Patent US5884272A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5884272A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Method and system for establishing and maintaining user-controlled anonymous communications
Assignee: Walker Asset Management LP
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Filing: 1996-09-06
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Granted: 1999-03-16
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Expires: 2016-09-06
Abstract
Abstract A system for establishing anonymous communications includes a plurality of party terminals, a plurality of requester terminals, and a central controller. The system receives and stores party data about respective parties. Upon receiving criteria for parties of interest from a requestor terminal and authorization from respective parties, the central controller releases to the requester party associated with the parties. The system also establishes communications channels between parties and the requester, while maintaining their anonymity.
Inventors
- 👤 Jay S. Walker
- 👤 Bruce Schneier
- 👤 T. Scott Case
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 19:48
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04M; H04M3/00; H04M3/42; H04M3/42008; G; G06; G06F; G06F21/00; G06F21/60; G06F21/62; G06F21/6218; G06F21/6245; G06F21/6254; G06Q; G06Q10/00; G06Q10/40; G06Q30/00; G06Q30/06; G06Q30/0601; G06Q30/0613; G06Q30/0615; H04L; H04L9/00; H04L9/32; H04L9/321; H04L9/3271; H04L2209/00; H04L2209/42; H04L2209/56; H04M2203/00; H04M2203/60; H04M2203/609
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 68
Claim 1
Independent Claim
247 words
A method for facilitating an exchange of information between a first party and a second party, comprising the steps of: receiving first party information data from said first party; storing said first party information data in a secure database; receiving, from said first party, at least one first party rule for releasing said first party information data; storing said at lease one first party rule; receiving, from said second party, a search request to the secure database, said search request comprising at least one search criterion to be satisfied; determining second party data relevant to said at least one first party rule; receiving, from said second party, at least one second party rule for releasing said second party data; processing said search request from said second party to determine if said first party information data satisfies said at least one search criterion; if said first party information data satisfies said at least one search criterion, then: communicating to said second party that said at least one search criterion has been satisfied; receiving a request from said second party for said first party information data; releasing said second party data pursuant to said second party rule; determining, based on said second party data, whether said at least one first party rule has been satisfied; and if said at least one first party rule has been satisfied, providing, to said second party, said first party information data for which said at least one first party rule has been satisfied.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
247 words
A method for facilitating an exchange of information between a first party and a second party, comprising the steps of: receiving first party information data from said first party; storing said first party information data in a secure database; receiving, from said first party, at least one first party rule for releasing said first party information data; storing said at lease one first party rule; receiving, from said second party, a search request to the secure database, said search request comprising at least one search criterion to be satisfied; determining second party data relevant to said at least one first party rule; receiving, from said second party, at least one second party rule for releasing said second party data; processing said search request from said second party to determine if said first party information data satisfies said at least one search criterion; if said first party information data satisfies said at least one search criterion, then: communicating to said second party that said at least one search criterion has been satisfied; receiving a request from said second party for said first party information data; releasing said second party data pursuant to said second party rule; determining, based on said second party data, whether said at least one first party rule has been satisfied; and if said at least one first party rule has been satisfied, providing, to said second party, said first party information data for which said at least one first party rule has been satisfied.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of: authenticating authorship of said first party information data.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method according to claim 2, wherein the step of authenticating includes the substep of executing a cryptographic operation using a cryptographic key.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method according to claim 2, wherein the step of authenticating includes the substep of recognizing an identifier selected from the group consisting of a password, a name, and an identification number.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of receiving first party information data comprises the substeps of: receiving first party information data in encrypted form; and decrypting the received first party information data.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method according to claim 5, further comprising the step of authenticating authorship of the decrypted party data.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method according to claim 6, wherein the step of authenticating includes the substep of recognizing an identifier selected from the group consisting of a password, a name, and an identification number.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of authenticating authorship of the search request.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of determining second party data further comprising the step of: receiving, from said second party, said second party data corresponding to the second party.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method according to claim 9, further comprising the step of authenticating authorship of the received second party data.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method according to claim 10, wherein the step of authenticating includes the substep of recognizing an identifier selected from the group consisting of a password, a name, and an identification number.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
65 words
The method according to claim 1, further comprising the steps of: receiving from said second party a request to provide a communication channel with said first party; communicating, to said first party, said request to provide said communication channel; and providing said communication channel between said first party and said second party, if said first party agrees to said request to provide said communication channel.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method according to claim 12, wherein the step of providing a communication channel comprises providing an asynchronous communication channel.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method according to claim 13, wherein the step of providing an asynchronous communication channel comprises the step of using a cryptographic protocol.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method according to claim 12, wherein the step of providing a communication channel comprises providing a real-time communication channel.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method according to claim 12, further comprising the step of receiving, from at least one of the second party and the first party, a payment for providing the communication channel.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method according to claim 1, wherein the communicating step further comprises the step of: communicating to the second party a pseudonym corresponding to said first party.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method according to claim 1, further comprising the steps of: receiving from said second party, a request to verify whether said first party information data is accurate; and verifying the accuracy of the first party information data.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
52 words
The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of receiving at least one first party rule further comprises the step of receiving from said first party at least one rule specifying at least one second party to whom the first party authorizes the system to release said first party information data.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
101 words
