Abstract: The present invention includes apparatus and methods for printing and verifying postage stamps on demand via a personal postage stamp printer. The indicium by which the stamp is printed includes a color stripe and a data field including authentication data that corresponds to the color stripe. To authenticate the stamp, the authentication data in the data field is read and compared with authentication data extracted from the color stripe.

Abstract: A system and method for providing an authentication code across a network for use in authentication of documents, such as printed lottery tickets. The system includes document-printing terminals that include a key that is used in a mathematical function with the bet information for a specific-game entry to generate a document code that is sent to a central server. The central server stores the received document code and then generates an authentication code for the document desired to be printed at the terminal, and sends the authentication code back to the terminal for printing on the issued document. The authentication code can be a further mathematical processing of the document code. Verification of the document occurs from comparison of the authentication code on the document and stored authentication and/or document codes at the server.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise systems, methods and devices for imaging device credential submission wherein credentials are extracted by scanning graphical indicia on user documents using a primary document scanner.

Abstract: A system and method for soliciting repairs to an electromechanical device are disclosed. The system includes a signaling device for signaling a need for a repair of an associated electromechanical device. A repair mediator receives information related to an addressable fault with the electromechanical device and causes the signaling device to provide a signal indicating, to a candidate repairer passing by the device, a need for a repair to the device for which a reward is available for performing the repair. The repair mediator provides the reward for a completed repair.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for embedding an identifying pattern of visible speckles into the digitized image of each page of a document. A speckle is a cluster of black or white pixels. Speckles are printed as black speckles on the white paper, or conversely, as areas of missing black removed from the black text characters, called white speckles. The collective pattern of all embedded black and white speckles on a single document page is called a specklemark. A specklemark can survive contrast manipulations on photocopiers and binary rasterization done by fax scanning prior to data transmission. The random pattern of the black and white speckles visible in the digitized image of a document page can be detected automatically, and by systematically matching the detected pattern with those known to have been embedded into marked copies of a document page, a specific document copy can be identified.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise systems, methods and devices for eliminating multiple submission of user credential data in a system with multiple distinct restricted sub-systems wherein a unique credential is required for each sub-system.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise systems, methods and devices for eliminating multiple submission of user credential data in a system with multiple distinct restricted sub-systems wherein a unique credential is required for each sub-system.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise systems, methods and devices for eliminating multiple submission of user credential data in a system with multiple distinct restricted sub-systems wherein a unique credential is required for each sub-system.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise systems, methods and devices for eliminating multiple submission of user credential data in a system with multiple distinct restricted sub-systems wherein a unique credential is required for each sub-system.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for encoding digital watermarks into content signals. Also disclosed are systems and methods for detecting and/or verifying digital watermarks in content signals. According to one embodiment, a system for encoding of digital watermark information includes: a window identifier for identifying a sample window in the signal; an interval calculator for determining a quantization interval of the sample window; and a sampler for normalizing the sample window to provide normalized samples. According to another embodiment, a system for pre-analyzing a digital signal for encoding at least one digital watermark using a digital filter is disclosed.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product for providing protection for a document is presented. Document content of the document is obtained. An occurrence of a security code within the document content is detected, the security code associated with the document content. A security policy associated with the security code is identified. The identified security policy is then applied to the document content.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for selecting frames of a compressed video stream that may be used for client-side watermarking. In general, a content source evaluates a number of Intra-Frames (I-Frames) in the compressed video stream using a sample watermark that is similar to actual watermarks that may be used for client-side watermarking. More specifically, each of a number of I-Frames in the compressed video stream is evaluated by first watermarking the I-Frame with the sample watermark. Associated frames in the compressed video stream are then decoded using the watermarked I-Frame. An error value for the decoded video frames is then computed. If the error value is outside of a predetermined error threshold range, the I-Frame is selected as an I-Frame that may be used for client-side watermarking.

Abstract: A method of managing and recovering from the failure of cryptographic devices in a secure transaction processing system including a database, a plurality first cryptographic devices and a standby cryptographic device. Each of the first cryptographic devices periodically generates and sends to the database a total freshness counter record and generates and sends to another of the first cryptographic devices a digital signature and time stamp record. Upon failure of a first cryptographic device, the standby cryptographic device requests and receives the current total freshness counter record and digital signature and time stamp record for the failed first cryptographic device, and uses the digital signature and time stamp record to verify that the total freshness center record is most current. If so verified, the standby cryptographic device assumes the operation of the failed first cryptographic device.

