Automated Stamp Paper Kiosk with Refund Mechanism and Invisible QR Code Authentication

Abstract

TITLE OF THE INVENTION Automated Stamp Paper Kiosk with Refund Mechanism and Invisible QR Code Authentication ABSTRACT The present invention discloses an automated stamp paper kiosk with refund mechanism and invisible QR code authentication (100) to issue the non-judicial stamp papers (300). The kiosk includes a display (102) and keyboard (103) for input, a QR code scanner (104), and a point-of-sale (POS) device (108) for accepting payments. It features a blank paper tray (111) containing security-threaded and watermarked paper, a printing device (112) for dual printing of visible details and invisible QR-2, and a unique marking device (113) for added security. A computer device (110) manages data and communicates with a central server (114). The refund system comprises a paper inlet tray (106), an invisible ink scanning device (201) for authenticating QR-2, and a shredder (204) for secure disposal. Additional security features include a security thread sensor (206), OTP verification, and an admin alert for tray maintenance. The system ensures reliable issuance, secure refund, and compliance monitoring. Fig. of Abstract: Figure 1.

Specification

Description:DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally related to the field of automated systems for issuing and refunding relating to legal stamp papers.
More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and system for issuance and refund relating to legal stamp papers via an automated system and issued stamp paper thereof.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention addresses the challenges posed by the existing state of the art and describes a comprehensive system for stamp paper issuance, refund, issued stamp paper and method thereof.
Stamp papers, especially non-judicial stamp papers, play a critical role in formalizing legal documents such as Power of Attorney, Agreements, and Licensing papers. These stamp papers are usually in the form of foolscap sheets with pre-printed fixed denominations like Rs. 100 and Rs. 500, commonly used in India. When purchasing stamp papers, the buyer pays the required stamp duty to the government, and the paper is then attached to the relevant document to give it legal status. Stamp papers can be obtained either from authorized stamp vendors or through e-stamping services available on official websites. When buying from authorized vendors, buyers typically provide details such as their name, address, the names of the involved parties, and the purpose of the stamp. The vendor records these details on both the stamp paper and in their register before issuing the paper upon payment.
The traditional system of obtaining stamp papers through authorized vendors has several shortcomings. These include the potential for selling stamps outside prescribed working hours, issuing backdated stamps, issues with handwritten information that may be difficult to read, and the possibility of tampering or manipulating vendor records. Managing a large network of vendors is also a challenge, as some may sell stamps from unauthorized locations or face shortages of specific denominations. In busy urban areas, vendor locations can become overcrowded, putting additional strain on the distribution system. Conversely, in rural areas where transactions are fewer, vendors may experience significant downtime due to the low volume of transactions.
On the other hand, e-stamp procurement methods have their own set of challenges. They require access to a computer, printer, and internet connection, along with the skills to use these systems, or reliance on someone who possesses these skills. There is also the risk of e-stamps being reused for multiple documents, as there may be no proper validation process to prevent such misuse. Additionally, because e-stamps are printed on general printers and lack unique identification marks, verifying their authenticity can be difficult, especially when they are printed multiple times.
In addition to these challenges, the refund process for stamp papers also has multiple challenges. The traditional refund system is lengthy, complex, and requires substantial documentation, making it cumbersome for users.
For e-stamp refunds, a human verification layer is needed to confirm the authenticity of the original stamp paper, further complicating the process. Additionally, some states issue self-printable e-stamp papers, which cannot be refunded at all, adding another layer of difficulty for users seeking refunds in those regions. These issues make the refund process inefficient and burdensome.
