SYSTEM FOR TRANSMITTAL AND RECEIPT OF INFORMATION

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for the transmittal and receipt of data comprising an electronic data storage device for the electronic storage of data, associated with scattered communication means for procuring data from and transmitting data to the electronic data storage device. The system is used together with separately applied message traffic selected from the group comprising a letter, an e-mail, a facsimile, which selection is provided with a file reference corresponding with data individualized with respect to the recipient of such selection, which data is stored in the electronic data storage device. The electronic data storage device comprises at least one access reference relating to the recipient. Access to the individualized data in the electronic data storage device is released to one of the communication means after the file reference and a reference identical with the access reference has been transmitted by means of said communication means.

Description: System for transmittal and receipt of information The invention relates to a system for the transmittal and receipt of data comprising an electronic data storage device for the electronic storage of data, associated with scattered communication means for procuring data from and sending data to the electronic data storage device . Such a device is known from various publications . EP-A-0 375 138 describes a method for the restriction of the amount of electronic messages distributed via a computer network. Each message is accompanied by an electronic profile relating to the recipient of the message, such as security classification, management level or address, or possibly data with respect to the source and type of message. The profile is compared with a desired recipient profile that has been previously established. In this manner the routing of the messages can be automatically selected. EP-A-0 375 139 relates to a method of notifying both the source and the intended recipient that the latter was insufficiently authorized to receive the electronic message via a computer network. In this manner the intended recipient is given another opportunity to attempt to obtain adequate authorization for receiving the message . EP-A-0 471 639 relates to a method of distributing documents stored in a data processing system. To this end an identifying reference is created which is associated with a document . The reference identifies the document as well as the location where it is stored. The reference may subsequently be selectively transmitted to users. The users to whom the identifying reference is transmitted may be provided with different access levels . The system may also comprise a provision for the recordal of a user accessing a document designated by the reference. US-A-5 493 692 relates to a method for selectively delivering electronic messages in a system of mobile and fixed devices, wherein additional data may be comprised in the messages for the preservation of privacy, indication of priority or other data. The publication further mentions that users wear so-called active badges the size of a credit card which transmit an infrared signal to allow the determination of a user's location. The user's location is then associated with the extent to which certain messages are then accessible to the user. The peripheral devices in the vicinity of the user are selected with respect to their suitability to receive a message intended for the user. The disadvantage of the known forms of electronic data traffic is that they are associated with various problems. For example, it is a problem that the legal status of electronically transmitted data is not clear, or at least that it is doubtful how valuable as evidence data transmitted in this manner is. Also, there are question marks concerning the security aspect of such electronic data traffic, and it is usually not obvious whether a transmitted message actually has arrived at the recipient . However, an important advantage of electronic data traffic is that the transmitted data can be quickly, simply and effectively stored in an electronic data storage device belonging to the recipient, for optional further processing. It is the object of the invention to avoid the disadvantages of these known systems for transmitting and receiving. To this end the invention proposes to use the system together with separately applied message traffic selected from the group comprising a letter, an e-mail, a facsimile, which selection is provided with a file reference corresponding with data individualized with respect to the recipient of such selection, which data is stored in the electronic data storage device, and in that the electronic data storage device comprises at least one access reference relating to the recipient, and that access to the individualized data in the electronic data storage device is released to one of the communication means after the file reference and a reference identical with the access reference has been transmitted by means of said communication means . By means of the system for the transmittal and receipt of data it is then possible to safely transmit confidential data with the certainty that the respective data is only accessible to the recipient. The presently existing electronic data traffic is applied in the invention such as to avoid the considerable disadvantage of data accessibility for third parties. Only the recipient of the letter, facsimile or e-mail who approaches the data storage with the correct references is able to access the respective individualized data. Notably, a further advantage of the invention is that it induces economization. For example, a single brief note, facsimile or e-mail to the recipient or recipients may provide access to an extensive data file. In the case of correspondence, high mailing costs can be reduced, thereby also economizing on paper as far as those data are concerned that are communicated electronically only. This advantage becomes particularly obvious if the system for data transmittal and receipt