WO2001090904A1 - Procede et appareil pour realiser un service de transfert de messages via un reseau de communications - Google Patents

Procede et appareil pour realiser un service de transfert de messages via un reseau de communications Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2001090904A1
WO2001090904A1 PCT/US2001/017204 US0117204W WO0190904A1 WO 2001090904 A1 WO2001090904 A1 WO 2001090904A1 US 0117204 W US0117204 W US 0117204W WO 0190904 A1 WO0190904 A1 WO 0190904A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
mail
sender
recipient
verification
computer
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2001/017204
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Robert Barra
Michael Vitale
James Christopher Lalos
Original Assignee
Postal Hut, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US09/771,546 external-priority patent/US20020104026A1/en
Application filed by Postal Hut, Inc. filed Critical Postal Hut, Inc.
Priority to CA002384926A priority Critical patent/CA2384926A1/fr
Priority to EP01939562A priority patent/EP1285342A4/fr
Priority to AU2001265066A priority patent/AU2001265066A1/en
Publication of WO2001090904A1 publication Critical patent/WO2001090904A1/fr

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q10/00—Administration; Management
    • G06Q10/10—Office automation; Time management
    • G06Q10/107—Computer-aided management of electronic mailing [e-mailing]
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L51/00—User-to-user messaging in packet-switching networks, transmitted according to store-and-forward or real-time protocols, e.g. e-mail
    • H04L51/21—Monitoring or handling of messages
    • H04L51/23—Reliability checks, e.g. acknowledgments or fault reporting
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L51/00—User-to-user messaging in packet-switching networks, transmitted according to store-and-forward or real-time protocols, e.g. e-mail
    • H04L51/21—Monitoring or handling of messages
    • H04L51/234—Monitoring or handling of messages for tracking messages
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L63/00—Network architectures or network communication protocols for network security
    • H04L63/08—Network architectures or network communication protocols for network security for authentication of entities

Definitions

  • This application generally relates to electronic mail (e-mail) communications, and, more specifically, to a method and apparatus for providing specialized e-mail services over a communications network, including providing to sender and/or recipient confirmation of delivery, opening of sent e-mails and/or verification of identity of a sender and/or recipient.
  • e-mail electronic mail
  • Electronic messages are therefore becoming increasingly important and, also, increasingly accepted for sending important messages that have commercial and/or legal ramifications.
  • ISPs Internet service providers
  • AOL and Microsoft do offer a limited service only to their own subscribers. This service allows the sender of an e-mail message using one ISP to receive a notification that the e-mail was opened by another subscriber using the same ISP.
  • ISPs Internet service providers
  • ISend tracks and verifies document delivery to a sender via e-mail return receipt. The sender receives confirmation of the exact date and time the recipient retrieves the package. ISend seamlessly interfaces with all existing e-mail applications. ISend message recipients require no special software or proprietary protocols. Teen with e-mail and web access can use it to send and receive deliveries.
  • UPS through UPS Docufnent Exchange, offers a product "UPS Online Courier.”
  • UPS Document Exchange Online Courier also verifies receipt of electronic deliveries via e-mail.
  • the sender has the option of requesting return receipt when shipping a document.
  • An e-mail verifying receipt, if requested by the sender, is sent when the recipient accesses a document for a fee.
  • Another feature of this product is its universal compatibility. Universal compatibility permits the sending and receiving of documents created in virtually any software.
  • E-mail outsourcing companies are also providing large corporations with secured e-mail services that provide such features as tracking and response.
  • Critical Path, Inc. Mail.com, Inc., and Comm Touch Software, Ltd. are just a few of these e-mail outsourcing companies.
  • Critical Path, Inc. provides business-to-business Internet message solutions for corporations, Internet service providers (ISPs), web hosting companies and web portals. In October 1999, Pitney Bowes began using Critical Path technology to bring the power of the ISend Online Document Delivery Service to the LAN e-mail desktop.
  • United Parcel Service has entered the e-mail messaging world via UPS Document Exchange and only provides tracking and receipt via electronic means. And yet, when its parent company, United Parcel Service of America, delivers any packages via its traditional ground and express courier methods, consumers are offered a variety of ways to ensure that their packages are received. The consumer has a variety of ways to track his or her package. Consumers either track by telephone or via the web, and a hard copy of the signature is provided via fax, through USPS or by printing same off the web. If the sender chooses to print the receipt via the web, obviously no charge is assessed. Yet if the sender requests a fax or a hard proof of delivery, an additional charge is assessed for each successfully transmitted or mailed Point of Delivery (P.O.D.).
  • P.O.D. Point of Delivery
  • UPS Even with these methods available, many traditional organizations, as well as individuals, use another option provided by UPS.
  • a shipper may request Delivery Confirmation Service by indicating Delivery Confirmation on the shipping record or by affixing a Delivery Confirmation label.
  • Each Delivery Confirmation response includes the date of delivery and either the name of the recipient or the disposition of the package. All responses are consolidated and provided to the shipper every week, in printed or electronic format. What makes this additional service interesting is that it is widely used by UPS's customers, even though the same information is available through the worldwide web.
  • Another crucial element of secured e-mail is not just to ensure that the secured e-mail has been received, but also to eliminate the "postcard" configuration of traditional e-mail, i.e., the fact that anyone along the way can read a given e-mail's content. If one is sending an electronic document that is highly sensitive or personal, it is crucial that only the intended recipient read it.
  • Recent surveys of Internet users by groups like the Information Technology Association of America/Ernst & Young, L.L.P., Lycos and NetZero have consistently identified security and privacy fears as a top impediment to e-commerce.
  • Tumbleweed Communications Corporation through its Integrated Messaging Exchange Technology, offers a set of products and services that leverage the Internet and existing e-mail to enable secure, trackable and online communications. This corporation does so by posting the document on a server, safely inside the corporate network, and informing the recipient of the document's existence by e-mail. The recipient reads and retrieves the document using authentication and encryption technologies of protection. The server then confirms to the sender that the document was seen and received.
