Patent ID: 7043454
Filing Date: 2006-05-09
Classification: G06F,G06Q,H04L

Abstract:
1. A method for using a computer to facilitate and control sequential access to a two-level information database created by inputs supplied by users, comprising the steps of: (a) receiving and storing in the database a plurality of two-part descriptions each supplied by a user, each two-part description including a non-confidential first-level element in the form of a searchable and accessible basic description of a user's unmet need or unsolved problem, and a confidential second-level element in the form of a searchable, but non-accessible detailed description of each user's unmet need or unsolved problem; (b) permitting originators to access, search, review and select without restriction, only the non-confidential first-level elements of the stored two-part descriptions; (c) subsequently providing selecting originators with an option to access, search and review the confidential second-level elements of the stored two-part descriptions that correspond to the selected first-level elements by electronically submitting to each selecting originator a license agreement including a confidentiality provision and other previously supplied licensing terms; (d) receiving and storing in the computer an acceptance of the license agreement by each selecting originator; and (e) upon receipt of license acceptance, providing accepting originators with unrestricted access on a confidential basis via the computer to the confidential second-level elements of the stored two-part descriptions corresponding to the selected first-level elements.