Abstract:
A secure information retrieval system comprising three levels of confidential access to a database, wherein the first level is stored and transmitted in an unencrypted form, the second level is stored in an encrypted form but transmitted in an unencrypted form, and the third level is stored and transmitted in an encrypted form.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to a system for securely storing and selectively transmitting sensitive information. More particularly, the invention relates to a system incorporated into a conventional data or voice transmission network that includes a secure repository for storing the sensitive information and means to selectively deliver the information from the repository to an authorized caller. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART 
     Storing and transmitting information electronically has become an accepted mode of operating for both the business and private sector. On-line public databases exist which are accessed through conventional telephone lines. 
     In addition means have been developed for releasing stored information only after appropriate identification has been produced. Typically, when telephone lines are used to access databases a billing or identification number must be inserted, usually by DTMF tones, to access the information in the data base. 
     Thus there is available in the prior art large capacity storage devices to maintain and accumulate data, transmission networks to deliver the information from the database to a subscriber and means for releasing the information only after appropriate identification has been provided. 
     In addition conventional means exist for encrypting information before storing the information and for decrypting the information after releasing the information from storage. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The subject invention provides a system for storing and securing sensitive and confidential information. 
     The system also provides means for only authorized individuals to access the information. Further, the system provides means to secure the sensitive and confidential information at a plurality of discrete levels, each level being accessible by an individual depending on his/her level of authorization. 
     The system includes a computer connected within the telephone transmission network. The computer interfaces with the network through standard telephone switching means that enable access to information in the computer upon entry of the proper identification code. The system is programmed to recognize a plurality of levels of authorization. Identification code is provided respectively for marginally sensitive information, sensitive information and highly confidential information. The program releases information from the computer as a function of the authorization code. 
     The sensitive information and highly confidential information is stored in an encrypted format for security purposes, while the marginally sensitive information is stored in the usual fashion. The sensitive information is decrypted prior to transmission to the authorized caller, but the highly confidential information is delivered to the user in the same encrypted form as it is stored, thereby enabling only a telephone receiver equipped with the required decoding means to be able to convert the information to understandable and usable form. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The system of the present invention will be better understood when considered with the following drawings wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is the overall schematic of the system. 
     FIG. 2 is a flow chart of the software that controls the delivery of securely stored information to an authorized caller. 
     FIG. 3 is a flow chart of a program for decoding highly confidential information delivered to a caller in encrypted form. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The present invention has application in the storage in a database and transmission upon authorized request of sensitive information. Individual, personal, medical, financial, legal and personal information that must be maintained and periodically provided that serve the individuals are illustrations of records that have particular application in the system. 
     As seen in FIG. 1, an existing conventional telephone network 10 such as the AT&amp;T network is provided with a high capacity secure storage computer 12 and means 14 to interface between the network 10 and the computer 12. In addition, a decrypting means 15 is provided at the appropriate user&#39;s location (e.g. installed in his/her phone set) to decode information provided to the caller in encrypted form. 
     The particularly suitable repository 12 is a NCR 3000 gigabyte computer. The interface means 14 is a 4ESS switch programmed to respond to requests from the conventional network receiver such as telephones 16 or facsimile machines 18. 
     The computer 12 is illustrated in FIG. 1 as having three discrete data bases 20, 22 and 24 for storing information and data having varying degrees of confidential sensitivity. These databases need not necessarily reside on separate computers or storage devices but may be integrated on one device. 
     Basic to the invention is the capability of the system to enable selective access to the information stored in the data bases 20, 22 and 24. Illustratively, when the system is employed to store and transmit medical records, data base 20 will store the regular formal information pertaining to a patient such as birth date, insurance carrier, etc., which is desired to be marginally sensitive. Data base 22 will store more sensitive information such as the test ordered and the duties performed. Data base 24 will store the highly confidential information such as the diagnostic results or interpretation by physicians. The selection of which level of security the particular information is stored is a function of the subscriber&#39;s requirements. 
     The control programs for the computer 12 will allow access to the information in data base 20 to anyone having a Security Category 1 identification number that can be entered into the telephone network by depressing the touch tone keypad, which transmits conventional DTMF tones. Only information stored in data base 20 will be transmitted in response to an inquiry entering a Security Category 1 identification number. The information is not stored in encrypted format and will be transmitted in uncoded usable form. 
     The control program for the system will allow access to the information in data base 22 only to persons having a Security Category 2 identification number that can be entered into the network by conventional DTMF tones. The information in data base 22 is stored in encrypted form but is delivered to the caller with Security Category 2 identification in uncoded usable form. The delivery of information from data base 22 will always carry the patient&#39;s information stored in data base 20. 
     The control program for the system will allow access to the information in data base 24 only to persons having a Security Category 3 identification number that can be entered into the network by conventional DTMF tones. The information in data base 24 is highly confidential and is stored and also transmitted in encrypted form. The information from data base 24 reaches the caller in encrypted form and must be decoded at the caller&#39;s facility for use. The patient information stored in data bases 20 and 22 are always provided with the information from data base 24. 
     The decrypting means 15, which is used only to decode highly confidential information sent in encrypted form to the authorized user, may be an integral part of the user&#39;s telephone set. Optionally, decrypting means 15 may be a separate &#34;blackbox&#34; add on component. 
     As seen in FIG. 2, the flow chart for verification of the validity of the caller and transmission of the proper data in response to the particular Security Category identification number proceeds from entry of an identification number to either termination of a call or delivery of selected information. 
     The decryption of a Security Category 3 message is performed in the BIC decoder 15. A suitable program provided for decryption is the AT&amp;T BIC program shown in FIG. 3. 
     The database 24 will also maintain record of successful as well as unsuccessful attempts on a given information. The record will consist of caller ID, time and date. This record will be available to the depositer of the information on demand or automatically. The system administrator can also request information for security reason but only of unsuccessful attempts. 
     An example of the use of the system of the invention to access information is as follows: 
     Dr. A has determined that it is necessary for him to have the case history of patient B. 
     Dr. A&#39;s secretary will dial 800-222-3333 (her identification number) from a standard conventional telephone to access the data stored in AT&amp;T Network by computer 12. She obtained by on-line transmission the summary of all the test results received to that day because she has clearance to access Security Category 1 data. 
     Dr. A will dial in with his AT&amp;T security device after reviewing the report from the secretary. The call will be secured and the information will be transmitted after verification of identity. The information will be encrypted until it reaches Dr. A&#39;s handset. The decoding will take place based on the key and algorithm. The data transmitted is of the Security Category 3.