CA2218431C - Method and system of using personal information as a key when distributing information - Google Patents
Method and system of using personal information as a key when distributing information Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2218431C CA2218431C CA002218431A CA2218431A CA2218431C CA 2218431 C CA2218431 C CA 2218431C CA 002218431 A CA002218431 A CA 002218431A CA 2218431 A CA2218431 A CA 2218431A CA 2218431 C CA2218431 C CA 2218431C
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- software
- key
- personal information
- purchaser
- computer
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- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 28
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims description 11
- FGUUSXIOTUKUDN-IBGZPJMESA-N C1(=CC=CC=C1)N1C2=C(NC([C@H](C1)NC=1OC(=NN=1)C1=CC=CC=C1)=O)C=CC=C2 Chemical compound C1(=CC=CC=C1)N1C2=C(NC([C@H](C1)NC=1OC(=NN=1)C1=CC=CC=C1)=O)C=CC=C2 FGUUSXIOTUKUDN-IBGZPJMESA-N 0.000 claims 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000010076 replication Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q30/00—Commerce
- G06Q30/06—Buying, selling or leasing transactions
- G06Q30/0601—Electronic shopping [e-shopping]
- G06Q30/0621—Item configuration or customization
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F21/00—Security arrangements for protecting computers, components thereof, programs or data against unauthorised activity
- G06F21/10—Protecting distributed programs or content, e.g. vending or licensing of copyrighted material ; Digital rights management [DRM]
- G06F21/101—Protecting distributed programs or content, e.g. vending or licensing of copyrighted material ; Digital rights management [DRM] by binding digital rights to specific entities
- G06F21/1015—Protecting distributed programs or content, e.g. vending or licensing of copyrighted material ; Digital rights management [DRM] by binding digital rights to specific entities to users
Abstract
A method and system that uses personal information as a key when distributing information. If software is purchased, the buyer gives the seller his or her credit card number and at least three additional items of personal information, as an example, to use as a key. The personal information can include, but is not limited to, the purchaser's social security number, telephone number, expiration date of the credit card, address, mother's maiden name, children's names, bank account information, etc. This key is embedded in the purchased material. The material is then sent or downloaded to the purchaser. To activate the software, the purchaser must enter the key, which is the personal information. A comparison is then madeof the key embedded in the software and the key that was just entered. If the keys do not match, the software can not be installed and accessed. If the keys do match, the software will be installed and can be accessed. In certain instances, the key may need to be input every time the software is to be accessed.
Description
METHOD AND SYSTEM OF USING PERSONAL INFORMATION AS A KEY
WHEN DISTRIBUTING INFORMATION
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
s Field of the Invention The present invention is directed to a key, and more particularly, to using personal information as a key when distributing information over a communications network.
Description of the Related Art Io With the advent of the world wide web (~ and the Internet, it has become more and more difficult to distribute materials over the VWVW without the fear of illegal replication. For example, books or CD quality music are available on the WWW through a direct path between authors or musicians and the end users.
' However, it is extremely easy for anyone to replicate and distribute this material to is an unlimited number of people over the Internet. Because of this, most authors and musicians are not willing to make their works available on the WWW. Therefore, to make electronic information distribution feasible, a mechanism is needed to make replication and distribution difficult for most people.
One way to protect information is to encrypt it. In any encryption mechanism, 2o the object is to make it difficult to disseminate unauthorized information.
There are several methods for encryption. Almost all of the encryption methods are based on the use of a "key" for decryption of the encrypted material. A private key is usually one that is difficult to decipher. In many cases, it is a large prime number that would take a high speed computer a long time, up to many years to determine. A key can 2s also be words or phrases that are unrelated or make no sense. These words or phrase are then converted to binary form.
However, with any of the known methods for determining a key, the person holding the key can give it to anyone. That person or persons can disseminate the information to anyone they want. At that point, there is no telling how many people 3o will eventually have access to the key and it does not matter how difficult it is to determine the key since it was readily disclosed to others.
WHEN DISTRIBUTING INFORMATION
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
s Field of the Invention The present invention is directed to a key, and more particularly, to using personal information as a key when distributing information over a communications network.
