Patent US6978369B2 successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US6978369B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Person-centric account-based digital signature system
Assignee: First Data Corp
•
Filing: 2001-08-06
•
Granted: 2005-12-20
•
Expires: 2021-08-06
Abstract
Abstract In a method of managing a database of existing accounts ( 214 ) for account holders ( 202 ), each account holder ( 202 ) has multiple accounts with one or more account authorities ( 212 ) for use of a single device with multiple accounts, with each account of each account holder being associated with a public key of a public-private key pair of that account holder. A record of information pertaining to all accounts of a particular account holder is maintained in a central location by a central key authority. The information for that account includes the public keys of that account holder. The central key authority transfers information from the record for an account holder to a new account authority for which that account holder desires to establish a new account; the central key authority also receives information from account authorities for inclusion in the record centrally maintained for that account holder.
Inventors
- 👤 Lynn Henry Wheeler
- 👤 Anne M. Wheeler
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 14:57
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06Q; G06Q40/00; G06Q40/02; G06Q20/00; G06Q20/02; G06Q20/30; G06Q20/36; G06Q20/367; G06Q20/3674; G06Q20/38; G06Q20/382; G06Q20/3829
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 93
Claim 1
Independent Claim
265 words
A method of communicating electronically over a communications medium regarding accounts, comprising the steps of: (a) for a first account, (i) maintaining information pertaining to the first account in an account database such that the information is retrievable based on a first unique identifier, (ii) associating a public key of a public-private key pair with the first unique identifier, (iii) generating a digital signature for an electronic message using a private key of the public-private key pair, the electronic message including an instruction and the first unique identifier, (iv) authenticating the electronic message using the public key associated with the information identified by the first unique identifier, and (v) upon the successful authentication of the electronic message, executing the instruction with respect to the first account represented by the information that is identified by the first unique identifier; and (b) for a second account, (i) maintaining information pertaining to the second account in an account database such that the information is retrievable based on a second unique identifier, (ii) associating the same public key that is associated with the first account with the second unique identifier, (iii) generating a digital signature for an electronic message using the private key of the public-private key pair, the electronic message including an instruction and the second unique identifier, (iv) authenticating the electronic message using the public key associated with the information identified by the second unique identifier, and (v) upon the successful authentication of the electronic message, executing the instruction with respect to the second account represented by the information that is identified by the second unique identifier.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
265 words
A method of communicating electronically over a communications medium regarding accounts, comprising the steps of: (a) for a first account, (i) maintaining information pertaining to the first account in an account database such that the information is retrievable based on a first unique identifier, (ii) associating a public key of a public-private key pair with the first unique identifier, (iii) generating a digital signature for an electronic message using a private key of the public-private key pair, the electronic message including an instruction and the first unique identifier, (iv) authenticating the electronic message using the public key associated with the information identified by the first unique identifier, and (v) upon the successful authentication of the electronic message, executing the instruction with respect to the first account represented by the information that is identified by the first unique identifier; and (b) for a second account, (i) maintaining information pertaining to the second account in an account database such that the information is retrievable based on a second unique identifier, (ii) associating the same public key that is associated with the first account with the second unique identifier, (iii) generating a digital signature for an electronic message using the private key of the public-private key pair, the electronic message including an instruction and the second unique identifier, (iv) authenticating the electronic message using the public key associated with the information identified by the second unique identifier, and (v) upon the successful authentication of the electronic message, executing the instruction with respect to the second account represented by the information that is identified by the second unique identifier.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein each account database is maintained by an account authority.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 2 , wherein each account database is maintained by a different account authority.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 2 , wherein both account databases are maintained by the same account authority.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of claim 2 , wherein each said step of generating a digital signature for an electronic message is performed by a device of an account holder, the device including the private key of the public-private key pair.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 5 , wherein the account holder communicates with the account authority by sending the respective electronic message and digital signature in an electronic communication (“EC”) to the account authority.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 6 , wherein the account holder sends a respective EC directly to the account authority.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 7 , wherein the device includes each unique identifier with which the public key of the device is associated.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 6 , wherein the device communicates with the communications medium through a device interface.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 9 , wherein the device interface includes each unique identifier and the identity of each account authority with which the public key of the device is associated.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 10 , wherein the device further includes the identity of each account authority with which one of the accounts is maintained.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 6 , wherein the account holder sends a respective EC directly to an intermediate party, and the intermediate party communicates the electronic message and digital signature to the account authority.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 12 , wherein each said step of executing the instruction with respect to an account is preformed by the account authority.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 13 , wherein an additional instruction is communicated to the intermediate party by the account holder.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 14 , wherein the intermediate party executes the additional instruction upon successful execution by the account authority of the instruction with respect to the respective account.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 14 , wherein the additional instruction is sent in a separate EC from the account holder to the intermediate party.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 14 , wherein the additional instruction is included in the respective EC sent from the account holder to the intermediate party.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 17 , wherein the additional instruction is removed by the intermediate parry from the respective EC before being forwarded to the account authority.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of composing the electronic messages external to a device possessing the private key used to generate the digital signature.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 19 , further comprising the step of calculating a respective hash value for the electronic messages external to the device.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 19 , further comprising the step of inputting the electronic messages into the device for generation of the digital signature.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of composing the electronic messages within a device possessing the private key used to generate a digital signature.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 22 , further comprising the step of calculating a respective hash value for the electronic messages within the device.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein a device possessing the private key used to generate a digital signature of an electronic message plugs into a device interface.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 24 , wherein the device is swiped through the device interface.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein a device possessing the private key used to generate a digital signature of an electronic message transmits the digital signature to a device interface without physical contact therewith.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 26 , wherein the device transmits the digital signature trough wireless communication.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 26 , wherein the device transmits the digital signature through an RF transmission.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein a said step of executing an instruction is performed based solely on the successful authentication of the respective electronic message.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein execution of an instruction with respect to at least one of the accounts comprises communicating a balance of the account.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein execution of an instruction with respect to at least one of the accounts comprises debiting the account by a specified amount.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein execution of an instruction with respect to at least one of the accounts comprises crediting the account by a specified amount.