IL287600A - System and method for authenticating production according to jewish law of religious articles containing holy texts - Google Patents

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTHENTICATING PRODUCTION ACCORDING TO JEWISH LAW OF RELIGIOUS ARTICLES CONTAINING HOLY TEXTS FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention is in the field of video monitoring and authentication in a production environment, and in particular of production of holy Jewish texts.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION Computer-based systems for evaluating the accuracy of written parchment products—in Jewish tradition these include a Torah scroll, tefillin (phylacteries), mezuzah (a passage written on parchment, encased and affixed to a doorpost), Nevi’im (prophetic writings), Ketuvim (Hagiographa), and Megillat Esther (the Book of Esther)—with regard to parameters such as spelling, letter-shape accuracy, sufficient space between letters, and correct placement and sizes of letter ornaments (called tagin).

A company called Tor Software published an informational advertisement describing a software system for monitoring the writing of a scribe and visually indicating when the system detects a mistake: a missing letter, extra letter, or transposed letters. The advertisement (in Hebrew) is included with and incorporated in this application.

SUMMARY The present invention relates to a system and method for authenticating production according to Jewish law of religious articles containing holy texts.

The system provides a buyer or potential buyer of such articles with videographic evidence of the product and its handling during production. The system captures videos of the product and persons making the product—scribes, correctors, and post-writing process workers—and provides the videos to buyer. The buyer thus verifies that the article was made according to Jewish law and to promised standards.

The system enables a customer experience that can—in real time or by delayed viewing of video recordings—alert a buyer of a potential problem in the production of its product. The buyer can be anywhere in the world and live-stream or download recordings from a web site.

A prospective buyer may "peek in" on the writing and production of the article, and decide if he is interested in buying the product or similar product from the same manufacturer.

The system can provide a reservoir of video evidence of each produced article that continues to make the entire production process, even long after the time of production.

In some embodiments, the system is based on a database containing, e.g. photos, videos, certificates and certifications, from the history of product preparation processes and creating an option to identify the products objectively according to preparation characteristics, quality, degree of training, transparency and issue a unique certification for product quality. Virtually thus creating an option for comparison between the products.

Creating a database with an identification number and information unique to Jewish religious articles, including written parchment products in Jewish tradition these include a Torah Scroll, Tefillin (phylacteries), Mezuzah (a passage written on parchment, encased and affixed to a doorpost), Nevi’im (prophetic writings), Ketuvim (Hagiographa), and Megillat Esther (the Book of Esther), which were made according to the Jewish Laws.

The database makes it possible to identify the products objectively according to their preparation characteristics, quality, degree of training, transparency, and to issue a virtual quality and Kosher certificate, which can be accessed anywhere and anytime, thus creating an option for comparing the products.

The retrieval of informationis done by scanning a unique barcode for the product, numerical or formal, one-dimensional or multi-dimensional ( barcodes are data codes that contain important data and information pertaining to a specific product ) .

When we refer to barcode technology we also include its various forms including Linear (1D) barcodes and Matrix (2D) barcodes.

Simultaneously or alternatively the retrieval of the information is done by scanning a digital tag—a unique electronic or magnetic chip (an integrated circuit or monolithic integrated circuit) also referred to as an IC, a chip, or a microchip)which is a set of electronic circuits on one small flat piece (or "chip") of semiconductor material).

With reference to the chip, we also include chips based on radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, as well as the wireless data transfer technology called NFC (Near Field Communication) that detects and then enables technology in close proximity to communicate without the need for an internet connection.

These include a link to the databases or the information on the processes of producing the Holy Texts to be sure they were done according to all the rules of Jewish Law, identifying their original owners and a personal identification number for each Holy Text.

The present invention relates to a system and method for identifying Jewish religious articles made according to the rules of Jewish Law, which include religious articles containing Holy Texts.

The database stores photos and videos from the process of preparing Jewish religious articles that include the holy texts made according to Jewish Law, photographs and in-depth scans of the parchment on which the texts are written, start and end dates of preparation, certificates and information about producers and manufacturers, level of kosherness and beauty of preparation according to the rules of Jewish Law, identification of product owners, warranty certificates, reports or comments from the preparation processes.

Each article that includes the sacred Jewish texts is given a personal, non-transferrable ID number.

Each article is also given a unique scan code (barcode) or chip with information and a unique number.

Biometric verificationmakes it possible to create a unique global database for each product that includes the Holy Texts, which due to the nature of their preparation which are made by hand only and from raw materials from animals and plants alone can never create a situation where one product or text is similar to another, even if both were made by the same person and from the same raw materials.

According to Jewish Law the raw materials must be from animals and plants, images that can identify the texture, shape, shades of color, ridges and valleys on the surface of the skin and 3 color from the production processes made by hand, and create a fingerprint of the parchment, the shape of the letters, leather boxes that contain the Tefillin parchment before painting and after painting, and the leather threads with which the parchment are sewn.

The database will also store high-resolution proximity images of the raw materials before and after preparation, according to the rules of Jewish Law.

Thus, it is and will forever be possible to identify according to biometric identifiers of the raw materials and physical properties of the Jewish Religious products that also include the Holy Texts made according to Jewish Law, during preparation and after preparation.

As a result, it is enough to look at the pictures and scans of the products that include the Holy Texts, and compare in front of the product itself or for more complete identification by looking at the product with a magnifying glass to identify if it is the same product or different product or if changes have been made.

The connection to the database is made via the Internet to servers that connect to the database and from which the information can be retrieved anywhere in the world and at any time.

Alternatively or in addition,the product information will already be embedded in a barcode or chip without the need to connect to an external database .

The retrieval of the informationwill be done by scanning a unique barcode for the product, which will be created during the preparation of the product or after the preparation of the product and which will be attached to the product or the product casing. The scan can be done by barcode scanning apps, which are common in Smart mobile devices. The barcode itself does not depend on external databases and will have the full information, or alternatively, will be linked to an external server and a database in which will appear all product details, including pictures and videos from the process of preparing the products, photographs and in-depth scans of the parchment on which the texts are written, before and after writing, start and end dates of preparation, certificates and information about the scribes, producers and manufacturers, costs, level of kosherness and beauty of preparation according to Jewish Law, identification of product owners, personal identification number of the product, warranty certificates, reports or comments from the preparation processes.

