US 5,889,860 AGranted

Encryption system with transaction coded decryption key

AssigneeSunhawk Corporation, Inc.

InventorsMarlin J. Eller, Brent R. Mills

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Abstract

The encryption secured computer system (10) includes a server (12) that communicates with clients (14-20) across a public network (21) using a novel transaction coded decryption key technology that discourages wrongful redistribution of protected information such as digital musical scores, and allows for tracking of infringing activity. In one implementation, the server (12) distributes access software and partially encrypted musical scores to clients upon request. A client can sample the partially encrypted scores prior to consummating a transaction. When a score is selected, the client enters payment information and is assigned a password that is specific to the client and transaction. The password functions as a decryption key to enable use of the musical score by the client employing the access software. Any subsequent wrongful redistribution of the musical score together with the decryption password can be traced due to client identifying information encoded into the password.

Claims15

Dependent claims

A method for use in monitoring distribution of copies of information items accessible through a public network to a plurality of network clients, said information items included in a database at a server of said public network, comprising the steps of:

for each request for an information item by a network client of the plurality of network clients;
assigning a password to the network client for uniquely encrypting and decrypting the information item, the password including an identifier for identifying the client;
uniquely encrypting at least a portion of said information item using a key-based encryption system and the password to produce a uniquely encrypted information portion, wherein said key-based encryption system requires entry of the password to decrypt said uniquely encrypted information portion;
transmitting the uniquely encrypted information portion to the network client;
and
transmitting said password to the network client, wherein said password can be used to monitor distribution of said information item on a client-specific basis, wherein the step of transmitting said uniquely encrypted information portion to said client is prior to said step of transmitting said password.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.