Abstract: A roll of label stock includes a plurality of first regions suitable for being printed on by thermal printing. The first regions are blank. The label stock also includes a plurality of pre-printed color images, each associated with a respective one of the first regions. A stamp printer that prints postage indicia on the label stock refrains from printing an image thereon, but would print images on another type of label stock that does not include pre-printed images.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for processing documents containing restricted information. The method for processing the documents includes the step of identifying data fields in the document. The method further includes the steps of identifying a critical section containing data fields corresponding to restricted information, and dividing the document into a critical section and a non-critical section. Further, the method includes the step of processing the non-critical section at a minimally secure location.

Abstract: Identification of media content, such as audio, can be performed through use of watermarking or fingerprinting (aka content signature) technologies. Aspects of these technologies may be combined to advantageous effect. For example, in dealing with the problem of fingerprint errors arising from object distortion, operations known from digital watermarking systems can be employed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for encoding digital watermarks into content signals. Also disclosed are systems and methods for detecting and/or verifying digital watermarks in content signals. According to one embodiment, a system for encoding of digital watermark information includes: a window identifier for identifying a sample window in the signal; an interval calculator for determining a quantization interval of the sample window; and a sampler for normalizing the sample window to provide normalized samples. According to another embodiment, a system for pre-analyzing a digital signal for encoding at least one digital watermark using a digital filter is disclosed.

Abstract: An image forming system according to one embodiment of the present invention has a user authentication mode for granting only authorized users a setting change for an image forming apparatus. This image forming apparatus 200 includes a user authentication section 203 to perform authentication on receiving user information from a host computer 100. The image forming apparatus 200 also issues an authentication key for an authorized user and sends the key to the host computer 100. The host computer 100 sends a changed setting and the authentication key to the image forming apparatus 200, whereby making the setting change swiftly. This structure makes it possible to address a problem with related art systems that send user information every time a setting is changed and send a changed setting only when a user is deemed to have authority where authentication is redundant and time consuming.

Abstract: The main CPU executes Fourier transform to the partial image, then performs strict spectrum analysis 1 for judging the presence/absence of data at a coordinate position designated in advance on a Fourier transform plane with high resolution for judging the presence/absence of prohibition of duplication, then judges whether duplication-prohibited data exists or not, and clears both the partial image and the document image if it is judged that duplication-prohibited data exists. If it is judged that duplication-prohibited data does not exist, the main CPU executes spectrum analysis 2 for broadly inspecting the existence of a periodic component instead of lowering the resolution from the spectrum analysis 1 and judges whether a structure other than DC component exists or not.

Abstract: A method of authorizing printing of a publication at a printer by a publisher in a network is provided, in which an alias identity of a user is created from both a sensing device identity and an application identity when the user interacts with a printed application tag associated with the publication using the sensing device, the publication is addressed to the user by the alias identity, the publication is signed using a private key of the publisher, the signed publication is sent to the printer, and it is confirmed that the signed publication may be printed at the printer by verifying the private key signature.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for encoding digital watermarks into content signals. Also disclosed are systems and methods for detecting and/or verifying digital watermarks in content signals. According to one embodiment, a system for encoding of digital watermark information includes: a window identifier for identifying a sample window in the signal; an interval calculator for determining a quantization interval of the sample window; and a sampler for normalizing the sample window to provide normalized samples. According to another embodiment, a system for pre-analyzing a digital signal for encoding at least one digital watermark using a digital filter is disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for generating passwords that may be memorized by a user, yet not easily guessed by an attacker. A user is presented with one or more textual, audio or visual hints. A password is automatically generated based on the selected hint (and possibly further input from the user). The presented hints may include poems, songs, jokes, pictures or words. The generated password and selected hint can be presented to the user during enrollment for further reinforcement and stored in a user database for subsequent reinforcement and verification. The enrollment process may schedule the sending of one or more reminder messages to the user containing the hint to reinforce the password in the user's memory.

