Abstract: An on-line method for issuing a certificate of authenticity for a collectible to a collector who has personally witnessed the collectible being signed and a verification system for authenticating a suspected signature on an object by scanning the suspected signature and transmitting to a central computer where the suspected signature is compared with a set of authentic reference signatures based on input as to the shape of the object. In embodiments, the collector provides information on the collectible via the Internet to a central computer which stores the information for future reference by potential purchasers of the collectible. The collector must sign a statement on the certificate of authenticity that declares, under penalty of perjury, the information that the collector provided regarding the collectible is correct. Subsequent purchasers can access the central computer via the Internet.

Abstract: An authentication apparatus is provided. The authentication apparatus acquires a plurality of pieces of registration authentication information each of which is unique to an authentication target. These pieces of registration authentication information are based on biological information obtained from different and the same kind of parts of a living body of a registered user. The authentication apparatus also acquires biological information from a part of the living body selected by a user, and then generates personal authentication information based on the biological information acquired. The authentication apparatus subsequently arranges a collation order of the plurality of pieces of registration authentication information, and then sequentially collates the plurality of pieces of registration authentication information with the personal authentication information in accordance with the collation serial numbers.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and system for authentication. In one embodiment, a first identifier associated with an item to be authenticated may be received. A first decryption key associated with the item may also be received. The first identifier may be decrypted using the first decryption key to generate a second identifier. The contents of an authentication database may be searched to find a match for the second identifier. If a match for the second identifier is found in the authentication database, the item may be confirmed as authentic. In embodiments of the present invention, the item may be a lottery ticket, a document, a receipt, a ticket, a credit card, etc.

Abstract: Method and system for reconstructing seamless fingerprint image from set of image slices, or frames, from fingerprint swipe sensor. Robust normalized cross-correlation procedures are used for frame evaluation and image matching. Efficient use of device processing resources including memory by keeping only data frames that indicate moving finger and discards frames where no finger exists at sensor during acquisition or finger has not moved since last frame was acquired. Capability to adjust sensor settings during acquisition process to obtain optimal results. Logic ensures operation across different physical systems and sensor characteristics with varying acquisition speeds. Statistics regarding resulting reconstructed image and finger swiping process are computed and embedded in reconstructed image and are useful to the downstream fingerprint matching system, and by embedding in image, inventive system and method ensure that any fingerprint processing system can use information if when called upon to do so.

Abstract: A Bayesian belief network-based architecture for multimodal biometric fusion is disclosed. Bayesian networks are a theoretically sound, probabilistic framework for information fusion. The architecture incorporates prior knowledge of each modality's capabilities, quality estimates for each sample, and relationships or dependencies between these variables. A global quality estimate is introduced to support decision making.

Abstract: A security system comprises a host system, a plurality of master controllers and a plurality of sub-controllers, wherein each sub-controller is assigned a specific master controller as well as alternate master controllers for communication access upon failure of the primary master controller. The host, master controller and sub-controllers are all coupled by a series of primary communication networks and paths and have multiple alternative communication network paths which function should there be a failure of the primary communication network. The host system comprises system and application software, data storage devices and communication ports to support the application requirements of the master controller, sub-controller network and access control devices attached thereto necessary to support a fault tolerant network.

Abstract: Systems for remotely verifying the identity of an image include an identity capture device adapted to communicate with a computing device and a database. The identity capture device captures an image, and the computing device searches the database for information to authenticate and verify the image. For remotely connected computing devices, a communications network provides communication between the computing devices and the database. Other systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: A multimodal biometric identification or authentication system includes a plurality of biometric clients. Each of the biometric clients may include devices for capturing biometric images of a plurality of types. The system includes a router in communication with the biometric clients. The router receives biometric images from, and returns biometric scores or results to, the biometric clients. The system includes a plurality of biometric matching engines in communication with the router. Each biometric matching engine includes multiple biometric processors. Each biometric processor is adapted to process biometric data of a particular type. The biometric matching engines transmit and receive biometric data to and from the router.

Abstract: A multimodal biometric identification or authentication system includes a plurality of biometric clients. Each of the biometric clients may include devices for capturing biometric images of a plurality of types. The system includes a router in communication with the biometric clients. The router receives biometric images from, and returns biometric scores or results to, the biometric clients. The system includes a plurality of biometric matching engines in communication with the router. Each biometric matching engine includes multiple biometric processors. Each biometric processor is adapted to process biometric data of a particular type. The biometric matching engines transmit and receive biometric data to and from the router.

Abstract: This invention provides an EEG-based method of determining whether a test subject is a specific individual.

Abstract: A secure credential validation compares stored and received modified credentials, e.g., biometric credentials, such that the validating system does not have access to the unmodified credentials. A capture system and a credential validation system are operatively coupled to a network (e.g., the Internet). The credential validation system is configured to store a set of modified stored credentials associated with the principal, receive a set of modified received credentials, and perform a credential validation procedure to validate the modified received credentials, wherein the credential validation procedure performs a one-way consistency test to compare the modified stored credentials and the modified received credentials: The credential validation procedure employs one or more similarity measures, e.g., a weighted quorum of exact matches, a discrete N-ball (or “N-shell”) intersection, or a client-based algorithm with encryption.

Abstract: A method for detecting an object in an image includes calculating a log L likelihood of pairs of pixels at select positions in the image that are derived from training images. The calculated log L likelihood of the pairs of pixels is compared with a threshold value. The object is detected when the calculated log L likelihood is greater than the threshold value.

