Abstract

Apparatus and method is provided for secured communication of information as in effecting financial transactions between two individuals. Apparatus is provided in the form of units personal to respective individuals and including display of information to be communicated, electronic circuit means providing automatic security of transmission between relatively remote units that are intended to be included in a specific transfer of information, electronic information storage means for recording of communicated information, and radiant energy signal transmitting devices for effecting coupling of any two selected apparatus units that are to participate in the information transfer. Time-base controlled signal encoding is utilized to effect generation of the communication to the two selected units. In the method of this invention, each of two selected units are operated to generate the same information signal of an agreed information transfer and a security identification signal which is associated with the respective unit. Transfer of information is effected in sequence with each unit transmitting its information signal and security identification signal in encoded form to the other unit. Each unit compares the received transmission with its information signal and, if it compares, continues its signals to the other unit. Correct comparison in both units then effects termination of the information communication.