Systems, methods and devices for trusted transactions

• US 20020010684A1
• Filed: 12/07/2000
• Published: 01/24/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 12/07/1999
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Wistaria Trading Inc.
• Original Assignee: Blue Spike, Inc.
• Inventors: Moskowitz, Scott A.
• Granted Patent: US 7,159,116 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/75
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/266 Arrangements to supply power to external peripherals either directly from the computer or under computer control, e.g. supply of power through the communication port, computer controlled power-strips
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/1014 to tokens
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/12 Protecting executable software
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/16 Program or content traceability, e.g. by watermarking
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 7/582 Pseudo-random number generators
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 7/588 Random number generators, i.e. based on natural stochastic processes
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/085 involving remote charge determination or related payment systems
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/382 insuring higher security of transaction
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/38215 Use of certificates or encrypted proofs of transaction rights
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/3823 combining multiple encryption tools for a transaction
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/3829 involving key management
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/40 Authorisation, e.g. identification of payer or payee, verification of customer or shop credentials; Review and approval of payers, e.g. check credit lines or negative lists
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/401 Transaction verification
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 2220/00 Business processing using cryptography postage metering system using cryptography G06Q2250/05
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/06 Buying, selling or leasing transactions
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0609 Buyer or seller confidence or verification
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 2209/42 Anonymization, e.g. involving pseudonyms
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 2209/56 Financial cryptography, e.g. electronic payment or e-cash
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 2209/603 Digital right managament [DRM]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 2209/608 Watermarking
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 2463/101 : applying security measures for digital rights management data processing systems or methods, specially adapted for commerce, e.g. marketing, shopping, billing, auctions or e-commerce G06Q30/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 2463/102 : applying security measure for e-commerce data processing systems or methods, specially adapted for e-commerce G06Q30/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/0428 : wherein the data content is protected, e.g. by encrypting or encapsulating the payload
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/08 : for authentication of entities cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for entity authentication H04L9/32
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/12 : Applying verification of the received information cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for data integrity or data verification H04L9/32
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/0618 : Block ciphers, i.e. encrypting groups of characters of a plain text message using fixed encryption transformation
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/0643 : Hash functions, e.g. MD5, SHA, HMAC or f9 MAC
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/14 : using a plurality of keys or algorithms
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/30 : Public key, i.e. encryption algorithm being computationally infeasible to invert or user's encryption keys not requiring secrecy
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/3228 : One-time or temporary data, i.e. information which is sent for every authentication or authorization, e.g. one-time-password, one-time-token or one-time-key
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/3231 : Biological data, e.g. fingerprint, voice or retina network architectures or network communication protocols for supporting authentication of entities using biometrical features in a packet data network H04L63/0861
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/3247 : involving digital signatures
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/3297 : involving time stamps, e.g. generation of time stamps

Abstract

The invention discloses a system for enhancing trust in transactions, most particularly in remote transactions between a plurality of transactional parties, for instance a seller and buyer(s) of goods and/or services over a public computer network such as the internet. Trust is disclosed to be a multivalent commodity, in that the trust that is to be enhanced relates to information about the subject matter of the transactions (e.g., the suitability of the goods and services sold), the bona fides of the supplier of the goods and services, the appropriateness of a pricing structure for a particular transaction or series of transactions, a quantum of additional transactional value that may be imparted to the transactional relationship, security of information exchange, etc. An important contributor to trust for such aspects of the transaction is disclosed to be the use of highly-secure steganographic computer processing means for data identification, authentication, and transmission, such that confidence in the transaction components is enhanced. By providing an integrated multivalent system for enhancing trust across a variety of categories (for a variety of transaction species, including those in which the need for trust is greater on the part of one party than of another, as well as those in which both require substantial trust enhancement), the invention reduces barriers to forming and optimizing transactional relationships.

Claims

20. A method for conducting a trusted transaction between two of a plurality of parties who have reached an agreement to transact, comprising:

establishing a secure transmission channel between the two parties;

approving an identity of at least one of the two parties;

determining an amount of value-added information to be exchanged between the parties, the value-added information comprising a plurality of value-adding components;

verifying the agreement to transact; and

transmitting the value-added information.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the step of approving an identity of at least one of the two parties comprises:

at least one of the parties verifying at least one value-adding component.

