Method and apparatus for providing secure document distribution
A method for providing secure document distribution is disclosed. The method includes configuring an application to: allow an author to create a document, allow the author to secure the document using an access code, wherein the access code is needed to gain access to the document, generate an image, the image having information embedded therein, the embedded information including information relating to the access code encoded in an encrypted format, and forward a message to a recipient, wherein the message includes the document and the image, configuring a terminal to allow the recipient to open the message, configuring a portable device to: allow the recipient to capture the image, store predetermined information, wherein the predetermined information is usable to decrypt the access code embedded in the image, capture input information from the recipient, the input information to be used to ensure that the recipient is authorized to use the portable device, and generate an output based on the information embedded in the image and the predetermined information, the output including the access code, and configuring the terminal to receive the output generated by the portable device and evaluate the output to determine if the recipient is allowed to access the document.
1. A method for providing secure document distribution, the method comprising:
configuring an application to:
allow an author to create a document;
allow the author to secure the document using an access code, wherein the access code is needed to gain access to the document;
generate an image, the image having information embedded therein, the embedded information including the access code encoded in an encrypted format; and
forward a message to a recipient, wherein the message includes the document and the image;
configuring a terminal to allow the recipient to open the message;
configuring a portable device to:
allow the recipient to capture the image;
store predetermined information, wherein the predetermined information is usable to decrypt the access code embedded in the image;
capture input information from the recipient, the input information to be used to ensure that the recipient is authorized to use the portable device; and
generate an output based on the information embedded in the image and the predetermined information, the output including the access code; and
configuring the terminal to receive the output generated by the portable device and evaluate the output to determine if the recipient is allowed to access the document.
2. The method of claim 1 further comprising:
configuring the portable device to generate the output using the input information captured from the user.
3. The method of claim 1 further comprising:
configuring the portable device to decode the information embedded in the image for use in generating the output by using a cryptographic algorithm.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein the input information includes one of a personal identification number and biometric information.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein the image includes a barcode.
6. The method of claim 5 wherein the barcode includes a multi-dimensional barcode.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein the image includes a set of barcodes.
8. The method of claim 7 wherein the set of barcodes includes a set of multi-dimensional barcodes.
9. The method of claim 1 further comprising:
configuring the portable device to display the output to the user; and
configuring the terminal to receive the output, or a portion thereof, from the user.
10. The method of claim 1 wherein the portable device includes one of a cellphone and a personal digital assistant.
11. The method of claim 1 wherein the message includes an email.
12. A method for providing secure document distribution, the method comprising:
configuring an application to:
allow an author to secure a document using an access code, wherein the access code is needed to gain access to the document;
generate an image, the image having information embedded therein, the embedded information including the access code encoded in an encrypted format;
create a message to a recipient;
attach the document and the image to the message; and
forward the message to the recipient;
configuring a terminal to allow the recipient to open the message;
configuring a portable device to:
allow the recipient to capture the image;
store predetermined information, wherein the predetermined information is usable to decrypt the access code embedded in the image;
capture input information from the recipient, the input information to be used to ensure that the recipient is authorized to use the portable device; and
generate an output based on the information embedded in the image and the predetermined information, the output including the access code; and
configuring the terminal to receive the output generated by the portable device and evaluate the output to determine if the recipient is allowed to access the document.
13. The method of claim 12 further comprising:
configuring the portable device to generate the output using the input information captured from the user.
14. The method of claim 12 further comprising:
configuring the portable device to decode the information embedded in the image for use in generating the output by using a cryptographic algorithm.
15. The method of claim 12 wherein the input information includes one of a personal identification number and biometric information.
16. The method of claim 12 wherein the image includes a barcode.
17. The method of claim 16 wherein the barcode includes a multi-dimensional barcode.
18. The method of claim 12 wherein the image includes a set of barcodes.
19. The method of claim 18 wherein the set of barcodes includes a set of multi-dimensional barcodes.
20. The method of claim 12 further comprising:
configuring the portable device to display the output to the user; and
configuring the terminal to receive the output, or a portion thereof, from the user.
21. The method of claim 12 wherein the portable device includes one of a cellphone and a personal digital assistant.
22. The method of claim 12 wherein the message includes an email.