  • ISend uses several layers of security, including up to 128-bit encryption, password protection, secured socket layer and recipient authentication.
  • the file is quickly uploaded to a secure Pitney Bowes ISend server located in a Level 5 secure data center. There it is stored in a secured, encrypted format (using 128 bit RSATM technology) while awaiting pickup.
  • the server assigns a randomly generated Uniform Resource Locator (URL) to the package with their existing e-mail and web browser software.
  • URL Uniform Resource Locator
  • Ionlmail.com is different from other systems in that other systems leave the unencrypted versions of a message in the memory of the recipient's computer and with the Internet service providers that handled the message. Any one of these unencrypted versions can be recovered by a competent technician, often years after they have been "deleted.” Messages sent through the lonlmail system can be retracted without a trace.
  • UPS Document Exchange Online Courier is also highly secure and trackable. Similar to other products, Document Exchange is secure through 128-bit encryption and password protection. Teenage can enter an incorrect e-mail, but with password protection, even if such an e-mail goes to the wrong recipient, this recipient cannot open it. Companies like Kana, Mustang Software, Inc., and EGain Communications Corp. are trying to make businesses out of managing and disbursing this flow with software known as response systems. Kana develops software to monitor the e-mail flow and make sure responses are sent, if possible without involving a human.
  • UPS Document Exchange has message memory. UPS's server stores the content of sent messages in encrypted form on its server, along with delivery details. Transactional information is saved for one year. The contents may be saved on the UPS Online Courier server for up to thirty days.
  • iSend by Pitney Bowes, which functions as follows.
  • Bolero.net is a company working on a global initiative to facilitate paperless international trade via the Internet. It offers many special features - open technical standards, supporting networks that use IP (the Internet Protocol), as well as having messages that are sent via the bolero.net system adhere to SMTP mail protocol. Yet, when it comes time to inform senders if the recipient received that crucial trade transaction or international legal document, it does so via e-mail. Again, no hard copy or any other verification of receipt is provided.
  • IP the Internet Protocol
  • UPS Document Exchange provides only an electronic receipt for a fee.
  • the service does allow the capability to audit the package trail.
  • the sender can track and verify time of receipt, opening and printing, and length of time the recipient spent reading the package.
  • the sender must request a return receipt.
  • UPS entered the electronic document market in 1998 with two product offerings, UPS Online Courier and UPS Online Dossier.
  • UPS Online Courier offered a more secure version than traditional e-mail.
  • the sender needed either to install software on his or her computer or to access it from the Internet. All the recipient of the sender's e-mail needed was an e-mail address and Internet access. There was nothing provided in the way of high-level security or encryption.
  • UPS Online Dossier was created for customers who needed the highest level of security. However, it required that both sender and receiver install software on their computers. In June 1999 the new UPS Document Exchange Online Courier 3.1. had its debut.
  • the UPS Online Courier 3.1 version is compatible with standard desktop operating systems and offers full visibility real-time tracking, record retention, delivery confirmation and a password protection option. Further, no special software is required.
  • the company Occams-razor.com specializes in the electronic transfer of billing information. This eliminates the traditional barriers to electronic legal invoicing by differentiating and translating invoices sent in multiple formats.
  • Using Occams product ShareDOC/LEGAL is easy as translating invoices sent in multiple formats, and as easy as e-mail. It requires nothing more than a browser and Internet access. The sender under this system is able to receive an electronic confirmation of receipt.
  • electronic receipt information is available if companies /individuals are using different ISPs.
  • the electronic receipt can sit at the application level such as with Tumbleweed or with UPS Document Exchange. None of the above-discussed companies, however, have ventured into providing senders with a proof of receipt that the document was received, or has been read, other than an electronic receipt. It is true that an audit trail is available that marks where the document is, whether it was sent to an incorrect e-mail address, etc., and in many instances this tracking information is saved for up to 90 days - but, again, only in electronic format.
  • USPS Merchandise Return Receipt This is available for all USPS services. There is an additional charge for each merchandise receipt requested. In order to use this service, shippers must attach a completed return receipt form to the package. After the package has been delivered, the receipt - including consignee signature and date delivered - is mailed back to the sender.
  • United Parcel Service has another service for verifying that a package has been delivered - "Delivery Confirmation," which was discussed above. Customers who select this additional service must do so at the time of shipping. Shippers who request Delivery Confirmation receive a printed response from UPS by mail, confirming the delivery. Responses are also available in electronic format (magnetic tape or EDI). These services are provided and used by customers even though the physical packages are tracked and delivery information is available and can be printed from the worldwide web.
  • UPS Online Courier allows the sender to use either the Online Courier account password or a unique password that the sender can create. But how does one prevent the password falling into the wrong hands?
  • the USPS offers consumers a variety of methods to receive confirmation or receipt of delivery for traditional packages and documents. However, there are exceptions depending on the type of package and its destination.
  • Certificate of Mailing is a receipt showing evidence of mailing. It can be purchased only at the time of mailing. The certificate does not provide insurance coverage for loss or damage, nor does it provide proof of delivery. No record is kept at the mailing office, and a receipt is not obtained when mail is delivered to the addressee.
  • Certified Mail provides proof of mailing and of delivery of mail. The sender receives a mailing receipt at the time of mailing, and a record of delivery is kept at the recipient's post office. A return receipt provides the sender with proof of delivery can also be purchased for an additional fee. Certified mail service is available only for first class mail or priority mail. Certified mail is not available for international mail. And Certified Mail does not offer insurance protection. For valuables and irreplaceable items, Express Mail or insured or registered mail must be used.
  • Registered Mail is the most secure option offered by the U.S. Postal Service. It provides added protection for valuable and important mail. Registered articles are placed under tight security from the point of mailing to the point of delivery. First class mail or priority mail postage is required on domestic registered mail. Return receipt and restricted delivery services are available for additional fees, and insurance can be purchased on domestic registered mail at the sender's option. Return Receipt is the sender's proof of delivery.
