Abstract: A biometric sensing device includes sensing arrays for sensing a biological surface swiped across the sensing arrays in an arbitrary direction. This device allows for simultaneously sensing different features of a biological surface, said features having smallest distinguishable features of different size. Using the technique of interleaving partial images, the resolution of the biometric sensing device is increased. Therefore, a small and robust biometric sensing device is provided, which allows for sensing high resolution images.

Abstract: A method in which a data access request by a user to access data of a destination server, such as the data that needs to be updated when a login and/or password is changed, is provided consistently. The destination servers are redundant, and instead of directing the access request directly to one of the redundant destination servers, an intermediate level of servers is provided that selects one of the destination servers to serve the data access request. This selection is made so that the data access request from a particular source may be directed to the same destination server. The data access request includes data that is unique to the source and/or to the user, and the selection is made in dependence on the result of a transformation, such as a hash function, performed on the unique data. Since the redundant destination servers may each identically serve the data access request, the data access request can be routed to any destination server without any change in the processing of the request.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for detecting a latent fingerprint image provided to a biometric input device of a fingerprint based security system. First and second images of the fingerprint are captured during a time period interval ?t. At least one of the first and second images are analyzed to identify an extractable feature within a global reference frame, the extractable feature usable for authenticating an individual. The first and second images are compared one with the other to determine differences indicative of motion about the identified extractable feature within a local reference frame during the time period interval ?t. Absent motion about the identified extractable feature being detected, the fingerprint is registered as a latent fingerprint and cannot be used to authenticate the individual who is seeking authorization.

Abstract: A method of hash string extraction from biometric information is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing a biometric information sample in the form of a fingerprint for example, extracting features from the biometric information sample and encoding the features based on their location within the biometric information sample; and, generating a string of values based on the extracted features and their determined locations. The method further comprises the steps of hashing the string of symbols to produce a plurality of hash values for comparing the plurality of hash values against a stored hash value for identifying a user.

Abstract: A method for matching biometric data on an authentication server is disclosed. An authentication server is provided having biometric template data stored thereon. A plurality of workstation processors in communication with the authentication server is also provided. A sensed biometric image is provided to a processor out of the plurality of workstation processors from an individual. From the authentication server to the processor, co-ordinate data relating to a plurality of non-contiguous features of the template data are provided. Characteristic data is extracted from the biometric image, the characteristic data for correlation with the provided co-ordinate data allowing for a subsequent alignment of the biometric image within a known frame of reference relative to the template data on the basis of the provided data and the other data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for authenticating a user In dependence upon biometric Input information is disclosed. According to the method when a user is identified, their biometric information or data derived therefrom is automatically stored. The data is then used in subsequent user identification attempts as a template. The original templates are not replaced but those templates that are automatically stored are replaced at intervals.

Abstract: Disclosed is a biometric imaging device a method of processing images of biometric surfaces that are captured using said imaging device. According to the instant invention, an image of a biometric surface presented by an individual is captured by a sensor of the imaging device, either as a single image or as a plurality of overlapping image portions that are combinable to form a single composite image. The imaging device also includes a memory buffer for retrievably storing image data relating to the image of the biometric surface. A processor of the imaging device is provided for analyzing the stored image data to determine a location of a feature of interest and for providing an output image of a known size and shape for use by a host system that is in communication with the imaging device for identifying the individual.

Abstract: A method for matching biometric data is disclosed. A biometric information source is sensed to provide an image thereof. The image is then analysed to extract features thereform. A feature is selected as a first feature and a plurality of polygons are generated with a location of the first feature as a vertex of each. The polygons are then used to search a lookup table in order to determine an orientation and translation of the image relative to stored reference data.

Abstract: A method of authorising a user in communication with a workstation is disclosed. According to the method, a system automatically determines a plurality of available user information entry devices in communication with the workstation. The system then determines predetermined user authorisation methods each requiring data only from available user information entry devices. The user then selects one of the determined authorisation methods for use in user authorisation. Optionally, each authorisation method is associated with a security level relating to user access to resources. Once the authorisation method is selected, the user provides user authorisation information in accordance with a determined user authorisation method and registration proceeds.

Abstract: A security system for securing an entity or a service from indiscriminate access and a method for operating the same is disclosed. Each designated person of M designated persons is provided with a portable biometric device. Biometric data in dependence upon a biometric characteristic of each of the M designated persons is stored in memory of the respective portable biometric device. Biometric information representative of a biometric characteristic of each of a subset of 1<N<M persons is captured in response to each of the N persons presenting said information to the respective portable biometric device. The biometric information is encoded and biometric data in dependence thereupon is provided to the processor of each respective portable biometric device. Using the processor of each respective portable biometric device the captured biometric data is then compared with the stored biometric data to produce a comparison result.

Abstract: A method of hash string extraction from biometric information is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing a biometric information sample in the form of a fingerprint for example, extracting features from the biometric information sample and encoding the features based on their location within the biometric information sample; and, generating a string of values based on the extracted features and their determined locations. The method further comprises the steps of hashing the string of symbols to produce a plurality of hash values for comparing the plurality of hash values against a stored hash value for identifying a user.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for detecting a latent fingerprint image provided to a biometric input device of a fingerprint based security system. First and second images of the fingerprint are captured during a time period interval ?t. At least one of the first and second images are analyzed to identify an extractable feature within a global reference frame, the extractable feature useable for authenticating an individual. The first and second images are compared one with the other to determine differences indicative of motion about the identified extractable feature within a local reference frame during the time period interval ?t. Absent motion about the identified extractable feature being detected, the fingerprint is registered as a latent fingerprint and cannot be used to authenticate the individual who is seeking authorization.

Abstract: A method of hash string extraction from biometric information is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing a biometric information sample in the form of a fingerprint for example, extracting features from the biometric information sample and encoding the features based on their location within the biometric information sample; and, generating a string of values based on the extracted features and their determined locations. The method further comprises the steps of hashing the string of symbols to produce a plurality of hash values for comparing the plurality of hash values against a stored hash value for identifying a user.

Abstract: A method of compensating for distortion within a composite image is disclosed. A biometric surface is sensed with a swipe imager. The images so provided are assembled into a composite image of the biometric surface. The composite image is then adjusted by insertion or deletion of rows therein to result in an image with a different number of rows.

Abstract: In the past, a contact imaging device was physically secured to prevent tampering. When used with network computer systems or communications systems, securing a contact imager is difficult. According to the invention, a method is proposed for securing a contact imaging device from tampering and for ensuring a contact imaging device is an authorised contact imaging device for use with a personal computer, a network application, or a communications application.

Abstract: The present application discloses a wireless hand held portable security device in the form of a wireless hand held portable biometric device in communication with a plurality of ubiquitous items for receiving information from, and sending information to the plurality of ubiquitous items, comprising a processor for selecting at least one item of the plurality of ubiquitous items and for sending information to the selected item in order to activate or deactivate or send a programming to the selected item. The level of security and the personalization is achieved by using a fingerprint or a combination of fingerprints for accessing communication with a selected item.

Abstract: A method and system for generating random numbers is disclosed wherein an array of imaging sensors while not in normal use, captures ambient light and back scattered light. These light sources vary naturally over a range of intensities. Intensity values above and below a threshold value are decoded as “1” and “0” bits, respectively. The resulting values, based on noise within the array signal, are single bit values or n bit values. A preferred imaging sensor array is a charge coupled device. Other imaging sensor arrays such as capacitive fingerprint imagers may also be used for this purpose when sufficient noise exists within the imaging sensor array signal.

Abstract: An improved method of encoding data within directory files on an integrated circuit IC) smart card is shown. Advantageously the improved method no longer imposes a limitation in placing the pointer data start address prior to encoding of data, since after encoding a single continuous block of unused memory within the directory file results, enables encoding applications to make better use of this memory space thereby eliminating the deficiency of having two non-sequential empty memory blocks as provided by prior art systems.

Abstract: A method and a system for disabling execution of a software application stored within a computer absent data indicative of an authorized use of the software application are disclosed. At start up or during execution of a software application a user is prompted for user authorization information. Using a processor within a smart card the received user authorization information is compared with user authorization information stored in memory of the smart card to produce a comparison result. If the comparison result is indicative of an authorized user of the software application, then data indicative of the authorized use of the software application is provided from the smart card to the computer. Upon receipt of the data indicative of the authorized use of the software application execution of the software application is continued. When the data is not data indicative of the authorized use of the software application further execution of the software application is disabled.

Abstract: An optical imaging device such as a fingerprint imager is disclosed that has an array of micromirrors that allows sequential scanning of areas of a platen in steps. The scanned areas of the platen are transmitted to an image sensor and a composite image constructed from the scanned areas. By transmitting scanned areas of the platen in sections, the image sensor area required is reduced in contrast to prior art optical images that scan the whole platen in a single step.