Patent ID: 7797434
Filing Date: 2010-09-14
Classification: G06F,H04L

Abstract:
1. A method for managing user attribute information within a data processing system, the method comprising: receiving a request message at an attribute information provider from a service provider that is attempting to retrieve user attribute information for a user to complete a transaction for the user, wherein the request message identifies one or more requested user attributes, wherein the attribute information provider comprises an attribute management machine and an associated database that maintains user attribute information for the user and is distinct from the service provider that is attempting to retrieve the user attribute information to complete the transaction for the user; verifying that the request message is from a service provider that is trusted by the attribute information provider; after receipt of the request message at the attribute information provider and prior to the attribute information provider sending a response message, determining whether the attribute information provider is currently maintaining a requested user attribute for the user; and if the attribute information provider is currently maintaining the requested user attribute for the user, requesting and receiving user input by the attribute information provider prior to sending the response message from the attribute information provider to the service provider, wherein the user input comprises a value that indicates a retrieval condition on subsequent requests while retrieving user attribute information for the user.