  • a return receipt can be purchased for mail sent cash-on-delivery (COD), Express Mail, mail insured for more than $50.00, registered mail or certified mail. The return receipt shows who signed for the item and the date that it was delivered. Unless prohibited by law, the return receipt also provides the delivery address if the address on the piece of mail is no longer correct. Return receipt service can be purchased in conjunction with restricted delivery service. It can also be requested before or after mailing, except for return receipt for merchandise service.
  • the HIPAA security rules require that the parties assure message integrity, non-repudiation (preventing the signor of a message from subsequently denying that he or she sent the message) and user-authentication (providing insurance of the claimed identity of an entity). All of these developments, plus others undoubtedly to come, must create an environment in which e-signatures may be more frequently used and relied upon, and be given legal effect to.
  • ISPs Internet Service Providers
  • This method allows a sender to utilize a website with specialized features to transfer messages.
  • This method will allow a sender to utilize an e-mail system, equipped with a service that has specialized features to transfer messages.
  • a method providing specialized e-mail services to a sender, recipient or both over a communications network include the steps of establishing an online session on a computer operated by an e-mail sender with a computer at an e-mail center, and sending, by the sender, an e-mail packet including an e-mail message destined to a recipient together with a request for a specified verification e-mail service to the e-mail center.
  • the e-mail center computer transmits the e-mail to an e-mail address accessible by a computer operated by an intended recipient.
  • the e-mail center receives notification when said recipient at least receives and opens said e-mail and, provides, by the e-mail center, at least the requested e-mail notification to said e-mail center.
  • Specialized services to be provided to sender, recipient or both include notification that e- mail was opened, notification that e-mail was opened by intended recipient, notification of time and/or date of opening of e-mail, storage for future access of any selected notification information, storage of e-mail message content for future access, as well as verification of identity of sender and/or recipient.
  • Other notifications and/or verifications are possible and may be used in conjunction with the invention.
  • the sender may want to obtain notification as to the e-mail services requested by the recipient (e.g., storage of document text, verification of identity, etc.).
  • Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the system for providing specialized e- mail services to a sender, recipient or both in accordance with the present invention
  • Figure 2 is a flow chart illustrating one presently preferred sequence of method steps for implementing the method in accordance with the invention and illustrating three special services that may be requested, it being understood that other specialized e-mail services may also be included;
  • Figure 3 a is a flow chart illustrating the details of the method illustrated in Figure 2 as it relates to the request of a return receipt by a sender without identification verification;
  • Figure 3b is a flow chart illustrating the details of the method illustrated in Figure 2 as it relates to the request of a return receipt by a sender with identification verification;
  • Figure 4a is a flow chart illustrating the details of the method illustrated in Figure 2 as it relates to the request of certification by a sender without identification verification
  • Figure 4b is a flow chart illustrating the details of the method illustrated in Figure 2 as it relates to the request of a certification receipt by a sender with identification verification
  • Figure 5a is a flow chart illustrating the details of the method illustrated in Figure 2 as it relates to the request of a registration by a sender without identification verification;
  • Figure 5b is a flow chart illustrating the details of the method illustrated in Figure 2 as it relates to the request of a registration with identification verification;
  • Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating the details of a Pure Web solution
  • Figure 7 is a flow chart illustrating the details of the Pure Web solution utilizing an authentication database
  • Figure 8 is a flow chart illustrating the details of retrieving email while utilizing a Pure Web solution
  • Figure 9 is a flow chart illustrating the details of retrieving email while utilizing a Pure Web solution that includes an authentication database
  • Figure 10 is a flow chart illustrating the details of a specially enhanced email service method
  • Figure 11 is a flow chart illustrating the details of the specially enhanced email service method utilizing an authentication database
  • Figure 12 is a is a flow chart illustrating the details of the specially enhanced email service method utilizing a POP ⁇ DVIAP account
  • Figure 13 is a flow chart illustrating the details of a Mail center
  • Figure 14 is a flow chart illustrating the continuation of the details of the Mail center of Figure 13;
  • Figure 15 is a flow chart illustrating the authentication process for the Mail center
  • Figure 16 is a flow chart illustration the Mail Center handling the request for e-mail.
  • Figure 17 is a flow chart illustration of an authentication algorithm utilized for the specially enhanced e-mail service. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
  • a system for providing specialized e-mail service in accordance with the invention is generally designated by the reference numeral 10.
  • the system 10 and method of providing specialized e-mail services in accordance with the invention can be used to provide such services to a sender, recipient or both over a communications network.
  • an e-mail sending computer used by the sender of an e- mail message is designated by the reference numeral 12.
  • the computer 12 has associated therewith a sender identification verification unit 14 linked to the computer 12 by means of a suitable link or line connection 16.
  • the sender verification unit 14 may also be built in or incorporated into the computer 12 itself.
  • the verification unit 14 can also be a part of an Internet web site 34 that computer 12 utilizes to send e-mail such as YAHOO MAIL.
  • verification unit 14 cooperates with the computer 12 is not critical, and any identification verification unit may be used. From the field of biometrics it is known that it is possible to verify the identity of a user in numerous ways, including checking the user's fingerprints, retinal identifying information, voice patterns, etc. These and other biometric approaches may be used in connection with this invention for both the sender as well as the recipient, as will be described hereafter.
  • the computer 12 is connected in any conventional way by means of a link 18 to a communications network.
  • a communications network are shown as the Internet 20.
  • this invention can be used also in connection with other communications networks, include private, quasi-public and public networks. These include local, Intranet and dial-up networks.
  • the user of the sending computer 12 needs to electronically transmit an e-mail message, document or attachment to an e-mail to a specific recipient, represented by receiving computer 22.
  • the sender uses any traditional or available e-mail software and composes a message and/or attaches to his or her message any suitable document. The sender then transmits the contents of the e-mail message, together with any attachments, to the recipient's e-mail address.