22. The method of claim 20, wherein the step of approving an identity of at least one of the two parties comprises:

at least one of the parties authorizing at least one value-adding component.

23. The method of claim 20, wherein the step of approving an identity of at least one of the two parties comprises:

at least one of the parties authenticating at least one value-adding component.

24. The method of claim 20, wherein the step of establishing a secure transmission channel between two of a plurality of parties comprises:

exchanging data between the two parties;

selecting a pre-determined key to exchange over the secure transmission channel; and

securing the transmission channel by at least one of a password, a pass phrase entry, a query to a user, and real-time biometric data transfer.

25. The method of claim 20, wherein the step of approving an identity of at least one of the two parties comprises:

exchanging a value-adding component for each party to the other party.

26. The method of claim 20, wherein the step of approving an identity of at least one of the two parties comprises:

at least one of the parties independently verifying a value-adding component of the other party.

27. The method of claim 20, wherein a bandwidth of the primary value-added information comprises a description including at least one of a bandwidth requirement for transmission, a bandwidth requirement for storage, and a bandwidth requirement for playback.

28. The method of claim 20, wherein at least one term for the exchange of primary value-added information is negotiated between parties, the terms selected from the group consisting of an offer, an acceptance, and consideration.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein the at least one term changes in real time.

30. The method of claim 28, wherein access to the at least one term is restricted by at least one of a pass phrase, a password, a correct answer to a query, a real time authentication with a biometric, a real time authentication with personal entropy information, real time telemetry data, and access to additional transaction records.

31. The method of claim 28, wherein the at least one term is referenced by a subsequent transaction.

32. The method of claim 28, wherein the at least one term is access restricted by a provider of at least one value-adding component.

33. The method of claim 28, wherein the at least one term is traced by a provider of at least one value-adding component.

34. The method of claim 28, wherein the at least one term is authenticated by a provider of at least one value-adding component.

35. The method of claim 28, wherein the at least one term is accessed for at least one of verification, authentication, and authorization.

36. The method of claim 28, wherein the at least one term comprises at least one of readable text, visible color, voice command, and visual instructions.

37. The method of claim 28, wherein the at least one term comprises humanly perceptible information.

38. The method of claim 20, wherein the value-added information is convertible into a tangible good.

39. The method of claim 20, further comprising verifying the value-added information.

40. The method of claim 20, further comprising authenticating the value-added information.

41. The method of claim 20, wherein the value-adding components comprise at least one of an equity purchase right, an option, a warrant, and a security instrument.

42. The method of claim 20, wherein the value-adding components comprise a non-cash service.

43. A method for conducting at least one trusted transaction between at least two parties, comprising:

authenticating the at least two parties;

agreeing to a security of a transmission channel;

exchanging secondary value-added information;

determining at least one term for a primary value-added information exchange; and

facilitating payment for the transaction based on the terms.

44. The method of claim 43, wherein the step of facilitating payment for the transaction is accomplished in real-time.

45. The method of claim 44, wherein the at least one term includes micropayment systems.

46. The method of claim 43, wherein the transaction is governed by at least one of legal restrictions that apply to at least one of the parties, a timing of the transaction, a geographic location of the transaction, and value-added information.

47. The method of claim 43, wherein the value-added information is represented physically.

48. The method of claim 43, wherein the secondary value-added information comprises at least one of an equity option and at least one term from a previous trusted transaction.

49. The method of claim 43, wherein the secondary value-added information derives benefit from a previous trusted transaction.

50. The method of claim 49, wherein the at least two trusted transactions are substantially contiguous.

51. The method of claim 49, wherein the at least two trusted transactions have at least one of a time or an event limitation.

52. The method of claim 43, further comprising the step of:

agreeing to at least one term for a different transaction.

53. The method of claim 43, wherein the first trusted transaction enables manipulation of information in a subsequent transaction.

54. A method for conducting a trusted transaction between at least two parties, comprising:

establishing a steganographic cipher;

exchanging secondary value-added information between the parties;

agreeing to at least one term for the exchange of primary value-added information; and

facilitating payment for the transaction.

