Abstract: A printer that prints encrypted information in a document can be the key authority for that document. A document containing encrypted information and a source reference can be printed by a printer associated with a key module. The key module contains the key for decrypting the information. A scanner scanning the document obtains the source reference and the encrypted information. The scanner can use the source reference to send a key request to the printer and the printer can respond with the appropriate key. A decryption module associated with the scanner can use the key to decrypt the information. The decrypted information can be incorporated into a second document that can be electronically stored or printed.

Abstract: A method for performing optical character recognition (OCR) on an image of a document including text includes embedding a physical manifestation of digital information associated with the text on the document. When the document is scanned with a scanning device, the digital information and a digital text file are produced. The digital text file is proofed using the digital information.

Abstract: A method of a signer affixing a physical manifestation of a digital signature to a hard-copy document includes inputting a digital copy of the hard-copy document into a secure hash function stored on a computer to produce a message digest. The message digest and a private key of the signer are input into a digital signature generation algorithm stored on the computer to generate an electronic digital signature. The electronic digital signature is transmitted from the computer to a printing device. Finally, the physical manifestation of a digital signature is printed on the hard-copy document with the printing device.

Abstract: The disclosure recites methods for verifying that the authenticity of a hard copy document by verifying that a digital signature printed on that document matches the signature on the original electronic document. The method includes converting a physical manifestation of a digital signature affixed to the hard copy document to an electronic digital signature, validating the electronic digital signature via a public key to authenticate the hard-copy document, and comparing a message digest of the original electronic document to a message digest coded in the digital signature. It also includes documents having multiple digital signatures embedded using a variety of techniques, converting those printed digital signatures into electronic forms, and validating each electronic digital signature independently and against each other.

Abstract: A hard-copy authentication document is a physical manifestation of a digital signature or a physical manifestation of a public key affixed to a hard-copy document or physical object, respectively. A method of authentication and non-repudiation of hard-copy documents includes affixing a physical manifestation of a digital signature to a hard-copy document. The physical manifestation of a digital signature is converted to an electronic digital signature, which is compared to a public key to authenticate the hard-copy document.

Abstract: Documents can be created to include metadata associated with rights management information that applies to the entire document and/or to one or more applicable sub-portions of the document. When a user places such a document to be scanned on a multi-function device (MFD) in a rights management environment, the MFD recognizes metadata associated with user rights management regarding the document and/or applicable sub-portions. The MFD automatically commences a rights management scheme to authenticate the user to a rights management system, query such system for information and permissions related to the document and/or applicable sub-portions, including deciphering the metadata read from the document, and determine if the user requested function, such as scanning or copying, is permitted to be undertaken on this document and/or applicable sub-portions by this user on this device at this time. The system automatically executes or aborts the user-requested function based on the imposed rights management scheme.

Abstract: An overlay for use with a display screen, comprising at least one first tactilely readable area, wherein the display screen includes a first feature thereon, wherein the tactilely readable area includes information in a tactilely readable format, and wherein the information identifies a first feature displayed on the screen