Description of the Related Art Io With the advent of the world wide web (~ and the Internet, it has become more and more difficult to distribute materials over the VWVW without the fear of illegal replication. For example, books or CD quality music are available on the WWW through a direct path between authors or musicians and the end users.
' However, it is extremely easy for anyone to replicate and distribute this material to is an unlimited number of people over the Internet. Because of this, most authors and musicians are not willing to make their works available on the WWW. Therefore, to make electronic information distribution feasible, a mechanism is needed to make replication and distribution difficult for most people.
One way to protect information is to encrypt it. In any encryption mechanism, 2o the object is to make it difficult to disseminate unauthorized information.
There are several methods for encryption. Almost all of the encryption methods are based on the use of a "key" for decryption of the encrypted material. A private key is usually one that is difficult to decipher. In many cases, it is a large prime number that would take a high speed computer a long time, up to many years to determine. A key can 2s also be words or phrases that are unrelated or make no sense. These words or phrase are then converted to binary form.
However, with any of the known methods for determining a key, the person holding the key can give it to anyone. That person or persons can disseminate the information to anyone they want. At that point, there is no telling how many people 3o will eventually have access to the key and it does not matter how difficult it is to determine the key since it was readily disclosed to others.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a method and system which uses personal information as a key when distributing information over a communications network.
In the present invention software or other media is purchased over a variety of media including communications networks, U.S. mail, through a store, etc. A
personal information key is sent along with the purchase order and embedded in the purchased software. The software is then downloaded to a computer. A key is then typed in and compared with the key embedded in the software. If the keys match, then the downloaded software can be installed to be used. Anyone wanting to access the material must type in the key. For certain applications the key must be typed each time the material is to be accessed.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for using personal information as a key, said method comprising the steps of: a) purchasing software in a purchase transaction that includes providing human readable personal information known to the purchaser; b) acquiring at a seller said human readable personal information from the purchaser of software; said human readable personal information including at least three pieces of personal information selected from among the purchaser's name, address, telephone number, mother's name, maiden name, spouse's name, children's names, birthdate, and social security number; designing a key for accessing the purchased software, said key being said human readable personal information acquired from the purchaser, wherein the personal information is independent of a particular electronic medium in which the software will be installed; c) embedding the human readable personal information key in the purchased software; d) conveying the purchased software to the purchaser through an electronic medium; e) asking the purchaser to enter a human readable personal information key, by a prompt from the electronic medium, before allowing the purchaser to access the conveyed software; f) entering by the purchaser the human readable personal information key; g) comparing the entered key with the key embedded in the software; and h) allowing the purchaser to access the conveyed software if the entered and embedded keys match.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a 2a system using personal information as a key, said system comprising: means for purchasing software in a purchase transaction that includes providing human readable personal information know to a purchaser; a device for conveying, by the purchaser to a seller of said software, at least three pieces of said personal information in said human readable form; said personal information including at least three pieces of personal information selected from among the purchaser's name, address, telephone number, mother's name, maiden name, spouse's name, children's names, birthdate, and social security number; means for designing a key, said key for accessing the purchased software, said key being said at least three pieces of personal information in human readable form; and means for embedding said key in said software; downloading means for downloading said purchased software, with said key being embedded therein, to a computer of the purchaser; a device for entering information, connected to the computer of the purchaser, through which the key is entered to the computer; and a comparator for comparing said entered key with said being at least three pieces of personal information in human readable form embedded in said purchased software, whereby the purchaser is allowed to access said purchased software only if there is a match between the entered and embedded keys; wherein said at least three pieces of personal information forming the keys are independent of the computer.
These objects, together with other objects and advantages which will be subsequently apparent, reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is a flow chart generally describing the operation of the present invention; and Fig. 2 is a block diagram of a system according to the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The present invention is directed to a system and method which uses personal information as a key for protecting information sent over a communications 2b network. As shown in the flow chart of Fig. 1, merchandise is purchased in step 101.