In view of the above challenges, it is required to provide a comprehensive stamp issuance and refund system which can produce stamp paper with unique identification along with verifying mechanism for refunding purpose.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
The primary object of the present invention is to provide an automated stamp paper kiosk with refund mechanism and invisible QR code authentication to issue the non judicial stamp papers having unique identification marks to verify originality and authenticity of issued stamp paper;
Further object of the present invention is to provide an automated refunding system which can provide refund against unused stamp paper after verification;
Further object of the present invention is to provide a stamp paper via an automated system having unique marks and distinguishable properties to establish originality and authenticity of the stamp paper;
Further object of the present invention is to provide a method of automatic stamp paper issuance and refunding via an automatic system relating thereto.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present disclosure present technological improvements as a solution to one or more of the above-mentioned technical problems recognized by the inventor in existing techniques.
The present disclosure seeks to provide an automated stamp paper kiosk with refund mechanism and invisible QR code authentication.
According to an aspect of the invention, the stamp paper issuance system mainly comprises of display and keyboard to assist the purchaser to procure the stamp paper using the system.
According to further aspect of the present invention, a computer device is connected to all major components of the system including printing device, unique marking device, keyboard and display and components of stamp refund system such as invisible scanning device.
According to further aspect of the present invention, when a purchaser procures a stamp paper, a blank paper having security thread and a watermark is withdrawn from the blank paper tray and all the details relating to stamp purchaser is printed using normal ink.
According to preferred aspect of the present invention, an invisible QR code is printed using the same printing device. The QR code contains all the details related to the purchaser and stamp paper for verification purpose.
According to an aspect of the present invention, an unique marking device is used to imprint an unique mark such as hologram, embossed mark, inked mark on the paper to establish the originality of the stamp paper visually.
According to an aspect of the present invention, a POS machine is attached to the kiosk to assist the purchaser for payment. The POS machine supports all kind of payment procedures.
According to an aspect of the present invention, the stamp refund system has an invisible ink scanning device which scans the invisible QR code from the unused stamp paper and validates it. After validation, the refund is initiated and the stamp paper is demolished.
According to an aspect of the present invention, the stamp paper issued via the system has visual verification features such as security thread, watermark and unique mark.
According to an aspect of the present invention, the issued stamp paper also has a signature box to take signature of the purchaser and all the details printed over the paper. A blank space is provided for typing and writing purpose.
The objects and the advantages of the invention are achieved by the process elaborated in the present disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The foregoing Summary, as well as the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the drawings as well as experimental results. The accompanying drawings constitute a part of this specification and illustrate one or more embodiments of the invention. Preferred embodiments of the invention are described in the following with reference to the drawings, which are for the purpose of illustrating the present preferred embodiments of the invention and not for the purpose of limiting the same. The objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent when the disclosure is read in conjunction with the following figures, wherein
Figure 1 shows perspective view of the automated stamp paper kiosk with refund mechanism and invisible QR code authentication;
Figure 2 shows rear view of the automated stamp paper kiosk with refund mechanism and invisible QR code authentication
Figure 3 shows internal block diagram of the stamp issuance system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 4 shows internal block diagram of the refund system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 5 shows internal block diagram of the invisible scanning device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 6 shows issued stamp paper in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and
Figure 7 shows issued stamp paper with purchaser's signature in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of the present disclosure and ways in which the disclosed embodiments can be implemented. Although some modes of carrying out the present disclosure have been disclosed, those skilled in the art would recognize that other embodiments for carrying out or practicing the present disclosure are also possible.
The present invention provides an automated stamp paper kiosk with refund mechanism and invisible QR code authentication.
The present invention is illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, throughout which reference numbers indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. These reference numbers are shown in brackets in the following description.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the automated stamp paper kiosk (100) primarily comprises of a kiosk (101), a display (102) and a keyboard (103). It also comprises of a QR code scanner (104), a Point of Sale (POS) (108) and a security door (109).
