| 摘要 |
<p>A system is provided for retrieving secured electronic information stored in at least one storage device (44), where each storage device, such as a CD-ROM, is at least partially encrypted and is coupled to a user station. Each user station (40) is coupled to at least one storage device, such as a CD-ROM, having electronic database files stored therein. At least one of the database files stores numerous decryption keys, each key corresponding to decrypting a predetermined data portion of the secured electronic information. Further, a metering device is coupled to each user station. When the metering device is valid, each respective user station is able to retrieve decryption keys for use in decrypting the corresponding selected data portion. In addition, a server that is selectably connected to (36) each user station across a network controls whether the metering device is valid and operable so as to permit or deny the user station to retrieve the corresponding decryption keys.</p> |