  • Such conventional method of sending an e-mail directly to a recipient is represented by the dash line 24.
  • a person utilizing computer 12 is capable of going to an Internet website 34 to send and receive e-mail.
  • the connection shown is not precise, and the representation is merely illustrative to facilitate the discussion.
  • ISP Internet Service Provider
  • the e-mail message may be routed to various servers until the message is lodged on the server of the recipient's Internet provider.
  • the intended recipient can access his or her ISP's server and retrieve his or her message.
  • the sender is provided with a message that the message has been "sent.”
  • the recipient is typically provided with a message that there is "new mail.”
  • the recipient can, if he or she desires, open such new mail. Otherwise, such new mail can be ignored or deleted.
  • the sender does not typically know what the fate of his or her message is, and whether such message is, in fact, ever read by the recipient.
  • subscribers of the same ISP can, in some instances, be notified that their messages have actually been opened. Such service is provided by AOL and MSN. However, currently, such limited service is not provided across different ISPs.
  • the sender or user of the sending computer 12 has certain options, as does the intended recipient.
  • the sender can request specialized e-mail services, and the recipient can likewise be provided with certain options prior to or subsequent to opening the mail received from the sender.
  • a receiver verification unit 26 associated with the computer 22 in any suitable or conventional way.
  • the verification unit 26 may, as with the verification unit 14, also be built in or incorporated into the receiving computer 22 itself. Again, the specific manner in which the verification unit 26 cooperates with the computer 22 is not critical, and any identification verification unit may be used to identify the identity of the recipient. Any biometric device suitable for the purpose may be used and may be the same as or different from the biometric device used to verify the identity of the sender 14.
  • an important feature of the invention is the provision of an e-mail center 30 that is in the form of a server linked by any suitable means, at 32, to the Internet 20.
  • An important feature of the invention is that a message sent by sending computer 12 to the receiving computer 22 is no longer a "direct" transmission r ⁇ esented by dash line 24, but such message is first transmitted to the e-mail center 30 by means of a path 34 or dash line 34.
  • Path 34 utilizes a software program on website server 34a to interpret information that may be sent by computer 12.
  • Website server 34a may be a separate server or device or it may be a part of e-mail center 30.
  • the first method for transmitting an e-mail message is represented by the dash line 34 is achieved by having the sending computer 12 establish an online session with the computer and e- mail center 30. Now, instead of the sender sending only a message to an intended recipient, the sender sends an e-mail packet via path 34, which includes both the e-mail message destined to the recipient, together with any attachment and a request for specified special e-mail service(s) to e-mail center 30. E-mail center 30, in turn, transmits the sender's e-mail message to an e-mail address accessible by a computer operated by the recipient, by way of path 39.
  • the workstation representing the receiving computer 22 and/or the ISP of the recipient is advantageously provided with software that can ascertain if and when the intended recipient actually opens the e-mail message.
  • Such software at the receiving end, makes it possible for the e-mail center to receive notification as to when the recipient at least receives the e-mail and, as noted, as to when the recipient opens such e-mail.
  • Such notification to the e- ail center 30 may also be represented by the dash line 39 as a path of data transmission between the receiving computer 22 and the e-mail center 30.
  • an important feature of the invention is the re-transmission of at least part of or all of the information received by the e-mail center back to the sender, as may have been requested or contracted by the sender.
  • the more services that the sender requests and contracts to receive the more such information may be transmitted to the sender under any given circumstances.
  • the sender establishes a secure session with e-mail center 30. While it is preferable that the communications between the sender, recipient and e-mail center 30 be as secure as possible, the primary feature or essence of the present invention is not strictly security to prevent authorized people from having access to messages but the ability to establish evidence that certain information was transmitted to a person who has received and read such information. At one level, therefore, the essence of the present invention is to provide special mailing services somewhat analogous to the specialized services provided by the U.S. Postal Service in the form of return receipt requested, certified mail and registered mail.
  • the computer desktop 40 generally corresponds to sending computer 12 shown in Figure 1.
  • the sender is required to log onto the e-mail center 30.
  • such log-on may take place through the Internet, direct dial, etc.
  • the communications network will be assumed to be the Internet, those skilled in the art being fully aware of the changes or modifications that would need to be made to access the e-mail center 30 by means of another, alternative communications networks.
  • the user/sender logs onto the Internet in a conventional manner, such as by dial-up, direct 56 k-line, DSL (Digital Subscriber Line), TI, etc.
  • any attempt to log onto the mail server will prompt the user, at least initially, to indicate whether the desktop is provided with the e-mail center software on the user's machine at block 46. If such software does not exist, the computer is set up to launch a browser and access the e-mail center web site. Responding in the negative launches the user's browser, at block 48, to access the e-mail center web site, the software of the e-mail center being downloaded to the user/sender at block 50. Once such software is downloaded, the user can install such software on the station or desktop, at 52. This can place a short cut icon on the user/sender's desktop for activating the e-mail center software.
  • the sender can click on the icon on the desktop, at 54, to activate the e-mail center software.
  • Such software queries the sender as to whether to access the e-mail center. If the sender selects "NO," the sender can work off-line and, for example, compose mail off-line, at block 58. After such mail has been composed, the e-mail center software can again query as to whether the sender wishes to access the e-mail center to send such composed mail. At block 60, the sender is again prompted as to whether the e-mail center is to be accessed so that the mail composed at block 58 can be sent.
  • the sender may be prompted as to whether such mail is to be saved, at block 62.
  • the user can activate the default browser at block 64 to access the home site of the e-mail center, which would provide the sender with a series of options.
  • the sender can, at block 66, activate a desired web services page for sending a message to the intended recipient.
  • the sender may, after opening sender's "Inbox" at block 68, compose mail online, at block 70.
  • the sequence of steps aforementioned is not critical, and certain of the steps may be transposed or interchanged.