In the following description of the present invention, the system (100) refers to the single stamp paper issuance and refund machine as well as the plurality of stamp issuance and refund machines.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the kiosk (101) is made up a strong, sturdy and weather resistant material; preferably a metal including but not limited to stainless-steel, powder coated steel, galvanized aluminum, galvanized steel. The kiosk (101) holds all the major components of the system (100) within and over it and it is intended to protect all the components from the external damaging factors including rusting, degrading, tampering, breaking and fraudulent activities.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, a security door (109) is provided which allows the authorized person to access the internal components of the system (100) for repair and maintenance purpose. The same security door (109) also allows the authorized person to fill the blank paper tray (111). The security door (109) is secured by a locking mechanism which can be unlocked only with a security key.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the display (102) is a human-machine interaction device used to display the information relating to the system (100) and to display the process and instructions to assist the user to use the system (100).
The display is assisted with the keyboard (103) which allows user to enter the necessary details required to get the stamp paper (300). The details include user details such as name, address, Aadhar and/or PAN number, details of the related parties, and contact number, etc. The details also include details of the stamp paper such as value of stamp duty to be paid, reason or cause of the stamp, etc. Such details are entered using the keyboard (103) and verified by the user by cross-checking the entered details on the display (102).
According to further embodiment of the present invention, the same display (102) and keyboard (103) combination is used by an authorized person for repair and maintenance purpose of the system (100) by accessing the computer device (110).
The height and orientation of the display (102) and the keyboard (103) is designed considering the ergonomic factors of the human for comfortable use. The keys of the keyboard (103) have a braille scripting engraved onto them to assist the visually challenged people to use the system (100) without any troubles.
In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, instead of using a display (102) and keyboard (103) combination, a touch-screen display having inbuilt digital keyboard is also used.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, a point of sale (POS) (108) facility is attached to the kiosk (101) to facilitate the payment procedure. The POS (108) supports all types of payment including UPI and direct card payment by swiping, inserting or tap-to-pay method.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, a QR code scanner (104) is used to scan the QR code and send the data of the scanned QR code to the computer device (110). The QR code can be scanned by holding the QR code in front of the scanner (104).
According to an embodiment of the present invention, an issued paper tray (105) is provided with a slot outside of the kiosk (101). The issued stamp paper (300) gets out of the kiosk (101) and can be withdrawn via this issued paper tray (105).
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the stamp paper purchaser has to follow below mentioned procedure to get the stamp paper (300) from the system (100) -
- Visiting the nearest system (100) and opting for normal procurement method using the appropriate keys of the keyboard (103) and by selecting the appropriate icon displayed on the display (102);
- Entering the details of the purchaser including name, address, details of related parties, contact number, Aadhar and/or PAN card details, etc. and entering the details of stamp including stamp duty to be paid, reason or cause of the stamp paper, etc. using the keyboard (103);
- Cross-checking the entered details by reading them on the display (102) and confirming the same using appropriate keys of the keyboard (103);
- After confirming the details, payment gateways including but not limited to Bank transfer, online transfer, UPI, card payment, etc. will be displayed;
- Paying the stamp duty by choosing the appropriate payment gateway displayed on the display (102) or paying using a point of sale (POS) facility (108) attached to the kiosk (101);
- Getting the issued stamp paper (300) from the issued paper tray (105).
In an alternate stamp paper procurement procedure, the purchaser has to follow below mentioned steps -
- Visiting the online website or mobile application or software;
- Entering the details of the purchaser including name, address, details of related parties, contact number, Aadhar and/or PAN card details, etc. and entering the details of stamp including stamp duty to be paid, reason or cause of the stamp paper, etc. using the online website or mobile application or software;
- Cross-checking the entered details shown by the online website or mobile application or software and confirming the same;
- After confirming the details, payment gateways including but not limited to Bank transfer, online transfer, UPI, card payment, etc. will be displayed;
- Paying the stamp duty by choosing the appropriate payment gateway;
- Getting the QR code (for sake of better understanding, the QR code in this embodiment of the present invention is referred as QR-1 hereinafter) and token number and saving both the QR-1 and token number with the purchaser for further use;
- Visiting the nearest system (100) and opting for procurement using QR code (QR-1) and token number by selecting the appropriate icon displayed by the display (102) by using appropriate keys of the keyboard (103);
- Scanning the QR-1 by holding the QR-1 in front of the QR code scanner (104) or entering the token number using the keyboard (103);
- Getting the issued stamp paper (300) from the issued paper tray (105).
