System and method for optical security firewalls in computer communication systems

There is a method and system for a bidirectional firewall in computer communications, which utilizes the transfer of information from an optical display to a separate server thereby eliminating unauthorized entry into the server and prohibiting access to the stored information. This may include a computer communication system for the transmission or receiving of data, or both, which system comprises, data processor server computer; a terminal for the computer; a data processor connected to the computer; a display monitor to display data from the terminal; and an optical scanner to receive or transmit data from the data processor to the display monitor. The optical scanner is constructed and arranged to create an electronic security gap between the display monitor and the data processor and computer.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to an interface system and associated method for preventing the unauthorized access to data that is transmitted and received in a computer system or internet system. More particularly, the present invention relates to an improved system for preventing the unauthorized access to data using an optical interface.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Current technologies to create firewalls for security purposes in the transmission of data using computers has been through the use of sophisticated software programs utilizing encryption techniques. These techniques have been circumvented by numerous techniques and programs that allow hackers to enter a server and access mainframe and peripheral data storage.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved system and associated method to prevent unauthorized access to information transmitted and received in computer and internet systems.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such a system and method to prevent unauthorized access to information, and in which optical means are used as an electronic gap in data transmission.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To accomplish the foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention there is provided a system comprised of an of an optical firewall for data processing and computer systems to prevent unauthorized access to electronically transmitted data, which system utilizes a electronic security gap (non-electronic or optical) to prevent unauthorized access to electronically transmitted and stored data.

In accordance with other aspects of the present invention the optical firewall includes a visual monitor and an optical scanner; the non-electronic security gap is defined between the visual monitor and the optical scanner; the system may be mono-directional and further includes a vendor terminal where data is received, coupled to the visual monitor, converted optically at the optical scanner, directed to a data processor and then to a main server; the system may be bi-directional including a first loop that includes a first data processor and a second loop that includes a second data processor; wherein, for a bi-directional system, a first portion includes an input terminal, electrically connected to a first monitor, across the optical (non-electric) gap, to a first optical scanner, the first data processor and finally to the main server, and a second portion of the loop includes an electrical connection from the main server to the second monitor, across the optical (non-electric) gap, to the second optical scanner, the second data processor, and a return electrical connection to the input terminal.

In accordance with another version of the present invention there is provided a method comprised of providing an optical firewall for a data processing and computer systems to prevent unauthorized access to electronically transmitted data, which system utilizes the formation of a non-electronic security gap to prevent unauthorized access to electronically transmitted and stored data.

In accordance with other aspects of the present invention the optical firewall includes providing a visual monitor and an optical scanner; including defining the non-electronic security gap between the visual monitor and the optical scanner; wherein the system is mono-directional and further includes providing a vendor terminal where data is received, coupled to the visual monitor, converted optically at the optical scanner, directed to a data processor and then to a main server; wherein, alternatively, the system is bi-directional including providing a first loop that includes a first data processor and providing a second loop that includes a second data processor; wherein first loop includes an input terminal, electrically connected to a first monitor, across the optical (non-electric) gap, to a first optical scanner, the first data processor and finally to the main server; and wherein the second loop includes an electrical connection from the main server to the second monitor, across the optical (non-electric) gap, to the second optical scanner, the second data processor, and a return electrical connection to the input terminal.

In still another embodiment of the present invention there is provided computer communication system for the transmission or receiving of data, or both, which system comprises:

a) data processor server computer;

b) a terminal for the computer;

c) a data processor connected to the computer;

d) a display monitor to display data from the terminal; and

e) an optical scanner to receive or transmit data from the data processor to the display monitor, the optical scanner constructed and arranged to create an electronic security gap between the display monitor and the data processor and computer.

