Patent ID: 7664946
Filing Date: 2010-02-16
Classification: H04H,H04N

Abstract:
1. A method for obscuring an identity of a source of a message while allowing content of the message issued from that source to be analyzed, and wherein the source is coupled to a television system operated by a system operator for receiving television programming content therefrom, said method comprising the steps of: obscuring the content of the message from a system operator by encrypting the content of a message issued from the source to form a first message, said first message containing source identification indicia and wherein the system operator knows the identity of the source of said first message, said first message being transmitted upstream to a remote device on the television system; decrypting said first message into a first decrypted message upon receipt of said first message by said remote device; generating anonymous identification indicia upon receipt of said first message by said remote device; substituting said source identification indicia with anonymous identification indicia into said first decrypted message to form a second message, and wherein said anonymous identification indicia cannot be traced back to the source; and encrypting said second message and transmitting said second message to a location to be analyzed.