If necessary, similar information will also be added in the event of a product repair.

Alternatively or in additionto a barcode, an electronic or magnetic chip will be attached to the product that includes the Holy Texts, or will be attached to the product component through a chip reader adapted to it or through a software or scanning application that reads information from electronic chips or magnets, or a magnetic integrated electronic chip independent of external repositories, or alternatively be linked to a database or refer to a virtual database in which all the product details will appear.

Alternatively or in addition , it will be possible to enter the database and receive product information according to the personal identity number of the product, using connection and viewing devices such as computer, smartphone, tablet and more, via the Internet or directly to the database without the need for an Internet connection.

The application and scanning softwarefor information, identification and verification of products made according to Jewish Law that include the Holy Texts, can be unique to products that include the Jewish Holy Texts or even in applications and software used to identify or receive information about other items other than products.

Till today , all written parchment products in Jewish tradition include a Torah Scroll, Tefillin (phylacteries), Mezuzah (a passage written on parchment, encased and affixed to a doorpost), Nevi’im (prophetic writings), Ketuvim (Hagiographa), and Megillat Esther (the Book of Esther), there was no ability to identify or inform at all about the history of the preparation of the Holy Texts, and when the customer bought the same products that included the Holy Texts he had to convince his friends, the community in which he lived, a potential customer and especially himself that the product was made to a certain level, and with a certain value because most of the laws pertaining to Holiness and Kosherness according to Jewish Law cannot be identified at all after the completion of writing and preparing the articles of Holiness that include the Holy Texts.

Consequently, the market for the preparation of religious articles that include the Holy Texts according to Jewish Law, there is no clear pricing because the cost stems from the degree of preparation according to Jewish Law and the higher the level of the Jewish Laws, the higher the cost of the product.

However, in the case of sale and purchase it is not possible to price the product according to knowledge because after its preparation, all the products look similar. It all depends on trusting 5 the seller who can easily mislead the customer and sell him at an expensive price a product inferior in its level of kosherness as a product with a strict and higher level of preparation.

Due to the inability to identify the level of kosher product whether made according to Jewish Law or not, an entire market is created that buys religious articles according to the beauty of the letters in the Holy Texts, which is like diagnosing a diamond quality according to its packaging. There are many laws that can be incorrect, unrecognizable after writing, which may disqualify the product and which the customer will never know about.

The seller also has a benefit , because nowadays the customer is not sure if the seller is not lying about the level of kosherness of the product and thus raises prices, so the customer may buy the cheaper products because he does not know if the expensive ones are really worth the price. Because of our invention the customer can immediately know the level of kosherness and as a result he will be able to appreciate the value of the purchase and even choose more expensive Holy Texts because he knows that there is real value to his money.

Social status -In most Jewish homes there is at least one of the Jewish Holy Products that include the Jewish Holy Texts and which are for some of the clients in the Jewish world a status symbol for a religious spiritual rank in front of the community in which he lives.

In the field of Holy Texts even if a person bought a high level of Sacred Jewish products at particularly expensive prices, he could not prove it to those around him.

Now, following this invention, the customer and product owners can give those around him the option to scan the barcode or chip and see all the information about the preparation, the level of kosherness, the costs and all the information regarding the history and information about the product.

Viewing informationThere are Holy Texts whose use requires them to be closed in a way that the content cannot be seen in everyday use. for example, Mezuzah (a passage written on parchment) found in all religious Jewish homes in the world (and even by a large part of Jews who define themselves as non-religious), located on the entrance lintel to the house and even the rest of the lintels in the house, and when the Mezuzah is hung on the lintel it is rolled up in a beautiful box the size of the Mezuzah to protect from water damage and external damage and which the contents of the Mezuzah cannot be seen.

However, with this invention anyone entering the door will be able to scan the barcode or chip attached to the lintal itself or to the Mezuzah box or adjacent to it and get all the historical information of the preparation processes including photos, videos and audio, and see its monetary value, spiritual level according to Rules of Jewish Law and other information regarding the Mezuzah.

The same thing happens with Tefillin (phylacteries),when at the end of writing the Sacred Texts on parchment and are rolled and put into leather boxes (called Batim) that are sewn and sealed and thus used in religious practice according to the Jewish faith ,so that the Holy Texts can not be seen inside. Therefore the invention gives an option by attaching the barcode or chip to the product to scan them in a scanning app on the cell phone and get all the information history, photos, video and audio from the preparation and writing processes even though they are closed and sealed.

In Torah Scroll, Nevi’im (prophetic writings), Ketuvim (Hagiographa), and Megillat Esther (the Book of Esther), the process of obtaining information, with the personal barcode or personal chip attached or inserted into the product itself or the packaging that covers it and which can be scanned and get all the information about the scanned product.

Kashrut problem: There are basic rules of kosherness in the preparation of religious articles that include the Holy Texts, and which non-compliance with strict Jewish Laws during their preparation and writing that disqualifies them, when after completion of their preparation you can not see the same problems that caused their disqualification and the customer will never know.

This invention brings a solution to this problem, by entering the product in the database and obtaining a unique identification code for the product that will require transparency and references in the preparation and writing processes according to the rules of Jewish Law.

Thus, when customers come to buy one of the products that include the Holy Texts they will be able to scan the barcode or chip attached and the more transparent and complete the information about the product preparation history the easier it will be for customers to choose the product they want.

In addition , it will be possible to add a rating to the level of transparency and trust in the product according to the quality and expansion of the preparation history, such as video, audio, images and more.

Protection From Theft And Loss In case of theft, the product owners will report to the database owners who in turn will mark on the product page about the theft of the product and immediately report to the police in case the thief tries to sell the product and use a barcode or chip to prove the quality of the product to a third party.

In case the thief gets rid of the barcode or chip, the product will become almost worthless because it will not be marked.In case of loss, the product owners will contact the database owners and those in turn will mark on the product information page options to contact the original owner to return it to them, and when the product is found the finders can scan the barcode or chip attached to it and return it to its owner.

Protection During Sale Because the Holy Texts are written in ink on leather parchment, touching them by the customers with their hands or a little dirt, or worse, water moisture, will to destroy them.