Personal information is then forwarded along with a purchase order to a seller. The personal information is then embedded in the purchased merchandise by the seller as a key as shown in step 102. Step 103 forwards the purchased merchandise along with the key embedded therein to the buyer. It should be noted that the key may be sent separately or may be sent with additional merchandise particularly if the buyer already has the purchased merchandise or portions of the purchased merchandise in his or her possession.
To access the purchased merchandise, the buyer must enter a key in step 104. The keys are then compared in step 105. If the entered key matches the embedded key, the purchased merchandise is stored or installed on the purchaser's s computer in step 106. If the keys do not match, the process returns to step 104.
The present invention will now be explained in detail with respect to the system shown in Fig. 2.
As shown in Fig. 2, digital data such as software, CD's, books, movies, etc., is purchased over a telephone 10, through a store 12, by way of computer 14, through to the mails 16 or by other communications devices. A key 18 is then designed based on information obtained from the purchaser. The key 18 can include alpha, numeric or alphanumeric information. Particularly, the key 18 includes personal information.
If software is purchased from a store 12, for example, then the purchaser contacts the seller 20 of the software by various means such as telephone 10, Is computer 14, mail 16, etc. The purchaser then provides information to the seller 20 necessary to design the key 18. The seller 20 then forwards additional software 22, along with the key 18, either via a floppy disk or electronically, to the purchaser.
Additionally, the seller 20 can forward just the key 18 to the purchaser or, if the software is purchased electronically, the key 18 is forwarded along with the 2o purchased software. Upon receipt of the key 18, the purchaser can download and store the already purchased software. That is, it is embedded in the purchased software. The key 18 is used for protection of the digital data from access by others when it is downloaded to the purchaser.
The personal information that makes up the key 18 can include such 2s information as a credit card number, name, address, telephone number, expiration date of the card, etc., and any combination thereof. Particularly, it is advantageous that at least three pieces of personal information be used as the key. This is because it might be easy for someone to intercept a credit card number and use it but it is not easy to know the credit card holder's mother's name, maiden name, 3o spouse's name, children's names, birthdate, social security number, etc.
Credit card information is only used as an example. Bank account information can also be used along with additional personal information, or any other type of information that is personal to the buyer that is not easily known by others.
As noted above, if the merchandise is electronically purchased, the key 18, s including personal information, is forwarded to the seller 20 along with the purchase order for the merchandise. If the merchandise is purchased at a store, for example, the purchaser contacts the seller 20, via any known means of communication, to provide the seller with personal information so that the key 18 can be designed and embedded in the merchandise and delivered to the purchaser. The personal io information used to design the key 18 can be forwarded to the seller by numerous means including, but not limited to, telephone lines 24, over the WWW 26 or the Internet 28, or in a floppy disk by mail 16, as examples.
The key 18 is then embedded in the software by the seller 20 in a~
conventional manner. It should be noted that the personal information used to Is design the key 18 can be encrypted either by the purchaser before being sent to the seller 20 or by the seller 20 when it is embedded in the software. The merchandise, such as software, including the key 18 is then sent to the purchaser. The merchandise can be sent by way of CD, floppy disk, modem, mail, etc. The software is then downloaded to the purchaser's computer 30. The purchaser's computer 30 2o can be, for example, a multimedia computer, but is not limited thereto.
Installation software 32 in the purchaser's computer 30 receives the purchased merchandise. For example, if the purchased merchandise is a music CD
the purchaser needs to access the music CD. A prompt is given, by software internal to the computer 30, to enter a key 36. This is done by typing in the key 36, 2s e.g., the personal information embedded in the merchandise, using, for example, a keyboard 34. The installation software 32 in the purchaser's computer 30 then compares the key 18 embedded in the merchandise with the typed key 36. The comparison is performed either by a comparator or with comparison software, both internal to the purchaser's computer 30 and not shown. If the two keys match, the 3o data can then be stored (installed) in the purchaser's computer 30. If the keys do s not match, then the merchandise is not installed.