55. The method of claim 54, wherein the step of facilitating payment for the transaction is accomplished in real-time.

56. The method of claim 54, wherein the step of facilitating payment for the transaction is based on the at least one term for the primary value-added information exchange.

57. The method of claim 54, wherein the transaction is governed by at least an age and a geographical limitation.

58. The method of claim 54, wherein the transaction is governed by at least one of legal restrictions that apply to at least one of the parties, a timing of the transaction, a geographic location of the transaction, and value-added information.

59. The method of claim 54, wherein at least one of the primary and secondary value-added information is represented physically.

60. A method for conducting a trusted transaction between at least two parties, comprising:

identifying at least one of a unique identification for each of the at least two parties, a unique identification of the transaction, a unique identification of value-added information to be transacted, and a unique identification of a value-adding component;

applying a steganographic cipher; and

verifying an agreement to transact between the parties.

61. The method of claim 60, wherein the trusted transaction is governed by at least one of a transaction age and a geographical location of the transaction.

62. The method of claim 60, wherein the trusted transaction is governed by legal restrictions that apply to at least one of the parties, a timing of the transaction, and value-added information.

63. The method of claim 60, wherein the value-added information is represented physically.

64. The method of claim 60, further comprising the step of:

transmitting the value-added information.

65. The method of claim 60, wherein the agreement causes at least one secondary term to be enabled for at least one of the parties.

66. The method of claim 60, wherein the agreement creates at least one term for a second trusted transaction.

67. The method of claim 60, further comprising the step of:

agreeing to at least one term for a second trusted transaction.

68. A method for bi-directionally exchanging value-added information between at least two parties, comprising:

associating a plurality of unique identifiers with the value-added information, the value-added information including at least one of a digital watermark, a file header, a file attachment, and a file wrapper;

associating each of the at least two parties with unique identifiers, the unique identifiers including at least one of a digital watermark, a file header, a file attachment, and a file wrapper; and

exchanging value-added information between the at least two parties.

69. The method of claim 68, wherein the transaction and the unique identifiers are stored for subsequent reference.

70. The method of claim 68, wherein unique identifiers are access restricted by at least one pre-determined rule.

71. The method of claim 68, wherein the unique identifiers are asymmetrically access restricted.

72. The method of claim 70, wherein the access restriction is dependent on verification of a querying party.

73. The method of claim 70, wherein the access restriction allows value-added information to be transmitted in an altered format.

74. The method of claim 68, further comprising the step of:

associating the bi-directional exchange of value-added information with a subsequent exchange of additional value-added information.

75. The method of claim 74, wherein the additional value-added information is governed by at least one separate term.

76. The method of claim 74, wherein the additional value-added information comprises a right to purchase equity in at least one of the parties to the transaction.

77. The method of claim 68, further comprising the step of agreeing to at least one term for a subsequent transaction.

78. A method for exchanging value-added information between at least two parties, comprising:

providing a data transmission means;

verifying the parties to the transaction;

negotiating at least one term selected from the group consisting of a price, a service, a selection, and combinations thereof; and

binding the at least one term to the information using at least one of a digital watermark, a file header, metadata, and a file wrapper;

wherein the at least one bound transaction term comprises value-added information.

79. The method of claim 78, wherein the at least one bound term cannot be removed without altering the value-added information.

80. The method of claim 78, wherein an authentication of the value-added information requires successful verification of the at least one bound term.

81. A method for trusted transactions, comprising the steps of:

receiving data to be processed;

determining a structure of the data;

determining if the data is authentic; and

determining an associated usage of the data based on the data structure and the authenticity of the data.

82. The method of claim 81, wherein the data is comprises at least one of aesthetic data and functional data.

83. The method of claim 81, wherein the structure of the data is determined based on at least one of a digital signature, a digital watermark, and a digital notary.

84. The method of claim 81, wherein the authenticity of the data is determined based on at least one of a digital signature, a digital watermark and a digital notary.

85. The method of claim 83, further comprising the step of verifying at least one of the digital signature, the digital watermark, and the digital notary by at least one of a trusted third party and a certification authority

86. The method of claim 83, wherein a bit from at least one of the digital signature, the digital watermark and the digital notary can be verified by at least one of a trusted third party and a certification authority.