Our invention solves the problem, in the case of selling Jewish religious articles containing the Holy Texts, buyers will be able to scan the personal barcode or chip for each product, using the software or scanning application on their smartphone, and see all the historical information about the product including pictures and videos from the process of preparing the products, photographs and in-depth scans of the parchment on which the texts are written before and after writing, start and end dates of preparation, certificates and information about the scribes, producers and manufacturers, costs, level of kosherness and beauty of preparation according to Jewish Law, identification of product owners, personal identification number of the product, warranty certificates, reports or comments from the preparation processes. And thus decide which product they are interested in buying without having to touch the sensitive Holy Texts.

Online Shopping Experience We explained above how the market for religious articles that include the Holy Texts suffers from a constant suspicion on the part of the customers in front of the sellers, about their history of preparation and the level of kosher preparation according to Jewish Law.

Concerning online sales developing in the world, in the field of selling Holy Texts there is no progress, as the decision of what to buy depends on the level of trust in the seller, so the vast majority of buying Holy Texts will be done face to face.

As we have explained , because of the Jewish preparation laws, there can never be a Sacred product that includes the Holy Texts that would be similar to another Holy Text from the same category, even if prepared by the same person with the same raw materials.

Our invention createsan option for the seller to display the product online including the personal identification number attached to it, where the customer can log in with any device with the option of connecting and viewing the product through a unique application or website to the database where he can type the product identification number and see all historical information relevant to the product, including pictures and videos from the process of preparing the product, photographs and in-depth scans of the parchment on which the texts are written, before and after writing, start and end dates of preparation, certificates and information about the scribes, producers and manufacturers, costs, level of kosherness and beauty of preparation according to Jewish Law, identification of product owners, personal identification number of the product, warranty certificates, reports or comments from the preparation processes.

Thus, the customer will be able to decide between products and buy them online. In doing so, we create a new market that can develop onlineas in other markets.

In addition,the system also gives the customer in such a case also the details of the seller and the store address, and in case of a dispute between the customer and the seller related to the product, the database could be a source for checking their claims.

It is therefore an objective of the invention to provide a system for authenticating production according to Jewish law of religious articles containing holy texts, comprising a. an inscription monitoring station comprising i. a writing camera, configured to provide close-up video of writing of a parchment product; ii. a scribe camera with microphone, configured to provide video with sound of a scribe during the writing of the written parchment product; b. a server, in communicative connection with the product camera and the scribe camera; the server configured to receive videos comprising the product video and the scribe video; c. a database, in communicative connection with the server; the database configured to store the product video and the scribe video in association with the parchment product; and d. a remote device, in communicative connection with the server; the remote device configured to receive and display the product video and the scribe video; wherein the writing camera is further configured to take an end-of-writing image of the parchment product after writing is completed and the server is configured to receive, timestamp, and store in the database the end-of-writing image in association with the parchment product.

It is a further objective of the invention to provide the abovementioned system, further comprising a washroom camera, configured to provide a video in proximity to a hand-washing station.

It is a further objective of the invention to provide any of the abovementioned systems, wherein the writing camera is further configured to a. take an image of the parchment product at the end of a writing session; and b. take an image of the parchment product upon resumption of writing; and wherein the server is further configured to c. receive, timestamp, and store in the database the end-of-session image and the writing-resumption image, in association with the parchment product; and d. verify an exact match between the end-of-session image and the writing resumption image; and e. record the verification or verification failure in the database, in association with the written parchment.

It is a further objective of the invention to provide the abovementioned system any of the abovementioned systems, further configured to determine the identity of an unknown parchment product by searching for an exact match of an image of said unknown parchment product with a said end-of-writing image in said database.

It is a further objective of the invention to provide any of the abovementioned systems, further comprising a proofreading and correction monitoring station, comprising f. a hi-res proofreading camera, configured to take one or more proofreading images and a post-correction image; wherein the server is further configured to i. receive, timestamp, and store in the database an initial the proofreading image; and ii. verify an exact match between the initial proofreading image and the end-of- writing image; iii. provide an indication to a proofreader, based on the initial proofreading image, of script errors found in the parchment; and iv. provide an indication to the proofreader, based on the post-correction image, of validation of script in the parchment; and g. a corrector camera comprising a microphone; configured to configured to provide video of a corrector during the correction and proofreading of the written parchment. wherein the server receives and stores the proofreading video in the database, and the remote device is further configured to receive and display the proofreading video.

It is a further objective of the invention to provide any of the abovementioned systems, wherein said server is further configured to verify, from said product videos, said end-of-session images, said resumption-of-writing images, that each letter in a tefillin or mezuza parchment is written in its order as written in the Torah.

It is a further objective of the invention to provide any of the abovementioned systems, further comprising a post-writing process monitoring station for tefillin, comprising a. a hi-res finished-parchment camera, configured to take an image of finished the parchment product; wherein the server is further configured to i. receive, timestamp, and store in the database the finished image in association with the parchment product; and ii. verify an exact match between the post-correction image and the finished image; and iii. record the verification or a verification failure in the database, in association with the parchment product; and b. a post-writing process camera, configured to i. provide one or more images of the inside and outside of a tefillin head box and tefillin hand box; ii. provide video of painting the head box and hand box; and iii. provide video of rolling the parchment products and placement into chambers of the head-box and a chamber of the hand-box. further wherein said verification further comprises a determination that writing of each successive parchment placed in said head box was started after writing and correction of a previous parchment placed in said head box was completed.

It is a further objective of the invention to provide any of the abovementioned systems, wherein the server is further configured to process the product video and/or the scribe video and evaluate whether the writing and/or conduct of the scribe conform(s) to one or more halachic standards.

It is a further objective of the invention to provide any of the abovementioned systems, wherein the remote device is further configured to select display of either live streams of the videos or of videos stored in the database.

It is a further objective of the invention to provide any of the abovementioned systems, wherein the remote device is further configured to display the product video and the scribe video in synchronization.

It is a further objective of the invention to provide any of the abovementioned systems, further comprising a time clock, configured to enable the scribe to indicate a starting and stopping time of a session of the writing.

It is a further objective of the invention to provide any of the abovementioned systems, wherein the proofreading camera is configured to take continuous video of the parchment during proofreading.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 shows a block diagram of a system for oversight of production of holy Jewish texts, according to some embodiments of the invention.