The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of receiving at least one first party rule further comprises the step of: receiving, from said first party, a rule that an authorization be obtained from said first party before said first party information data is released; the method further comprising the steps of: after receiving the request from the second party for said first party information data, performing said step of releasing said second party data with a request for authorization to release said first party information data; and receiving a response, from said first party, to said request for authorization.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
67 words
The method according to claim 1, further comprising the steps of: receiving from said first party a request for said second party data; determining whether said second party rule authorizes release of said second party data to said first party; and if said second party rule authorizes the release of said second party data to said first party, releasing to said first party said second party data.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method according to claim 21, wherein the step of releasing the second party data comprises the substep of preventing release of the second party data that the second party has not authorized for release.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of providing said first party information data further comprising the steps of: encrypting the first party information data; and communicating, to the second party, the encrypted first party information data.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of receiving, from said first patty, a payment for at least one of storing and providing said first party information data.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of receiving, from the second party, a payment for at least one of receiving from said second party a search request and providing the first party information data.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of transmitting a payment to said first party for at least one of storing and providing said first party information data.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the first party is a job candidate and the second party is an employer.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
91 words
The method of claim 27, wherein the first party information data comprises at least one of an identity of the job candidate, an address of the job candidate, at least one vital statistic of the job candidate, a description of a work experience of the job candidate, an educational background of the job candidate, an interest of the job candidate, a resume of the job candidate, a list of at least one publication written by the job candidate, and a list of at least one award received by the job candidate.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the first party is an employee and the second party is an employer of said employee.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 29, wherein the first party information data comprises a description of a violation of a policy of the employer.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the first party and the second party are individuals seeking a personal relationship.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
56 words
The method of claim 31, wherein the first party information data comprises at least one of an identity of the first party, an address of the first party, a vital statistic of the first party, a work experience of the first party, an educational background of the first party, and an interest of the first party.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
254 words
An apparatus for facilitating an exchange of information between a first party and a second party, comprising: secure data base means, operatively connected to: means for receiving first party information data from said first party; means for storing said first party information data in said secure database means; means for receiving, from said first party, at least one first party rule for releasing said first party information data; means for storing said at least one first party rule; means for receiving, from said second party, a search request to the secure database means, said search request comprising at least one search criterion to be satisfied; means for processing said search request from said second party to determine if said first party information data satisfies said at least one search criterion; means for communicating to said second party that said at least one search criterion has been satisfied; means for receiving a request from said second party for said first party information data; means for determining second party data relevant to said at least one first party rule; means for receiving, from said second party, at least one second party rule for releasing said second party data; means for releasing said second party data pursuant to said second party rule; means for determining, based on said second party data, whether said at least one first party rule has been satisfied; and means for providing, to said second party, said first party information data for which said at least one first party rule has been satisfied.
Claim 35
Independent Claim
254 words
An apparatus for facilitating an exchange of information between a first party and a second party, comprising: secure data base means, operatively connected to: means for receiving first party information data from said first party; means for storing said first party information data in said secure database means; means for receiving, from said first party, at least one first party rule for releasing said first party information data; means for storing said at least one first party rule; means for receiving, from said second party, a search request to the secure database means, said search request comprising at least one search criterion to be satisfied; means for processing said search request from said second party to determine if said first party information data satisfies said at least one search criterion; means for communicating to said second party that said at least one search criterion has been satisfied; means for receiving a request from said second party for said first party information data; means for determining second party data relevant to said at least one first party rule; means for receiving, from said second party, at least one second party rule for releasing said second party data; means for releasing said second party data pursuant to said second party rule; means for determining, based on said second party data, whether said at least one first party rule has been satisfied; and means for providing, to said second party, said first party information data for which said at least one first party rule has been satisfied.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus according to claim 33, further comprising means for authenticating authorship of said first party information data.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus according to claim 34, wherein the means for authenticating includes means for executing a cryptographic operation using a cryptographic key.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus according to claim 34, wherein the means for authenticating includes means for recognizing an identifier selected from the group consisting of a password, a name, and an identification number.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus according to claim 33, wherein the means for receiving first party information data comprises: means for receiving first party information data in encrypted form; and means for decrypting the received first party information data.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus according to claim 37, further comprising means for authenticating authorship of the decrypted party data.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus according to claim 38, wherein the means for authenticating includes means for recognizing an identifier selected from the group consisting of a password, a name, and an identification number.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus according to claim 33, further comprising means for authenticating authorship of the search request.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus according to claim 33, wherein the means for determining second party data further comprising: means for receiving, from said second party, said second party data corresponding to the second party.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus according to claim 41, further comprising means for authenticating authorship of the received second party data.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus according to claim 42, wherein the means for authenticating includes means for recognizing an identifier selected from the group consisting of a password, a name, and an identification number.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
55 words
