Method and apparatus for secure and small credits for verifiable service provider metering

Abstract

A method and apparatus for obtaining access to services of service providers. In one embodiment, the method comprises requesting a desired service through a foreign service provider, generating a hash tree and generating a digital signature on a root value of the hash tree, sending the digital signature and the root value to the foreign service provider, providing one or more tokens to the foreign service provider with the next packet if the foreign service provider accepts the signature and continuing to use the service while the foreign service provider accepts tokens.

1 . A method comprising:
 receiving a user token from a service provider that is different from the service provider of the user;   determining if the token is valid; and   charging the user based on the token if the token is valid.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising following a dispute resolution policy if the token is not valid. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the one ore more tokens include a hash pre-dash image. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising providing service after the token is received. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising providing service prior to receiving the token. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the token is an undeniable token. 
     
     
         7 . An article of manufacture having one or more non-transitory computer readable storage media having instructions stored thereon which, when executed by a system, cause the system to perform a method comprising:
 receiving a user token from a service provider that is different from the service provider of the user;   determining if the token is valid; and   charging the user based on the token if the token is valid.   
     
     
         8 . The article of manufacture of  claim 7  further comprising following a dispute resolution policy if the token is not valid. 
     
     
         9 . The article of manufacture of  claim 7  wherein the one or more tokens include a hash pre-dash image. 
     
     
         10 . The article of manufacture of  claim 7  further comprising providing service after the token is received. 
     
     
         11 . The article of manufacture of  claim 7  further comprising providing service prior to receiving the token. 
     
     
         12 . The article of manufacture of  claim 7  wherein the token is an undeniable token. 
     
     
         13 . A service provider comprising:
 an external network interface through which a user token is received from a service provider that is different from the service provider of the user;   a memory to store program instructions;   a processor coupled to the external network interface and the memory, wherein execution of the program instructions causes the processor to determine if the token is valid and charge the user based on the token if the token is valid.   
     
     
         14 . The service provider of  claim 13  where execution of the program instructions causes the processor to follow a dispute resolution policy if the token is not valid. 
     
     
         15 . The service provider of  claim 13  wherein the one or more tokens include a hash pre-dash image. 
     
     
         16 . The service provider of  claim 13  where execution of the program instructions causes the processor to cause service to be provided after the token is received. 
     
     
         17 . The service provider of  claim 13  where execution of the program instructions causes the processor to cause service to be provided prior to receiving the token. 
     
     
         18 . The service provider of  claim 13  wherein the token is an undeniable token.