  • the user may be prompted by the e-mail center software at block 42 whether the user wishes to compose mail off-line.
  • the specific point at which the mail is composed is not important, as long as the user has an opportunity to compose the mail either off-line or online at some point prior to completing the session with the e-mail center.
  • Sending computer 12 may not contain special e-mail software that enables the sender to utilize Postal Hut e-mail services so a specially enhanced email service may be added to sending computer's 12 e-mail program.
  • sending computer's 12 e- mail system checks if sending computer 12 has Postal Hut specialized e-mail services or a specially enhanced e-mail service. If sending computer 12 has a specially enhanced e-mail service, as described in the following method, then, the sending computer can send the e-mail to e-mail center 30.
  • e-mail center 30 provides the sender with a series of options for special e-mail services.
  • Such services fall into three primary categories.
  • One group of services involves notification, the second is storage of information and the third is identity verification.
  • Notifications may include, but are not limited to, notification that an e-mail was sent, notification that an e-mail was received, notification that an e-mail was opened, notification that an e-mail was opened by the intended recipient, notification of time and/or date of receipt and/or opening of e-mail.
  • Another e-mail service includes storage of any of the aforementioned notifications for future access and/or use.
  • a further storage function is the storage of the actual e-mail message contents for future access and/or use.
  • the e-mail center can provide verification of the identity of the sender and verification of the identity of the recipient to prevent unauthorized opening of an e-mail message that may be delicate in content, confidential and/or privileged.
  • the sender can make the selections of special e-mail services, this being exemplified at blocks 74, 76 and 78, at which the sender can request "return receipt" at 74, that the e-mail message be “e-certified” at block 76 and/or that the e-mail message be “e-registered” at 78.
  • These illustrative services can be briefly explained as follows.
  • e-mail center 30 is being requested to provide the sender with a notification that the e-mail was sent, received and/or was opened by a recipient operating the e- mail receiving computer 22. This is to be distinguished from verification of identity of recipient, as will be discussed hereinafter.
  • the second option, at block 76, is "e-certification" of mail, which involves the storage of the requested notification in the e-mail center data storage system 36.
  • the third option, at block 78, is similar to the previous options, with the exception that in addition to storing the notification and/or verification information regarding the identity of the recipient, e-mail center 30 additionally stores the contents of the e-mail in the data storage system 36 for future access and/or use.
  • FIG. 3a To initiate a "return receipt" by the sender without the request for verification of identity of recipient, reference is made to Figure 3a, in which the sender chooses to send the composed e- mail at block 86, and such mail is routed to the e-mail center 30 by way of path 34, as aforementioned.
  • the e-mail center routes the mail to the intended recipient, by way of path 39.
  • the e-mail center then tries to establish whether the intended recipient has the e-mail center software on the recipient's workstation or receiving computer 22. This check can be conducted either prior to or subsequent to the routing of the mail to the recipient at block 90. Such determination can be made from information stored in the data storage system 36 of the e- mail center 30.
  • Block 96 represents a successful download by the intended recipient of the software. If the recipient has the requisite e-mail center software, or has successfully downloaded such software, at block 96, the intended recipient can then open the e-mail message, at block 98.
  • a hidden back-end action or auto- response is initiated by the e-mail center software on the recipient's work station, at block 100, which is in the nature of a hidden action, or transparent to the recipient.
  • the "action" taken transmitted to the e-mail center at block 102. Receipt of such information by the e-mail center of such information enables the e-mail center to route a "return receipt" back to the original sender, via path 34, to confirm and notify the sender of the outcome of the special services that have been requested.
  • the sender can print out such return receipt for future reference and use. Such would normally terminate that transaction.
  • Figure 3b which is generally similar to Figure 3a, with the exception that a sequence is illustrated that may be used to provide verification of identity of the recipient should such special service have been requested by the sender.
  • the sender is prompted as to whether the sender wishes to verify the identities of both the sender and the recipient.
  • the sender may set up a default to also require verification of the sender to ensure that e-mails cannot be transmitted from his or her "Inbox" by an authorized party.
  • the sender can verify his or her own identity at block 110 by using the sender verification unit 14.
  • such verification unit may take any suitable form, and may use a biometric device associated with a computer.
  • the verification units can, for example, read the individual's fingerprints, voice, anatomical features, retinal information, or the like. If such verification fails, at block 112, the sender is prompted of such failure of verification, at block 114, and the e-mail center software may be set up to default in those circumstances and block the sending computer 12 from sending any messages from either such computer or any other computer using the sender's "Inbox.” However, if the sender does not require that his or her identity be verified, the e-mail center software can be requested to only verify the identity of the recipient, at block 108.
  • the recipient verification step, at block 108 is implemented at the recipient's workstation 22.
  • sender verification is successful, the sender can choose to send composed mail, at block 86, and route the mail from the sending computer 12 to the e-mail center 30, at block 88. Such mail can then be routed to the recipient, at block 90.
  • the e-mail center 30 can try to establish whether the intended recipient already has the e-mail center software on the desktop or receiving computer 22, at block 92. Such determination can be made either by sending a separate e-mail to the intended recipient, prior registration by the recipient, prior mailing of the software to the recipient or the like. Again, if it is established, at block 92, that the intended user or recipient does not have the e-mail center software, at block 92, the user or recipient may be prompted to download such software at block 94.
  • any one of a number of conventional methods of prompting the recipient can be used.
  • the user is prompted for verification using a biometric digital reader, at block 116.
  • This is a phase of the activity that differs from the services requested and exemplified in Figure 3 a.
  • the sender has requested verification of identity of the recipient, such verification may be performed by using the receiver verification unit 26.
  • the intended recipient does not have the benefit of or access to a receiver verification unit, such verification cannot be performed. Instead, the user can be prompted to obtain such receiver verification unit either by the e-mail center or from another suitable source.
