Abstract: Access to digital data is provided based on a specific location of a receiver device. In one embodiment, for each one of a plurality of digital files, a location identity is received, where the location identity includes a location value (e.g., a geographical location) and a proximity value (e.g., a geographical region in relation to the geographical location), thereby defining a particular area. A location of a receiver device (e.g., operated by a user) is then received (e.g., in response to a query) and used to select at least one of the plurality of digital files (e.g., one that matches the users location). The selected file (i.e., selected digital data or selected content) is then provided to the receiver device.

Abstract: Access to digital data is controlled by encrypting the data in such a manner that it can be decrypted only at a specified location, within a specific time frame, and with a secret key. Data encrypted in such a manner is said to be geo-encrypted. This geo-encryption process comprises a method in which plaintext data is first encrypted using a data encrypting key that is generated at the time of encryption. The data encrypting key is then encrypted (or locked) using a key encrypting key and information derived from the location of the intended receiver. The encrypted data encrypting key is then transmitted to the receiver along with the ciphertext data. The receiver both must be at the correct location and must have a copy of the corresponding key decrypting key in order to derive the location information and decrypt the data encrypting key.

Abstract: Access to digital data is controlled by encrypting the data in such a manner that it can be decrypted only at a specified location, within a specific time frame, and with a secret key. Data encrypted in such a manner is said to be geo-encrypted. This geo-encryption process comprises a method in which plaintext data is first encrypted using a data encrypting key that is generated at the time of encryption. The data encrypting key is then encrypted (or locked) using a key encrypting key and information derived from the location of the intended receiver. The encrypted data encrypting key is then transmitted to the receiver along with the ciphertext data. The receiver both must be at the correct location and must have a copy of the corresponding key decrypting key in order to derive the location information and decrypt the data encrypting key.

Abstract: Access to digital data is controlled by encrypting the data in such a manner that it can be decrypted only at a specified location, within a specific time frame, and with a secret key. Data encrypted in such a manner is said to be geo-encrypted. This geo-encryption process comprises a method in which plaintext data is first encrypted using a data encrypting key that is generated at the time of encryption. The data encrypting key is then encrypted (or locked) using a key encrypting key and information derived from the location of the intended receiver. The encrypted data encrypting key is then transmitted to the receiver along with the ciphertext data. The receiver both must be at the correct location and must have a copy of the corresponding key decrypting key in order to derive the location information and decrypt the data encrypting key.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling access to digital information utilizes a location identity attribute that defines a specific geographic location. The location identity attribute is associated with the digital information such that the digital information can be accessed only at the specific geographic location. The location identity attribute further includes a location value and a proximity value. The location value corresponds to a location of an intended recipient appliance of the digital information, and may be further defined in terms of latitude, longitude and altitude dimensions. The digital information is encrypted using a geolocking key based at least in part on the location identity attribute. The geolocking key is based on a shape parameter that is determined from the location identity attribute and is included with the encrypted digital information. The shape parameter describes a shape of a geographic area, but does not identify where the geographic area is located.

Abstract: Access to digital data is controlled by encrypting the data in such a manner that, in a single digital data acquisition step, it can be decrypted only at a specified location, within a specific time frame, and with a secret key. Data encrypted in such a manner is said to be geo-encrypted. This geo-encryption process comprises a method in which plaintext data is first encrypted using a data encrypting key that is generated at the time of encryption. The data encrypting key is then encrypted (or locked) using a key encrypting key and information derived from the location of the intended receiver. The encrypted data encrypting key is then transmitted to the receiver along with the ciphertext data. The receiver both must be at the correct location and must have a copy of the corresponding key decrypting key in order to derive the location information and decrypt the data encrypting key. After the data encrypting key is decrypted (or unlocked), it is used to decrypt the ciphertext.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling access to digital information utilizes a location identity attribute that defines a specific geographic location. The location identity attribute is associated with the digital information such that the digital information can be accessed only at the specific geographic location. The location identity attribute further includes a location value and a proximity value. The location value corresponds to a location of an intended recipient appliance of the digital information, and may be further defined in terms of latitude, longitude and altitude dimensions. The digital information is encrypted using a geolocking key based at least in part on the location identity attribute. The geolocking key is based on a shape parameter that is determined from the location identity attribute and is included with the encrypted digital information. The shape parameter describes a shape of a geographic area, but does not identify where the geographic area is located.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling access to digital information utilizes a location identity attribute that defines a specific geographic location. The location identity attribute is associated with the digital information such that the digital information can be accessed only at the specific geographic location. The location identity attribute further includes a location value and a proximity value. The location value corresponds to a location of an intended recipient appliance of the digital information, and may be further defined in terms of latitude, longitude and altitude dimensions. The location identity attribute is enforced by allowing access to the digital information only at the specific geographic location. As a first part of this enforcement process, the location of an appliance through which access to the digital information is sought is identified.

Abstract: A computer system for performing an interactive assessment of the risk of an event, has a computer monitor to present to a user of the system a series of questions and potential responses, and a keyboard or other device to select a response to the question. The system can administer complex inverted tree type decision algorithms, in which the questions that are presented to the user, depend upon the response to the previous question, and an assessment of the risk of an event is presented to the user whenever they reach the terminus point in the decision tree. The risk assessment algorithm is data driven and a risk assessment is defined by entries in a file, which is available over a network. The system provides options so each user may view the path through the sequence of questions and answers, and interact with the risk assessment, in a manner customized for their own interactive session.

