US6282658B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
System and method for authentication of network users with preprocessing
Assignee: Equifax Inc
•
Filing: 1999-05-20
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Granted: 2001-08-28
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Expires: 2019-05-20
Abstract
Abstract A network authentication system provides verification of the identity or other attributes of a network user to conduct a transaction, access data or avail themselves of other resources. The user is presented with a hierarchy of queries based on wallet-type (basic identification) and non-wallet type (more private) information designed to ensure the identity of the user and prevent fraud, false negatives and other undesirable results. A preprocessing stage is employed to ensure correct formatting of the input information and clean up routine mistakes (such as missing digits, typos, etc.) that might otherwise halt the transaction. The authenticator can be configured to require differing levels of input or award differing levels of authentication according to security criteria.
Inventors
- 👤 Jennifer French
- 👤 Jone Wilder
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 11:12
CPC Classifications
G; G07; G07F; G07F7/00; G07F7/08; G07F7/10; G07F7/1008; G06; G06F; G06F21/00; G06F21/30; G06F21/31; G06F21/40; G06Q; G06Q20/00; G06Q20/30; G06Q20/34; G06Q20/341; G06Q20/38; G06Q20/40; G06Q20/409; G06Q20/4097; G06Q40/00; G06Q40/03; G06F2221/00; G06F2221/21; G06F2221/2113
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 32
Claim 1
Independent Claim
149 words
A method for authenticating a user of a network based on input received from the user, said method comprising: (a) receiving the input from the user, the input comprising information stored in a plurality of fields relating to identification of the user; (b) preprocessing at least some of the information for reliability, including performing at least one task selected from the group of tasks consisting of (1) checking format of at least some of the information; (2) comparing at least some of the information against a record of known data; and (3) ensuring that at least some of the information is present in the record of known data; and (c) if the preprocessing is successful, performing authentication based on the input by comparing at least some of the information against a database comprising a record of the user's credit history as compiled from a plurality of the user's creditors.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
149 words
A method for authenticating a user of a network based on input received from the user, said method comprising: (a) receiving the input from the user, the input comprising information stored in a plurality of fields relating to identification of the user; (b) preprocessing at least some of the information for reliability, including performing at least one task selected from the group of tasks consisting of (1) checking format of at least some of the information; (2) comparing at least some of the information against a record of known data; and (3) ensuring that at least some of the information is present in the record of known data; and (c) if the preprocessing is successful, performing authentication based on the input by comparing at least some of the information against a database comprising a record of the user's credit history as compiled from a plurality of the user's creditors.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein (b) is performed remotely from the location at which (c) occurs.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein at least some of the information includes social security number related information.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method of claim 3 , wherein the record of known data is a list of invalid social security numbers, further comprising ensuring that the user's social security number is not present in the list of invalid social security numbers.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
47 words
The method of claim 3 , wherein the record of known data is a list of valid telephonic area codes for a geographical location, further comprising ensuring that the user's telephonic area code is present in the list of valid telephonic area codes for a geographical location.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein (b) further comprises: (d) searching at least some of the information in a dictionary; and (e) if at least some of the information is not found in the dictionary, providing a closest substitute.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein at least some of the information includes a telephonic area code related information.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein at least some of the information includes a postal zip code related information.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
47 words
The method of claim 8 , wherein the record of known data is a list of valid postal zip codes for a geographical location, further comprising ensuring that the user's postal zip code is present in the list of valid postal zip codes for a geographical location.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein at least some of the information includes a driver license number related information.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
47 words
The method of claim 10 , wherein the record of known data is a list of valid driver license numbers for a geographical location, further comprising ensuring that the user's driver license number is present in the list of valid driver license numbers for a geographical location.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the record of known data is a credit card fraud statistical model.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
213 words
A system for authenticating a user on a network, said the system comprising: a server capable of being accessed through the network from at least one user input device, wherein said server includes (a) a computer-readable memory, the computer-readable memory having a plurality of software modules, which enable said server to preprocess an input received from said at least one input device before performing an authentication of the user, (b) at least one input device for receiving the input from said at least one user input device, the input comprising information stored in a plurality of fields relating to identification of the user; (c) a processor capable of preprocessing at least some of the information for reliability, including performing at least one task selected from the group of tasks consisting of (1) checking format of at least some of the information; (2) comparing at least some of the information against a record of known data; and (3) ensuring that at least some of the information is present in the record of known data; and if the preprocessing is successful, performing authentication based on the input by comparing at least some of the information against a database comprising a record of the user's credit history as compiled from a plurality of the user's creditors.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
