Methods and apparatus for providing user anonymity in online transactions
US7693283B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 14, 2006 |
| Grant date | Apr 6, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 1, 2029 |
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, 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. The intermediary then communicates with the online vendor and supplies intermediary payment information. The online vendor charges the purchase to the intermediary, and redirects the delivery of the goods or services to the destination address provided by the intermediary. The intermediary charges the payment card number of the user, and arranges for the redirection of the delivery to the real user address.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.