Figure 2 shows a inscription monitoring station, for monitoring a scribe and writing of the scribe, according to some embodiments of the invention.

Figure 3 shows a proofreading and correction monitoring station, for monitoring the proofreading and correction of a written parchment product.

Figure 4Ashows illustrates rolling and placing tefillin parchments into chambers of a head-tefillin housing.

Figure 4B shows a post-writing process monitoring station, for monitoring the process of sewing together parchments to form a scroll.

Figure 5 shows a block diagram of a system for identification and verification of Jewish religious articles that include or contain holy text, according to some embodiments of the invention.

Figure 6 shows a block diagram of a system for identification and verification of Jewish religious articles, employing an alternative or additional way to enter the system database and receive information about one of the articles.

Figures 7 and 8shows ways in which a digital tag is employed in the system of Figure 5 .

Figures 9 A – 9Eshow explanatory details of tefillin.

Figure 10 shows explanatory details of a mezuza.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION " High-resolution(hi-res) camera " refers to a camera that images an area of writing comprising an entire parchment, or significant portion thereof, in sufficient detail to detect flaws of individual letters (missing letters, extra letters, transposed letters, mis-shaped letters, etc.) within the imaged writing area.

" Name ( s )" shall refer to one or more of the names of God, including the Ineffable (forbidden to pronounce) four-letter Name and other names. of God.

Reference is now made to Figure 1 , showing a block diagram of a system 1for authenticating production according to Jewish law of religious articles containing holy texts, according to some embodiments of the invention. System 1comprises one or more of an inscription monitoring station 10 , for video monitoring of behavior of a scribe and of writing of letters on a parchment; a proofreading and correction monitoring station 20 , for video monitoring of a proofreader/corrector and of the written parchment under correction; and a post-writing process monitoring station 30 , for monitoring treatment of written parchments after writing. In the case of a Torah scroll, the post-writing treatment comprises stitching together panels of written parchment side-by-side to form a continuous scroll of parchment. In the case of tefillin, the post-writing treatment comprises painting of the hand and head boxes, rolling of the parchments, insertion of the rolled parchments into chambers of the hand and head boxes, and stitching closed the hand and head boxes.

Monitoring stations 10 , 20 , 30are in communicative connection with a server 40of system 1 , which functions, inter alia, to receive, analyze, and/or distribute images/videos from monitoring stations 10 , 20 , 30 . Server 40stores videos in a database 50 , which may be part of server 40 , and distributed to one or more remote devices 60 . Remote device 60is typically a mobile or desktop computing device, or a removable storage device such as a disk or flash (USB) drive. System 1may comprise one or more server and/or database backup units (not shown), so that monitoring stations 10 , 20 , 30may continue to function in case of failure of server 40or database 50 .

In some embodiments, an interface display (not shown) may be used at each monitoring station 10 , 20 , 30 , in order for a scribe to interact with system 1 .

While server 40 , database 50 , and remote device 60is presented in the singular throughout this application, it is appreciated that there can be multiple instances of these devices. For example, there can be different servers 125and/or databases 50at different monitoring stations 10 , 20 , 30 . Additionally, for example, there are typically different remote devices 60for different buyers of parchment products.

Reference is now made to Figure 2 , showing an inscription monitoring station 10 , according to some embodiments of the invention.

In some embodiments, inscription-monitoring station 10comprises a hi-res writing camera 115and a scribe camera 120 . Server 40receives video signals from cameras 115 , 120 . A database 50(which can be a part of a computer comprising the server 40 ) stores videos and/or still images taken by cameras 115 , 120 . A remote device 60 , in communicative connection with server 40 , is employed for viewing and/or downloading the videos.

Writing camera 115is a camera providing close-up video of writing of script on parchment product 105 . The line-of-sight of writing camera 115may be angled, in order to observe writing unobstructed by the hands of the scribe 110 . Optionally, writing camera 115is furnished with a light source (e.g., a ring-LED light source around the lens) in order, for example, to illuminate parchment 105if room lighting is inadequate.

Writing camera 115allows monitoring (e.g. by a buyer or potential buyer of written parchment product 105 ) by remote device 60of the writing and erasures on the written parchment product 105 , to ensure the buyer it conforms to standards of Jewish law; for example, with regard to the correct order of letters. In particular, tefillin and mezuzahs require that letters be properly written in the correct order. As this requirement cannot be checked by visual inspection of the finished product, the writing video enables verification that correction to an earlier-written defective letter is properly made, i.e. that subsequently written letters are erased before correcting the defective letter. Also, that such erasure does not include the four-letter ineffable Name, whose deletion is forbidden by Jewish law.

Scribe camera 120is aimed at scribe 110 . The field-of-view of scribe camera 120may include the upper body, including the hands and face, or, alternatively, only the face. Scribe camera 120further comprises a microphone 122 , for addition of sound to the scribe video. Microphone 122may be integrated with scribe camera 120 . Alternatively, an external directional microphone may be directed at scribe 110or a small microphone may be placed near or worn by scribe 110 .

The scribe video from scribe camera 120allows for monitoring of scribe 110 , to ensure his conduct comports with requirements of Jewish law. For example, scribe 110is required to say a formulaic statement of intent before beginning writing and before writing any of the Names of G-d; if he fails to do so the written parchment he will write will be invalid. Additionally, scribe 110is required to pronounce each word before writing; failure to do so may reduce the quality — and therefore the price — of the parchment product 105 . Additionally, for example, scribe 110 is forbidden to speak regarding any matter not connected with his writing; doing so may reduce the quality of the parchment 105 .

In some embodiments, inscription-monitoring station 10further comprises a washroom camera 124 , aimed at a handwashing area 126such as a sink, whose video verifies that scribe 110 properly washed his hands, as required by Jewish law, after using the washroom. For example, according to some stringencies handwashing water must be poured from a vessel 129 . The washroom door 128may be included in the field-of-view of washroom camera 124 , so as to determine that scribe 110entered the washroom and is therefore required to wash his hands. Washroom camera 124may comprise a microphone to add sound to the washroom video, as scribe 110is forbidden to speak while going to and from the washroom. There may be more than one washroom camera 124 ; for example, if the washroom is sufficiently far from the writing station, such that every portion of the walking distance is covered by a camera.