If the key 18 was encrypted, it must be decrypted by a decryption device or software in the purchaser's computer 30. The key 18 is decrypted unbeknownst to the user. That is, decryption automatically occurs.
s Once it is determined that the keys match, and if the merchandise purchased is, for example, a music CD, the software is then sent as binary information to a player 38 which is part of the purchaser's computer 30 or is attached to the purchaser's computer 30. Then, if, for example, the merchandise is a music CD, the CD can be played.
to The player 38 in the purchaser's computer 30 can be a CD player, a movie player, a picture viewer or a text viewer. The player 38 can also be software in the computer 30 that can play the received software. In this instance, the player requires the key 18 every time it plays the merchandise. That is, every time the purchaser wants to access the merchandise, the key 36 must be entered and Is compared with the key 18 embedded in the merchandise to access the software.
Thus, because the merchandise such as a music CD, software, etc., cannot be accessed unless a key containing personal information is input this will deter the purchaser from passing on the purchased merchandise because it will require disclosure of the purchaser's personal information. Users will not be willing to reveal 2o their key if it is based on something as personal as their credit card information including their credit card number, expiration date, holder's name, address, telephone number, social security number, maiden name, mother's name, bank account information, etc. Although the personal information is used to purchase the software, it is not readily available to others for their use.
2s The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and applications shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention and the 3o appended claims and their equivalents.
The present invention provides a method and system which uses personal information as a key when distributing information over a communications network.
In the present invention software or other media is purchased over a variety of media including communications networks, U.S. mail, through a store, etc. A
personal information key is sent along with the purchase order and embedded in the purchased software. The software is then downloaded to a computer. A key is then typed in and compared with the key embedded in the software. If the keys match, then the downloaded software can be installed to be used. Anyone wanting to access the material must type in the key. For certain applications the key must be typed each time the material is to be accessed.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for using personal information as a key, said method comprising the steps of: a) purchasing software in a purchase transaction that includes providing human readable personal information known to the purchaser; b) acquiring at a seller said human readable personal information from the purchaser of software; said human readable personal information including at least three pieces of personal information selected from among the purchaser's name, address, telephone number, mother's name, maiden name, spouse's name, children's names, birthdate, and social security number; designing a key for accessing the purchased software, said key being said human readable personal information acquired from the purchaser, wherein the personal information is independent of a particular electronic medium in which the software will be installed; c) embedding the human readable personal information key in the purchased software; d) conveying the purchased software to the purchaser through an electronic medium; e) asking the purchaser to enter a human readable personal information key, by a prompt from the electronic medium, before allowing the purchaser to access the conveyed software; f) entering by the purchaser the human readable personal information key; g) comparing the entered key with the key embedded in the software; and h) allowing the purchaser to access the conveyed software if the entered and embedded keys match.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a 2a system using personal information as a key, said system comprising: means for purchasing software in a purchase transaction that includes providing human readable personal information know to a purchaser; a device for conveying, by the purchaser to a seller of said software, at least three pieces of said personal information in said human readable form; said personal information including at least three pieces of personal information selected from among the purchaser's name, address, telephone number, mother's name, maiden name, spouse's name, children's names, birthdate, and social security number; means for designing a key, said key for accessing the purchased software, said key being said at least three pieces of personal information in human readable form; and means for embedding said key in said software; downloading means for downloading said purchased software, with said key being embedded therein, to a computer of the purchaser; a device for entering information, connected to the computer of the purchaser, through which the key is entered to the computer; and a comparator for comparing said entered key with said being at least three pieces of personal information in human readable form embedded in said purchased software, whereby the purchaser is allowed to access said purchased software only if there is a match between the entered and embedded keys; wherein said at least three pieces of personal information forming the keys are independent of the computer.
These objects, together with other objects and advantages which will be subsequently apparent, reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is a flow chart generally describing the operation of the present invention; and Fig. 2 is a block diagram of a system according to the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The present invention is directed to a system and method which uses personal information as a key for protecting information sent over a communications 2b network. As shown in the flow chart of Fig. 1, merchandise is purchased in step 101.
Personal information is then forwarded along with a purchase order to a seller. The personal information is then embedded in the purchased merchandise by the seller as a key as shown in step 102. Step 103 forwards the purchased merchandise along with the key embedded therein to the buyer. It should be noted that the key may be sent separately or may be sent with additional merchandise particularly if the buyer already has the purchased merchandise or portions of the purchased merchandise in his or her possession.
