In an example, a method includes, at least one processor, in response to each of a plurality of requests, determining a halftone screen. Determining the halftone screen comprises encoding a signature pattern in the halftone screen, and halftone screens for different requests may be encoded with a different signature pattern. The halftone screen may be arranged such that, when applied to image data to provide a printed output, the pattern is discernible therein to provide a signature for the printed output.

A method for providing watermark to subscribers is provided. The method comprises observing a request for a first content from a subscriber, determining if the subscriber can receive a watermark, generating a second content comprising the watermark if the subscriber can receive a watermark, causing the subscriber to fetch the first content, and causing the subscriber to fetch the second content comprising the watermark overlaying the first content.

Computer implemented method for generating a hash value (110) is disclosed, the method comprises the following steps: i) Providing a first digital RGB image (112) having first RGB colors of a physical object (114); ii) Combining first transaction data (116) and the first digital RGB image (112), thereby generating a second RGB image (118) having second RGB colors; iii) Converting (128) color values of the second RGB image (118) from RGB color space (130) to a secondary color space (132) having at least four primary colors and determining (134) a number of respectively colored pixels for each primary color of the secondary color space (132); iv) Generating (136) the hash value (110) by converting the determined number of respectively colored pixels for each primary color of the secondary color space (132) to hexadecimal numerals.

An image forming apparatus that executes a password-protected job includes a function for omitting an input of a job password, manages a user password for keyboard authentication in association with a user, manages a personal identification number for icon authentication in association with the user, accepts login to an account of the user based on the keyboard authentication, permits execution of a password-protected print job associated with the user based on a print instruction without inputting a job password, accepts login to the account of the user based on the icon authentication, and permits execution of a password-protected print job associated with the user based on a print instruction with an input of a job password.

A method is disclosed comprising: connecting, by a part scanner, to a blockchain platform; outputting a user interface, the user interface including at least a first input component and a second input component; capturing an image of a surface of a part; outputting the image in the user interface; generating a surface descriptor based on the image; when the first input component is activated, attempting to store, in the blockchain platform, an authentication record that is generated based on the surface descriptor, and outputting, in the user interface, an indication of an outcome of the attempt to store the authentication record in the blockchain platform; and when the second input component is activated, attempting to authenticate the part based on the surface descriptor and outputting, in the user interface, an indication of an outcome of the attempt to authenticate the part.

An example image forming apparatus includes a user interface device, an image forming job operator, a processor, and a memory. The processor executes instructions to display a preview screen of a document through the user interface device, perform an embedding process of embedding user-specific information into a plurality of user-specific information input areas included in the document, display state information of the plurality of user-specific information input areas on the preview screen in synchronization with progress of the embedding process, and, when the embedding process is completed, perform an image forming job with respect to the document in which the user-specific information is embedded, through the image forming job operator.

A method for preparing a select graphic for printing using a digital printing device includes receiving the select graphic, at least one position for printing the select graphic, and a select spot color name for the select graphic, wherein the select spot color name represents a tone printable using at least one colorant of the digital printing device; generating a select spot color separation for the select graphic using a halftone screen to produce the tone represented by the security spot name, wherein the halftone screen is selected for printing the select graphic without a discernible dot pattern upon unmagnified viewing; and preparing raster data incorporating the select spot color separation for printing the select graphic at the at least one position on the item.

A cell phone is disclosed for acquiring information to be transmitted to a receiving facility and for transmitting such thereto. A capture device captures information from an external source. A processor is provided for associating with the captured information a representation of the date and time of the capture of the information, such that the representation of the date and time information in association with the captured information forms augmented captured information. The processor also places the augmented captured information in association with subscriber information in a transmission of the augmented captured information to a receiving facility requiring such subscriber information. A transmitter transmits the transmission including the augmented captured information and the subscriber information to the receiving facility. An encryptor encrypts the augmented captured information with a symmetrical encryption algorithm to provide encrypted augmented captured information in the transmission with the subscriber information.

A multi-function device (MFD) is disclosed. For example, the MFD includes a communication interface to establish a communication path with an authentication server, a user interface to receive document control information for a document to be generated, a processor, and a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a plurality of instructions. The instructions when executed by the processor cause the processor to generate a machine readable code that contains the document control information for the document and print the machine readable code onto the document that is printed by the MFD.

Techniques for signer-initiated electronic document signing via an electronic signature service using a mobile or other client device are described. Example embodiments provide an electronic signature service (“ESS”) configured to facilitate the creation, storage, and management of documents and corresponding electronic signatures. In some embodiments, when a signer user receives a hard copy (e.g., paper) signature document, the signer may capture an image of the signature document with a camera of a mobile device. The signer can then import the captured image into the ESS for signature, storage, and/or transmission to other parties.