Alternatively, or in addition, the scribe camera 120captures handwashing area 126within the same angular field-of-view capturing the scribe 110during writing.

Cameras 115 , 120may comprise a clock or may be fed the time from server 40 . Cameras 115 , 120 , as well as all other video cameras described herein, may interlace a running timestamp in the video data. Such a running timestamp may be used for synchronization and authentication purposes, as further described herein.

Server 40can be any type of server; e.g., a cloud server, a dedicated server, or a distributed network. Server receives video data from cameras 115 , 120 . Communication with the cameras 115 , 120 , 124can be wired or wireless; and can be direct or routed (e.g., over the Internet or a VPN). In some embodiments, server 40is disposed in a secured location removed from inscription monitoring station 10 , thereby minimizing the possibility of data tampering. Video signals from the cameras 115 , 120to server 40may be compressed and/or encrypted using one or more methods known in the art. Server 40stores writing and scribe video files in database 50 . Server 40may store each video file together with a start-time and end-time timestamp, facilitating indexing of video files by the time each video was taken.

Remote device 60is typically any sort of computing device with a display for viewing videos, such as a smartphone, tablet, or personal computer. Remote device 60may store a dedicated application for connecting with server 40and viewing videos.

The writing video from writing camera 115and the scribe video from scribe camera 120 may include synchronization data, using any video synchronization method known in the art. During playback of both videos on remote device 60 , the viewer is thereby assured that the displayed video frames were actually taken simultaneously. Optionally, a running date and time stamp is displayed with the videos.

The videos may be live-streamed and/or downloaded from database 50through server 40 to remote device 60 . The user of remote device 60may have an option on remote device 60to select viewing either of the videos or both videos simultaneously (i.e., split screen). Simultaneous viewing of both scribe and writing enables a user to directly associate scribe behavior—visual and verbal (sound)—with a corresponding portion of the text. In some embodiments, server 40 queues stored video data out of database 50(i.e., deletes or archives the oldest video); for example, in order to save online storage space. In some embodiments, a buyer of the completed written parchment product 105is furnished with the entire length of both videos, enabling the buyer to examine if the parchment product was made in accordance to the level of stringency that was promised to him. Remote device 60may be enabled for selection of a part of a holy text and for immediately viewing videos corresponding to the selected text (e.g., a user may select Genesis 13 : 5and immediately view the writing of the verse).

In some embodiments, the videos and/or images are provided to a buyer of parchment product 105on a memory device such as a CD, USB drive, and/or any other means of information storage. The buyer is thereby assured of a lifetime ability to review and verify the production process of parchment product 105 .

In some embodiments, server 40may save a timestamped image from writing camera 115 at the beginning and end of writing sessions. At the end of a writing session (e.g., when scribe 110indicates to system 1that he is taking a break or ending his work for the day), an image from writing camera 125of parchment product 105in its current level of completion is captured. When scribe 110later resumes work on product 105 , writing camera 115again takes an image of product 105and server 40checks for an exact match with the image taken after the previous session. Alternatively, or in addition, the check may be done by manually comparing the camera images. Such checking ensures that scribe 110is resuming work on the same product 105 , as no two different parchments and no two different writings, even by the same scribe, are visually exact matches. Server 40may timestamp end-of-session and beginning-of-session parchment images. Server 40may store the beginning-of-session and end-of-session images on database 50 , so that the images may viewed on remote device 60by a buyer of parchment product, Review of the beginning- and end-of session images enables the buyer to verify ascertain that all the writing of the product 105was monitored by inscription-monitoring station 10 . Alternatively, or in addition, over the course of writing of the parchment product 105 , server 40 may ascertain that all the writing of the product 105was monitored. If server 40detects a portion of text in parchment product 105which was not monitored (i.e., added since the last monitored session), server may designate the portion of text as unmonitored. Such a designation is apt to invalidate the written parchment 105or reduce the price a buyer would pay for parchment product 105 . Scribe 110is thereby incentivized to write parchment product 105under supervision of inscription monitoring station 10 .

After writing of parchment product 105is completed, writing camera takes an end-of- writing image of parchment product 105 . Server 40may timestamp the stored image. For tefillin, 18 timestamping of end-of-writing images ensures that the four parchments subsequently inserted in a head box were written in the correct order, as required by Jewish law.

In some embodiments, server 40is furnished with video analysis software configured to detect and flag (e.g. bookmark) violations of Jewish law. In some embodiments, the audio of the scribe video is analyzed for correct pronunciation of the word being written at the same time in the product video. In some embodiments, the video analysis software is configurable for selection of a type of script (e.g., Beit Yosef, Arizal, Vellish) and a level stringency for which to detect violations of Jewish law. For example, particular stringencies may be selected in application settings. In some embodiments, server 40reports on a display (not shown) near scribe 110any detected violations, thereby enabling scribe 110to make possible corrections or future improvements. In some embodiments, the display shows the videos of either/both videos. In some embodiments, scribe 110may have an option to review earlier portions of video and detected violations.

It is understood that functions of writing camera 115and/or scribe camera 120may be apportioned over two or more cameras. For example, separate cameras may record the writing videos and the parchment images.

Furthermore, it is understood that videos and/or images taken by the other monitoring stations 20 , 30may be provided to remote device 60in a similar manner as described in connection with inscription-monitoring station 10 , even if not discussed separately in the descriptions of the other monitoring stations 20 , 30 .

Reference is now made to Fig. 3 , showing a proofreading and correction (P&C) monitoring station 20 , according to some embodiments of the invention. Some or all apparatus of P&C-monitoring station 20may be similar to apparatus of inscription-monitoring station 10 . Accordingly, in some embodiments P&C-monitoring station 20apparatus is identical to that of inscription-monitoring station 10 . In some other embodiments the same apparatus serves as both inscription-monitoring station 10and P&C-monitoring monitoring station 20 ; for example, in cases where writing and proofreading/correction take place at the same workstation.

P&C-monitoring station 20comprises a hi-res proofreading camera 215and a corrector camera 220 .

