Even in a mostly paperless business model, hardcopies are inevitable and unavoidable. For legal, security and organizational reasons it can be important to keep track of what was printed when, where it went and if/how many/by whom copies were made.

If a printer could be set up to print (or encode upon paper with RFID on it already) RFID chips, important papers could easily avoid getting lost. Also, with similar technology in office copiers, the copy number and total number of copies could also be encoded. Faxes sent could also choose this option, to verify receipt by intended (final) party (to make sure it goes from receptionist to secretary to CEO).

This could also simplify processes requiring multiple copies and signatures of contracts etc. if the original signature includes a space for number of authorized RFID copies.

Some problems and solutions:

(P) Not cost effective to have paper that can be imprinted. (S) Only limited number of people/printers/paper would have capability, but all copies could be able to make RFID copies if an original was supplied (they (normally) don’t add color to b&w documents.

(P) If used in fax, privilege could be abused. (S) Codes or passwords for intended parties given out as carefully as home phone numbers.

Your suggestions are appreciated. I am sure you will point out if baked, and where. A similar application for counterfeit proofing I have found, but not this particular use.
-- JeremiahBritt, Dec 03 2004

Zebra Smart Label http://www.rfid.zebra.com/smart_label.htm
"Smart labels are an exciting, emerging type of data carrier that combine the read range and unattended processing capability of radio frequency identification (RFID) with the convenience and flexibility of on-demand label printing. A smart label is an adhesive label with an RFID tag embedded inside. The tag can be encoded with variable data and tested before label is being printed..." [half, Dec 03 2004]

Zebra makes thermal "barcode" printers that do something along these lines. I think they call it their "Smart Label" system. It's kinda cool. Lemme find a link...
-- half, Dec 03 2004


In the case of the Zebra printer . . . bring money.
-- bristolz, Dec 03 2004


So maybe two thirds baked then, but I still like my copy-logging/authorizing idea.
-- JeremiahBritt, Dec 03 2004



random, halfbakery