Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic module used for secure transactions. More specifically, the electronic module is capable of passing encrypted information back and forth between a service provider's equipment via a secure, encrypted technique so that money and other valuable data can be securely passed electronically. The module is capable of being programmed, keeping track of real time, recording transactions for later review, and creating encryption key pairs.

Abstract: A single wire data bus is utilized by a bus master to communicate with and identify electronic devices also connected to the single wire data bus. Each of the electronic devices include a unique ID (identification), wherein the bus master, using a one-wire protocol, can identify all of the electronic devices connected to the single wire data bus.

Abstract: A secure monetary system comprises an electronic module and equipment to access the electronic module. The electronic module comprising a substantially token-shaped module and secure memory circuitry to store monetary information. The secure memory positioned in the substantially token-shaped module. The equipment accesses and manipulates the monetary information stored in the memory in the electronic module. The equipment comprises memory to store control and encryption programs and the memory is coupled to a microprocessor, which is also coupled to the electronic module and a control panel. The microprocessor is secure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic module used for secure transactions. More specifically, the electronic module is capable of passing information back and forth between a service provider's equipment via a secure, encrypted technique so that money and other valuable data can be securely passed electronically. The module is capable of being programmed, keeping track of real time, recording transactions for later review, and creating encryption key pairs.

Abstract: A serial-port memory is positioned in a substantially token-shaped body. The substantially token-shaped body has a perimeter and a flange extending from a portion of the perimeter. The serial-port memory comprises a serial port, a scratchpad memory coupled to the serial port, a second memory coupled to the scratchpad memory; and control logic coupled to the serial port and the scratchpad and second memories. The control logic transfers information from the scratchpad memory to the second memory as a block pursuant to a block transfer command received at the serial port.

Abstract: A secure monetary system comprises an electronic module and equipment to access the electronic module. The electronic module comprising a substantially token-shaped module and secure memory circuitry to store monetary information. The secure memory positioned in the substantially token-shaped module. The equipment accesses and manipulates the monetary information stored in the memory in the electronic module. The equipment comprises memory to store control and encryption programs and the memory is coupled to a microprocessor, which is also coupled to the electronic module and a control panel. The microprocessor is secure.

Abstract: An electronic token has at least two conductive surfaces which form either in total or in part a crush resistant casing in which a semiconductor memory is placed. Coupled to the two conductive surfaces is a set of input logic which is used to detect whether or not the first conductive surface is coupled to a device in which a first voltage or a second voltage is present and in which data can be stored in the semiconductor memory accordingly. Output logic is also provided so as to selectively poll the first conductive surface of said casing towards the second voltage with the output logic being electronically coupled to the semiconductor memory so that data may be retrieved from the stored memory. The stored information may be used for controlling access to items, for example as a lock. It may further be used as an inventory control device, postage control device, currency device for the sale of goods.

Abstract: A communication module comprises a substantially token-shaped body with first and second electrically conductive surface areas. The first and second surface areas are electrically isolated from each other and circuitry is positioned in the cavity within the substantially token-shaped body, and has connections to said first and second areas. The substantially token-shaped body has a perimeter around it. The first and second electrically conductive surface areas form a substantial portion of the substantially token-shaped body. The first and second electrically conductive surface areas form a cavity. One of the surface areas forming a flange around the perimeter of the substantially token-shaped body. The flange preferably resides in one geometric plane. The circuitry provides for the receipt and transmission of digital signals that are determined as voltage differences between said first and second areas.

Abstract: A printer port adapter which permits electronic keys to be accessed through the printer port of the PC, without disrupting the normal operation of the printer port in any mode of operation whatsoever. The electronic keys used have a one-wire signal interface, and this interface can be inserted into the full standard ISA printer port pin assignment, as well as the all known nonstandard additional assignments which have been overlaid onto the standard printer port.

Abstract: Preferred embodiments include systems with two processors and an interconnected modem, one processor functioning as a control for both the modem and the second processor. This permits remote communication with the second processor for test or reconfiguration purposes.

Abstract: An electronic key which includes a pseudo-random number generator. If the correct password is received, the contents of a secure memory will be outputted by the electronic key. However, if an incorrect password is received, that password will be used as a seed value for the pseudo-random number generator, and the resulting value will be outputted.Thus, if a copier exercises the key through all possible passwords, the incorrect passwords, as well as the correct password, will result in the same output data every time it is tried.

Abstract: A signal interface to a low-cost portable electronic token data module, which can be used with a wide variety of computers, including a tremendous variety of personal and other computers, as long as the computer includes an interface to RS232 (or some comparable stardard). The token has a one-wire-bus interface, implemented in a battery-backed open-collector architecture, which provides a read/wire interface. The communication protocol expected by the token has been specified so that the token never sources current to the data line, but only sinks current. The communication protocol also includes time-domain relations which are referenced to a very crude time base in the token, and the system must preserve timing relations which will be satisfied by tokens in which the time base takes on any of the wide range of forseeable speeds.