Before a proofreading session, proofreading camera 215takes an initial proofreading image and/or video of parchment product 105 . Server 40saves the initial proofreading image in database 50 . Server 40verifies the initial proofreading image is an exact match with an end-of- writing image taken by inscription monitoring station 10 . In some embodiments, server 40may automatically identify, based on the initial proofreading image, a matching data of the same parchment product 105whose writing was monitored by inscription monitoring station 10 . Alternatively, the matching may be performed manually, such as by a potential buyer overlaying the initial proofreading image and end-of-writing image on a display of a remote device 60 .

In some embodiments, proofreading is made by a proofreading system external to the system 1of the present invention. In other embodiments, the proofreading function is integrated with P&C monitoring station 20 , wherein server 40analyzes the initial proofreading image from proofreading camera 215 , looking for errors in script such as letters that are missing, incorrect, transposed, or mis-shaped. Server 40sends an indication to corrector 210via an interface display (not shown). If server 40finds script errors, corrector 210corrects the errors, and then prompts proofreading camera 215to take another proofreading image of parchment 105and server 40to and analyze the updated proofreading image. Server 40may save the updated proofreading image in database 50 . The cycle of correction and proofreading image and analysis continues until parchment 105is fully corrected. When no script errors are found, server 40validates the script of parchment product 105 .

After correction of parchment product 105is completed, proofreading camera 215takes a post-correction image of parchment product 105 . Server 40analyzes the post-correction image and provides an indication of validation of script of parchment product 105 , if its analysis finds that all script defects were properly corrected.

(It should be noted that correction of tefillin and mezuzas is rather limited. Because all letters must be written in order, a defective letter is uncorrectable unless all subsequent letters are erased, which is often impractical or impermissible. Therefore, for proofreading and correction monitoring station 20 , server 40often only provides final validation or invalidation of tefillin or mezuzas based on the initial proofreading image.) Figures 4Aand 4Beach show a post-writing process (PWP) monitoring station 30 , according to some embodiments. Some or all apparatus of PWP-monitoring station 30may be similar to those of inscription-monitoring station 10and/or P&C-monitoring station 20 . Accordingly, in some embodiments, PWP-monitoring station 30is identical to apparatus of inscription-monitoring station 10and/or P&C-monitoring station 20 . In some other embodiments the same apparatus serves as PWP-monitoring station 30as well as inscription- monitoring station 10and/or P&C-monitoring station 20 ; for example, in cases where post- writing processing and writing and/or proofreading and correction take place at the same workstation. Additionally, there may be multiple PWP monitoring stations 30that may or may not be identical; for example, a PWP-monitoring station 30Afor tefillin and a PWP-monitoring station 30 B for a Torah scroll, as further described herein.

Reference is now made to Figure 4A , showing a PWP-monitoring station 30Afor post­writing processing of tefillin, according to some embodiments of the invention.

Post-writing process monitoring station 30Acomprises a hi-res finished-parchment camera 315and a post-writing process (PWP) camera 320 . There may be multiple PWP cameras, in order to view the post-writing process from different angles or from opposite sides as needed.

Finished-parchment camera 315takes image and/or video of the finished parchment product 105 . Server 40verifies the finished image is an exact match with the time-stamped post­correction image taken by proofreading and correction monitoring station 20 . In some embodiments, server 40may automatically identify, based on the post-writing image, a matching data of the same parchment product 105whose proofreading and correction were monitored by proofreading and correction monitoring station 20 . Over the course of taking finished parchment images and matching them with timestamped post-correction images, server 40may ensure that the four written parchments to be placed in the head box 340and the one written parchment to be placed in the hand box 350were completed in the correct order.

PWP camera 320takes an image of the inside of the head box 340and the hand box 350 , either together or as separate images. Head box 340and hand box 350are rotated and PWP camera 320takes an image of the outsides. Server 40stores the box images in database 50 . The finished parchment images are associated with parchment images according to which parchments 105are to be placed in which boxes 340 , 350 .

The leather of every individual box 340 , 350has unique visual features, enabling identification of boxes 340 , 350from the box images. The box images and parchment images Amended to Description on 09/02/2020. may later be retaken and verified to match them with the original images, to later authenticate that parchments 105are still in their original box.

PWP camera 320monitors the painting of the outside of boxes 340 , 350 . The tefillin painting video is transferred to server 40for live-streaming or stored in database 50for download by remote device 60 .

PWP camera 320monitors rolling of parchment 105and placement of rolled parchments 330into chambers 345of head box 340and chamber 355of hand box 350 . From the rolling and placement video, a buyer of the tefillin is assured that parchments were placed in chamber in the correct order.

Additionally, the head and hand boxes of an unknown tefillin, such as one suspected stolen, may be identified using a system of the invention. Each hide used in making the boxes has a unique biometric pattern, much like a fingerprint. An image of the unknown tefillin may be matched against an image of head and hand boxes in the database.

Reference is now made to Figure 4B , showing a PWP-monitoring station 30Bfor post­writing processing of a Torah scroll, according to some embodiments of the invention.

For a Torah scroll, post-writing process monitoring station 30Bis similarly operable to station 30 A, except that post-writing process camera 320captures video of parchments being sewn together to form a scroll. Images/videos received from hi-res finished-parchment camera 315can prove that parchments sewn together actually belong to the same product. Images/videos received from PWP camera 320can prove that sewing was performed in accordance with Jewish law. PWP-monitoring station 30Bis also employed for post-writing processing of Nevi’im (prophetic writings), Ketuvim (Hagiographa), and Megillat Esther (the Book of Esther).

A buyer of parchment article may receive, in addition to images/videos described elsewhere herein, one or more images of one or more portions of the parchment 105 . The image can serve as an identifier of the parchment. For example, a stolen Torah scroll may be identified by taking an image of one of the same portions. The image may be sent as a query to server 40 , with a request for identifiers (scribe, production date, etc.). Server 40then searches database 50 for images of the same portion, looking for an exact match in terms of the writing and parchment pattern "fingerprint." Such a feature may be used, for example, by repairers of written parchments, to verify that the parchment was actually purchased by the claimed owner requesting repair.

Reference is now made to Figure 5 , a block diagram of a system for identification and verification of Jewish religious articles that include or contain holy text, according to some embodiments of the invention. In Jewish tradition, these articles include a Torah scroll, tefillin (phylacteries), mezuzah (a passage written on parchment, encased and affixed to a doorpost), Nevi’im (prophetic writings), Ketuvim (Hagiographa), and Megillat Esther (the Book of Esther).