87. A method for secure transaction, comprising:

receiving a request to process a transaction;

uniquely identifying a source of the request;

uniquely identifying at least one term of the request; and

storing identification information for transaction negotiation.

88. The method of claim 87, wherein the at least one term of the request includes at least one of a condition and a timing of the request.

89. The method of claim 87, wherein the request may be received over at least one of a secure and an unsecure transmission line.

90. The method of claim 87, wherein the source of the request is identified by at least one of a determinable origin of the source and a predetermined routing of the request by the seller.

91. The method of claim 87, wherein the at least one term of the request comprises a value-adding component.

92. The method of claim 87, wherein the transaction is noncontiguous with the request.

93. The method of claim 87, wherein the transaction and the request are processed in real time.

94. A method for the facilitation of the exchange of information data between at least a first party and a second party, comprising:

receiving a rule governing information data from a first party;

receiving a request for the information data from a second party;

matching the rule with the request; and

uniquely identifying the information data and the first and second parties;

wherein the information data is selected from the group consisting of unstructured data and structured data.

1. A method for trusted transactions, comprising:

establishing an agreement to exchange digitally-sampled information between a first and a second party;

exchanging the digitally-sampled information between the first and the second party; and

approving the digitally-sampled information using an approval element selected from the group consisting of a predetermined key, a predetermined message, and a predetermined cipher, the step of approving the digitally-sampled information using an approval element consisting of a step selected from the group consisting of verifying the digitally-sampled information with the approval element, authenticating the digitally-sampled information with the approval element, and authorizing the digitally-sampled information with the approval element.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of approving the digitally-sampled information precedes the step of exchanging digitally-sampled information.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of approving the digitally-sampled information comprises:

transmitting a first party approval element from the first party to the second party; and

transmitting a second party approval element from the second party to the first party.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the steps of transmitting the first party approval element and transmitting the second party approval element occur substantially simultaneously.

5. The method of claim 3, wherein the first party approval element and the second party approval element are symmetric.

6. The method of claim 3, wherein the first party approval element and the second party approval element are asymmetric.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the approving step is accomplished using predetermined key pairs.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the predetermined key pairs are created by a cipher selected from the group consisting of steganographic and cryptographic ciphers.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the predetermined cipher is selected from the group consisting of a steganographic cipher and a cryptographic cipher.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the predetermined message is selected from the group consisting of a unique identification, a unique time, data associated with a predetermined information function, and combinations thereof.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the predetermined message has value independent from at least one primary value-adding component.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the predetermined message contains at least one value-adding component.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of approving the digitally-sampled information comprises:

verifying the digitally-sampled information with the approval element.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of approving the digitally-sampled information comprises:

authenticating the digitally-sampled information with the approval element.

15. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of approving the digitally-sampled information comprises:

authorizing the digitally-sampled information with the approval element.

16. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

entering into a security arrangement based on the exchange.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the security arrangement is a non-cash right.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein the security arrangement is an option for a non-cash right.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein the security arrangement is an equity purchase right.

95. The method of claim 94, wherein the rule governs a use of the information data.

96. The method of claim 95, wherein the use comprises manipulating the information data.

97. The method of claim 95, wherein the use comprises transferring the information data.

98. The method of claim 95, wherein the use comprises subsequently changing to the information data.

99. The method of claim 95, wherein the use comprises playing the information data.

100. The method of claim 95, wherein the use comprises recording the information data.

101. The method of claim 95, wherein the use comprises converting the information data from at least one of analog to digital format and digital to analog format.

102. The method of claim 94, wherein the structured data comprises at least one of source code and executable code.

103. The method of claim 94, wherein the request may be filtered according to at least one of a characteristic, a function, an aesthetic, a condition, a history, a context, a consideration, a cost, a time, a bandwidth requirement, a storage requirement, an available format, an owner identification, a creator identification, a seller identification, an infomediary identification, a distributor identification, a distribution parameter, an age in unit of time, and a upcoming information data.

104. The method of claim 94, wherein the unique identification is cryptographically secure.

105. The method of claim 104, wherein the unique identification may be cryptographically secured by using at least one of a cryptographic cipher, a stegnographic cipher for digital signatures, a special one-way hash, a digital watermark, and a time stamp, and combinations thereof.