Abstract: In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, posting a health message to the community is simple for health sponsors since all they need is a phone—no Internet access is required. Since health messages can be posted quickly, the system can support a community's need for timely information even about local health emergencies. For users, audio messages, that have a simple linear organization from start-to-finish, are preferable to printed messages. Even users with slow dial-up modem access to the Internet can easily listen to the audio health messages. While the Web is a worldwide resource, embodiments of the invention serve a ‘community’ of users with like interest by providing health information useful to the community. Since dissemination of timely health information is beneficial to the community, use of embodiments of the invention in the form of a Community Health Support system by Health Sponsors and community members reinforces the value of the system to the community.

Abstract: A computer system for performing an interactive assessment of the risk of an event, has a computer monitor to present to a user of the system a series of questions and potential responses, and a keyboard or other device to select a response to the question. The system can administer complex inverted tree type decision algorithms, in which the questions that are presented to the user, depend upon the response to the previous question, and an assessment of the risk of an event is presented to the user whenever they reach the terminus point in the decision tree. The risk assessment algorithm is data driven and a risk assessment is defined by entries in a file, which is available over a network. The system provides options so each user may view the path through the sequence of questions and answers, and interact with the risk assessment, in a manner customized for their own interactive session.

Abstract: Access to digital data is controlled by encrypting the data in such a manner that, in a single digital data acquisition step, it can be decrypted only at a specified location, within a specific time frame, and with a secret key. Data encrypted in such a manner is said to be geo-encrypted. This geo-encryption process comprises a method in which plaintext data is first encrypted using a data encrypting key that is generated at the time of encryption. The data encrypting key is then encrypted (or locked) using a key encrypting key and information derived from the location of the intended receiver. The encrypted data encrypting key is then transmitted to the receiver along with the ciphertext data. The receiver both must be at the correct location and must have a copy of the corresponding key decrypting key in order to derive the location information and decrypt the data encrypting key. After the data encrypting key is decrypted (or unlocked), it is used to decrypt the ciphertext.

Abstract: A system for providing accurate responses during the administration of a location based question of a computer assisted self interview uses a mouse or other pointing device to allow the user to point and choose a location or proximate area on the map that is responsive to the posed location question. The system allows respondents who are unable to provide accurate street addresses with a means to point at the exact or approximate location that is responsive to the question. For respondents, who because or confidentiality concerns, are unwilling to provide accurate street addresses, it provides a means to point at an area on the map that is responsive to the question with a degree of generality and comfort that they control.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining state between a client and server while protecting security and privacy allows the server to monitor and maintain a record of the client's current transaction status via a unique identifier. Generally, the client generates a unique identifier, which it transmits to web applications on remote servers during transactions. The web applications can track a series of continuous and related requests using this identifier to better serve the client. Thus, by maintaining state with web applications, the clients can take advantage of increased services than otherwise possible operating in a stateless protocol. However, the client is able to periodically change this identifier when the user desires anonymity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling access to digital information utilizes a location identity attribute that defines a specific geographic location. The location identity attribute is associated with the digital information such that the digital information can be accessed only at the specific geographic location. The location identity attribute further includes a location value and a proximity value. The location value corresponds to a location of an intended recipient appliance of the digital information, and may be further defined in terms of latitude, longitude and altitude dimensions. The digital information is encrypted using a geolocking key based at least in part on the location identity attribute. The geolocking key is based on a shape parameter that is determined from the location identity attribute and is included with the encrypted digital information. The shape parameter describes a shape of a geographic area, but does not identify where the geographic area is located.

Abstract: A computer system for performing an interactive assessment of the risk of an event, has a computer monitor to present to a user of the system a series of questions and potential responses, and a keyboard or other device to select a response to the question. The system can administer complex inverted tree type decision algorithms, in which the questions that are presented to the user, depend upon the response to the previous question, and an assessment of the risk of an event is presented to the user whenever they reach the terminus point in the decision tree. The risk assessment algorithm is data driven and a risk assessment is defined by entries in a file, which is available over a network. The system provides options so each user may view the path through the sequence of questions and answers, and interact with the risk assessment, in a manner customized for their own interactive session.

Abstract: A computer system for performing an interactive assessment of the risk of an event, has a computer monitor to present to a user of the system a series of questions and potential responses, and a keyboard or other device to select a response to the question. The system can administer complex inverted tree type decision algorithms, in which the questions that are presented to the user, depend upon the response to the previous question, and an assessment of the risk of an event is presented to the user whenever they reach the terminus point in the decision tree. The risk assessment algorithm is data driven and a risk assessment is defined by entries in a file, which is available over a network. The system provides options so each user may view the path through the sequence of questions and answers, and interact with the risk assessment, in a manner customized for their own interactive session.

Abstract: The invention is a Medical Lookup Reference computer system for accessing medical information over a network. The system partitions the functioning of the system between a client and server program in an optimal manner to assure synchronization of the master medical information databases on the servers with the local medical information database on the client, minimize the use of network resources, and allow new types of medical information to be easily included in the system. A server site on the network maintains a description of its medical information, as well as the most current and up-to-date medical reference information. The client program maintains a local database which is automatically synchronized over the network with revisions and new medical information, and provides a user with an interface to fully review the information in the database.