Patent · US Expired

Secure user certification for electronic commerce employing value metering system

US5796841A · kind A · utility

173Cited by
12References
34Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateAug 21, 1995
Grant dateAug 18, 1998
Priority date
Expiry dateAug 21, 2015

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
  • CPC primaryH04L2209/56
  • WIPO fieldControl
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A system and method include means for processing a cryptographic certificate adapted to provide security functionality. A register means is provided and means for adjusting the register means to account for services when the cryptographic certificate is processed. In accordance with anther aspect, a system and method include a register means for storing funds. Means are provided for processing a digital token providing proof of postage payment and means are also provided for processing a cryptographic certificate adapted to provide security functionality. Means debit funds stored in the register means when the digital token is processed and when the cryptographic certificate is processed. Processing the cryptographic certificate may involve many functions such as providing security services and/or certificate management functions (including generating and verifying cryptographic certificates) and/or key management functions and/or access to any needed private keys to perform security services. Processing the digital token may include generating the digital token or issuing the digital token.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.