For each article, article information 410is generated by a scribe, a system operator (optional), cameras, other related equipment further described herein, or any combination thereof. A database 420receives the article information 410 , such as pictures and/or videos from the process of preparing the religious article; photographs and in-depth scans of the parchment on which the text is written, taken before start of writing and after writing completion and/or before and after each writing session; start and end dates of writing and/or article preparation; certificates and information about the scribes, producers, and manufacturers; costs; level of kosherness and beauty of preparation according to Jewish Law; identification of article owners; warranty certificates; reports or comments from the preparation processes; or any combination thereof.

In case of a repair to an article, similar information can also be added to the database 420 to document the repair.

Each article receives a unique and non-transferable identification number or code 480 , unique to the article 410in the database 420 . The identification number 480is encoded on one or more digital tags 430associated with the article. The digital tag 430can be, for example, a barcode, 2D barcode such as a QR code, RFID tag, smart card, magnetic strip, or any combination thereof. The digital tag 430can be attached to the article or nearby the article (e.g., on the wooden roller of a Torah scroll, on the protective case(s) or bags of tefillin, or on the doorpost near a mezuzah). The digital tag 430can be readable by a mobile device 450 . Optionally, the mobile device 450includes a parchment article verification application installed therein.

In some embodiments, upon reading the digital tag 430 , the mobile device 450is— through the application in communication with a web server—connected with the database 420 . Through the application, the mobile device 450may query database 420and retrieve the article information 410on the database 420 . The retrieved information can satisfy the user that the article is kosher, kosher to a certain level of hidur (beauty).

For example, a prospective buyer may use the mobile device 450to ascertain the kashrut level of the article and name of the scribe and access the videos to watch some clips of the scribe at work; or, for example, an article dealer may verify the certification of the article; or, for example, a rabbinic court or law enforcement official can ascertain the present legal owner of the article (e.g., in embodiments in which the database 420is updated with the new legal owner whenever the article is sold).

Optionally, an ID number associated with the article pertaining to the digital tag 430is printed on the digital tag 430 . Users without a tag scanner or reader may thereby verify the article by manually entering the ID number to a computing device.

In some embodiments, some or all of the information about the article is encoded in the digital tag 430itself, which can obviate connection of the mobile device 450to the database 420 . The verification application contains decoding software to decode the article information encoded in the digital tag 430 . To economize on storage volume where the capacity of the digital tag 430 is limited, the digital tag 430may store feature vectors instead of entire files of voluminous information such as images and videos.

In some embodiments, the application enables the mobile device 450to take a picture of the article or of the parchment. For example, the application, in cooperation with the database 420 , compares between a picture taken of the parchment and the end-of-writing image of the parchment. Such a comparison may be used, for example, to determine if the writing has deteriorated and whether a complete check or repair is needed. Another usage of the comparison, e.g. when a person is possession of the article is selling the article, is to inspect the writing and/or biometric pattern of the parchment, to ascertain that the rightful owner is in possession of the article. Another possible tool is to identify tefillin from the unique textures of boxes (batim) or straps. Another possible tool is to identify an article by the stitching patterns, for example stitches between parchment panels of a Torah scroll; or, for example, closure stitches of the boxes (batim) of tefillin. By stitch length, for example, as a sequence of precise lengths of successive stitches is unique to each article.

In some embodiments, the comparison of the article picture taken is made with feature vectors, stored on the digital tag 430 , of the end-of-writing image of the written parchment (rather than with the entire file stored in the database 420 ). The feature vector may reduce the data, for example, by extracting random or selected letters (complete images, shape vectors, and/or edge sharpnesses); or biometric features. In some embodiments, feature vectors must present at least as much detail as is needed to determine that the present picture taken is of the same written parchment whose end-of-writing image is stored in the database 430 . Optionally, the feature vectors present enough detail to compare the present quality of the written parchment with its initial quality when the end-of-writing image was taken.

The system enables comparison of an article with other articles of the same type. The other articles may have been processed and their information stored within the system. Alternatively or additionally, other articles not stored on the system may be compared with article in the system. The comparisons or article information alone can help article dealers, owners, and buyers evaluate the price of the article; for example, immediately after production or, for example, many years later as the article may rise in price because of its uniqueness against similar products in the same category or because of its owner's attribution or history.

It is understood that a mobile device 450is a preferred embodiment of for scanning the digital tag 430and querying the database 420 . Alternatively, the scanning and querying functionality described can be provided by any suitable combination of scanning and computing devices, such as a hand-held scanner connected by USB or wirelessly to a desktop or laptop PC.

Reference is now made to Figure 6,showing a block diagram of an alternative or additional way to enter the database 420and receive information 410about one of the articles using the identification number 480unique to the article.

When the requisite information 410about one of the articles is made according to the rules of Jewish law that include the holy texts, is then entered into the database 420 .

In the database 420a unique identification number 480is assigned to each article.

A user may input the article identification number 480into a connection and viewing device(s) 490 —such as a computer, smartphone, tablet and more—via a remote communication means such as the internet or direct cellular connection to the database 420 . It is then possible for the device 490to query the database 420and receive article information 410according to the personal identity number 480of the article, using the connection and viewing device(s) 490 .

Alternatively, or in addition, it is possible to access the database 420and query the article information 410by inputting one or more personal identity numbers 510(e.g., Israel national ID number or U.S. Social Security number) of the article owner(s).

A secret password may be issued to the owner(s) and be required to input, in addition to the article identification number 480and/or the personal identity number, in order to access the database 420and query the article information 510 .

In some embodiments, it is alternatively or additionally possible for the article owner(s) to be issued an access code 500to access the database 420and query the article information 410 . The access code 500can be for permanent use, use for up to a maximum number of times, use over a maximum amount of time, or for single use only. The owner(s) may employ the access code 500for personal use or to share with other parties interested in viewing the article information 410 .

Reference is now made to Figure 7 . A digital tag 430is attached to the casing of sacred objects that include the holy texts, such as, boxes and covers of the Torah scroll, Nevi’im (prophetic writings), Ketuvim (Hagiographa), and Megillat Esther (the Book of Esther) 615,cases of tefillin 610 , or on the case containing a mezuza (a passage written on parchment) which hangs on the door frame or next to the mezuza on the door frame 605 .