Abstract: A computer program product for enabling a computer to have a printing control function for transparent-printing second print data in superposition on first print data includes software instructions for enabling the computer to separate the second print data into parts for combining with the first print data and parts not for the combining with the first print data, and combining the data of the parts set for the combining with the first print data so as to be superposed on the first print data.

Abstract: A print system which are capable of inhibiting simultaneous use of the encrypted print and the box storage to thereby increase the security of print data. A host computer has an encryption function of encrypting print data, and issues a print job for the print data encrypted by the encryption function. A print server receives the issued print job, and has a decryption function of decrypting the encrypted print data of the received print job. A printer has a storage function of storing the print data decrypted by the decryption function, and outputs the stored print data. At least one of the host computer and the print server inhibits simultaneous use of the encryption function and the storage function.

Abstract: A method of authenticating an object comprising an identifier is provided. The method comprises the steps of: (i) reading the identifier using a data reader to generate identity data; (ii) sending an authentication request from the data reader to a computer system, the request comprising the identity data; (iii) receiving, in the data reader, an authentication message from the computer system, the authentication message comprising an indication of authenticity, a description of an object associated with the identity data and a digital signature of the authentication message; (iv) verifying the digital signature; and (v) conveying the description of the object to a user if the signature is valid.

Abstract: According to a print controller of this embodiment, when a part of print data is specified to be encrypted, a client 102 determines functions supported by a printer 104. If the printer 104 is capable of handling partial encryption, the client 102 encrypts the specified portion, specifies the portion by PDL commands or XML tags, and sends the print data to the printer. The printer 104 decrypts it and then prints it out. Meanwhile, in the case of a printer 151 which does not support partially encrypted printing, printing is terminated, or the print data is sent to the printer 151 after replacing the portion specified to be encrypted with a different character string.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for securely printing a print job on a networked printer. An application program running on a networked computer instructs the printer to generate and exchange cryptographic keys. The application program then encrypts the print job using the keys, and then communicates the encrypted print job to the printer. The printer decrypts the received print job and prints the document.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for securely printing a print job on a networked printer. An application program running on a networked computer instructs the printer to generate and exchange cryptographic keys. The application program then encrypts the print job using the keys, and then communicates the encrypted print job to the printer. The printer decrypts the received print job and prints the document.

Abstract: A system for secure interaction with a secure document is provided. The secure document has coded tags which each encode data associated with the document identity and a location of that tag on the document. The system has memory for recording a correspondence between the document identity and information relating to the document, a receiver for receiving data from a sensing device used to interact with the document, and a processor for verifying the interaction with the document using the received data and the recorded correspondence. The received data is generated by the sensing device through sensing of the data encoded by the coded tags to identify the document identity and a position of the sensing device relative to the document.

Abstract: An article is marked with image indicia for authentication, information, or decoration by providing a plurality of inks having a plurality of fluorescence colors when exposed to excitation energy, separating colors of the image indicia into a plurality of image levels in accordance with the fluorescence colors of the inks, and printing each image level in mutual registration on the article using the corresponding ink. The image printed with each ink may be substantially invisible under illumination within the visible spectrum. The invisibly printed images have multiple authentication features, including the use of covert UV-fluorescent materials, IR-fluorophores, microparticles, and other chemical taggants. Ink compositions, methods for making the inks, and methods and apparatus for using the inks are also disclosed.

Abstract: In a job allocation control apparatus, whether or not a job has security setting is discriminated, if it is decided that the job has the security setting, this job is set to a scheduling target to a clean device, and if it is decided that the job does not have the security setting, this job is set to a scheduling target to a non-clean device. When a process of the job having the security setting as a scheduling target to the clean device cannot be executed, the job having the security setting is set to the scheduling target to the non-clean device. Whether or not the non-clean device satisfies a predetermined condition is discriminated. If the predetermined condition is satisfied, the job having the security setting is transmitted to the non-clean device.