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the QR-1/Token Number stores all the data relating to the user including name, address, Aadhar and/or PAN card details, contact number, etc and details relating to the stamp including stamp duty paid, name of related parties, reason or cause of stamp, etc.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, a computer device (110) is provided within the kiosk (101) which acts a central computing and controlling unit of the kiosk (101) to govern the stamp issuance and refund procedures. The computer device (110) is connected to all the major components of the system (100).
The computer device (110) is connected to the central server and database (114) via a secured and encrypted connection method including wired and wireless connections. The computer device (110) is also connected to the components of the stamp issuance system such as printing device (112), unique marking device (113), display (102), keyboard (103), QR code scanner (104). The computer device (110) is also connected to the components of the stamp refund system such as scanning device (201) and paper shredder device (204).
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the central server and database (114) stores all the information related to the issued stamp including purchaser details, stamp details, bank details from which the duty is paid and refund status details. The server and database (114) is only accessible to the government officials and administrating staff (admin) via an admin computer (115). The server and database (114) also generate, monitors and stores the details of unique numbers, serial numbers, QR-1/Token number and other QR codes and barcodes relating thereto. The said data is stored securely in the server and database (114) ensuring the data security.
The server and database (114) also ensure the successful payment of stamp duty by communicating with the receiving bank's server and initiates further process relating thereto. The central server and database (114) is connected to the plurality of the stamp paper issuance and refund machines across the country.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the blank papers necessary for stamp paper printing are stored inside the blank paper tray (111) inside the kiosk (101). These blank papers have a security thread (301) as that of currency notes and a watermark (308) pre-embedded with them. The blank paper tray (111) has a sensor which detects if the tray (111) is empty or filled with the blank papers. If the sensor detects that the tray (111) is empty it sends a signal to the computer device (110) which further alerts the authorized person via the admin computer (115) that the tray (111) is empty and should be refilled.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, a printing device (112) is used to print the details of the purchaser, details of the stamp including serial number, time and date at which stamp duty is paid and stamp is printed, location of the kiosk from which the stamp has been procured and the payment and bank details from which duty is paid with normal ink on the blank paper. The printing device is also used to print an invisible QR code (for sake of better understanding, the QR code in this embodiment of the present invention is referred as QR-2 hereinafter) using invisible ink.
The QR-2 (305) contains all the details of the purchaser, details of stamp, time and date at which stamp duty is paid and paper is printed, location of the kiosk from where the stamp has been procured and payment and bank details from which the stamp duty is paid for the purpose of refund. The said QR-2 (305) is generated through the server and database (114) and stored within. The QR-2 (305) is printing using the invisible ink including Ultraviolet (UV) and Infrared (IR) ink. The invisible ink only illuminates under the particular UV and IR light when exposed to such light source. In ambient light condition, the said QR-2 (305) is invisible to naked eyes and to normal photographic devices or cameras.
According to further embodiment of the present invention, the QR-2 (305) is printed using UV and IR ink of specific frequency and of specific narrow band frequency which only illuminates if only the related frequency UV and IR light source is used and does not illuminate under any normal UV and IR light source. The invisible UV and IR ink of specific and narrow band frequency is chosen from the frequency ranges as 750 THz to 30,000 THz for UV ink and 300 GHz to 430 THz for IR ink. This feature enhances the security of the QR-2 (305) printed with invisible ink and makes it harder to see and decode the QR-2 (305) to the fraudulent elements.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the printing device (112) achieves both normal ink printing and invisible ink printing via a single printer with dual print-head and cartridges or a set of two printers, one for normal ink printing and second for invisible ink printing. The printing device (112) withdraws the blank paper from the blank paper tray (111) using series of rollers.
The printing device (112) is accessible to the authorized person for maintenance and troubleshoot purpose via the computer device (110). The person can access the computer device (110) to execute various maintenance and troubleshooting commands and processes relating to printing device (112) including nozzle check, nozzle cleaning, deep cleaning, head alignment, print align, roller cleaning, bottom plate cleaning, ink flush, connectivity settings, etc. The said commands and processes can be chosen using the display (102) and keyboard (103) combination and by selecting the appropriate icons with appropriate keys.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the printing device (112) has inbuilt sensors which detects any kind of malfunctioning in the printing process such as paper jammed, ink level below minimum level, etc. Such malfunctioning is communicated with the computer device (110) promptly and puts the particular kiosk machine of the system (100) on standby mode. It also alerts the admin of the system (100) for such malfunctioning of the system (100) via the admin computer (115) that the system has malfunctioned and needs the maintenance and repair.
The printing device (112) can be accessed via the security door (109) for the repair and maintenance purpose and other work such as refilling the ink. If the printing process is malfunctioned, then the payment made by the purchaser is refunded to the purchaser and the particular kiosk machine is put on the standby mode.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the system (100) further comprises the unique marking device (113) to imprint the unique mark (303) on the printed stamp paper. Once the paper is printed using the printing device (112), series of rollers smoothly transfer the paper to the unique marking device (113) which imprints the unique mark (303).
The said unique mark (303) includes but not limited to embossed mark, hologram, variable embossed mark, inked stamp mark, and so. The purpose of the said unique mark (303) is to establish the originality and authenticity of the issued stamp paper (300) visually.
The variable embossed mark comprises of multiple alphabetic / numeric / alphanumeric characters which can be varied each time to generate unique combination of alphabetic/numeric/alpha-numeric mark and can be embossed onto the paper to form the unique mark (303). The combination of the unique variable embossed mark is determined by the server and database (114) and stored accordingly with other details of the issued stamp paper (300). This data plays crucial role in establishing and cross-checking the authenticity and originality of the issued stamp paper (300).
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the admin computer (115) is a computer device connected to the server and database (114) directly with secured and encrypted lines of communication including wired and wireless methods. The admin computer (115) is only accessible to the authorized persons to view the saved data regarding issued stamp papers throughout the region including taluka, districts, states and country. The admin computer (115) also shows the location or area-wise procurement of stamp papers and variation related thereto which helps the government to analyze the area-wise requirement of stamp papers and area-wise transactional statistics.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the method of issuance of stamp paper from the system (100) comprises -
- Displaying the icons 'Normal Procurement Method', 'QR code/Token Number Method', 'Refund' on the display (102);
- Once the 'Normal Procurement Method' is selected, displaying the blank form to get the details of purchaser including but not limited to name, address, details of related parties, Aadhar and/or PAN number, mobile number and details of stamp including but not limited to payable amount, reason or cause of stamp paper;
- Getting the details and displaying the details confirmation window onto the display (102);
- Once details are confirmed, displaying the payment gateways on the display (102) as well as activating the POS (108);
- Once the payment is made, confirming the payment through the server and database (114) by communicating with the receiving bank's server;
- Storing the data in the central server and database (114);
- Fetching the blank paper from the blank paper tray (111) with help of series of rollers;
- Printing the details of purchaser, details of stamp, location of the machine, time and date of stamp duty paid and date and time of print, payment and bank details from which duty is paid and other serial numbers relating thereto using the printing device (112) after confirmation of payment using normal ink;
- Also, printing the invisible QR-2 (305) generated by the server and database (114) using invisible ink using the printing device (112);
- Transferring the printed paper to the unique marking device (113) and imprinting the unique mark (303);
- Transferring the issued stamp paper (300) outside the kiosk (101) to the issued paper tray (105);
Method governed by the central server and database (114) and controlled and handled by the computer device (110).
In another embodiment of the present invention, the method of issuance of the stamp paper by 'QR code/Token Number Method' comprises -
- Displaying the blank form to get the details of purchaser including but not limited to name, address, details of related parties, Aadhar and/or PAN number, mobile number and details of stamp including but not limited to payable amount, reason or cause of stamp paper on the mobile application/online website/software;
- Getting the details and displaying the details confirmation window on the user's device;
- Once details are confirmed, displaying the payment gateways on the user's device;
- Once the payment is made, confirming the payment through the server and database (114) by communicating with the receiving bank's server and generating one-time usable QR-1 and Token number, allowing user to save both for further use;
- Storing the data in the central server and database (114);
- Displaying the icons 'Normal Procurement Method', 'QR code/Token Number Method', 'Refund' on the display (102);
- Once the 'QR code/Token Number Method' is selected, activating the QR code scanner (104) and allowing user to enter token number with combination of display (102) and keyboard (103);
- Scanning the QR-1 using QR code scanner (104) and fetching the details or fetching the details based on the token number from the server and database (114);
- Once the details are fetched, getting the blank paper from the blank paper tray (111) with help of series of rollers;
- Printing the details of purchaser, details of stamp, location of the machine, time and date of stamp duty paid and date and time of print, payment and bank details from which duty is paid and other serial numbers relating thereto using the printing device (112) after confirmation of payment using normal ink;
- Also, printing the invisible QR-2 (305) generated by the server and database (114) using invisible ink using the printing device (112);
- Transferring the printed paper to the unique marking device (113) and imprinting the unique mark (303);
- Transferring the issued stamp paper (300) outside the kiosk (101) to the issued paper tray (105);
Method governed by the central server and database (114) and controlled and handled by the computer device (110).
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the system (100) also provides an 'edit' option to the user before confirmation of entered purchaser details while procuring the stamp paper. This edit option is useful to change any details of the purchaser or of stamp paper in case of any mistakes before confirmation.
According to further embodiment, the system generates an OTP (one time password) while purchasing the stamp and sends the OTP to the purchaser's mobile number for verification purpose. Also, a system generated message is sent to the purchaser's mobile number once the stamp is issued successfully.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the stamp refund system mainly comprises a paper inlet tray (106) and paper outlet tray (107) outside of the kiosk (101). The refund system also comprises invisible ink scanning device (201) and a paper shredder (204) with shredded paper collection tray (205) stored inside the kiosk (101).
The paper inlet tray (106) is used to accept the unused stamp paper for which the purchaser wants the refund. The outlet tray (107) is used to return the rejected stamp paper.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the purchaser willing to get refund for the unused stamp paper has to follow below mentioned procedure to get the refund -
- Visiting the nearest system (100);
- Putting the unused stamp paper in paper inlet tray (106);
- Selecting the appropriate icon of 'Refund' displayed by the display (102) using appropriate keys of the keyboard (103);
- Waiting till the process is completed and checking the refund successful or refund rejected message on the display (102);
- If the refund is rejected then taking out the stamp paper through the paper outlet tray (107).
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the invisible scanning device (201) comprises of an illuminating source (202) of UV and IR light and a capturing device (203) capable of capturing the illuminated UV and IR ink. The said illuminating source (202) has the same particular narrow band frequency as that of the invisible ink is used while issuing the stamp paper.
The capturing device (203) captures the illuminated QR-2 (305) under particular UV and IR light and sends the relating information to the computer device (110), the computer device fetches the details of the purchaser, stamp paper, payment details and bank details from the QR-2 (305) and validates with the central server and database (114). Once, the details are validated, the central server and database (114) initiates the refund on the purchaser's bank account and demolishes the paper using the paper shredder (204) by sending the appropriate command via the computer device (110).
According to an embodiment of the present invention, a security thread verification sensor (206) is used to verify the presence of security thread (301) on the issued stamp paper (300) as an additional layer of verification of the stamp paper. The security thread verification sensor (206) includes magnetic, metal detecting and optical sensors to check the presence of security thread (301).
According to further embodiment, the paper shredder (204) shreds the stamp paper against which the duty has been refunded successfully to avoid any misuse of such paper further. The shredded paper pieces get collected into the shredded paper collection tray (205).
The collection tray (205) has sensors which detects when the collection tray (205) is full and alerts the authorized person via the admin computer (115) to empty the tray (205).
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the method of refunding of the stamp duty via the system (100) comprises -
- Displaying the icons 'Normal Procurement Method', 'QR code/Token Number Method', 'Refund' on the display (102);
- Once the 'Refund' is selected, accepting the paper by the paper inlet tray (106) and activating the invisible scanning device (201);
- Scanning the QR-2 (305) by illuminating it under the illuminating source (202) and capturing the illuminated QR-2 (305) using the capturing device (203);
- Sending the captured QR-2 (305) to the computer device (110) and fetching the details of purchaser, details of stamp, payment and purchaser's bank details and validating with the central server and database (114);
- Verifying the presence of security thread (301) using the security thread verification sensor (206);
- After validation, initiating the refund to the purchaser's bank account and demolishing the paper using paper shredder (204);
Governed by central server and database (114) and controlled and handled by computer device (110).
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the invisible QR-2 (305) establishes the originality and authenticity of the issued stamp paper (300) and eliminates the possibility of getting the refund from copy or replica of the stamp paper.
According to further embodiment, the system generates an OTP (one time password) while refunding against the stamp and sends the OTP to the purchaser's mobile number for verification purpose. Also, a system generated message is sent to the purchaser's mobile number once the refund is done successfully.
The refund may get rejected due to following reasons including but not limited to -
- putting the copy or replica of the paper which does not have invisible QR-2 (305) hence the invisible scanning device (201) cannot capture anything;
- details are not validated;
- QR-2 (305) is not clearly visible or ruined.
In such cases the refund is rejected by the system (100) and the paper is ejected out of the kiosk (101) via the paper outlet tray (107).
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the issued stamp paper (300) issued through the system (100) mainly comprises a security thread (301), block of all the details relating thereto (302), unique mark (303), block containing notes and instructions thereto (304), QR-2 (305), signature box (306), watermark (308) and a blank space (307) for typing or writing purpose, etc.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the security thread (301) is similar to the metallic thread used in the currency notes. The security thread (301), watermark (308) and the unique mark (303) helps anyone to establish and cross-check the originality and authenticity of the issued stamp paper (303) visually.
The unique mark (303) and the invisible QR-2 (305) are designed in such a way that they are away from any edge and corner of the paper to avoid any kind of damage and folding of the paper while using and carrying it to preserve the unique mark (303) and QR-2 (305) for longer period of time.
According to further embodiment, the QR-2 (305) is placed inside the blank space of the signature box (306). The signature box (306) is used to get the signature of the purchaser only at the time of using the paper for any legal purpose. The notes (304) mandate the user to sign into the box (306) only at the time of using the paper.
Since, the purchaser is signing in the signature box (306) while using the issued stamp paper (300), it automatically ruins the QR-2 (305) which eliminates the chance of getting the refund from the used stamp paper as the ruined QR-2 (305) is undetectable by the invisible scanning device (201).
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the watermark (308) is placed in such a position that it does not overlaps the unique mark (303) and QR-2 (305). The watermark (308) and the security thread (301) are pre-included on the blank paper.
The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and it should be understood that the description of the above embodiments is only for helping to understand the method of the present invention and its core idea, and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, etc. made within the spirit and scope of the present invention are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.
