System and method for the automated processing of physical objects

Abstract

Methods and systems for verifying authenticity of a physical object and/or for verifying possession of the object by an individual are described. In one embodiment, the object is registered with a remote processing system. Data representing at least one characteristic of the object is obtained and stored in the remote system and the identity of the individual or entity possessing the object is authenticated. After authenticating the individual, an identifier is collocated (or an existing mechanism is activated or modified to replicate the identifier) with the object, where the identifier uniquely identifies the object and the individual possessing the object. The object and the identity of the individual possessing the object can be authenticated at a future time by sensing the collocated identifier and sending the sensed identifier to the remote system. The remote system can send instructions to an entity wishing to authenticate the object and its association with the individual possessing the object. The instructions can be set up at the time the object is registered in the remote system. The remote system can perform an interactive or automated session with the entity wishing to authenticate the object, thereby saving time and providing a robust method of authentication and means for carrying out additional processing functions.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of authenticating the identity of an individual, the method comprising:
 receiving at a server an image of an individual and/or a biometric parameter of the individual;   storing the image and/or the biometric parameter at the server;   receiving a first authentication code uniquely identifying the individual and a second authentication code uniquely identifying an augmented passport, wherein the first authentication code and the second authentication code are collocated on the augmented passport;   storing the first authentication code and the second authentication code at the server;   requesting scanning of the first authentication code and the second authentication code on the augmented passport;   receiving the scanned first authentication code and the scanned second authentication code at the server;   requesting image sensing of the individual and/or biometric sensing of the individual;   receiving the sensed image of the individual and/or the sensed biometric parameter of the individual;   comparing the received sensed image with the stored image, and/or comparing the received sensed biometric parameter with the stored biometric parameter;   upon a successful comparison, generating an authentication signal indicative of a confirmation of the identity of the individual; and   upon an unsuccessful comparison, generating an authentication signal indicative of no confirmation of the identity of the individual.