according to the invention is applied for the dispatch of so-called mailings. An important further advantage is that when the recipient consults the electronic data storage device, confirmation of receipt becomes available to the transmitter due to the fact that the approach has been signalled electronically. In a further aspect of the invention the system for data transmittal and receipt is characterized in that the file reference applied to the selection from the group comprising a letter, an e-mail, a facsimile, is a machine- readable reference, in that the communication means comprise an intelligent terminal, associated with which is a device for reading the file reference and in that, after reading the file reference, the intelligent terminal cre- ates a reference which is adapted to the access reference and transmits it with the file reference to the electronic data storage device in order to obtain access to the individualized data. In this manner efficient processing of the respective data can take place by fairly simple means, while the appropriate access reference may be physically associated with the intelligent terminal, without the users of said terminal having to have this reference on their person, or even being required to know it. If the users are businesses, it is of advantage that the access reference is a reference adapted to the recipient of the letter, facsimile or e-mail such as, for instance, a trade registration number. To further increase data traffic security, an embo- diment of the system may moreover be provided such that the electronic data storage device further holds a password, which is to be applied by the recipient and which is associated with the individualized data relating to the respective recipient and stored in the electronic data storage device, and in that access to the individualized data in the electronic data storage device is released to one of the communication means subsequent to transmitting with it a reference corresponding to the pass-word. Under these circumstances the system according to the invention may also safely be used in public surroundings. The invention can, for example, be advantageously applied in such a manner that the electronic data storage device is part of internet. This affords the advantage of making use of an existing infrastructure, which is equipped to transmit data over long distances at only local telephone charges . This contains the total cost for transmitting large data packets. Another preferred embodiment of the system for the transmittal and reception of data according to the invention is characterized in that the file reference on the letter or facsimile is a bar code, in that the electronic data storage device forms part of the internet, in that the communication means comprise a personal computer with which a bar code reader is associated as well as a chip card reader, and in that a chip card is provided on which a reference is stored which reference is the same as the access reference, and possibly other references to protect access to the individualized data intended for the respective recipient. This allows the recipient much free- dom of movement because his chip card carries the necessary data. This chip card can be read at any user location by a chip card reader associated with a personal computer able to access the internet, so that basically the individualized data in the electronic data storage device are approachable from any location. To increase security, this device also comprises a further code in the form of a pass word. It is further desirable to combine the above-mentioned bar code with a URL. The invention is further embodied in a letter to be applied in association with the device according to the invention, which letter is enclosed in a sealed window envelope such as to allow the file reference to be read through the window of the window envelope . In this manner the staff in the post room is able to determine the sender of a letter without having to open it . The person skilled in the art will find that the above specification clearly explains the appended claims embodying the invention and the exclusive rights requested therefor. Within the scope of said claims the above- explained inventive idea may be freely varied without departing from said inventive idea and without leaving the protective scope of the appended claims .

Claims: further holds a pass-word, which is to be applied by the recipient and which is associated with the individualized data relating to the respective recipient and stored in the electronic data storage device, and in that access to the individualized data in the electronic data storage device is released to one of the communication means subsequent to transmitting with it a reference corresponding to the pass-word. 5. A device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electronic data storage device is part of internet . 6. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the file reference on the letter or facsimile is a bar code, in that the electronic data storage device forms part of the internet, in that the communication means comprise a personal computer with which a bar code reader is associated as well as a chip card reader, and in that a chip card is provided on which a reference is stored which reference is the same as the access reference, and poss- ibly other references to protect access to the individualized data intended for the recipient . 7. A device according to claim 6, characterized in that a pass-word is used as a further reference for securing access . 8. A device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the bar code is combined with a URL. 9. A letter to be applied with the device according to one of the claims 1-8, which letter is enclosed in a sealed window envelope, characterized in that the same is provided with a file reference to be read through the window of the window envelope .

Inventors: DIEBEN EBO PAUL, DIEBEN, EBO, PAUL
Applicants: DIEBEN EBO PAUL, MMP OBEC, DIEBEN, EBO, PAUL
Application year: 1998
Main classification: G06F17
IPC codes: G06Q10, H04L12