Method and system for the secure transmission and storage of protectable information

US6031910A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• International Business Machines Corporation · US

Inventors

• Michael Deindl · Lörrach, DE
• Martin Witzel · Schönaich, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 10, 1997
• Grant date: Feb 29, 2000
• Expiry date: Jul 10, 2017

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G06Q20/40975
• WIPO field: IT methods for management
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

A method and system for the secure transmission and storage of protectable information, such as patient information, by means of a patient card. The data stored on the patient card are protected by cryptographic methods. The data is decrypted only with the same patient card if a doctor is authorized and the patient has given his agreement. All information which the patient card needs in order to decide whether the doctor is authorized, and the key for protecting the control data and the random key are held on the chip. The patient data can be freely transmitted to any storage medium. The chip controls both the access to the data and the encryption and decryption functions. Random keys, which are themselves stored encrypted together with the data, ensure that every data record remains separate from every other data record, and that only authorized persons can access it. Every patient card has its own record key. The system and method in accordance with the invention is not directed exclusively to patient data but can be applied to any protectable data to which right of access is to be restricted.