Abstract: A method and system for providing secure communications between a first and second peer device is disclosed. The invention includes allowing the first and second peer devices to verify the authenticity of each other only while each peer device is within an established zone of privacy wherein the established zone of privacy is an area close (for example, almost touching) to the peer device. Because the authenticity of the other device is verified only while each peer device is within the established zone of privacy, users can visually confirm that there are no potential interlopers within the zone.

Abstract: A system for providing information about physical entities to users includes an information server accessible to a plurality of user-held receivers. An exemplary server has access to characteristic accessibility data for candidate physical entities. The server receives a user's request for information about physical entities of interest (which may be mobile), including the user's search domain relative to the user's location (the user may also be mobile). The search domain does not necessarily require the user to provide a network address of, or perform a keyword search for the networked data pages of, the physical entities of interest. The server determines which (if any) of said candidate physical entities satisfy the request, and reports to the user at the receiver over an electronic network.

Abstract: A method by which one node can search for and retrieve information from another node. A message identifying the sought-for information item and an address is created at a first node. The address identifies a repository for the sought-for information. A second node receives the contents of this message and responds with the information item if the item is available. Otherwise, the second node propagates the message to other nodes. The message is propagated from node to node until it reaches a node having the sought-for information item. If this node can connect to the specified address, it sends the information item to the repository. Otherwise, the node adds the information item to the message, which is propagated to other nodes until the message reaches a node that can connect with the address. The information item can then be retrieved from the repository.

Abstract: A method by which one node can search for and retrieve information from another node. A message identifying the sought-for information item and an address is created at a first node. The address identifies a repository for the sought-for information. A second node receives the contents of this message and responds with the information item if the item is available. Otherwise, the second node propagates the message to other nodes. The message is propagated from node to node until it reaches a node having the sought-for information item. If this node can connect to the specified address, it sends the information item to the repository. Otherwise, the node adds the information item to the message, which is propagated to other nodes until the message reaches a node that can connect with the address. The information item can then be retrieved from the repository.

Abstract: A system for providing information about physical entities to users includes an information server accessible to a plurality of user-held receivers. An exemplary server has access to characteristic accessibility data for candidate physical entities. The server receives a user's request for information about physical entities of interest (which may be mobile), including the user's search domain relative to the user's location (the user may also be mobile). The search domain does not necessarily require the user to provide a network address of, or perform a keyword search for the networked data pages of, the physical entities of interest. The server determines which (if any) of said candidate physical entities satisfy the request, and reports to the user at the receiver over an electronic network.

Abstract: A method and system for mediated shopping. First, a client requests product information from a merchant or seller's web site through a mediator. Second, the mediator receives the requested information from the merchant, adapts the information into a format compatible with the client, and then provides the adapted information to the client. Third, the client sends the mediator requests to add or delete items from a shopping cart. In response to these requests, the mediator updates the shopping cart record. Fourth, the client sends the mediator a purchase request to purchase one or more items in the shopping cart. In response to the purchase request, the mediator updates the shopping cart record to reflect the purchase. The mediator also provided mediated payment services and delivery services so that customer information (e.g., credit card number and delivery address) is not revealed to the merchant.