Method and programmable product for unique document identification using stock and content
The present application relates to a method for authenticating and tracking of documents. More specifically the present application relates to authenticating and tracking of a document throughout its lifecycle without reliance upon or requirement for any unique identification characters, barcodes and/or objects that were added to the document specifically for the purpose of identification.
1 . A method of preparing a document for later authentication, the document printed on identifiable stock, the method comprising steps of:
acquiring stock identification data from a printed hardcopy of the document by a first sensor coupled with document processing equipment;
obtaining content data for the document;
associating the content data with the stock identification data; and
storing the content data and stock identification data in a database.
2 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein the obtaining step includes obtaining content data from electronic data or from an image of the printed hardcopy of the document by a second sensor coupled with the document processing equipment.
3 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein the acquiring step includes acquiring the stock identification data by way of the first sensor selected from a coherent light beam interrogator, a RFID interrogator/analysis tool, or a high magnification imaging system.
4 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein the acquiring step includes acquiring stock identification data selected from embedded conductor or semiconductor devices, material deposited or printed on the document, or fibers embedded in the document.
5 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein the obtaining step includes obtaining the content data by the second sensor selected from an imaging system coupled with optical character recognition and symbol/picture analysis features.
6 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein the document processing equipment includes a scanner, copier, facsimile device, or kiosk.
7 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein the storing step includes storing the content data and stock identification data in a data storage medium and file structure capable of storing searchable data accessible locally or over WAN.
8 . A method of authenticating a document printed on identifiable stock, the method comprising steps of:
acquiring stock identification data from a printed hardcopy of the document by a first sensor coupled with document processing equipment;
obtaining content data from an image of the printed hardcopy of the document by a second sensor coupled with the document processing equipment;
comparing the content data and stock identification data with associated content data and stock identification data stored in a database; and
returning an authentication result indicating whether or not the content data and stock identification data matched with the stored content data and stock identification data in the database.
9 . The method according to claim 8 , wherein the acquiring step includes acquiring the stock identification data by way of the first sensor selected from a coherent light beam interrogator, a RFID interrogator/analysis tool, or a high magnification imaging system.
10 . The method according to claim 8 , wherein the acquiring step includes acquiring stock identification data selected from embedded conductor or semiconductor devices, material deposited or printed on the document, or fibers embedded in the document.
11 . The method according to claim 8 , wherein the obtaining step includes obtaining the content data by the second sensor selected from an imaging system coupled with optical character recognition and symbol/picture analysis features.
12 . The method according to claim 8 , wherein the database further includes metadata associated with the document, the metadata including information selected from a document creation date and document classification information.
13 . The method according to claim 8 , wherein the document is selected from a stock certificate, will, contract, check, mortgage or coupon.
14 . A method of generating a plurality of mailpieces containing inserts on document processing equipment for later authentication of the inserts, the method comprising steps of:
associating addressee and/or address data with each of a plurality of inserts printed on identifiable stock;
acquiring stock identification data from each of the plurality of inserts with a sensor;
obtaining insert classification data for the plurality of inserts;
storing the associated address and/or addressee data, acquired stock identification data and obtained insert classification data in a database; and
generating the mailpieces containing the insert on the document processing equipment.
15 . The method according to claim 14 , wherein the obtaining step includes obtaining insert classification from a control system of the document processing equipment or a second sensor with imaging, optical character recognition or barcode reading capability.
16 . The method according to claim 14 , wherein the storing step includes storing the address and/or addressee data, stock identification data and insert classification data in a data storage medium and file structure capable of storing searchable data accessible locally or over WAN.
17 . The method according to claim 14 , further comprising a step of delivering the mailpieces to the address and/or addressee listed on each respective mailpiece.
18 . The method according to claim 14 , wherein the plurality of inserts are selected from redeemable coupons, credit cards or driver's licenses.
19 . The method according to claim 14 , wherein the document processing equipment is an inserter, scanner, copier, facsimile device, or kiosk.
20 . A method of authenticating a mailpiece insert printed on identifiable stock, the method comprising steps of:
obtaining stock identification data from the mailpiece insert;
comparing the stock identification data with associated stock identification data stored in a database;
gathering address and/or addressee data stored in the database based on a result of the comparing step;
acquiring insert classification data associated with the plurality of mailpieces from the database; and
compiling a report associating the insert classification data with the obtained address and/or addressee data.
21 . The method of claim 20 , wherein the compiling step includes compiling a marketing report including marketing information regarding the address and/or addressee.
22 . The method according to claim 20 , wherein the obtaining step includes obtaining the stock identification data by way of a sensor selected from a coherent light beam interrogator, a RFID interrogator/analysis tool, or a high magnification imaging system.
23 . The method according to claim 20 , wherein the obtaining step includes obtaining stock identification data selected from embedded conductor or semiconductor devices, material deposited or printed on the document, or fibers embedded in the document.