  • the sender is again prompted of such failure, and the intended recipient is not provided with the mail in a form that can be opened. However, if verification is successful, the e-mail message is provided to the intended recipient, who can then open such mail. As previously noted, as soon as such mail is opened, a hidden back-end action in the form of an auto-response is sent back to the e-mail center 30, at block 100. Such auto- response initiates the generation of an "action" confirmation through the e-mail center, at block 102, and a return receipt is sent back to the original sender, at block 104. Again, the sender can print out or store such return receipt for future access and use.
  • An important feature of the invention is also the ability of both the sender and the recipient to request and obtain specialized e-mail services. This is unlike the analogous services provided by the U.S. Postal Service or other mail services, all of which are typically requested by and provided to the sender of a letter or package. Because of the structure and flexibility of computers and e-mail messaging in general, both the sender and the recipient can request, from their desktop, that they be provided with any of the aforementioned notifications for their own records, as well as a copy of the contents of the message sent and stored in the data bank.
  • a feature of the present invention is that the intended recipient can, as a condition of opening a specified e-mail, first request verification identification of the sender. This may be helpful to a recipient in positively identifying that a certain communication was, in fact, transmitted by a specified individual. Furthermore, an e-mail recipient may also want to obtain position verification that an e-mail has, in actuality, been sent by a specified individual whose identity has been verified prior to opening an e-mail or attachment thereto. This may become increasingly important with the advanced viruses that proliferate in connection with e- mails and become more sophisticated and more difficult to monitor and detect.
  • viruses which are programmed to indicate that a specified message has been sent to an individual from someone known to the recipient and with whom prior e-mail messages and possibly business has been exchanged.
  • Viruses can, in many instances, masquerade themselves and cleverly select subject lines and specify other familiar information readily available from the recipient's or sender's computers to make it appear that it is a message or attachment that is safe to open.
  • the recipient may very well want to positively verify that the sender intentionally forwarded or transmitted the message before the recipient opens the message.
  • An apparatus or system for achieving the objects of the present invention includes the elements, components or features illustrated in Figure 1 for performing the functions or operations heretofore described.
  • e-mail center 30 is also an ideal vehicle for providing enhancements to e- mail services.
  • a sender can select greeting cards, wedding invitations and invitations for other celebrated occasions, mailers, business letters with concomitant letterhead and logo, and any other stationery or postal functions.
  • a variety of web sites are available that provide some of the services mentioned.
  • E-mail center 30 can, thus, provide visitors to the site with the ability to send free electronic greeting cards. Aside from free electronic greeting cards, this site can provide other services, for a fee.
  • a visitor to this site can order physical (hard-copy) greeting cards for all occasions, wedding invitations, as well as balloons, baskets, stuffed animals, etc.
  • E-mail center 30 can also snail-mail physical (hard-copy) cards for the visitor.
  • E-mail center 30 can also offer other services such as stationery, supplies and business cards. It can offer an entire range of such services, or specialize in niche services. E-mail center 30 can also provide consumers with service contracts and preventive maintenance contracts. Customers that visit the site can order a variety of supplies such as New/OEM Cartridges and Facsimile Cartridges and supplies.
  • E-mail center 30 may also be set up to provide e-mail based scheduling services. It can allow users to set up meetings and convey additional information, such as a meeting's address or participants. E-mail center 30 can do so across the Internet, and not just within a corporate network, where Microsoft Outlook provides a similar function. Participants can reply by e-mail, and e-mail center 30 can consolidate responses to determine when mutual availability exists.
  • a second method for transferring electronic message is a Pure Web solution that utilizes Path 34 as an Internet Website such as the Postal Hut Website or any other website that is able to receive and send e-mail.
  • Path 34 is an Internet Website, such as the Postal Hut Website
  • computer 12 submits the relevant information, e.g. recipient, subject, content, Postal Hut functions, etc., to a software program on Website server 34a.
  • Postal Hut functions include: return-receipt, eCertified, eRegistered, authentication, etc.
  • the software program on website server 34a interprets computer 12's request and delivers it to e-mail center 30.
  • website server 34a can be a separate device or it can also be part of e-mail center 30.
  • e-mail center 30 receives the content and gives the content or e-mail a unique ID.
  • the data structures are initialized.
  • e-mail center 30 checks if sending computer 12 specifies self-authorization. If computer 12 specifies self-authorization, then block 178 is utilized which is described ' in Figure 15. li computer 12 does not specify self- authorization, then block 182 is utilized.
  • block 182a checks whether the recipient or receiving computer 22 is found in e-mail center 30 database, then sending computer 12 may input the recipient's information.
  • block 182b the recipient's information is checked to see whether it is at the mail center. Then, in block 182c it is checked whether the recipient requires authentication. If the recipient or receiving computer 22 requires authentication then an authentication algorithm is utilized in block 182d, which is similar to block 178 described in Figure 15. li receiving computer 22 does not required authentication, the e-mail center proceeds to the next step.
  • e-mail center 30 asks if a Postal Hut function was selected. If there was no Postal Hut function selected, as in block 186, then the email is sent directly to the recipient or receiving computer 22 by utilizing an SMTP server or any other means that may be used to electronically transfer a message.
  • Ji the user did specify a Postal Hut function then, in block 188, e-mail center 30 creates a record of the content in data storage system 36 using the ID as a key and storing the sender, recipient, content, a time-stamp, the requested Postal Hut function, etc.
  • a data storage system can be an independent device or it can be part of e-mail center 30. Then, in block 190, e-mail center 30 sends recipient or computer 22 a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) alerting it that there is a message.
  • URL Uniform Resource Locator
  • sending computer 12 (sender) is asked to self-authorize or authenticate itself.
  • the sender is given a choice to accept the self-authorization.
  • li sending computer 12 in block 178c, chooses not to accept the self-authorization, then the self- authorization is declined in block 178c.
  • Ji sending computer 12 does accept, as in block 178d, then sending computer 12 must decide where the authorization should be done on the client or server end. If sending computer 12 decides to authorize at the client end, as in block 178e, the client is checked in block 178g to ascertain if it has been self-authorized.