Abstract: A system for authenticating an object is disclosed. The system includes an optical sensing device and a processor. The optical sensing device senses coded data provided on a surface associated with the object. The coded data is indicative of a position on the surface, an identity associated with the object, and a part of a signature. The signature is a digital signature of the identity. The processor determines, using the sensed coded data, a sensed identity and a sensed signature part, determines, using the position, a sensed signature part identity, determines, using the sensed identity, at least a determined signature, determines, using the determined signature and the sensed signature part identity, a determined signature part, compares the determined signature part to the sensed signature part, and authenticates the object using the result of the comparison.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a method and apparatus, as implemented by a software program on a computer system, for digitally producing counterfeit-deterring scrambled or encoded indicia images. This method and system are capable of combining a source image with a latent image so the scrambled latent image is visible only when viewed through a special decoder lens. The digital processing allows different latent images to be encoded according to different parameters. Additionally, latent images might be encoded into single component colors of an original visible image, at various angles from each other.

Abstract: A method and system for enabling registration of a user to use a computer system are provided. A printed registration form is provided containing information relating to user registration and including coded data marks containing coded data on an identity and reference points of the form. The coded data marks are substantially undifferentiated marks positioned relative to a set of predetermined nominal mark positions. A processing system associated with the computer system receives indicating data from a sensing device regarding the form identity and a relative position and/or movement of the sensing device. The sensing device senses at least one of the coded data marks and generates the indicating data using the coded data contained therein. The processing system identifies, from the indicating data, a parameter relating to user registration, and stores the parameter so as to be accessible by the computer system.

Abstract: A method of performing a transaction over a contactless interface placing a first device in wireless communication with a second device, selecting the interface over which the first and second device will communicate, selecting the application to be used to approve or disapprove the transaction, communicating to the second device the data necessary for the application to approve of disapprove the transaction.

Abstract: A method of generating and sending a message from a first entity is provided in which a message including an action is determined, an authentication code is generated on the basis of the determined action and a parameter, and the message and authentication code are sent from the first entity. The parameter is indicative of an attribute of the action.

Abstract: A system and method for recognizing symbols and identifying users or services, including the displaying of an image or video clip on a display device in which identification information is embedded in the image or video clip, the capturing the image or video clip on an imaging device, the transmitting of the image or video clip from the imaging device to a communication network, the transmitting of the image or video clip from the communication network to a processing and authentication server, the processing of the information embedded in the image or video clip by the server to identify logos, alphanumeric characters, or special symbols in the image or video clip, and converting the identified logos or characters or symbols into a digital format to identify the user or location of the user or service provided to the user, and the using of the processed information in digital format to provide one or more of a variety of additional applications.

Abstract: A system is provided for verifying the validity status and/or authenticity information of a secure document. The secure document has user discernable information and a plurality of tags printed thereon. Each tag contains coded data encoding an identity of the document and a location of that tag on the document. The system has memory for recording a correspondence between the identity of the secure document and validity status and/or authenticity information relating to the secure document, a receiver for receiving data from a sensing device, and a processor for verifying the validity status and/or authenticity information of the secure document using the received data and the recorded correspondence. The data received from the sensing device identifies the document identity and a position of the sensing device relative to the document, and is generated by the sensing device sensing coded data contained in at least one tag.

Abstract: A self-authenticating check authorization system and method includes a check that has standard bank and account information printed on the MICR line, as well as a one-way hash value that is computed based on the standard bank and account information as well as a personal identification code of a customer and a key. The scanned MICR line data is provided to a check verifier, which also receives the personal identification code from the customer. The check verifier performs a hashing algorithm on the received data, and compares the computed hash value to a hash value obtained from the scanned MICR line data. If there is a match, the check is verified; if not, the check is not verified.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for validating a device. The apparatus includes a first integrated circuit which is configured to generate a random number, reference information using the random number and a secret key. A control system is configured to: receive the random number and the reference information from the first integrated circuit, receive validation information from a second integrated circuit positioned on the device whereby the validation information is generated by the second integrated circuit using the random number and the secret key, and compare the reference and validation information received from the integrated circuits to validate the device.

Abstract: A device is provided that includes a monetary instrument having a surface, and a magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) line coupled to that surface. The MICR line includes an ABA number, a customer account number, and a one-way hash value. The one-way hash value is output from a hashing process using input including the ABA number, the customer account number, together with a personal identification code and a key that are not included on the MICR line. A method is also provided that authenticates a monetary instrument by comparing a computed one-way hash value with a one-way hash value that is located in the MICR line of the monetary instrument. At the point-of-sale, the MICR line data is scanned and the personal identification code obtained from the customer. The scanned data and the personal identification code are transmitted to a check verifier that provides a check verification status.