106. The method of claim 94, further comprising the step of verifying the unique identification by an independent third party

107. The method of claim 106, wherein the independent third party comprises at least one of a certification authority, a creator of the information, an owner of the information, and a mutually agreed to third party.

108. The method of claim 94, wherein the exchange is in real time.

100-1. The method of claim 94, wherein the exchange is substantially noncontiguous.

110. A method for rights management, comprising:

receiving information;

determining whether the information is structured information or unstructured information;

identifying the information with a steganographic cipher;

authenticating the information with at least one of a digital signature and digital watermark check; and

associating the identification and authentication results with at least one of a predetermined record, a predetermined rule, and a predetermined function.

111. The method of claim 110, further comprising the step of:

limiting an access to the information based on a predetermined exposure of a decision maker.

112. The method of claim 110, further comprising the step of:

limiting a financial exposure based on a predetermined exposure of a decision maker.

113. A method for rights management, comprising:

exchanging information between at least two parties;

verifying the information, the verification performed by at least one of the parties; and

activating at least one of a predetermined act and a rule based on the result of the verification of information.

114. The method of claim 113, wherein information is exchanged in a format selected from the group consisting of an analog waveform and binary data.

115. The method of claim 113, further comprising the step of authenticating the verification by a trusted third party.

116. The method of claim 113, wherein an anonymity of each party is maintained during the step of verifying the information.

117. The method of claim 113, further comprising the step of making the verification publicly available for additional verification.

118. The method of claim 113, wherein the predetermined rule is activated noncontiguously with verification.

119. The method of claim 113, further comprising the step of making the accessible for further authentication and identification.

120. A method for risk management, comprising:

receiving information;

determining whether the information is structured or unstructured;

identifying information with a predetermined ciphered key;

authenticating information with at least one of a digital signature, a digital watermark check, and a predetermined ciphered key;

associating identification and authentication results with a predetermined rule; and

limiting access based on a predetermined exposure of a decision maker.

121. A method for securely exchanging information data between at least two parties, comprising:

creating a private key;

deriving a corresponding public key corresponding to the information data sought and at least one of (a) verifiable data associated with different versions of the information data, (b) verifiable data associated with a transmitting device, and (c) verifiable data associated with an identity of the party seeking the information data;

establishing a set of one time signatures relating to the information data;

establishing a hierarchy of access to the set of one time signatures;

creating a public key signature that is verifiable with the public key, including the hierarchy of access to the set of one time signatures;

providing the information to a certification authority for verification; and

verifying the one time signature and the hierarchy of access to enable transfer of predetermined data.

122. A method for authenticating an exchange of a plurality of sets of information data between at least two parties, comprising:

creating a plurality of hierarchical classes based on a perceptual quality of the information data;

assigning each set of information data to a corresponding hierarchical class;

defining access to each hierarchical classes and to each set of information data based on at least one recognizable feature of the information data to be exchanged;

predetermining access to the sets of information data by perceptually-based quality determinations;

establishing at least one connection between the exchanging parties;

perceptually recognizing at least one of the sets of information data dependent on user provided value-added information data; and

enabling a trusted transaction based on verification, and associated access, governing at least one of a set of information data sets.

123. The method of claim 122, further comprising the step of grouping each hierarchical class by at least one of a quality, a price, and a service.

124. The method of claim 123, wherein the grouping is determined by at least one of a buyer and a seller.

125. The method of claim 123, wherein the grouping enables greater exchange of information.

126. A method for authenticating the exchange of perceptual information data between at least two parties over a networked system, comprising:

creating a plurality of hierarchical classes based on a perceptual quality of the information data;

assigning each set of information data to a corresponding hierarchical class;

defining access to each hierarchical classes and to each set of information data based on at least one recognizable feature of the information data to be exchanged;

perceptually recognizing at least one of the sets of information data dependent on user provided value-added information data;

enabling a trusted transaction of the information data based on verification of means of payment, and associated access, governing at least one copy of the information data sought;

associating the transaction event with the information data prior to transmission of the information data; and

transmitting and confirming delivery of the information data

127. The method of claim 126, further comprising the step of grouping the class of data by at least one of quality, price, and service.

