| 摘要 |
<p>A system and method facilitate certified facsimile communication over a telephone network between a plurality of originators of facsimile messages and at least one receiver of facsimile messages. The method includes a registration sequence during which an originator of facsimile messages establishes an account with the certifying system by providing a handwritten signature and identifying data. The handwritten signature is linked to the identifying data, and the identifying data is utilized through the method in an effort to insure the authenticity of facsimile messages certified by the certifying system. The method also includes an initial delivery sequence at which time a document control number is established for a facsimile message that an originator wants to transmit to a receiver. The method further includes a final delivery sequence, at which time the originator transmits the facsimile message with the document control number there on to the certifying system. The certifying system verifies the document control number and identifying data. Then, the ceritifying system appends a reproduction of the originator's handwritten signature, a confirmation number, and other information that supports the authenticity of the fascimile message to the fascimile message, and forwards the facsimile message to the receiver. The method further includes a confirmation sequence, at which time the originator is provided with the confirmation number. The receiver can compare the reproduction of the handwritten signature appended to the facsimile message to any handwritten signature original on the facsimile message and call the originator and ask for the confirmation number for authentication purposes.</p> |