Abstract: An image reading system is disclosed that has an image information reading unit for reading optical information on a manuscript, and an image outputting unit for outputting the optical information read by the image information reading unit to a recording medium. The system includes an IC tag information reading unit for reading IC tag information held by an IC tag provided on the manuscript, an IC tag information outputting unit for outputting the IC tag information read by the IC tag information reading unit to the recording medium, a conversion unit for converting the IC tag information into coded image data, and a control unit for controlling outputting of the coded image data.

Abstract: A method of authenticating an object by sensing coded data provided on or in a surface associated with the object. The coded data is indicative of an identity of the object and, at least part of a signature, the signature being a digital signature of at least part of the identity. The method includes using the sensed coded data to determine a sensed identity and a sensed signature part. The sensed identity is then used to determine at least a determined signature part, which is then compared to the sensed signature part, with the object being authenticated using the results of the comparison.

Abstract: A media content printing method that includes storing encrypted media content data representing media content in a computing device, generating a file of print commands that include the encrypted media content data non-encrypted commands for printing the media content based on the encrypted media content data, and sending the file of print commands to an intermediate device that stores a cryptographic key. The method further includes sending the non-encrypted commands to a printing device, determining if the media content is authorized to be printed, and decrypting the encrypted media content data in the intermediate electronic device that corresponds to the authorized media content to produce decrypted media content data. The decrypted media content data is sent to the printing device for printing the media content based on the non-encrypted commands and the decrypted media content.

Abstract: A data processing device transmits specific information through a network, receives a public key transmitted based on the specific information through the network, and stores the received public key. Further, the data processing device receives print data and encrypted data corresponding to the print data, decrypts the received encrypted data by using the stored public key, and prints the received print data if the data after it was decrypted is specific data. Meanwhile, the data processing device does not print the received print data if the data after it was decrypted is not the specific data.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for registering physical security credentials of a user at a device (150) forming part of a networked computer system (100). The method detects (122, 301) user identifying information from physical security credentials presented by the user at the device. The device then determines (302) whether the detected identifying information exists at a reference location (135). If the identifying information does not exist in reference location, authentication of the read identifying information for the user is performed by associating the identifying information with a username and password (140) entered by the user at the device. The reference location is then updated with the authenticated identifying information corresponding to the user.

Abstract: A printing management system includes a plurality of printing apparatus and a client terminal that is connected to the plurality of printing apparatus via a communication line. The client terminal includes an information output unit that outputs print information to a portable storage medium, the print information including print subject location information for identifying a location of at least one print subject to be printed. Each of the plurality of printing apparatus includes an information acquiring unit that acquires the print information from the storage medium, a print subject receiving unit that receives the print subject from the location that is identified by the print subject location information of the acquired print information, and a print executing unit that prints the received print subject.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus, a host apparatus, and an encryption method for print data, the method of encrypting the print data of the host apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus including: displaying an encryption setting screen for the print data; selecting an encryption logic to encrypt the print data through the encryption setting screen; converting the print data according to the selected encryption logic; and transmitting the converted print data to the image forming apparatus. Accordingly, the print data is encrypted and decrypted on the basis of the selected encryption logic and corresponding decryption logic set up according to users, thereby increasing security.

Abstract: An information input-output system comprises a mobile communication terminal, and a host computer that performs communications with the terminal over a radio transmission line and has a database relating to services that can be provided to the user of the terminal. This system also comprises an input-output gateway server that verifies whether the user is a subscriber who can be provided with a variety of services, and an input-output control unit that receives data from the database over an established line and then outputs the data.

Abstract: Systems and methods for dispensing postage or other authorization information electronically by using a secure processor containing an amount of preauthorized postage which can be applied to any piece of mail or other item are shown. The generated postage as applied to an item is preferably scanned and decoded toward the goal of validation of the pre-paid rights or obligation to pay to send the article of mail. A plurality of criteria and checks may be used to accomplish validation. For example, the fact that the indicia can be decoded gives a basic comfort level of validation and a check against a central user database for validation criteria provides for validation according to embodiments.