213 words
A system for authenticating a user on a network, said the system comprising: a server capable of being accessed through the network from at least one user input device, wherein said server includes (a) a computer-readable memory, the computer-readable memory having a plurality of software modules, which enable said server to preprocess an input received from said at least one input device before performing an authentication of the user, (b) at least one input device for receiving the input from said at least one user input device, the input comprising information stored in a plurality of fields relating to identification of the user; (c) a processor capable of preprocessing at least some of the information for reliability, including performing at least one task selected from the group of tasks consisting of (1) checking format of at least some of the information; (2) comparing at least some of the information against a record of known data; and (3) ensuring that at least some of the information is present in the record of known data; and if the preprocessing is successful, performing authentication based on the input by comparing at least some of the information against a database comprising a record of the user's credit history as compiled from a plurality of the user's creditors.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
35 words
The system of claim 13 , wherein the processor is capable of assigning at least one of the tasks from the group of task to be performed at the at least one user input device.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
83 words
The system of claim 13 , wherein the at least one user input device connects to the network by using a transmission link select from the following group consisting of (1) a dial up connection; (2) a local area network (LAN); (3) a T 1 digital line; (4) a T 3 digital line; (5) an integrated service digital network (ISDN) digital line; (6) a wide area network; (7) an Ethernet connection; (8) a digital subscriber line (DSL) connection; and (9) a wireless connection.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system of claim 13 , wherein at least some of the information is a social security number.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system of claim 13 , wherein the record of known data is a list of invalid social security numbers.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 13 , wherein the record of known data is a dictionary.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system of claim 13 , wherein at least some of the information is a telephonic area code.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 13 , wherein the record of known data is a list of valid telephonic area codes for a geographical location.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system of claim 13 , wherein at least some of the information is a postal zip code.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 13 , wherein the record of known data is a list of valid postal zip codes for a geographical location.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system of claim 13 , wherein at least some of the information is a driver license number.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 13 , wherein the record of known data is a list of valid driver license numbers for a geographical location.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 13 , wherein the record of known data is a credit card fraud statistical model.
Claim 28
Independent Claim
148 words
A method for authenticating a user of a network based on response received from the user, said method comprising: (a) soliciting from the user information related to a credit file; (b) receiving the response from the user, the response comprising data stored in a plurality of fields; (c) preprocessing at least some of the data for reliability, including performing at least one task selected from the group of tasks consisting of (1) checking format of at least some of the information; (2) comparing at least some of the information against a record of known data; and (3) ensuring that at least some of the information is present in the record of known data; (d) if the preprocessing is successful, comparing at least some of the data against information in the credit file; and (e) determining whether the user should be authenticated based on the result from step (d).
Claim 29
Independent Claim
148 words
A method for authenticating a user of a network based on response received from the user, said method comprising: (a) soliciting from the user information related to a credit file; (b) receiving the response from the user, the response comprising data stored in a plurality of fields; (c) preprocessing at least some of the data for reliability, including performing at least one task selected from the group of tasks consisting of (1) checking format of at least some of the information; (2) comparing at least some of the information against a record of known data; and (3) ensuring that at least some of the information is present in the record of known data; (d) if the preprocessing is successful, comparing at least some of the data against information in the credit file; and (e) determining whether the user should be authenticated based on the result from step (d).
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 26 , wherein (a) further comprises (f) prompting a multiple-choice question to the user.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 27 , wherein there is only one correct answer for the multiple-choice question.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 26 further comprising: (g) if checking format returns failure, performing at least one task selected from the group of tasks consisting of (1) prompting the user to reenter the information; and (2) correcting the information to conform to the format.
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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) | 2004-08-27 | 2005-02-26 | 2005-08-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2008-08-27 | 2009-02-26 | 2009-08-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2012-08-27 | 2013-02-26 | 2013-08-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |