receives a request to activate the card from a merchant terminal. The central processor receives a redemption request from the customer, wherein the redemption request includes the identifier. The central processor identifies the provider and the account number. The central processor inserts the associated value into the account, for instance by passing a value insertion request to the provider.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2007Publication date: May 24, 2007Inventors: Phillip Graves, Merrill Smith
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Publication number: 20070094129Abstract: Systems and methods for processing stored value card requests are disclosed herein. The method may generally comprise: distributing a stored-value card to a first merchant for distribution to a customer having an account with a specific provider, the stored-value card having an associated identifier that can be used to associate a stored value with the card, the associated stored value being redeemable with one or more providers, including the specific provider, the account having an associated account number; receiving a first request to activate the card from a first merchant terminal, the first request resulting from a card purchase transaction; receiving a redemption request from the customer, wherein the redemption request comprises the identifier; identifying the provider; and passing to the customer a provider-specific identifier representative of the stored value. Systems are disclosed for accomplishing the same.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2006Publication date: April 26, 2007Applicant: e2interactive, Inc. d/b/a e2Interactive, Inc.Inventors: Phillip Graves, Merrill Smith
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Publication number: 20060255135Abstract: Systems and methods of using a keycard for automating transaction requests are disclosed. Methods may comprise receiving a request for a product identification number that is associated with a product by inputting keycard information at a merchant terminal, wherein the keycard was selected from among a plurality of keycards and is associated with a specific provider and value; processing the request; transmitting a transaction confirmation; and retaining the keycard by the merchant.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2006Publication date: November 16, 2006Applicant: e2interactive, Inc. d/b/a e2Interactive, Inc.Inventor: Merrill Smith