128. The method of claim 127, wherein the grouping is determined by at least one of a buyer and a seller.

129. The method of claim 127, wherein the grouping enables greater exchange of information.

130. The method of claim 126, further comprising the step of:

confirming both a digital and an analog copy of the transmission.

131. The method of claim 127, further comprising the step of:

associating the transaction event with the buyer or seller to develop trust with other party

132. The method of claim 126, further comprising the step of:

charging at least one party based on a transaction bandwidth requirement.

133. A device for conducting a trusted transaction between at least two parties who have agreed to transact, comprising:

means for uniquely identifying unique identification information selected from the group consisting of a unique identification of one of the parties, a unique identification of the transaction, a unique identification of value-added information to be transacted, and a unique identification of a value-adding component;

a steganographic cipher; and

means for verifying an agreement to transact between the parties.

134. The device of claim 133, wherein the unique identification information seeds the steganographic cipher.

135. The device of claim 133, wherein the unique identification information is verifiable.

136. The device of claim 133, further comprising:

means for transmitting value-added information.

137. The device of claim 136, wherein the means for transmitting value-added information transmits the value-added information by a method selected from the group consisting of electrical and physical.

138. The device of claim 136, wherein the wherein the means for transmitting value-added information transmits the value-added information in a medium selected from the group consisting of a pre-determined file format and a predetermined carrier medium.

139. A device for conducting a trusted transaction between at least two parties who have agreed to transact, comprising:

means for uniquely identifying unique identification information selected from the group consisting of a unique identification of one of the parties, a unique identification of the transaction, a unique identification of value-added information to be transacted, and a unique identification of a value-adding component; and

means for enabling a subsequent mutually agreed to at least one term.

140. The method of claim 139, wherein the at least one subsequent term concerns at least one of equity, service, and recognition.

141. A device for conducting trusted transactions between at least two parties, comprising:

a steganographic cipher;

a controller for receiving input data or outputting output data; and

at least one input/output connection,

wherein the device has a unique identification code.

142. The device of claim 141, wherein the unique identification code is predetermined.

143. The device of claim 141, wherein the unique identification code is upgradeable.

144. The device of claim 141, wherein the steganographic cipher comprises:

a number generator selected from the group consisting of a pseudo-random number generator and a random number generator;

a predetermined key generation algorithm selected from the group consisting of a hash function and a special one-way function;

a predetermined message information selected from the group consisting of a digital signature, a time stamp, a digital watermark, and function-dependent data;

a predetermination of the information carrier signals characteristics selected from the group consisting of a perceptual characteristic and a signal feature.

145. The device of claim 141, wherein the steganographic cipher manipulates the input data.

146. The device of claim 141, wherein the steganographic cipher manipulates the output data

147. The device of claim 141, wherein the input of input data is controlled by predetermined information selected from the group consisting of a pass phrase, a password, biometric data, and a personal entropy query.

148. The device of claim 144, wherein an identification of a device holder requires at least one additional iteration of verification by at least one of a pass phrase, a password, biometric data, and a personal entropy query.

149. The device of claim 141, wherein the device converts at least one value-added information metrics selected from the group consisting of a price, a selection, and a service into humanly perceptible information.

150. The device of claim 149, wherein the humanly perceptible information relates to at least one of a present value cost to the party, at least one term for use, a level of confidence over the transaction, a level of confidence over transmission security, and a data integrity metric of the value-added information.

151. The device of claim 141, wherein the device is manufactured as a device selected from the group consisting of a smart card, a microchip, and a software application.

152. The device of claim 151, wherein the manufactured device is tamper-resistant.

153. The device of claim 151, wherein the manufactured device ceases to function if at least one function of the manufactured device is altered by an unauthorized party.

154. The device of claim 151, wherein the software application is subject to a steganographic cipher for serialization or creating unique instances of individual copies of the application.

155. The device of claim 141, further comprising an analog to digital converter.

156. The device of claim 141, wherein the device is securely linked to at least one of a means for payment and a transmission channel for private key exchange and approval.

157. The device of claim 156, wherein the key approval is selected from the group consisting of identification, authentication, and authorization.