To access the purchased merchandise, the buyer must enter a key in step 104. The keys are then compared in step 105. If the entered key matches the embedded key, the purchased merchandise is stored or installed on the purchaser's s computer in step 106. If the keys do not match, the process returns to step 104.
The present invention will now be explained in detail with respect to the system shown in Fig. 2.
As shown in Fig. 2, digital data such as software, CD's, books, movies, etc., is purchased over a telephone 10, through a store 12, by way of computer 14, through to the mails 16 or by other communications devices. A key 18 is then designed based on information obtained from the purchaser. The key 18 can include alpha, numeric or alphanumeric information. Particularly, the key 18 includes personal information.
If software is purchased from a store 12, for example, then the purchaser contacts the seller 20 of the software by various means such as telephone 10, Is computer 14, mail 16, etc. The purchaser then provides information to the seller 20 necessary to design the key 18. The seller 20 then forwards additional software 22, along with the key 18, either via a floppy disk or electronically, to the purchaser.
Additionally, the seller 20 can forward just the key 18 to the purchaser or, if the software is purchased electronically, the key 18 is forwarded along with the 2o purchased software. Upon receipt of the key 18, the purchaser can download and store the already purchased software. That is, it is embedded in the purchased software. The key 18 is used for protection of the digital data from access by others when it is downloaded to the purchaser.
The personal information that makes up the key 18 can include such 2s information as a credit card number, name, address, telephone number, expiration date of the card, etc., and any combination thereof. Particularly, it is advantageous that at least three pieces of personal information be used as the key. This is because it might be easy for someone to intercept a credit card number and use it but it is not easy to know the credit card holder's mother's name, maiden name, 3o spouse's name, children's names, birthdate, social security number, etc.
Credit card information is only used as an example. Bank account information can also be used along with additional personal information, or any other type of information that is personal to the buyer that is not easily known by others.
As noted above, if the merchandise is electronically purchased, the key 18, s including personal information, is forwarded to the seller 20 along with the purchase order for the merchandise. If the merchandise is purchased at a store, for example, the purchaser contacts the seller 20, via any known means of communication, to provide the seller with personal information so that the key 18 can be designed and embedded in the merchandise and delivered to the purchaser. The personal io information used to design the key 18 can be forwarded to the seller by numerous means including, but not limited to, telephone lines 24, over the WWW 26 or the Internet 28, or in a floppy disk by mail 16, as examples.
The key 18 is then embedded in the software by the seller 20 in a~
conventional manner. It should be noted that the personal information used to Is design the key 18 can be encrypted either by the purchaser before being sent to the seller 20 or by the seller 20 when it is embedded in the software. The merchandise, such as software, including the key 18 is then sent to the purchaser. The merchandise can be sent by way of CD, floppy disk, modem, mail, etc. The software is then downloaded to the purchaser's computer 30. The purchaser's computer 30 2o can be, for example, a multimedia computer, but is not limited thereto.
Installation software 32 in the purchaser's computer 30 receives the purchased merchandise. For example, if the purchased merchandise is a music CD
the purchaser needs to access the music CD. A prompt is given, by software internal to the computer 30, to enter a key 36. This is done by typing in the key 36, 2s e.g., the personal information embedded in the merchandise, using, for example, a keyboard 34. The installation software 32 in the purchaser's computer 30 then compares the key 18 embedded in the merchandise with the typed key 36. The comparison is performed either by a comparator or with comparison software, both internal to the purchaser's computer 30 and not shown. If the two keys match, the 3o data can then be stored (installed) in the purchaser's computer 30. If the keys do s not match, then the merchandise is not installed.
If the key 18 was encrypted, it must be decrypted by a decryption device or software in the purchaser's computer 30. The key 18 is decrypted unbeknownst to the user. That is, decryption automatically occurs.
s Once it is determined that the keys match, and if the merchandise purchased is, for example, a music CD, the software is then sent as binary information to a player 38 which is part of the purchaser's computer 30 or is attached to the purchaser's computer 30. Then, if, for example, the merchandise is a music CD, the CD can be played.
to The player 38 in the purchaser's computer 30 can be a CD player, a movie player, a picture viewer or a text viewer. The player 38 can also be software in the computer 30 that can play the received software. In this instance, the player requires the key 18 every time it plays the merchandise. That is, every time the purchaser wants to access the merchandise, the key 36 must be entered and Is compared with the key 18 embedded in the merchandise to access the software.