The apparatus according to claim 33, further comprising: means for receiving from said second party a request to provide a communication channel with said first party; means for communicating, to said first party, said request to provide said communications channel; and means for providing said communication channel between said second party and said first party.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus according to claim 44, wherein the means for providing a communication channel comprises means for providing an asynchronous communication channel.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus according to claim 45, wherein the means for providing an asynchronous communication channel comprises means for providing a cryptographic protocol.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus according to claim 44, wherein the means for providing the communication channel comprises means for providing a real-time communication channel.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus according to claim 44, further comprising means for receiving, from at least one of the second party and the first party, a payment for providing the communication channel.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus according to claim 44, wherein the means for communicating further comprises: means for communicating to the second party a pseudonym corresponding to said first party.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
39 words
The apparatus according to claim 33, further comprising means for receiving, from said second party, a request to verify whether said first party information data is accurate; and means for verifying the accuracy of the first party information data.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
50 words
The apparatus according to claim 33, wherein the means for receiving at least one first party rule further comprises means for receiving from said first party at least one rule specifying at least one second party to whom the first party authorizes the release of said first party information data.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
81 words
The apparatus according to claim 33, wherein the means for receiving at least one rule further comprises: means for receiving, from said first party, a rule that an authorization be obtained from said first party before said first party information data is released; means for communicating, to said first party, said second party data and a request for authorization to release said first party information data; and means for receiving a response, from said first party, to said request for authorization.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
53 words
The apparatus according to claim 33, further comprising: means for receiving from said first party a request for said second party data; means for determining whether said second party rule authorizes release of said second party data to said first party; and means for releasing to said first party the second party data.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus according to claim 53, wherein the means for releasing the second party data comprises means for preventing releasing the second party data that the second party has not authorized for release.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
40 words
The apparatus according to claim 33, wherein the means for providing said first party information data further comprising: means for encrypting the first party information data; and means for communicating, to the second party, the encrypted first party information data.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus according to claim 33, further comprising means for receiving, from said first party, payment for at least one of receiving and storing first party information data.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
37 words
The apparatus according to claim 33, further comprising means for receiving, from said second party, a payment for at least one of receiving from said second party a search request and providing the first party information data.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus according to claim 33, further comprising means for transmitting payment to said first party for one of storing and communicating the first party information data.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 33, wherein the first party is a job candidate and the second parry is an employer.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
91 words
The apparatus of claim 59, wherein the first party information data comprises at least one of an identity of the job candidate, an address of the job candidate, at least one vital statistic of the job candidate, a description of a work experience of the job candidate, an educational background of the job candidate, an interest of the job candidate, a resume of the job candidate, a list of at least one publication written by the job candidate, and a list of at least one award received by the job candidate.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 33, wherein the first party is an employee and the second party is an employer of said employee.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 61, wherein the first party information data comprises a description of a violation of a policy of the employer.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 33, wherein the first party and the second party are individuals seeking a personal relationship.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
56 words
The apparatus of claim 63, wherein the first party information data comprises at least one of an identity of the first party, an address of the first party, a vital statistic of the first party, a work experience of the first party, an educational background of the first party, and an interest of the first party.
Claim 67
Independent Claim
275 words
A system for facilitating an exchange of information between a first party and a second party, comprising: a memory for storing at least a secure database; a communication port; and a processor connected to said memory and said communication port, said processor being operative to: receive first party information data from said first party; store said first party information data in said secure database; receive, from said first party, at least one first rule for releasing said first party information data; store said at least one first party rule; receive, from said second party, a search request to the secure database, said search request comprising at least one search criterion to be satisfied; determine second party data relevant to said at least one first party rule; receive, from said second party, at least one second party rule for releasing said second party data; process said search request from said second party to determine if said first party information data satisfies said at least one search criterion; and if said first party information data satisfies said at least one search criterion, the processor being further operative to: communicate to said second party that said at least one search criterion has been satisfied; receive a request from said second party for said first party information data; release said second party data pursuant to said second party rule; determine, based on said second party data, whether said at least one rule has been satisfied; and if said at least one first party rule has been satisfied, provide, to said second party, said first party information data for which said at least one first party rule has been satisfied.
Claim 68
Independent Claim
275 words
A system for facilitating an exchange of information between a first party and a second party, comprising: a memory for storing at least a secure database; a communication port; and a processor connected to said memory and said communication port, said processor being operative to: receive first party information data from said first party; store said first party information data in said secure database; receive, from said first party, at least one first rule for releasing said first party information data; store said at least one first party rule; receive, from said second party, a search request to the secure database, said search request comprising at least one search criterion to be satisfied; determine second party data relevant to said at least one first party rule; receive, from said second party, at least one second party rule for releasing said second party data; process said search request from said second party to determine if said first party information data satisfies said at least one search criterion; and if said first party information data satisfies said at least one search criterion, the processor being further operative to: communicate to said second party that said at least one search criterion has been satisfied; receive a request from said second party for said first party information data; release said second party data pursuant to said second party rule; determine, based on said second party data, whether said at least one rule has been satisfied; and if said at least one first party rule has been satisfied, provide, to said second party, said first party information data for which said at least one first party rule has been satisfied.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2002-03-15 | 2002-09-14 | 2003-03-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-03-15 | 2006-09-14 | 2007-03-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-03-15 | 2010-09-14 | 2011-03-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |