Description:DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the field of automated systems for issuing legal stamp papers.
More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and system for procuring stamp papers through an automatic kiosk-based system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Stamp papers, particularly non-judicial stamp papers, serve as crucial instruments in the creation and execution of legal documents such as Power of Attorney, Agreements, Licensing documents, etc. Traditionally, these stamp papers are typically foolscap papers with fixed values imprinted on them. In India, stamp papers of Rs. 100 and Rs. 500 denominations are widely utilized. Purchasers pay the requisite stamp duty to the government upon purchasing the stamp paper, which is then affixed to the respective document to legalize it.
The current methods for stamp paper issuance primarily operate through two channels: (i) through registered/authorized stamp vendors and (ii) via e-stamp facilities available on official websites. When procuring stamp paper from authorized vendors, the process typically involves providing details such as the purchaser's name and address, names of related parties, and the reason or cause for the stamp to the vendor. Subsequently, the vendor records these details on the stamp paper as well as in their register before issuing the stamped paper upon payment of the appropriate stamp fees.
However, the existing process of stamp issuance through authorized vendors is fraught with several loopholes and limitations. These include the sale of stamps before or after the prescribed timing set by governing authorities, the possibility of selling backdated stamps, challenges related to legibility due to handwritten details, susceptibility to tampering and manipulation of register details, difficulties in managing the wide network of vendors, potential sales of stamps from unregistered locations, and shortages of stamps of specific values.

Moreover, in urban areas with high transaction volumes, vendor locations often face overcrowding, exacerbating the strain on distribution networks. Conversely, in rural areas with fewer transactions, human idle time becomes a significant concern.
On the other hand, the e-stamp paper procurement method presents its own set of limitations. These include the requirement for systems inclusive of a PC or laptop, printer, and internet connection, the need for procurement skills or reliance on skilled individuals, and the possibility of single-use e-stamps being utilized for multiple documents without validation mechanisms to prevent misuse. Furthermore, since e-stamps are printed by purchasers on general printers without specific identity marks, establishing their originality becomes challenging, especially if printed multiple times.
In light of these challenges and drawbacks associated with existing stamp issuance methods, there arises a pressing need for an automatic system and method for stamp issuance to overcome these limitations and ensure a more efficient, secure, and reliable process.
The present invention addresses the drawbacks with existing state of the arts and describes an automated system for issuance of stamp paper and method thereof
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
The primary object of the present invention is to provide an automatic system to issue the stamp paper upon receiving the details and stamp duty from the purchaser;
Another object of the present invention is to provide an appropriate method for issuance of stamp through the kiosk-based system;
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for stamp issuance to reduce the human dependency in the system and to ensure lawfulness in the stamp issuance.
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 conventional practices and existing state of the art.
The present disclosure seeks to provide an automated kiosk based system for issuance of stamp paper and method thereof.
According to an aspect of the present invention, the automatic system for stamp paper issuance mainly comprises of a kiosk containing the interactive display unit, a keyboard, a QR code scanner and a paper collection tray on its outer side, while a central computer unit, a paper tray, a printer and an embossing mechanism contained inside it and secured by a security cabinet.
According to an aspect of the present invention, the kiosk is a secured cabinet made up of strong, sturdy, weather-resistant material, preferably metal to protect the components of the system from tampering and interference of damaging factors. The kiosk has a security door to access the internal components for maintenance purpose and for refilling the paper tray by authorized personnel only.
According to an aspect of the present invention, the display is an interactive unit used to display the information, while a keyboard is used to enter the details of the purchaser. A paper collection tray is used to collect the issued stamp paper. The height and the orientation of both display and the keyboard is designed considering the human ergonomic factors.
According to an aspect of the present invention, the QR code scanner is used to scan the QR code and get the details of the code and initiate the further process accordingly.
According to an aspect of the present invention, the central computer unit is the main computing unit of the system, the computer is connected to the server through a secured and encrypted connection as well as to all the components of the system. The central computer is assisted with the memory unit to temporarily store the memory inside the system.
According to an aspect of the present invention, the paper tray is used to hold the blank papers inside the kiosk, the printer is used to print the details of purchaser as well as the details of stamp on the blank paper.
According to further aspect of the present invention, the embossing mechanism is a multicharacter (numeric/alphabetic/alphanumeric) and variable embossed marking device used to imprint the embossed mark on the printed stamp paper. A series of rollers is provided between the paper tray-printer, printer-embossing mechanism and embossing mechanism-paper collection tray for smooth transfer of paper from one place to another.
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. 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 the perspective view of the automated kiosk-based system in accordance to the embodiments of present invention;
Figure 2 shows the front view of the automated kiosk-based system in accordance to the embodiments of present invention;
Figure 3 shows the back view of the automated kiosk-based system in accordance to the embodiments of present invention;
Figure 4 shows the block diagram representing the internal components in automated kiosk-based system in accordance to the embodiments of present invention;
Figure 5 shows the flowchart of the process of stamp issuance in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION 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 kiosk-based system for issuance of stamp paper and method thereof. The system is configured to issue the stamps through an automatic kiosk-based system. Also, the present invention provides the method of issuance of stamp paper.
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.
The automated kiosk-based system for issuance of stamp paper system (100) mainly comprises of, a kiosk (1) containing an interactive display (2), a keyboard (3), a QR code scanner (4) and a paper collection tray (5) on its outer side and a central computer (6), a paper tray (7) for holding the blank papers, a printer (8) and a multicharacter paper embossing mechanism (9) contained inside the kiosk (1). The internal components are accessible through the security door (10) for maintenance purpose.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the kiosk (1) is made up of strong, sturdy, weather-resistant material, preferably metal to contain all the components of the system (100) securely and is intended to protect the components from tampering and damaging factors. The kiosk (1) has a security door (10) to access the internal components by authorized personnel only.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the display (2) is an interactive unit used to display the information. Through the display (2) user can see what information he/she is entering, status of the process, instructions to assist the user for seamless stamp procurement, etc. The display (2) also displays payment gateways, payment QR code, etc.
The information of the purchaser, primarily name, address, name of related parties, etc. and the details of stamp paper, i.e. value of stamp required, cause or reason of stamp paper, etc. can be entered through the keyboard (3). The keyboard (3) also assists the user to navigate on the display (2) through suitable keys of the keyboard (3).
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the same display (2) and keyboard (3) combination can be used by an authorized person to access the central computer (6) for maintenance, troubleshoot purpose. The height and the orientation of both display (2) and the keyboard (3) is designed considering the human ergonomic factors.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, instead of using the display (2) and keyboard (3) combination, a touchscreen display with integrated digital keyboard in the user interface can be used alternatively.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the paper collection tray (5) is used to collect the printed and issued stamp paper, an opening is provided to the kiosk (1) to let the printed and issued paper out to the collection tray (5).
According to an embodiment of the present invention, a central computer (6) is placed inside the kiosk (1), the central computer is connected to the server by means of secured and encrypted connection lines and through server it is connected to the receiving bank.
The central computer (6) is the main computing unit of the system (100) which handles each and every process of it. It is connected to the display (2), the keyboard (3), the QR code scanner (4), the printer (8) and the embossing mechanism (9). The central computer (6) is assisted with the temporary memory unit to store memory for some amount of time until the processes are done.
According to an embodiment of the present invention and referring to the figure 4 and 5 of the present invention, the central computer (7) is connected to the server through secured and encrypted lines of connection. The server is only accessible to the government officials and all the details of stamp duty paid, details of purchaser along time and date of payment of stamp duty and location of purchase are stored on the server securely which ensures the data security.
The server also ensures that the stamp duty is paid successfully by communicating it with the receiving bank’s server and sends the message to the central computer (6). Once it is confirmed that the stamp duty is paid, the central computer (6) generates the print command.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the printer (8) is used to print the details of purchaser including name of the purchaser, address of the purchaser, mobile number, Aadhar or PAN number, details of related parties and other details as required. It is also used to print the details of stamp including amount of stamp duty, cause or reason of stamp paper, time and date at which stamp duty is paid to the receiving bank and the location of the machine from where the stamp is procured. It also mentions the serial number of the respective stamp paper as instructed by the server.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the printer (8) withdraws the blank papers from the paper tray (7) as per requirement. A series of rollers are used to smoothly move the paper from paper tray (7) to the printer (8). The paper tray (7) is used to hold the set of blank papers, the paper tray (7) is refillable and can be accessed through the security door (10) by authorized personnel.
The printer (8) has the accessibility through the central computer (6) by authorized personnel only for maintenance, troubleshoot purpose. Options such as nozzle check, nozzle cleaning, deep cleaning, head alignment, print align, roller cleaning, bottom plate cleaning, ink flush, connectivity settings are accessible through the central computer (6) for the maintenance of the printer (8).
Once the printing is done, the central computer (6) confirms the same to the server and receives unique combination for embossing mark and accordingly initiates the embossing command and moves the paper from the printer (8) to the embossing mechanism (9).
According to an embodiment of the present invention, a multicharacter and variable embossing mechanism (9) is used to imprint the embossed mark on the printed paper. The mark is helpful to identify and assure the originality and identity of the stamp paper.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the embossing mechanism (9) is a variable type of marking mechanism containing series of numeric/alphabetic/alphanumeric characters. The combination of multiple characters forms one unique mark. As all the characters of the embossing mechanism (9) are variable, each time a different unique mark can be generated for every stamp paper.
As an embodiment of the present invention, a sophisticated marking mechanism (9) is integrated into the system, centrally controlled by the server. This mechanism is designed to imprint a unique identity mark on every stamp paper issued including an embossed mark, inked stamp mark, hologram, or watermark, carefully selected for their capacity to enhance security and authenticity. Furthermore, to bolster traceability and accountability, each stamp paper is assigned a distinct serial number, ensuring meticulous record-keeping and verification capabilities within the system.
The integration of the stamp paper's serial number with its unique identity mark is exclusively managed and regulated by the server. This pivotal combination is securely stored within the server's database alongside comprehensive transactional details. This repository of information serves as a robust tool for validating the authenticity of stamp papers in the future, thereby mitigating the risk of fraudulent activities.
In the operational workflow, a sequence of rollers facilitates the seamless transition of paper from the printer (8) to the marking or embossing mechanism (9) and subsequently to the paper collection tray (5). Following the completion of the marking/embossing process, the central computer orchestrates the transfer of the stamped paper from the embossing mechanism (9) to the designated paper collection tray (5). This systematic movement ensures efficient processing and retrieval of stamped papers within the kiosk-based system.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the procedure to procure the stamp from the system (100) involves following steps –
- Initiating a new stamp paper command within the kiosk and entering purchaser details, including name, address, mobile number, Aadhar or PAN number, details of related parties, and other required details using the same keyboard (3), followed by uploading it to a server through a central computer (6);
- Entering stamp details including the amount of stamp duty and the cause or reason of the stamp paper, followed by cross-checking and confirming the entered details via a display (2);
- Generating payment gateways and displaying them on the display (2) for payment of the stamp duty;
- Paying and confirming the stamp duty payment by contacting a receiving bank’s server;
- Generating a print command by the central computer (6) and printing the details on a blank paper using a printer (8), wherein the blank paper is withdrawn from a paper tray (7);
- Obtaining a unique embossing mark combination from the server and generating an embossing command;
- Moving the paper from the printer (8) to an embossing or marking mechanism (9) and imprinting the embossed mark on the paper;
- Transferring the paper to the paper collection tray (5) with the assistance of a series of rollers for smooth transfer, controlled/governed by the central computer (6).
According to an embodiment of the present invention, for an alternate method of stamp paper procurement, a website, software, or mobile application is established to facilitate the procurement of stamp papers. Through this platform, purchasers input their details along with stamp specifications, which are then submitted to the server. Upon submission, the requisite stamp duty is remitted to the receiving bank. Subsequently, upon confirmation of payment, a unique QR code accompanied by a token number, containing pertinent purchaser and stamp details as well as payment time, is generated. This generation process can be initiated conveniently from a laptop, PC, or mobile device, irrespective of location.
Following QR code/token number generation, purchasers can visit the nearest stamp paper issuance machine. At the kiosk, they have the option to scan the QR code using the integrated QR code scanner (4) or manually input the token number via the keyboard (3). Upon completion of this step, the stamp paper is promptly printed out through the kiosk (1), thereby facilitating a streamlined and user-friendly stamp paper procurement process.
An embodiment of the present invention offers an alternate method for stamp procurement from the system (100), commencing with users initiating the process through a website, software, or mobile application. Here, they input purchaser details such as name, address, mobile number, Aadhar or PAN number, along with stamp specifics including the amount of stamp duty and the reason for the stamp paper. Following a thorough review and confirmation of the entered information, users proceed to remit the stamp duty through accessible payment gateways on the app/website/software. Upon successful payment processing, users receive a QR code and a unique token number containing all relevant transaction details. Subsequently, users visit the nearest stamp issuance machine where they choose between scanning the QR code using the integrated QR code scanner (4) or manually entering the token number via the keyboard (3) interface. Upon completion of this step, users receive the issued stamp paper from the paper collection tray (5), ensuring a streamlined and user-friendly stamp paper procurement process.
In conjunction with this embodiment, another method of stamp issuance through the system involves the system retrieving purchaser and stamp details by scanning the QR code through the QR code scanner (4) or accessing the entered token number via communication with the server. Subsequently, the central computer (6) generates a print command, printing the purchaser and stamp details onto a blank paper using the printer (8). After printing, the system obtains a unique embossing mark combination from the server and generates an embossing command. The paper is then transferred from the printer (8) to the embossing mechanism (9), where the embossed mark is imprinted onto the paper. Following the embossing process, the paper is moved to the paper collection tray (5) with the assistance of a series of rollers, controlled by the central computer (6). These embodiments collectively ensure a seamless and controlled stamp issuance process, emphasizing security and authenticity in stamp paper procurement.
The present invention not only overcomes drawbacks and loopholes of the existing system but also ensures the data security and accessibility to the data for the government officials in a secured and easier way. The present invention reduces the load on the existing stamp paper distribution system and allows an automatic and flawless stamp issuance system and method ensuring the lawfulness in the process.
, Claims:We Claim,
1. An automated kiosk-based system for stamp paper issuance (100), the said system comprising:
- a sturdy, weather-resistant kiosk (1) constructed from metal, enclosing all system components securely;
- an interactive display (2) and a keyboard (3) combination, facilitating user input, displaying information, and serving as an access point to the central computer (6);
- a QR code scanner (4) integrated into the kiosk for efficient data input;
- a paper collection tray (5) positioned on the outer side of the kiosk, enabling the collection of printed and issued stamp papers, with an opening in the kiosk for the dispensed papers to enter the tray;
- a central computer unit (6) securely housed within the kiosk,
- a paper tray (7),
- a printer (8);
- a security door (10) for authorized personnel access;
characterized by a marking mechanism (9) controlled by the server to create a unique identity mark, including an embossed mark, inked stamp mark, hologram, and watermark, along with a unique serial number, on each stamp paper.
2. The automated system for stamp paper issuance (100), wherein the central computer unit (6) is connected to a server via encrypted connection lines for secure communication and data storage.
3. The automated system for stamp paper issuance (100), wherein the printer (8) utilizes a series of rollers to withdraw blank papers from the paper tray (7) for printing.
4. A method for procuring a stamp paper from an automated kiosk-based system for stamp paper issuance, the said method comprising:
- initiating a new stamp paper command within the kiosk and entering purchaser details, including name, address, mobile number, Aadhar or PAN number, details of related parties, and other required details using the same keyboard (3), followed by uploading it to a server through a central computer (6);
- entering stamp details including the amount of stamp duty and the cause or reason of the stamp paper, followed by cross-checking and confirming the entered details via a display (2);
- entering stamp details, encompassing the amount of stamp duty and cause or reason for the stamp paper, through said input interface;
- generating payment gateways and displaying them on the display (2) for payment of the stamp duty;
- executing the payment transaction securely via the payment gateway and confirming the stamp duty payment by contacting a receiving bank’s server;
- generating a print command by the central computer (6) and printing the details on a blank paper using a printer (8), wherein the blank paper is withdrawn from a paper tray (7);
- obtaining a unique embossing mark combination from the server and generating an embossing command;
- moving the paper from the printer (8) to an embossing or marking mechanism (9) and imprinting the embossed mark on the paper;
- transferring the paper to the paper collection tray (5) with the assistance of a series of rollers for smooth transfer, controlled/governed by the central computer (6).
characterized by stamp paper procurement through a QR code as well as token number option, wherein a generating a QR code or token number is generated containing transaction details via an online platform; and presented at the kiosk’s QR code scanner (4) or keyboard (3) interface to receive the stamp paper with the unique identity mark and serial number from the collection tray (5);
further characterized by an automated dispensing mechanism which ensures efficient delivery of stamp papers into the collection tray and by marking mechanism (9) which imprints a unique identity mark, including an embossed mark, inked stamp mark, hologram, and watermark, along with a unique serial number, on the printed paper for enhanced security and authenticity.