158. The device of claim 141, wherein the device transacts according to at least one predetermination of at least an identity of the vendor, a plurality of conditions of the information transfer, a payment, and an identity of a separate but similar device.

159. The device of claim 141, wherein the device further comprises:

an internal memory.

160. A trusted transaction device for transmitting authentic value-added information data between at least two parties, comprising:

a display;

a unique identifier;

means for ciphering information input and output;

means for interacting with other similarly functional devices; and

means for storing or retrieving value-added information and a value-adding component.

161. The device of claim 160, wherein the display transceives cryptographically verifiable information.

162. The device of claim 161, wherein the cryptographically verifiable information is observed by a user.

163. The device of claim 160, wherein the unique identifier is upgradeable.

164. The device of claim 160, wherein the unique identifier is serialized.

165. The device of claim 160, wherein the unique identifier comprises at least one of a means for facilitating transaction authorization, a means for facilitating bandwidth requirements, and a means for associating the unique identifier with information.

166. The device of claim 160, wherein the means for ciphering information comprises at least one of a means for facilitating transaction authorization, a means for facilitating bandwidth requirements, and a means for associating the unique identifier with information.

167. The device of claim 160, further comprising:

a means for establishing communications/connecting with other similarly outfitted devices;

a means for storing or retrieving trusted transaction value-adding component data; and

a means for attaching storage or transducers to the device.

168. The device of claim 167, further comprising:

means for anonymous tracing of the transaction.

169. The device of claim 167, wherein information is processed in real time.

170. A device for securely exchanging information data, comprising:

means for creating a private key by the party seeking predetermined data;

means for deriving a corresponding public key based on the predetermined data and at least one of verifiable data associated with different versions of the information, verifiable data associated with a transmitting device, and verifiable data associated with the identity of the party seeking information;

means for creating a set of one-time signatures relating to the predetermined data;

means for validating a predetermined hierarchy of access of the set of one-time signatures;

means for creating a public key signature, verifiable with the public key, including the access hierarchy of one time signatures;

means for securely transacting predetermined data by providing information relating to a proposed transaction; and

means for verifying the one time signature and the hierarchy of access to enable transfer of predetermined data.

171. The device of claim 170, further comprising

a means for interacting with other equipped devices.

172. The device of claim 171, further comprising:

means for establishing a secure transmission.

173. A system for the secure exchange of predetermined, verifiable information data between at least two parties, comprising:

at least one condition for the use of the information;

means for differentiating between predetermined information and other seemingly identical information based on an authentication protocol;

means for associating authenticity of verifiable information data with at least one condition for use;

a storage unit for storing the predetermined, verifiable information; and

means for communicating with the predetermined, verifiable information storage.

174. The system of claim 173, wherein the means for differentiating between predetermined information and the seemingly identical information based on an authentication protocol comprises at least one of a hash, a signature, and a secure watermark.

175. The system of claim 173, further comprising:

means for authenticating verifiable information flow between transacting parties.

176. The system of claim 173, wherein the system securely exchanges predetermined, verifiable information data prior to consummating verifiable financial transaction between the parties.

177. A system for the exchange of information, comprising:

at least one sender;

at least a receiver;

a verifiable message; and

a verification of the message by at least one of the senders and the receivers;

wherein a verification of the message enables a decision over receiving additional related information.

178. A system for computer based decision protocol comprising:

a means for identifying between structured and unstructured information;

a means for authenticating structured information; and

a means for enabling a decision rule based on the identity and authenticity of the information.

179. The system of claim 178, further comprising:

a means for comparing decision results with at least one predetermined rule.

180. A system for computer-based decision protocol, comprising:

means for identifying between structured and unstructured information;

means for identifying structured information; and

means for enabling a predetermined decision rule based on the identity of the information.

181. The system of claim 180, wherein the structured information is defined by at least one of a digital signal processor and a general purpose computing device.

182. The system of claim 180, wherein the structured information comprises binary data.

183. The system of claim 180, wherein the structured information is humanly perceptible.

184. The system of claim 180, wherein the structured information is defined in a bit addressable manner.

185. The system of claim 180, wherein the structured information has at least one mathematically definable characteristic.

186. The system of claim 180, wherein the structured information is selected from the group consisting of pseudo-random and random.