In accordance with other aspects of the present invention the electronic security gap is defined between the display monitor and the optical scanner, the system may be mono-directional and the terminal includes a vendor terminal where data is received, coupled to the display monitor, converted optically at the optical scanner, directed to the data processor and then to the server computer; the system may be bi-directional including a first loop that includes a first data processor and a second loop that includes a second data processor; wherein the first loop includes the terminal for the computer, electrically connected to a first display monitor, across the optical (non-electric) gap, to a first optical scanner, the first data processor and finally to the server computer; and wherein the second loop includes an electrical connection from the server computer to a second display monitor, across the optical (non-electric) gap, to a second optical scanner, the second data processor, and a return electrical connection to the terminal for the computer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention is a system and method that allows the mono or bidirectional transmission of data without the ability to access the mainframe and/or server of another system. The invention involves the transmission of electronic data from a source to a recipient terminal. At the recipient terminal, the data is displayed on a display device, such as a monitor screen or other like display device. In essence, the electronic information can travel no further without further processing. The display device is then viewed by an optical scanner which can convert the image or message back into an electronic digital message for further transmission to the server for data acquisition and processing. The process can be mono-directional or bidirectional using the same system.

The system and method can be used in security systems, such as when a corresponding credit card is used for a purchase. The corresponding card makes the purchase, and it is then sent to the display screen, where the account number and names are shown. This information is ready by the optical scanner and is re-digitized for transmission to the main server. In the main server, the actual data on the credit card to be billed is maintained. The corresponding card number is verified against the actual billing credit card, and the purchase is authorized. The authorization is sent back to a display screen, where an optical sensor reads it, and then re-digitizes the information for transmission back to the vendor. At no time does the vendor or any other outside party have access to the actual credit card information or access to the main data bank of the credit facility. Thus, unauthorized access is impossible, as there is an electrical gap created that will not allow electronic information to be transmitted across that gap. Only optical recovery and processing allows the information to be accessed again.

The invention employs all forms of data transmission that can be displayed as an image and/or text and be read by an optical viewer, using the system and method described herein. The invention further employs different methods of imaging, image processing, and data retrieval and processing.

The system10is illustrated in the sole drawing herein. The system comprises a mainframe data processor12, display monitors14and16with associated respective data processors18and20, and a vendor/terminal22. The system illustrated is bidirectional and includes optical scanners24and26associated respectively with the monitors14and16. Each optical scanner is non-electronically spaced apart from a corresponding monitor as illustrated in the drawing. Thus, each optical scanner24,26is disposed adjacent to the optical display monitors14and16, to receive information from the display monitors14and16and to convert electronic data and to form an “electronic” security gap, as illustrated in the drawing at15and17.

The block diagram of the drawing may be considered as one for bidirectional data flow, essentially in a closed loop. This includes coupling lines between the various components shown. A first portion of the connecting loop includes terminal22, electrically connected to the monitor14, the optical (non-electric) gap15, the optical scanner24, the data processor18and finally to the main server12. A second or return portion of the loop may be considered as including an electrical connection from the server12to the monitor16, the optical (non-electric) gap17, the optical scanner26, data processor20, and a return electrical connection to the terminal22.

All of the individual components shown in the drawing are each considered as conventional; it being the combination of components that is unique in providing the desired result of providing an improved system and associated method to prevent unauthorized access to information transmitted and received in computer and internet systems. Thus, such components as a server or data processor are considered as ones that are known to one skilled in the art. The same can also be said of the monitors and optical scanners.

As an example, the system and method of the present invention can be used in security systems, such as when a corresponding credit card is used for a purchase. The corresponding card makes the purchase, and it is then sent to the display screen, where the account number and names are shown. Refer in the diagram to the vendor terminal22and the display screen or monitor14. This displayed information is read by the optical scanner24and is re-digitized for transmission, via the data processor18to the main server12. In the main server12, the actual data on the credit card to be billed is maintained. The corresponding card number is verified against the actual billing credit card, and the purchase is authorized at the server12. The authorization is sent back to a display screen16, where an optical sensor26reads it, and then re-digitizes the information for transmission back to the vendor, via the data processor20. At no time does the vendor or any other outside party have access to the actual credit card information or access to the main data bank of the credit facility, as there is essentially a “firewall” represented by the non-electronic gap15,17. Thus, unauthorized access is impossible, as there is an electrical gap created that will not allow electronic information to be transmitted across that gap (15,17). Only optical recovery and processing allows the information to be accessed again.

Having now described a limited number of embodiments of the present invention, it should now be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous other embodiments and modifications thereof are contemplated as falling within the scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended claims.