Patent ID: 7711616
Filing Date: 2010-05-04
Classification: G06Q,H04L

Abstract:
1. A method for an entity desiring goods to anonymously engage in a transaction with a provider providing the goods, the method comprising: initiating the transaction by sending, from the entity, an entity identification of the entity to a first anonymity service, the first anonymity service comprising a computer processor for processing the transaction, and being distinct from the entity and the provider; receiving, at the entity from the first anonymity service, a transaction identification based on and uniquely associated with the entity identification; initiating acquisition of goods associated with the transaction by sending, from the entity, an acquisition request of the entity and the transaction identification to a second anonymity service, the second anonymity service comprising a computer processor for processing the acquisition request, and being distinct from the entity, the provider, and the first anonymity service, wherein the acquisition request includes an identification of the goods to be provided by the provider; splitting, by the first anonymity service, the entity identification of the entity into a first plurality of secret shares, and splitting, by the second anonymity service, the acquisition request of the entity into a second plurality of secret shares; after splitting the entity identification, discarding, by the first anonymity service, the entity identification of the entity, and after splitting the acquisition request, discarding, by the second anonymity service, the acquisition request of the entity; after discarding the entity identification, receiving, at the first anonymity service, the transaction identification, obtaining, by the first anonymity service, the first plurality of secret shares corresponding to the transaction identification, and reconstructing, by the first anonymity service, the entity identification of the entity from the first plurality of secret shares.