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US 8,620,821 B1Granted
Systems and methods for secure parcel delivery
AssigneePitney Bowes Inc.
InventorsRobert M. Goldberg, Leon A. Pintsov, Mark D. Irwin
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method and system for secure package delivery utilizing digital signatures is described. In one configuration, data regarding the weight, dimensions and origination are cryptographically processed to create an authentication digital signature with message retrieval capability. The data is read and independently verified at the package destination.
Claims14
A computer implemented method for verifying the integrity of a package at an intermediate test and carrier transfer point on a shipping route comprising:
- receiving the package from a first carrier at the intermediate test and carrier transfer point;
- obtaining package data from the package using a measurement system operatively connected to the computer at the intermediate test and carrier transfer point on the shipping route;
- independently obtaining a package data copy by using the computer to access a data storage system used for storing a plurality of package data records received from a shipper measurement system at a trusted shipping point on the shipping route;
- and
- comparing the package data obtained from the package with the package data copy in order to provide integrity data using the computer, wherein the intermediate test and carrier transfer point is located beyond the trusted shipping point on the shipping route, wherein
- the package data comprises an electromagnetic wave response signature associated with a physical change in an electromagnetic wave source signal after it strikes the package;
- and
- releasing the package to a second carrier at the intermediate test and carrier transfer point only if the integrity data is satisfactory.
5 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.