Generation, distribution and verification of tokens using a secure hash algorithm

• US 20060129501A1
• Filed: 12/15/2004
• Published: 06/15/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 12/15/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing LLC (Microsoft Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
• Inventors: Benaloh, Josh D., Sacheti, Arun K., Cai, Ting, Kuppuswamy, Rajesh, Pastusiak, Andrzej, Martin, Deuane
• Granted Patent: US 8,224,754 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/65
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/06 Private payment circuits, e.g. involving electronic currency used among participants of a common payment scheme
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/367 involving electronic purses or money safes
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/3678 e-cash details, e.g. blinded, divisible or detecting double spending
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/382 insuring higher security of transaction
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/00 Commerce
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0207 Discounts or incentives, e.g. coupons or rebates

Abstract

Methods, systems, and apparatus for generation, distribution and verification of tokens are described. In an implementation, a method is described in which a value of an offer is determined and a token for representing the offer is generated. The token has a number of characters based on the determination of the value of the offer.

Claims

1. A method comprising:

determining a value of an offer; and

generating a token for representing the offer, the token having a number of characters based on the determining.

2. A method as described in claim 1, further comprising:

generating a hash value for the token using a secure hash algorithm (SHA); and

storing the hash value in a database for verifying the token when the token is communicated over a network.

3. A method as described in claim 2, wherein the secure hash algorithm is a U.S. Secure Hash Algorithm Version 1.0 (SHA-1).

4. A method as described in claim 1, wherein the token is a result from a random number generator.

5. A method as described in claim 1, wherein the token includes alphanumeric characters.

6. A method as described in claim 1, wherein the token is configured for being verified to permit access to a good or service to a user having the token.

7. A method as described in claim 1, wherein the determining is further based on a number of said tokens which are to be generated in conjunction with the offer.

8. One or more computer readable media comprising computer executable instructions that, when executed on a computer, direct the computer to perform the method as recited in claim 1.

9. A method comprising:

generating a hash value for a token using a secure hash algorithm (SHA); and

storing the hash value in a database for verifying the token when the token is communicated over a network.

10. A method as described in claim 9, wherein the token is a product key.

11. A method as described in claim 9, wherein the token is a result from a random number generator.

12. A method as described in claim 9, wherein the token includes alphanumeric characters.

13. A method as described in claim 9, wherein the secure hash algorithm is a U.S. Secure Hash Algorithm Version 1.0 (SHA-1).

14. A method as described in claim 9, wherein the generating includes determining a number of characters for inclusion in the token based on a value of the token.

15. A method as described in claim 9, wherein the generating includes determining a number of characters for inclusion in the token based on a number of said tokens that are to be generated.

16. A method as described in claim 9, wherein the verifying is for permitting utilization of an offer relating to a good or service by a user having the token.

17. A method as described in claim 9, wherein the storing includes storing an offer with the hash value in the database.

18. A method as described in claim 9, wherein the database is accessible over the internet to perform the verifying.

19. One or more computer readable media comprising computer executable instructions that, when executed on a computer, direct the computer to perform the method as recited in claim 9.

20. A method comprising distributing a medium having a token that:

is configured for verification over a network using a secure hash algorithm; and

relates to an offer for a good or service.