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein execution of an instruction with respect to at least one of the accounts comprises transferring funds to another account.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein execution of an instruction with respect to at least one of the accounts comprises granting access to a database.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein execution of an instruction with respect to at least one of the accounts comprises granting access to a physical location such as a room, building, parking deck, and web site.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein execution of an instruction with respect to at least one of the accounts comprises granting access to a data transmission such as pay per view, music download, and web broadcast.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein execution of an instruction with respect to at least one of the accounts comprises providing a product.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein execution of an instruction with respect to at least one of the accounts comprises providing a service.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein execution of an instruction with respect to at least one of the accounts comprises making a monetary payment from the respective account.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein execution of an instruction with respect to at least one of the accounts comprises transferring something of monetary value from the account.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein execution of an instruction with respect to at least one of the accounts comprises transferring a security from the account.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein execution of an instruction with respect to at least one of the accounts comprises authorizing a charge to the account.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein execution of an instruction with respect to at least one of the accounts comprises transferring information from the account.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 1 , further comprising retrieving from one of the respective account databases the public key associated with the unique identifier of the electronic message.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 1 , further comprising, for one of the accounts, communicating notice of a rejection of the respective electronic messages.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the public key associated with the respective unique identifier in a message is included in the respective message.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the respective unique identifiers comprises an associated public key.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the respective unique identifiers comprises an account number of the respective account.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the information includes an account number.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the information includes a current balance for the respective account.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the information includes an available credit for the respective account.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the information includes a list of associated accounts.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the information includes the name of an account holder.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the information includes the address of an account holder.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the information includes the social security number of an account holder.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the information includes the tax identification number of an account holder.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the information regards a device possessing the private key used to generate at least one of the digital signatures.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the information includes security characteristics of a device possessing the private key used to generate at least one of the digital signatures.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein a device possessing the private key used to generate at least one of the digital signatures comprises a personal computer.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein a device possessing the private key used to generate at least one of the digital signatures comprises a cell phone.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein a device possessing the private key used to generate at least one of the digital signatures comprises a PDA.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein a device possessing the private key used to generate at least one of the digital signatures comprises an electronic key.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein a device possessing the private key used to generate at least one of the digital signatures comprises a dongle.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein a device possessing the private key used to generate at least one of the digital signatures comprises a subcutaneous implant.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein a device possessing the private key used to generate at least one of the digital signatures comprises a secure chip.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein a device possessing the private key used to generate at least one of the digital signatures comprises jewelry.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein a device possessing the private key used to generate at least one of the digital signatures comprises an IC card.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein a device possessing the private key used to generate at least one of the digital signatures comprises a credit card.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein a device possessing the private key used to generate at least one of the digital signatures comprises a debit card.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein a device possessing the private key used to generate at least one of the digital signatures comprises a security card.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein a device possessing the private key used to generate at least one of the digital signatures comprises an ID badge.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein a device possessing the private key used to generate at least one of the digital signatures transmits the digital signature through physical contact with a device interface.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the communications medium is open and insecure.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the communications medium comprises the Internet.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the electronic messages is not encrypted.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the electronic messages is encrypted.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the electronic messages includes no personally-identifying information regarding an owner of the account.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the electronic messages includes no account identifying information other than the respective unique identifier of an account.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein a said step of associating a public key with a unique identifier comprises recording the public key with the information retrievable based on the respective unique identifier.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein a said step of associating a public key with a unique identifier comprises indexing the information retrievable based on the respective unique identifier with the public key.
Claim 82
Independent Claim
53 words
A device used in communicating electronically over a communications medium regarding an account, the device including, (a) a private key of a public-private key pair; (b) a plurality of unique account identifiers, each identifying an account maintained by an account authority with which the public key of the public-private key pair is associated.
Claim 83
Independent Claim
53 words
A device used in communicating electronically over a communications medium regarding an account, the device including, (a) a private key of a public-private key pair; (b) a plurality of unique account identifiers, each identifying an account maintained by an account authority with which the public key of the public-private key pair is associated.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
47 words
The device of claim 81 , further including the identity of the respective account authority maintaining each of the identified accounts, whereby an electronic message which is digitally signed by the device may be directed to the respective account authority maintaining the account which the communication regards.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
54 words
The device of claim 81 , wherein the identity of the respective account authority maintaining each of the identified accounts is determinable from the respective unique account identifiers, whereby an electronic message which is digitally signed by the device may be directed to the respective account authority maintaining the account which the communication regards.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 81 , wherein a unique identifier comprises an associated public key.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 81 , wherein a unique identifier comprises an account number of an account.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 81 , wherein the communications medium is open and insecure.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 81 , wherein the communications medium comprises the Internet.
Claim 90
Independent Claim
19 words
The method claim or 81 , wherein an electronic message which is digitally-signed by the device is not encrypted.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 81 , wherein an electronic message which is digitally-signed by the device is encrypted.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 81 , wherein an electronic message which is digitally-signed by the device includes no personally-identifying information regarding an owner of the account.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 81 , wherein an electronic message which is digitally-signed by the device includes no account identifying information other than a unique identifier of an account.
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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) | 2008-12-19 | 2009-06-20 | 2009-12-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2012-12-19 | 2013-06-20 | 2013-12-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2016-12-19 | 2017-06-20 | 2017-12-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |