Online repository for personal information6845448Abstract Method and system for gathering, storing personal information on a server computer and releasing such information to authorized requesters. Several types of information are stored for release to different entities with appropriate authorization. Any modifications or updates are automatically notified to any authorized requesters. The requester optionally provides information about to whom and where to notify changes or updates. Such change or update notification is made by sending a notification to an electronic mailbox. A frequent unauthorized requester of information is tagged as "junk" requester, to whom no further information will be released. Claims What is claimed is: Description FIELD OF THE INVENTION
TABLE 1
Name and Address
Field Name Field Type Field Length
First Name Character 16
Last Name Character 16
Middle Name/Initial Character 10
Office Address Character 22
Work Phone Number 10
Mobile Phone Number 10
Social Security Number* Number 9
Mother's Maiden Name* Character 16
Other tables, the schema for which are not described, are established to store information such as user's contact information (comprising home and work address, telephone and facsimile numbers, address of a nearest relative in case of an emergency, personal web home page address, personal web bookmarks, design of a portal); employment-related information (employer name, address, job title, job classification, salary range, supervisor's name and phone number, and the like); personal demographic information (sex, age, date of birth, marital status, spouse information); property-related information (own/rent home, amount of money in various bank accounts, ownership of stocks or other securities, property ownership information, personal property such as car, boat, private jet, and other details); health related information (types of medication currently used, surgeries undergone, type of drugs that tend to cause allergic reactions, smoking/drinking habits, hospitalization information, status of the several parts of the body, dental records, eye care information, genetic information, family medical history, etc); biometric information (retina scan, samples of speech, finger prints, DNA sequences, and other information); credit related information (rent/mortgage payments, landlord/lender's name, address, phone number, credit card information and the like); personal preferences (movies, travel, books, frequent flier club memberships, important dates such as birthdays, anniversary dates, magazine subscriptions, etc); preferences such as choice of long-distance company, the features used in one's telephone service such as call waiting, call forwarding, three-way calling; names of friends and family members; travel preferences such as preferred airline, class of travel, whether an aisle or a window seat is preferred, whether a rental car is required, what size car is required; hotel preferences such as smoking non-smoking section, any wake-up call is required, and if so, at what time, the type of amenities preferred or required at the hotel; pleasure-related preferences such as tee-time at a golf course, theater preferences, seat preferences, etc; or preferences for billing and payment methods (cash, credit/debit card, and the like). It should be noted that the type of information that can be stored in these tables can be unlimited. There is no requirement that all the pieces of information need to be furnished, since requester 105 of information will be provided only that which is made available with the database 108 or that which is authorized to be released to the requester 105. A requester 105 that requests information also identifies himself and presents authorization from the user 103. Tables are also devised to store such requester's identification and authorization information for storage in the database 108. All accesses of information are recorded to generate a verifiable audit trail. Tables to store such audit information are designed in the database 108, preferably in a secure partition reachable only by persons with a very high security clearance. Configuring the Server Computer In a preferred embodiment, the server computer 100 is configured--in addition to being configured as a web server--to include a number of modules: a user account establishment module 110; a user account management module 112; a personal information collection module 114; a request reception module 116; an authorization verification module 118; a security module 120; a database interface module 130; a statistics module 140; and a report generation module 150. The server computer 100 preferably includes a trusted computer base (TCB) comprising a secure kernel, which includes the security module 120. Most of the security relevant code is stored in the secure kernel. All security relevant events are audited, and recorded. Further, events that signal any breach of security are defined and programmed. Upon the occurrence of such an event, an action, including sending an alarm to a predefined entity or person, is performed. Preferably, the modules are implemented as independent memory-resident processes--such as UNIX.TM. processes--capable of communicating with each other using inter-process communication facilities such as queues, semaphores, sockets, pipes, shared memory and the like. These modules can be programmed by persons skilled in the art using programming languages and techniques such as C, C++, Java or Enterprise Java Beans. It should be noted that the number, nature and functionality of the modules described herein could be differently designed by other designers, and therefore should not be a limiting factor in construing the invention. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, in a preferred embodiment, the user 103 accesses the PIRSP's web site whereupon the server computer 100 first establishes a secure connection with the user computer 104 (step 202). The server computer 100 comprises at least one of a plurality of web pages such as the web page 300, which are displayed on the user computer 104. When the web page 300 is displayed, the user 103 is allowed to set up an account with the PIRSP, by entering his name or other identifier in a first text field 302, optionally entering a password string in a second text field 304 and selecting a push button 310 to transmit the web page 300 to the server computer 100 (step 204). In other embodiments, the user 103 provides information to the PIRSP, which information comprises a name, a billing address, a contact E-mail address. The CGI programs 107 executing on the server computer 100 receive the web page 300, and invoke the user account establishment module 110 to create a new account for the user 103. This process includes allocating an account number to the user 103, which account number is preferably stored in the database 108 (step 206). In a preferred embodiment, this process of receiving and transmitting packets of data is performed by the CGI programs 107 during all interactions with the server computer 100. Therefore, in the following, this description is omitted. The user account management module 112 comprises code configured to record every access of the user's personal information by the user 103 in the database 108. This establishes an audit trail for a subsequent use (step 208). The user 103 thereafter enters his personal information such as the kind of information described before, by entering the information via text or other selections made in web pages displayed by the server computer 100 (step 210). It should be noted that since many areas of personal information can be stored by the user 103, it is not required that all such information be entered by the user 103 at one time. For example, the user 103 may initially wish to store his travel preferences and nothing else. This could be because he contemplates travel and wishes to provide this information to his travel agent. Later, the user 103 may enter his medical information and store it in appropriate tables since he wishes to visit his doctor. In this manner, at various times, the user 103 may furnish different aspects of personal information, which will be stored for a future use after it is entered once. The user account management module additionally allows the user 103 to change or to update the user's password, address, telephone number or any other information. The user can change or update his personal information any time after the account is established. Preferably, the user can also provide a list of entities that should be notified for each change. In one embodiment, each information object that is changed or updated is notified to a list of authorized recipients automatically. In another embodiment, a change or an update is provided to a requester 105 when a request is made. The user account management module 112 optionally allows the user 103 to select a payment plan for the services rendered by the PIRSP, block any request if the user 103 is in default of a payment, obtain credit card or other verification, and the like. In a preferred embodiment, the payment plans for the user 103 depend on the number of security classifications the user 103 has chosen, the number and nature of the information objects stored by the user 103, the number of requests for information received, the number of accesses or updates made by the user 103 to view and/or change the information objects, the type of customer service requested, the number of entities to which any changes are to be notified, the resources utilized by the user 103, or a combination of these and similar types of activities. Preferably after user enrollment, the personal information collection module 114 obtains control of the program execution and presents the user 103 with at least one of a series of web pages. These web pages allow the user 103 to provide information to store in corresponding tables described above. In other embodiments, the user provides his information in a paper form, which is entered by the PIRSP into the database 108. Preferably, the user 103 also provides a security classification for each information object, at the tuple or at the field level, by selecting a radio button or a check box for each information object. In a preferred embodiment, there are a predetermined number of security classifications; in other embodiments, there could be a numerical value given to each class of security desired, and the higher the numerical value, the greater is the security classification. No security classification may imply that the information can be released freely to the requester 105, if the user's name is specified. After the user 103 fills out the web page forms displayed on the client computer 100, the web pages are transmitted to the server computer 100, whereupon the CGI programs 107 receive, parse, and deliver portions of data to the database interface module 130 which stores portions of data entered by the user 103 as information objects in the database 108 in appropriate tables. In a preferred embodiment, the information objects that could be stored in a plurality of tables are collected from the user 103 in a single web page form. In other embodiments, each table or each part of a table can be separately populated with an information object or several objects retrieved from a single web page. In an alternative embodiment, the series of web pages can be displayed as framed or overlapping web pages and the user 103 preferably navigates from one page to another page by simply clicking on a predetermined area on a web page. Preferably, the user 103 obtains from the server computer 100 at least one key to access his personal information. In one aspect, the key is provided to an authorized entity to enable access of the user's personal information stored in the database 108. There could be a number of types of authorization keys obtainable by the user: a one-time-use-only authorization key, a multiple-use authorization key, a qualified authorization key, and others. In another aspect, the attributes encoded in the authorization key allow release of a specific type of information from the server computer 100. Preferably, these encoded attributes of the authorization key--such as, how many times the authorization can be used to obtain access, what information is accessible using the authorization, any expiration time on the password, whether or not the trustworthiness of the requester is a precondition before releasing the information and the like. In a preferred embodiment, the user 103 specifies these criteria and requests a key from the server computer 100. The key is preferably a string of alphanumeric characters of sufficient length as to prevent being deciphered easily by unscrupulous persons. In other embodiments, the authorization key is preferably encrypted, comprise a spoken word or phrase, a finger print scan, a retina scan, DNA identification, or other forms of identification. These keys could be used in a case such as when the user 103 is unconscious, and an immediate need exists to obtain medical or other information in order to save the patient. In a preferred embodiment, the database interface module 130 comprises code to establish and verify security classification for each information object stored in the database. Preferably, for each information object, which could be a field, a row, a column, a tuple, or an entire table, a security classification is provided, which is marked on the object. This security classification is preferably an explicit and well-defined policy enforced by the security module 120. Individual accesses of each information object is recorded in the database 108. Each requester is clearly identified and an explicit audit trail for each access is recorded in the database 108. In another aspect, the database interface module 130 operates as a reference monitor as well. The reference monitor mediates all accesses of requests for information objects. Other methods of ensuring security include establishing access control lists for each level of a multi-level security system; a system such as the Signed Document Markup Language (SDML); usage of trusted and known sources such as well-known companies as the requesters, public key encryption, third-party authentication, and other similar techniques. In a preferred embodiment, potential requesters are also enrolled by the PIRSP in a similar manner as described for the user 103 (step 214). The server computer 100 establishes accounts for potential requesters, allocates identifiers, authenticates their trustworthiness and enables them to establish a payment/billing plan for accessing information objects stored by the user 103. In one embodiment, where there are a number of users, statistical information, rather than individual pieces of information objects is offered for sale to potential requesters. In other embodiments, the potential requesters do not establish accounts with the PIRSP, and will pay as they go for each access of information as described below. In an embodiment, the user 103 provides his identifier and a secure password, to a requester 105. This could be done, for example, when the user 103 decides to provide a travel agent (or a tailor) that his personal travel preferences (or style and measurements) can be obtained from the server computer 100 operated by the PIRSP. In one embodiment, the requester's web page (not shown) comprises an area, selecting which the user 103 can specify that his information can be obtained from the PIRSP's web site. Preferably, the user 103 provides his identifier, a specific authorization--for example to fetch the travel preferences or the medical history and nothing else--and requests the requester 105 to obtain his personal information from the PIRSP. The requester computer 106 is configured to receive this authorization over a secure channel, and to initiate a request to the PIRSP for the user's personal information. In an alternative embodiment, the requester 105 requests the user 103 manually to fill out a form. This may happen in cases where the user 103 visits a doctor's office, or attempts to establish an appointment with the doctor's office. The doctor's office, which could be enrolled with the PIRSP, may request that the user 103 provide personal information via the PIRSP. The user 103 provides the requester 105 his identifier and authorization to obtain the information from the PIRSP. II. Securely Disbursing Personal Information In one embodiment, the PIRSP publicly discloses the database schema, so that any requester 105 can specify the type of information by naming the table and the fields that they want. In other embodiments, the actual database schema are kept secret, but the nature of information that is made available for access by a requester is announced to potential requesters. The requester 105 preferably establishes a secure connection with the server computer 100 and presents the user's identifier and authorization to the server computer 100 (step 216). Preferably, this process includes the following steps. First, a session with an encrypted Secure Socket Layer connection is established between the requester computer 106 and the server computer 100. Second, the requester 105 transmits at least one packet of data to the server computer 100, said packet of data comprising its identification, its electronic address (either dotted decimal form or other forms), any processor identifier of the requester computer 106. The server computer 100 receives these data and records them in the database 108 along with the time and date when the request is made. Third, the requester computer 106 is configured to present the user's identifier and authorization to the server computer. Alternatively, the requester 105 sends a secure electronic mail (Email) to the server computer 100, which E-mail comprises a user identifier, a user-provided authorization key or password, and a request in the form of a database query. In an alternative embodiment, the requester 105 can be the same as the user 103, such as in case the user 103 wishes to store information for himself, e.g., personal or business phone numbers, E-mail addresses, and other similar information typically stored in a person's wallet, frequent flier numbers, passwords to debit cards, preferences and the like. In this case, an authorization is not required for the user 103 to view information objects stored by him. Preferably, after authenticating the requester 105, and if the requester 105 is determined to be a genuine entity, a security level is assigned to the requester's request (step 218). The security module 120 verifies the security classification for each field or information object requested before releasing it to the requester 105. Preferably, an information object is released to the requester only if the requester's security classification is at least that of the information object requested. Otherwise, the request is discarded and the attempt by the requester 105 is recorded as a failed request. In a preferred embodiment, a requester that makes a predetermined number of unauthorized or failed requests is tagged as "junk" requester. The junk requester's identification information is stored in the database 108. A further request from this junk requester is ignored or an alarm message is generated to take an appropriate action (step 220). The security module 120 preferably performs authentication and verification by assigning a numerical value to the requester 105. Any authorization from the user 103 presented by the requester 105 is also assigned a numerical value. Further, each information object that the requester 105 wishes to access from the server computer 100 is also assigned a numerical value. Preferably, these numerical values represent a corresponding security level for each entity or item to which the value is assigned. In alternative embodiments, numerical values representing security levels are also assigned to the requester's computer 104, the network 102 from which the request arrived at the server computer 100 and other participating entities. The security module 120 thereafter examines the security levels of each entity included in the data transfer process (transaction) to determine the overall security level for the transaction. In a preferred embodiment, any requested information is released to a requester only if the security level of the requester 105 is at least that of all information objects requested. In other embodiments, only those information objects that are at or below the security level of the requester 105 are released to the requester. In a preferred embodiment, the requester 105 formulates a query, in a readily executable form, preferably in a language such as the Structured Query Language. In other embodiments, the query by the requester 105 is a listing of the information objects requested. The database interface module 130 then executes at least one of a series of queries to extract the information sought by the requester 105 (step 222). The query optimizer included in the database 108 optimally retrieves the stored information after verifying the security level of the request, with the security level designated by the user 103 for an information object. Several alternative methods of accessing information are used by the security module 120 and the database interface module 130. In one method, the database interface module 130 retrieves an information object if the security level of that information object is at or below the security level for the request and that of the authorization. In another embodiment, a data base view is automatically defined to extract all individually classified information objects, and in this case, if the security level of an information object is above the security level for the request, a blank entry is returned. Alternatively, the database interface module 130 may insert an indication instead of a blank entry, which indication specifies that either the information is not available, or it is available for a requester with a higher security level, and the like. In another embodiment, the user 103 requests the PIRSP to disburse information to the requester 105 using an electronic means (step 224). In this case, the user 105 is authenticated and the information objects are downloaded or transmitted to the requester 105, preferably via secure E-mail, file transfer protocol, after establishing a circuit-switched connection, facsimile, U.S. mail or any other method. Preferably, the requester 105 is forbidden from reselling or retransmitting the information, or using it beyond an expiration date set either by the user 103 or by the PIRSP. Preferably, to ensure this, information objects are copyrighted or otherwise contractually protected. Further, this could be a selling point to users, since the PIRSP not only guarantees the safety of the stored information, but in addition controls how this information is used. In one embodiment, the requester 105 is charged a fee for receiving the information objects, on a per-object basis, or on a subscription basis or for receiving statistical reports. The PIRSP may provide an incentive to the user 103 by paying a portion of the fee to the user 103. In another embodiment, a requester may receive statistical report such as "how many male golf players between the ages 22 and 55 in the zip code 20006 are interested in trading stocks?" The statistics module 140 and report generation module 150 make appropriate queries in the database 108 and obtain the information. Preferably such statistical information is considered secure, unless it has a tendency to reveal too much about the private habits of the user 103. Thus, so long as information is aggregated and can remain anonymous, it will be released to potential requesters to assist marketing of products/services. The user 103 may change or update his personal information. Examples of changes could be address or telephone number changes, and the like. Some changes are effective at a future date. Some information is updated either by the user 103 or by a third party (not shown). An example of such updated information is medical information. When the user 103 makes the changes, he makes these by accessing the server computer 100 web site and entering his information as described above. The user 103 elects or designates any requesters or recipients of change notifications. The server computer 100 automatically retrieves the information objects that changed and notifies the designated requesters or recipients via secure E-mail, or other methods indicated above (step 226). In alternative embodiments, notification messages are left in mailboxes located on the server computer 100 and owned by requesters. Each change notification is recorded in the database 108 for audit trail purposes. In a preferred embodiment, every time an information object is accessed, an entry is made into the database 108 and a secure audit trail established (step 228). This audit trail is preferably designed to track the activities of the PIRSP as well as the activities of the user 103 and the requester 105. This ensures that a clear audit is preserved to determine and prevent any misuse of personal information. Preferably such audit trail is established by programming in the secure kernel included in the server computer 100. All activities are stored in a specially partitioned area of the database 108 and are read-only after written by any process. The foregoing describes a method and a system for obtaining, storing and automatically disbursing personal information over a communications network. Though reference is made only to a singlenace of each of the client and the server computers, it should be noted that the invention could be practiced using an architecture comprising a plurality of client computers (not shown) and/or a plurality of server computers (not shown). Additionally, though reference is made only to a single processor computer, the server or the client computer could comprise a distributed, parallel computing environment, either including a single-processor or multiple-processor architecture, whether symmetric or asymmetric. In alternative embodiments, the user 103 operating the user computer 104 is thought to interact with the server computer 100 using a model such as that facilitated by the Java Bean, the Enterprise Java Bean or other similar technologies such as Remote Method Invocation, Distributed Component Object Model. Sessions could be implemented by using stateful or stateless Enterprise Java Beans and the like. The database 108 can be accessed via session or other kinds of beans, either a single instance of them or via numerous instances managed by another object layer. In alternative embodiments, the invention described herein can be implemented in part on the server computer 100 and in part on the user computer 104, in part as a servlet, as a downloaded JavaScript.TM. program, as a plug-in program, as an applet, or any combinations thereof. In alternative embodiments, the server computer 100 is located behind a fire-wall, and may store a cookie, download a Dynamic HTML script, a JavaScript program or a plug-in program to the user computer 104 to achieve a portion of the functionality described herein. In one embodiment, no software is deposited on the user computer 104 other than the HTML page displayed on a browser. The word "network" comprises any heterogenous or homogenous collection of computer networks, public or private or a combination of both, which network includes intelligent or "passive" elements; either wholly or partly, and further includes routers, bridges and other transport mechanisms; executing a single protocol or a combination of a plurality of data communication protocols; effecting communication (transmission and/or reception) of information, which information comprises voice, video, data, and/or text or any combinations thereof; using either in-band or out-of-band methods. The word "database" is assumed to comprise a flat file, an area in memory, an index file, a relational database, a sequential or a random access data storage and retrieval method operating in conjunction with any type of device, a distributed database or a single database, and could further comprise a relational database, hierarchical, sequential, random access or any other type of database, with or without a transaction manager, concurrency controller, memory manager, or a query optimizer. Further, the steps described herein are illustrative and not limiting, and the order of the steps described could be altered. Moreover, some of the steps could be collapsed into a single step, while some other steps are superfluous or optional and are described only to elaborate the principles of the invention. Persons skilled in the art may make, modifications, rearrangements and adjustments to the disclosed preferred embodiments without undue experimentation or without significantly departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims, which claims should be construed to include all these modifications, rearrangements, adjustments, and departures.
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