  • the self- authorization is not successful, as in block 178h, then sending computer 12 failed authorization. If the self-authorization is successful, then in block 178k there is an addition of types to list of submitted types which illustrate in block 178i sending computer 12 has passed authorization. Ii the authentication is done at the server end, then, as in block 178f, the server obtains the submitted data from a client. In block 178j, the submitted data is compared to the data on file. If the data doesn't match then, as in block 178h, sending computer 12 fails authorization. Ii the data does match, then, as in block 178k, there is addition of types to list of submitted types which illustrate in block 178i sending computer 12 has passed authorization.
  • FIG. 16 there is an illustration of an e-mail retrieval request at a mail center or e-mail center 30.
  • the URL points computer 22 to a Postal Hut Website where the message is located on e-mail center 30.
  • e-mail center 30 receives a request to retrieve an email by ID from a recipient or receiving computer.
  • the database on e-mail center 30 checks to see if receiving computer 12 utilizes a database that requires self-authentication.
  • e-mail center 30 checks if authentication is required. Ii authentication is required then e-mail center 30 goes through the same process illustrated in Figure 15.
  • block 196 attempts to retrieve the e-mail from the e-mail database on e-mail center 30. Then, in block 198 there is a check to see if the retrieval has been successful. Ii the retrieval is not successful, then computer 22 receives a message that the email cannot be found. If the retrieval process is successful, as in block 200, then the email record in block 202 is checked to see if the sender requires the recipient to authenticate. If the sender receives authentication, then the authentication process of Figure 15 is utilized. If receiving computer 12 is not required to authenticate, as in block 204, then the content of the e-mail is delivered to the computer 22.
  • the e-mail is stored as a record in the e-mail database.
  • a return-receipt is sent to sending computer 12.
  • Postal Hut function is checked to see if it is eCertified or eRegistered. If the Postal Hut function is eCertified or eRegistered, as in block 212, then an entry for return-receipt is put into the e-mail center database.
  • Ji the Postal Hut function is eRegistered, then, as in block 216, an entry for the e-mail content is inputted into e-mail center 30 database.
  • computer 22 may receive the e-mail by going through an authentication database if the sender or recipient chooses to do so.
  • the authentication database is one of the functions provided by e-mail center 30.
  • An authentication database consists of a field for the username and one for each type of possible authentication data.
  • authentication data e.g. voice recognition, retinal scan, fingerprint, a password, etc. which will be verified against the enrolled authentication data in the user's authentication database record.
  • the user can utilize an external authentication database.
  • the authentication database provides a URL or other means of naming the desired database.
  • the authentication database at e-mail center 30 can be utilized by the sender or recipient to provide notification or proof that the e-mail message was received or not received by the correct party.
  • the flowchart provides a description of retrieving e-mail if authentication is not utilized by sending computer 12.
  • the recipient chooses an inbox to receive e-mail. In this first case, the recipient has a Postal Hut account and receives non-Postal Hut e-mail.
  • computer 22 is retrieving the e-mail from a Postal Hut account (Native Account).
  • computer 22 attempts to log onto a specified external mail server in block 128.
  • block 132 creates a HTML response page stating there was a problem logging into the external mail server. If the attempt is successful, then block 134 checks if the e- mail is a Postal Hut e-mail or regular e-mail. In this case the e-mail is a non-Postal Hut e-mail so the e-mail is formatted into a HTML response in block 138. Next, in block 142 the response is sent back to receiving computer's 22 Web browser.
  • the receiving computer has an external account and receives non- Postal Hut e-mail.
  • receiving computer 22 does not utilize a Postal Hut account so block 130 is utilized to retrieve the e-mail from the Postal Hut Mail Server.
  • the e-mail is scanned to check if it's a Postal Hut e-mail or regular e-mail. Since the e-mail is a non-Postal hut e-mail, then in block 138 the e-mail is formatted into a HTML response. In block 142, the HTML response is sent to sending computer 12 or receiving computer 22.
  • block 136 is utilized to attempt to retrieve the e-mail from the e-mail database.
  • Ii block 136 is not able to retrieve the e-mail, then block 142 creates a HTML response page stating there was a problem logging into the external mail server.
  • Ii block 136 is able to retrieve the e-mail, then block 138 is utilized to format the e-mail into a HTML response.
  • the HTML response is sent to sending computer 12 or receiving computer 22.
  • the HTML response or Uniform Resource Locator directs the computer 22 to the Postal Hut website where it can retrieve the e-mail message.
  • Ii computer 22 goes to the website it can choose to view the newly received URL with the e-mail or it can review other e-mail at the website.
  • the last method for receiving an e-mail encompasses utilizing a non-Postal Hut account to receive a Postal Hut e-mail.
  • receiving computer 22 is not utilizing block 130, the e-mail is retrieved from the Postal Hut mail server.
  • block 134 there is a check if the e-mail is a Postal Hut e-mail or a regular e-mail. Since it is a Postal Hut e- mail, block 136 attempts to retrieve the e-mail from the e-mail database. Ji the attempt is not successful then block 142 creates a HTML response page stating there was a problem logging into the external mail server. Ii the attempt is successful, then, in block 138, the e-mail is formatted into a HTML response that is sent to block 142. In block 142, the e-mail is sent to receiving computer's 22 Web browser.
  • sending computer 12 requests authentication in e-mail center 30, then the receiving computer may go through an authentication process.
  • the authentication process is carried out by receiving computer 22 inputting information that will be compared within an authentication database located at e-mail center 30.
  • Another method for sending an e-mail message encompasses computer 12 utilizing a software program called a specially enhanced e-mail service or Postal Hut service.
  • a specially enhanced e-mail service or Postal Hut service.
  • the sender may load data from a configuration database SMTP, from the sender, that contains information about the sender and the recipient.
  • Specially enhanced e-mail service checks if sending computer 12 has a remote Master copy or configuration database which includes information such as a username, a password, authentication etc.
