Systems and methods for generating, reading and transferring identifiers

Abstract

Systems and methods for generating, reading and transferring identifiers are disclosed. In one embodiment, a handheld system for associating a selected audio content with an object includes an identifier applied to a surface of the object and having a predetermined graphical format that is configured to encode the selected audio content, and a handheld device operable to encode the identifier and further operable to detect an audio content associated with the identifier.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system to record a document transaction comprising:
 a first identifier encoded with a first audio content spoken from a first person having a verbal message;   a second identifier encoded with a second audio content spoken from a second person to confirm or dispute the meaning of the verbal message; and   a document configured to affixably receive the first identifier and the second identifier.   
     
     
         2 . A handheld system for associating a selected audio content with an object, comprising:
 an identifier configured to be applied to a surface of the object and having a predetermined graphical format that is configured to encode and contain a selected audio content within the identifier; and   a handheld device operable to encode the identifier, to detect the selected audio content, and to duplicate the identifier from segment images of the identifier.   
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the identifier further comprises one of a one-dimensional bar code and a two-dimensional bar code. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the identifier includes a graphical content printed on a suitable substrate material that may be fixably applied to the surface. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein the graphical content is applied directly to the surface of the object. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein the graphical content is applied to the surface of the object using one of a stamping, an embossing, an etching, an engraving, and a photolithographic process. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 2 , further comprising a printer operably coupled to the handheld device, the printer configured to reproduce the identifier on a selected medium. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 2 , further comprising a personal computer operably coupled to the handheld device, the personal computer configured to store and display the identifier. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 8 , further comprising a database, wherein the personal computer is operably coupled to the database through a communications system. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the handheld device is further configured to operably couple a personal digital assistant (PDA), a cellular telephone unit, and a digital camera device. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the identifier is includes a pixel section and an alphanumeric section. 
     
     
         12 . A method of creating identifiers configured to encode selected audio content using a handheld device, comprising:
 capturing analog audio signals with the handheld device;   converting the captured analog audio signals to digital audio signals using the handheld device; and   producing an identifier into identifiable segments that encodes and contains the digital audio signals.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising applying the identifier on a selected surface of an object. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein producing the identifier further comprises generating one of a pigment-based identifier and a non-pigmented identifier. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein converting the captured analog audio signals to digital audio signals further comprises applying an encryption algorithm to the captured audio signals. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein producing an identifier that encodes the digital audio signals further comprises applying a encoder/decoder (CODEC) algorithm to the digital signals. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein producing an identifier that encodes the digital audio signals further comprises applying the identifier to an object. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein applying the identifier to the object includes applying the identifier to a selected portion of a photograph, a display panel, a sign, and a printed publication. 
     
     
         19 . A method of verifying an identity of an individual, comprising:
 producing an identifier that encodes a first spoken message acquired from the individual;   applying the identifier having the encoded first spoken message to an identification article assigned to the individual;   acquiring a second spoken message from the individual;   comparing the first spoken message from the identifier with the second spoken message to verify the identity of the individual.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein producing the identifier further comprises providing the first spoken message to a handheld device operable to encode the identifier.