730 results about "Network overhead" patented technology

A set top box (STB) includes a trusted transactional cache and associated transactional protocol and enables e-commerce transactions to be securely committed to a remote server extremely quickly and with little network overhead. The invention does away with the user concern of whether the transaction was successful. The STB operates equally well on robust private networks as on unpredictable Internet or wireless networks, and avoids upsetting users who would otherwise have to wait in front of a display screen for confirmation of completion of the transaction after a temporary communication failure with the central site. The method may advantageously be used to provide cost-effective micro-payments solutions. The STB may include a dual headed display capability in which data and video maybe be directed to separate displays. The STB may feature an embedded ticket printer, as well as an embedded barcode scanner. This enables non computer literate users to more conveniently track transactions committed via the STB, or to take advantage of promotional coupons. The STB features an embedded hardware true Random Number Generator to produce maximum entropy encryption keys, therefore providing maximum secure and fool-proof means to protect private data using government authorized encryption schemes.

An electronic controller for conducting trusted lightweight e-commerce transactions. A trusted transactional cache and the associated transactional protocol allow e-commerce transactions to be committed to a remote server extremely quickly and with little network overhead. The end-to-end transactions are completed is just a few seconds or less. The invention operates equally well on robust private networks as on unpredictable Internet or wireless networks. The transaction is automatically completed following a temporary communication failure with the central site or following a temporary local controller failure. The invention can advantageously be used in embedded Internet products such as fixed or mobile Internet kiosks, transactional terminals, and Internet Appliances.

A power consumption reducing apparatus and method are provided wherein the apparatus includes a periodic active state conversion unit which converts an inactive state into an active state; a beacon frame reception unit which, in an active state, receives a beacon frame; an awake window setting unit which sets the awake window; an awake window interval counting unit which counts the interval value in the awake window; and an inactive state conversion unit which converts the awake window into an inactive state. According to the apparatus, an active state needs to be maintained only during a window interval such that power consumption can be reduced during an inactive interval. In addition, an ATIM window is replaced by an awake window such that an ATIM message that has been regarded as a network overhead, and an acknowledgement response frame to the message are removed, that is, the network overheads are removed.