Methods and apparatus for providing user anonymity in online transactions
US7203315B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 22, 2000 |
| Grant date | Apr 10, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 22, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06Q30/0603
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
End-to-end user anonymity is provided in electronic commerce or other types of online transactions through the use of an intermediary. An intermediary machine, which may be implemented in the form of a set of servers or other type of computer system, receives communications from a consumer or other user, and generates and maintains an alias for that user. Connections between the user machine and any online vendor or other web site are implemented through the intermediary using the alias. When the user desires to make a purchase from a given online vendor, the intermediary may present the user with a number of options. For example, the user may be permitted to select a particular payment card number and real destination address as previously provided to the intermediary. The intermediary then communicates with the online vendor and supplies intermediary payment information, e.g., a payment card number associated with the intermediary rather than the user, along with appropriate authorizing information and an alias destination address, e.g., a third party physical shipping address for deliverable goods, an alias electronic address for downloadable material, etc. The online vendor cha…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.