Method and apparatus for preventing reuse of text, images, and software transmitted via networks
View Patent ↗A method for providing textual information in a network environment, the method comprising: receiving a request via a network for text-editable textual information; converting the text-editable textual information into a non-text-editable textual format on line upon receiving the request; and sending the non-text-editable textual information via the network. Network-based systems are also disclosed.
1. A method for providing textual information in a network environment, the method comprising:
receiving at a server connected to a network from a computer terminal connected to said network, a request via said network for text-editable data;
determining whether said text-editable data is stored in a first storage area of said server that is inaccessible to said computer terminal, or in a second storage area of said server that is accessible to said computer terminal;
if said determining determines that said text-editable data is stored in the first storage area, then:
converting said text-editable data into non-text-editable data on line upon receiving said request; and
sending said non-text-editable data via said network from said server to said computer terminal; and
if said determining determines that said text-editable data is stored in the second storage area, then:
sending said text-editable data via said network from said server to said computer terminal,
thereby enabling the server to securely store the text-editable data in the first storage area by conditionally converting the text-editable data into non-text-editable data and by sending the non-text-editable data instead of the text-editable data when a request is received for the text-editable data.
2. A method according to claim 1 wherein said converting comprises converting said text-editable data into a non-text-editable graphical representation of said text-editable data.
3. A method according to claim 2 wherein said converting comprises converting said text-editable data into said non-text-editable graphical representation wherein said graphical representation comprises at least one hyperlink.
4. A method according to claim 1 and further comprising displaying said non-text-editable data via a computer terminal display.
5. A method according to claim 1 wherein said converting is performed at said server.
6. A network-based textual information system comprising:
a computer terminal operative to send a request via a-network for text-editable data; and
a server comprising:
a first storage area that is inaccessible to said computer terminal; and
a second storage area that is accessible to said
computer terminal,
said server being operative to
receive said request;
determine whether said text-editable data is stored (i) in said first storage area, or (ii) in said second storage area;
in case (i):
convert said text-editable data into non-text-editable data on line upon receiving said request; and
send said non-text-editable data to said computer terminal via said network; and
in case (ii):
send said text-editable data to said computer terminal via said network,
thereby enabling the server to securely store the text-editable data in the first storage area by conditionally converting the text-editable data into non-text-editable data and by sending the non-text-editable data instead of the text-editable data when a request is received for the text-editable data.
7. A system according to claim 6 wherein said non-text-editable data comprises a non-text-editable graphical representation of said text-editable data.
8. A system according to claim 7 wherein said non-text-editable graphical representation comprises at least one hyperlink.