Thus, because the merchandise such as a music CD, software, etc., cannot be accessed unless a key containing personal information is input this will deter the purchaser from passing on the purchased merchandise because it will require disclosure of the purchaser's personal information. Users will not be willing to reveal 2o their key if it is based on something as personal as their credit card information including their credit card number, expiration date, holder's name, address, telephone number, social security number, maiden name, mother's name, bank account information, etc. Although the personal information is used to purchase the software, it is not readily available to others for their use.
2s The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and applications shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention and the 3o appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims (29)
1. A method for using personal information as a key, said method comprising the steps of:
a) purchasing software in a purchase transaction that includes providing human readable personal information known to the purchaser;
b) acquiring at a seller said human readable personal information from the purchaser of software;
said human readable personal information including at least three pieces of personal information selected from among the purchaser's name, address, telephone number, mother's name, maiden name, spouse's name, children's names, birthdate, and social security number;
designing a key for accessing the purchased software, said key being said human readable personal information acquired from the purchaser, wherein the personal information is independent of a particular electronic medium in which the software will be installed;
c) embedding the human readable personal information key in the purchased software;
d) conveying the purchased software to the purchaser through an electronic medium;
e) asking the purchaser to enter a human readable personal information key, by a prompt from the electronic medium, before allowing the purchaser to access the conveyed software;
f) entering by the purchaser the human readable personal information key;
g) comparing the entered key with the key embedded in the software; and h) allowing the purchaser to access the conveyed software if the entered and embedded keys match.
a) purchasing software in a purchase transaction that includes providing human readable personal information known to the purchaser;
b) acquiring at a seller said human readable personal information from the purchaser of software;
said human readable personal information including at least three pieces of personal information selected from among the purchaser's name, address, telephone number, mother's name, maiden name, spouse's name, children's names, birthdate, and social security number;
designing a key for accessing the purchased software, said key being said human readable personal information acquired from the purchaser, wherein the personal information is independent of a particular electronic medium in which the software will be installed;
c) embedding the human readable personal information key in the purchased software;
d) conveying the purchased software to the purchaser through an electronic medium;
e) asking the purchaser to enter a human readable personal information key, by a prompt from the electronic medium, before allowing the purchaser to access the conveyed software;
f) entering by the purchaser the human readable personal information key;
g) comparing the entered key with the key embedded in the software; and h) allowing the purchaser to access the conveyed software if the entered and embedded keys match.
2. A method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of:
i) entering the key every time the software is to be accessed.
i) entering the key every time the software is to be accessed.
3. A method according to claim 1, wherein said step a) comprises purchasing the software over a communications network.
4. A method according to claim 1, wherein said step a) comprises purchasing the software through the U.S. mail.
5. A method according to claim 1, wherein said step a) comprises purchasing the software through a store.
6. A method according to claim 1, wherein in said step b), the personal information is sent over a communications network.
7. A method according to claim 6, wherein the communications network is a telephone communications network.
8. A method according to claim 6, wherein the communications network is a computer network.
9. A method according to claim 1, wherein said step d) includes downloading the software over any type of medium.
10. A method according to claim 9, wherein the medium is a multimedia computer.
11. A method according to claim 1, wherein said step d) comprises downloading the purchased software as binary information to a player attached to a purchaser's computer.
12. A method according to claim 11, wherein said step f) includes entering the key on a keyboard of the purchaser's computer.
13. A method according to claim 12, wherein the player is one of a CD player, movie player, picture viewer, text viewer and software that plays.
14. A method according to claim 12, wherein the software is downloaded as player information running on the purchaser's computer.
15. A method according to claim 14, wherein the player is one of a CD player, movie player, picture viewer, text viewer and software that plays.