  • sending computer 12 if sending computer 12 has not provided a remote master copy, then sending computer 12 can load a local copy onto the specially enhanced e-mail service.
  • sending computer 12 provided a remote master copy option there is an attempt to log onto the remote master copy option.
  • a message is sent to sending computer 12 stating that the attempt to load the remote copy failed and the local copy is being loaded.
  • the remote copy is downloaded onto sending computer 12.
  • the local data is overwritten by the remote master copy data.
  • the local copy is loaded onto sending computer 12.
  • a flowchart depicts the connection to a remote master copy or a local copy containing a database of information.
  • the connection between sending computer 12 and remote master copy or local copy is established.
  • sending computer 12 utilizes the local copy to retrieve the records, at block 160, pertaining to configuration database SMTP, from the sender that contains information about the sender and the recipient.
  • sending computer 12 reviews the local copy to see if there needs to be authentication. Ii there is no authentication necessary, then sending computer 12, in block 166, has to specify a Postal Hut function, and in block 168 the local copy and Postal Hut function is sent to a mail center such as e-mail center 30.
  • Ji authentication must occur, then block 164 is utilized to authenticate the information, which is illustrated in Figure 17. If the authentication process is initialized and it does not allow sending computer 12 to receive authentication a failure alert is sent to sending computer 12. In block, 162 if sending computer 12 passes then authentication process, then in block 166 the sending computer is asked for Postal Hut functions. After the sending computer 12 selects Postal Hut functions, then, in block 168, the local copy and Postal Hut functions are sent to a mail center such as e-mail center 30.
  • FIG. 17 there is an illustration of an authentication sub-algorithm for the specially enhanced email service.
  • block 218 there is a request that sending computer 12 self- authorizes itself by voice recognition, retinal scan, password, etc.
  • computer 12 is checked to see if it accepts the self-authorization. If computer 12 does not accept self- authorization, then, as in block 222, computer 22 declines authentication. Ii computer 12 does accept self-authorization, as in block 224, then computer 22 gives the specially enhanced email service a data sample.
  • the data sample is sent to an authentication database. Then, in block 228, the specially enhanced email service obtains the authentication database response.
  • block 230 checks if the sample is a match with a sample in the authentication database. If, as in block 232, there is no match between the sample and the sample in the authentication database, then sending computer 12 fails authentication. If, as in block 234, the sample is a match with the sample in the authentication database, then the user passed authentication.
  • FIG. 12 there is a similar flowchart to Figure 11 except there is a block 170 depiction of a POP/IMAP account that allows computer 12 retrieve e-mail.
  • this Figure 12 after block 162, where the sender does not have to authenticate the email sent to block 170.
  • sending computer 12 has to login to a POP/IMAP account.
  • the e-mail is checked to see if it a Postal Hut e-mail. Ii the e-mail is a Postal Hut e-mail, then the e-mail is retrieved from the mail center or e-mail center 30 and the e-mail is sent to the e-mail program in block 172. Ii the e-mail is not a Postal Hut e-mail, then the e-mail cannot be retrieved.
  • the e-mail message is processed by e-mail center 30, it is sent to a recipient's computer 22.
  • receiving computer 22 also utilizes a Postal Hut service it can operate in the same manner as computer 12's Postal Hut service in utilizing the authentication database.
  • computer 22 is authenticated by the Postal Hut service, then computer 22 can retrieve the e-mail through the Postal Hut service.
  • the invention has been illustrated and described as making use of an e-mail center 30 that provides various functions / services, the invention can also be implemented without an e-mail center. Many of the features can be achieved between terminals 12, 24, and the r , algorithms and flow charts do not significantly change. In that event, it may be possible to download the software or algorithms from any server. Alternatively, the software can be stored on any medium, such as a CD-ROM and purchased off the shelf. Regardless of how the software is ultimately loaded on the computer terminals, once it is in place, it can be used to certify, authenticate, etc., with or without biometrics.

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Abstract

La présente invention concerne un procédé et un appareil servant à réaliser des services de courrier électronique au profit d'un envoyeur, d'un destinataire ou des deux, via un réseau de communication. A cet effet, on établit une session en ligne entre un envoyeur (12) et un centre de courrier électronique (30). L'envoyeur (12) envoie alors un paquet de courrier électronique incluant un message de courrier électronique destiné à un destinataire accompagné d'une demande de vérification spécifiée du service de courrier électronique adressée au centre de courrier électronique (30). Ce courrier électronique est alors émis depuis l'ordinateur du centre de courrier électronique (30) à une adresse de courrier électronique accessible par un ordinateur (22) mis en oeuvre par le destinataire. Lorsque le destinataire (22) reçoit au moins ledit courrier électronique, le centre de courrier électronique (30) en reçoit notification. Et, à son tout, le centre de courrier électronique (30) fournit au moins à l'envoyeur (12) la notification de courrier électronique demandée.
PCT/US2001/017204 2000-05-25 2001-05-25 Procede et appareil pour realiser un service de transfert de messages via un reseau de communications WO2001090904A1 (fr)

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CA002384926A CA2384926A1 (fr) 2000-05-25 2001-05-25 Procede et appareil pour realiser un service de transfert de messages via un reseau de communications
EP01939562A EP1285342A4 (fr) 2000-05-25 2001-05-25 Procede et appareil pour realiser un service de transfert de messages via un reseau de communications
AU2001265066A AU2001265066A1 (en) 2000-05-25 2001-05-25 Method and apparatus for providing a service to transfer messages over a communications network

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US57875600A 2000-05-25 2000-05-25
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US09/771,546 US20020104026A1 (en) 2001-01-29 2001-01-29 Method and apparatus for providing a service to transfer messages over a communications network
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US10447675B2 (en) 2006-11-30 2019-10-15 Sigram Schindler Beteiligungsgesellschaft Mbh Method for delivering primary information that exists in at least one electronic form

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