, Claims:CLAIMS:
We claim,
1. An automated stamp paper kiosk (101) with refund mechanism and invisible QR code authentication; the said kiosk (101) comprising:
- a display (102) and a keyboard (103) for receiving and displaying user input;
- a QR code scanner (104) configured to scan user-provided QR codes for identification and data retrieval;
- a point of sale (POS) device (108) for accepting payments through various payment methods;
- a security door (109) providing authorized access to internal components of the system (100);
- a blank paper tray (111) containing blank papers with security threads (301) and watermarks (308);
- a computer device (110) connected to a central server and database (114) for data storage, processing, and communication with external payment and data validation servers;
- a unique marking device (113) for imprinting a unique mark (303) on the printed stamp paper (300) for authentication purposes;
- an issued paper tray (105) for delivering the issued stamp paper (300) to the user;
characterized by:
a printing device (112) with dual print-heads or two print devices, configured to print a visible purchaser and stamp details and an invisible QR code [QR-2 (305)] on the stamp paper (300) in a single pass, wherein the said invisible QR code (305) being printed in UV and IR ink with specific narrow-band frequencies in the range of 750 THz to 30,000 THz for UV ink and 300 GHz to 430 THz for IR ink for enhanced security;
a refund mechanism consisting of: a paper inlet tray (106) for accepting unused stamp paper returned by the user; an invisible ink scanning device (201) configured to detect and authenticate the QR-2 (305) on the unused stamp paper; a paper shredder (204) and shredded paper collection tray (205) for securely destroying the unused stamp paper upon authentication by the invisible ink scanning device (201), thereby ensuring secure disposal;
wherein the computer device (110) facilitates secure data exchange with the central server and database (114) to manage stamp issuance, refund transactions, data storage, and transaction validation.
2. The automated stamp paper kiosk as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the issued stamp paper (300) has a security thread (301), a block of details (302), a unique mark (303), a notes and instructions block (304), an invisible QR code (QR-2, 305), a signature box (306), a watermark (308), and a blank space (307) for writing.
3. The automated stamp paper kiosk as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the invisible QR code (QR-2) (305) printed on the stamp paper (300) includes purchaser details, stamp information, payment and bank details, transaction date and time, kiosk location, and serial numbers, with the QR code only visible under specific UV and IR light frequencies, thereby enhancing security and reducing the risk of fraudulent replication.
4. The automated stamp paper kiosk as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the invisible ink scanning device (201) captures the illuminated QR code (QR-2, 305) and sends related information to a computer device (110) that fetches purchaser, stamp, payment, and bank details for validation with a central server and database (114).
5. The automated stamp paper kiosk as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the security thread verification sensor (206) utilizes magnetic, metal-detecting, and optical sensors to verify the presence of security thread (301) on the issued stamp paper (300).
6. The automated stamp paper kiosk as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the computer device (110) initiates a refund to the purchaser's bank account and commands the paper shredder (204) to shred the unused stamp paper upon successful validation of details.
7. The automated stamp paper kiosk as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the collection tray (205) includes sensors that detect when it is full and alert an authorized person via an admin computer (115) to empty the tray (205).
8. The automated stamp paper kiosk as claimed in Claim 1, wherein an online platform accessible through a website, mobile application, or software, allows the user to input purchaser and stamp details, view payment options, and receive a QR code (QR-1) and token number upon successful payment, enabling them to access any system kiosk (101) for final stamp issuance by scanning QR-1 with the QR code scanner (104) or entering the token number.
9. The automated stamp paper kiosk as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the computer device (110) activates the POS device (108) and QR code scanner (104), performs error detection within the printing device (112), and sends alerts to authorized personnel via the admin computer (115) if maintenance or replenishment of the blank paper tray (111) is required.
10. The automated stamp paper kiosk as claimed in Claim 1, wherein an OTP-based verification system that sends a one-time password to the purchaser's registered mobile number for validation before final issuance or refund of the stamp paper (300) and subsequently sends a confirmation message to the purchaser upon successful completion of the issuance or refund transaction.
11. The automated stamp paper kiosk as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the watermark (308) is positioned to avoid overlap with the unique mark (303) and QR code (QR-2, 305), and is pre-included on the blank paper.
12. The automated stamp paper kiosk as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the unique mark (303) and QR code (QR-2, 305) are positioned away from edges and corners of the paper to prevent damage.
13. The automated stamp paper kiosk as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the QR code (QR-2, 305) is located within the signature box (306) to ensure it becomes unusable upon the purchaser signing the box (306) when using the stamp paper (300).

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