System and method for encrypting sensitive information

• US 5,894,521 A
• Filed: 08/15/1997
• Issued: 04/13/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 05/26/1994
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: DAN Joint Venture III LP
• Original Assignee: Direct Business Technologies Incorporated
• Inventors: Conley, Ralph F.
• Primary Examiner(s): CANGIALOSI, SALVATORE A
• Application Number:
  US08/912,914
• Time in Patent Office: 606 Days
• Field of Search: 380/24, 380/54
• US Class Current: 380/54
• CPC Class Codes: G09C 5/00 Ciphering apparatus or methods not provided for in the preceding groups, e.g. involving the concealment or deformation of graphic data such as designs, written or printed messages
• CPC Class Codes: H04K 1/00 Secret communication
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/00 Cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for secret or secure communications; Network security protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00127 Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00281 with a telecommunication apparatus, e.g. a switched network of teleprinters for the distribution of text-based information, a selective call terminal details of transmission H04N1/00095; establishing a communication with one of a facsimile machine or another apparatus sharing a single line H04N1/32704; interfacing cordless telephone terminals with an accessory to increase the functionality of user interface H04M1/72409
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/4486 using digital data encryption

Abstract

This invention relates to a system and method for converting encryption data into at least one preselected image in a manner such that, for example, the entity converting the encryption data into the at least one preselected image is not privy to the meaning or value of the sensitive information. The system and method comprises a display system having an encryption record for enabling a user to separate title and label information from data information and to encrypt the data information into a predetermined encrypted data set or format. The display system also includes an image area portion having a plurality of predetermined images for selecting at least one visual image to represent the predetermined encrypted data set. A converter may also be provided for converting the predetermined encrypted data set into the at least one visual image. The encryption record has a plurality of record areas for formatting and recording the encrypted data, a media area for identifying a medium for the at least one visual image and an encryption area for indicating whether the predetermined encrypted data set is confidential. The system also comprises a de-encrypter for de-encrypting the at least one visual image so that the visual image and the predetermined encrypted data set is de-encrypted for the entity providing the sensitive information. In one embodiment, the de-encrypter may include a plurality of labels for the entity to use in association with the at least one visual image.

Claims

1. A recording system comprising:

a record for display at a user computer for receiving data to provide an encrypted set of data by associating said data with an image; and

a processor coupled to said user computer for receiving and processing said encrypted set of data after said record receives said receiving information;

said record encryting said information when a user inputs said information into a user computer;

wherein said user computer is coupled to said processor via a modem and said record is displayed on said user computer, said processor receiving and processing said encrypted set of data from said user computer via said modem to provide processed information and thereafter transmitting said processed information back to said user computer for display thereon, said user computer being situated remotely from said processor to enable said information to be input and displayed prior to encryption on said user computer and processed in said processor remotely from said user computer.

2. The recording system as recited in claim 1 wherein said processor provides said indicia to said user computer via at least one modem.

3. The recording system as recited in claim 2 wherein said indicia comprise a plurality of labels.

4. The recording system as recited in claim 3 wherein said plurality of labels are electronic labels.

5. The encryption recording system as recited in claim 3 wherein said plurality of labels are generated by said processor.

6. The recording system as recited in claim 1 wherein said information corresponds to at least one image.

7. The recording system as recited in claim 1 wherein said record comprises a plurality of record areas for receiving said information.

8. A method for generating an image corresponding to encrypted data, said method comprising the steps of:

providing a record comprising a plurality of record areas for receiving data associated with an image;

displaying said record on a user computer;

said record formatting and recording said data when said data is received on the record to provide an encrypted set of data; and

providing a processor for processing said data remotely from said user computer;

processing said encrypted set of data on said processor remotely from said user computer after said computer transmits said data via a modem to said processor after said record receives said data.

9. The method as recited in claim 8 wherein said processing step further comprises the step of:

electronically de-encrypting said encrypted set of data.

10. The method as recited in claim 8 wherein said providing step further comprises the step of:

electronically providing said record from a processor to a user computer.

11. The method as recited in claim 10 wherein said providing step further comprises the step of:

electronically providing said record from a processor to a user computer via a modem.

12. The method as recited in claim 8 wherein said method further comprises the step of:

generating an electronic image using said encrypted set of data.

13. The method as recited in claim 12 wherein said method further comprises the step of:

using a plurality of electronic indicia in association with said electronic image in order to provide said electronic image.

14. The method as recited in claim 8 wherein said method further comprises the steps of:

transmitting said record from a processor to a user computer;

receiving said encrypted set of data from said user computer using said record.

15. The method as recited in claim 8 wherein said method further comprises the steps of:

processing said encrypted set of data with a processor to provide an image;

electronically transmitting said image to said user computer via a modem.

16. The method as recited in claim 13 wherein said using step further comprises the step of:

using a plurality of electronic labels with said electronic image to provide said electronic image.

17. The method as recited in claim 8 wherein said method further comprises the step of:

generating an image using said set of encrypted data;

situating a plurality of labels in proximity with said image to provide a de-encrypted image.

18. The method as recited in claim 8 wherein said method further comprises the step of:

situating a password onto said record.

19. The method as recited in claim 8 wherein said method further comprises the step of:

using a key or password with said record.

20. The recording system as recited in claim 8 wherein said record comprises a password or key.

21. A recording system comprising:

record means for display at a user computer and for receiving information to format and record the information to provide an encrypted set of data by associating said information with an image;

processing means coupled to said user computer for receiving and processing said encrypted set of data after said record means receives said receiving information; and

wherein said user computer is coupled to said processor via a modem and said record is displayed on said user computer, said processor receiving and processing said encrypted set of data from said user computer received via said modem to provide processed information and thereafter transmitting said processed information back to said user computer for display thereon, said user computer being situated remotely from said processor to enable said information to be input and displayed prior to encryption on said user computer and processed in said processor remotely from said user computer.

22. The recording system as recited in claim 21 wherein said processor means provides said indicia to said user computer via at least one modem.

23. The recording system as recited in claim 22 wherein said indicia comprise a plurality of labels.

24. The recording system as recited in claim 23 wherein said plurality of labels are electronic labels.

25. The encryption recording system as recited in claim 23 wherein said plurality of labels are generated by said processor.

26. The recording system as recited in claim 24 wherein said information corresponds to at least one image.

27. The recording system as recited in claim 21 wherein said record means comprises a plurality of record areas for receiving said information.