Reference is now made to Figure 8 , The digital tag 430is affixed to the mezuza parchment 745or to the leather boxes covering the tefillin parchment 735or to the tefillin parchments themselves on which the sacred Jewish texts are written ,as well as on the parchment of the Torah scrolls, the Book of Esther, Prophets and holy texts, on which are written the sacred Jewish texts 740 .

For example, when a person walks in the door of the home of the customer who has the mezuza (containing a passage written on parchment), on or next to the mezuza 605has the digital tag 430 , he can open a a scanning application downloadable for any smartphone 450and scan them and immediately see on the smartphone all preparation and writing history, photos, videos, audio and any relevant article information.

Claims (28)

1. A method for identification and verification for Jewish religious articles containing holy text, comprising steps of a. entering information about a Jewish religious article containing written holy text into a database; b. assigning an identification number to the article and database receiving said article identification number; c. preparing a digital tag for the article, said digital tag bearing said identification number; d. a mobile device, equipped with a verification application, reading the article identification number from the digital tag; e. a web server, in cooperation with said verification application, receiving the tag data and authorizing said mobile device to access said information in said database; and f. the mobile device receiving from the web server and displaying at least some of said article information.

2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising a step of said article information including pictures and/or videos from the process of preparing the religious article; photographs and in-depth scans of the parchment on which the text is written, taken before start of writing and after writing completion and/or before and after each writing session; start and end dates of writing and/or article preparation; certificates and information about the scribes, producers, and manufacturers; costs; level of kosherness and beauty of preparation according to Jewish Law; identification of product owners; warranty certificates; reports or comments from the preparation processes; or any combination thereof.

3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising a step of said digital tag including a barcode, a 2D barcode, an RFID tag, a smart card, a magnetic strip, or any combination thereof.

4. The method of claim 3 , further comprising a step of said mobile device comprising a bar code reader, a 2D barcode reader, an RFID reader, a smart card reader, a magnetic strip reader, or any combination thereof.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein said digital tag further comprises a code printed thereon, said code associated with said article identification number.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising a step of attaching said digital tag to any combination of said article; a protective casing of said article; an object nearby the article, such as the wooden roller of a Torah scroll or a doorpost bearing a mezuza; and the parchment of said article.

7. The method of claim 1 , further comprising a step of encoding at least some of said article information on said digital tag.

8. The method of claim 7 , further comprising a step of encoding at least some of said article information on said digital tag as feature vectors.

9. The method of claim 1 , further comprising steps of a. the mobile device taking a picture of said article or of said parchment therein; and b. comparing the picture with an image stored in the database.

10. The method of claim 9 , wherein said step of comparing comprises any combination of a. determining an extent to which writing on said parchment has deteriorated; b. matching the writing and/or biometric patterns of said parchment to the same stored in said database; c. matching textures of tefillin boxes or straps; d. matching stitching patterns between parchment panels of a Torah scroll or between closure stitches of tefillin boxes.

11. The method of claim 9or 10 , wherein said stored image is encoded on said digital tag.

12. The method of claim 11 , further comprising a step of encoding said image on said digital tag as feature vectors.

13. The method of claim 1 , further comprising a step of a user of said mobile device entering one or more personal identity numbers as a requirement for viewing said information on said database.

14. The method of claim 13 , further comprising a step of said user entering a secret password and/or a one-time access code as a requirement for viewing said information on said database.

15. A system for identification and verification for Jewish religious articles containing holy text, comprising a. a database configured to receive information and an identification number associated with a Jewish religious article containing written holy text; b. a digital tag for the article bearing said article identification number; c. a mobile device, equipped with a verification application, configured to read the article identification number from the digital tag; d. a web server, configured, in cooperation with said verification application, to receive the article identification number and authorize said mobile device to access said article information stored in said database; and e. the mobile device is further configured to receive from the web server and display at least some of said article information.

16. The system of claim 15 , wherein said article information includes pictures and/or videos from the process of preparing the religious article; photographs and in-depth scans of the parchment on which the text is written, taken before start of writing and after writing completion and/or before and after each writing session; start and end dates of writing and/or article preparation; certificates and information about the scribes, producers, and manufacturers; costs; level of kosherness and beauty of preparation according to Jewish Law; identification of product owners; warranty certificates; reports or comments from the preparation processes; or any combination thereof.

17. The system of claim 15 , wherein said digital tag comprises a barcode, a 2D barcode, an RFID tag, a smart card, a magnetic strip, or any combination thereof.

18. The system of claim 17 , wherein said mobile device comprises a bar code reader, a 2D barcode reader, an RFID reader, a smart card reader, a magnetic strip reader, or any combination thereof.

19. The system of claim 15 , wherein said digital tag further comprises a code printed thereon, said code comprising or associated with said article identification number.

20. The system of claim 15 , wherein said digital tag is attachable to any combination of said article; a protective casing of said article; an object nearby the article, such as the wooden roller of a Torah scroll or a doorpost bearing a mezuza; and the parchment of said article.

21. The system of claim 15 , wherein said digital tag further bears at least some of said article information encoded therein.

22. The system of claim 21 , wherein said encoded article information is encoded as on said digital tag as feature vectors.

23. The system of claim 15 , wherein said mobile device is further configured to a. take a picture of said article or of said parchment therein; and b. compare the picture with an image stored in the database.

24. The system of claim 23 , wherein comparison comprises any combination of a. determining an extent to which writing on said parchment has deteriorated; b. matching the writing and/or biometric patterns of said parchment to the same stored in said database; c. matching textures of tefillin boxes or straps; d. matching stitching patterns between parchment panels of a Torah scroll or between closure stitches of tefillin boxes.

25. The system of claim 23or 24 , wherein said digital tag further bears said stored image encoded therein.

26. The system of claim 25 , wherein said stored image is encoded on said digital tag as feature vectors.

27. The system of claim 15 , wherein said mobile device is further configured for entering one or more personal identity numbers as a requirement for viewing said information on said database.

28. The system of claim 27 , wherein said mobile device is further configured for entering a secret password and/or a one-time access code as a requirement for viewing said information on said database.