16. A method according to claim 15, wherein the player requires a key every time it plays the software.
17. A system using personal information as a key, said system comprising:
means for purchasing software in a purchase transaction that includes providing human readable personal information know to a purchaser;
a device for conveying, by the purchaser to a seller of said software, at least three pieces of said personal information in said human readable form;
said personal information including at least three pieces of personal information selected from among the purchaser's name, address, telephone number, mother's name, maiden name, spouse's name, children's names, birthdate, and social security number;
means for designing a key, said key for accessing the purchased software, said key being said at least three pieces of personal information in human readable form; and means for embedding said key in said software;
downloading means for downloading said purchased software, with said key being embedded therein, to a computer of the purchaser;
a device for entering information, connected to the computer of the purchaser, through which the key is entered to the computer; and a comparator for comparing said entered key with said being at least three pieces of personal information in human readable form embedded in said purchased software, whereby the purchaser is allowed to access said purchased software only if there is a match between the entered and embedded keys;
wherein said at least three pieces of personal information forming the keys are independent of the computer.
means for purchasing software in a purchase transaction that includes providing human readable personal information know to a purchaser;
a device for conveying, by the purchaser to a seller of said software, at least three pieces of said personal information in said human readable form;
said personal information including at least three pieces of personal information selected from among the purchaser's name, address, telephone number, mother's name, maiden name, spouse's name, children's names, birthdate, and social security number;
means for designing a key, said key for accessing the purchased software, said key being said at least three pieces of personal information in human readable form; and means for embedding said key in said software;
downloading means for downloading said purchased software, with said key being embedded therein, to a computer of the purchaser;
a device for entering information, connected to the computer of the purchaser, through which the key is entered to the computer; and a comparator for comparing said entered key with said being at least three pieces of personal information in human readable form embedded in said purchased software, whereby the purchaser is allowed to access said purchased software only if there is a match between the entered and embedded keys;
wherein said at least three pieces of personal information forming the keys are independent of the computer.
18. A system according to claim 17, wherein every time said software is to be accessed, said key must be input, by said device for entering, and compared, by said comparator, with said at least three pieces of personal information embedded in said purchased software.
19. A system according to claim 17, wherein said device for conveying said at least three pieces of personal information comprises a keyboard.
20. A system according to claim 17, wherein said computer comprises a multimedia computer.
21. A system according to claim 17, wherein said means for purchasing software is a computer connected to the Internet.
22. A system according to claim 17, wherein said means for purchasing software is a telephone.
23. A system according to claim 17, wherein said means for purchasing software is in a store.
24. A system according to claim 17, wherein said at least three pieces of personal information comprise alpha, numeric or alphanumeric information.
25. A system according to claim 17, further comprising encryption means for encrypting said at least three pieces of personal information.
26. A system according to claim 25, further comprising decryption means for decrypting said encrypted at least three pieces of personal information.
27. A system according to claim 26, wherein said decryption means is a player in said computer.
28. A system according to claim 27, wherein said player is one of a CD player, movie player, picture viewer, and text viewer.
29. A system according to claim 27, wherein said player is software.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US752,119 | 1996-11-20 | ||
| US08/752,119 US6005935A (en) | 1996-11-20 | 1996-11-20 | Method and system of using personal information as a key when distributing information |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2218431A1 CA2218431A1 (en) | 1998-05-20 |
| CA2218431C true CA2218431C (en) | 2001-05-29 |
Family
ID=25024960
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002218431A Expired - Fee Related CA2218431C (en) | 1996-11-20 | 1997-10-16 | Method and system of using personal information as a key when distributing information |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US6005935A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0844550A3 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPH10240520A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2218431C (en) |
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-
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-
1997
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- 1997-10-29 EP EP97308625A patent/EP0844550A3/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1997-11-14 JP JP31315897A patent/JPH10240520A/en active Pending
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2218431A1 (en) | 1998-05-20 |
| JPH10240520A (en) | 1998-09-11 |
| EP0844550A3 (en) | 1999-06-16 |
| EP0844550A2 (en) | 1998-05-27 |
| US6005935A (en) | 1999-12-21 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |