Smart card controlled internet access

US6738901B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY · US

Inventors

• Stephen L. Boyles · Thomasville, US
• Richard C. Leinecker · Reidsville, US
• Jochen E. Fischer · Roth, DE
• Clyde G. Moody, Jr. · Greensboro, US
• Troy McConnell · Greensboro, US
• Ken Wilkinson · Round Lake, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 15, 1999
• Grant date: May 18, 2004
• Expiry date: Dec 15, 2019

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H04L63/0861
• WIPO field: Digital communication
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

A system for customizing individual internet access includes a server that registers a user with the system, stores information pertaining to internet sites the user is authorized to access, and controls the user's access to internet sites. A carding station is provided to enter personal identification information about the user and information regarding internet sites the user is authorized to access into the system. The carding station also generates a personal smart card for the user that includes a read only memory storing a serial number that correlates with data about the user stored in the server. An internet station is provided to allow the user to view the internet only with his or her personal smart card. While accessing the internet, the server controls the user's access to internet sites based on whether the information stored in the server indicates that the user is authorized to access the specific internet sites that are requested to be displayed. A secure sockets layer protocol provides security for the data transferred across the internet connection.