Abstract: A biometrics method based on a thermal image of a finger includes the steps of: acquiring the thermal image of the finger; and extracting a finger-print image or a finger-vein image from the thermal image and thus verifying a user's identity according to the finger-print image or the finger-vein image.

Abstract: Biometric imaging devices and methods of processing images of biometric surfaces that are captured using the imaging device including capturing an image of a biometric surface presented by an individual 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 system and method for viewing, entering, and editing information. A system and method for entering information through biometric identifiers are described. The invention allows a user to create, edit, and store profile information including secure data and corresponding biometric identifiers. In one embodiment, the invention includes an input module for receiving a biometric input from the user; a matching module coupled to the input module for comparing the biometric input to a plurality of stored biometric identifiers; and an output module coupled to the matching module for outputting a secure data corresponding with one of the plurality of the stored biometric identifiers in response to the biometric input.

Abstract: An identification tag (100) facilitates use of a secure computer system (300). The tag (100) is adapted to be worn on a user's wrist and includes an identification and registration circuit (102) that includes an identification component (106), an affiliation component (110), and a light-emitting diode (112). The computer system includes an RF identification tag registration device (302) operable to acquire user physical information and communicate the physical information to a computer (202), wherein the computer verifies that a valid user is wearing the tag (100). The identification and registration device (302) ensures that the physical information communicated to the computer pertains to the user wearing the tag by comparing pulse signals acquired from the user's hand and wrist as the device (302) is acquiring physical information.

Abstract: A card-type biometric identification device includes a biometric sensor, an operating/processing module, a remote transceiver, and a rechargeable battery. The biometric sensor reads the biometric data of a holder. The operating/processing module stores a pseudorandom-code generating program, personal data, and authorized biometric data of the holder, and may then receive and process to-be-identified biometric data. After judging that the to-be-identified biometric data substantially matches with the authorized biometric data, the module generates and outputs a to-be-identified code by the pseudorandom-code generating program. The remote transceiver outputs the personal data to a host system to enable the host system to generate an authorized code by the pseudorandom-code generating program, which is stored in the host system and corresponds to the personal data. Comparing the authorized code with the to-be-identified code may judge whether or not the to-be-identified holder is an authorized holder.

Abstract: Security check method and apparatus reduces problems that can arise if the user security data set becomes known by unauthorized persons. To address this problem only part of the user data set is recorded in insecure sections of the system. For example, a security check preventing unauthorized remote access to a shared computer is provided by capturing a user data set representing a user's iris, operating the user's personal computer to select only a portion of the captured data set requested by the shared computer and transmitting the portion along a telecommunications line. The shared computer derives partial data sets from stored user data sets using a similar selection to that used by personal computer and compares the partial data set it has derived with the partial data set transmitted by the personal computer in deciding whether to grant access. Point-of-sale devices and cards recording only partial user data sets are also disclosed.

Abstract: A checkpoint screening system uses multiple cameras to provide images at different angles of a person to be screened. Different features extracted from the images at different angles are compared to a profile associated with the person to be screened. In one embodiment, the person first provides an ID, such as a drivers license or other identification, and the profile is retrieved. If a match is detected, the person may continue through the checkpoint. If no match is detected, the person may be directed to a different path through the checkpoint for further verification of identity. A registration process is used to enroll members and obtain a member profile. Three camera angles are utilized to provide a three dimensional image. Each image is independently compared against the profile and the decisions from such comparisons are weighted. The profile is regressively updated and weighted if a match is detected.

Abstract: A method and a system of authorizing a transaction without using a man-made token is disclosed. In a method according to the invention, a biometric sample is registered, biometric information is provided, the biometric information is compared to the biometric sample, a determination is made as to whether the biometric information matches the biometric sample, and if a match is determined, then the transaction is authorized.

Abstract: The present invention enables permanent biometric authentication without the risk of forgery or the like. The present invention enables living-tissue discrimination as well as biometric authentication. The roughness distribution pattern of deep-layer tissue of the skin covered with epidermal tissue is detected, thereby extracting a unique pattern of the living tissue. Then, biometric authentication is performed based upon the detected pattern. The roughness distribution pattern of the deep-layer tissue of the skin is optically detected using difference in optical properties between the epidermal tissue and the deep-layer tissue of the skin. In this case, long-wavelength light, e.g., near-infrared light is used as illumination light cast onto the skin tissue. A fork structure of a subcutaneous blood vessel is used as the portion which is to be detected, for example. The portion which is to be detected is determined based upon the structure of the fork structure.

Abstract: A system and method for managing sponsorships by a sponsor, in which the party requesting the sponsorship requests to use content owned and protected by the sponsor, such as trademarks, logos, and copyrighted material. An embodiment of the method involves receiving, at a computer network site, a request for sponsorship from a requester and responding to the request by sending either an approval or a rejection. If an approval is sent, the method further involves providing the requestor with access to content of the sponsor through the site. As part of providing this access, the method can involve requiring the requestor to accept an agreement posted on the site. The method can also include monitoring the requestor's actual use of the content.

Abstract: A biometric system that uses readings from a plurality of biometrics of a user is disclosed. The biometric system includes a first and second biometric readers, a first and second biometric matching engines and a processor. The first biometric reader producing a first measured biometric that is processed by the first biometric matching engine to deliver a first value, which is indicative of a likelihood that the first measured biometric matches a first stored biometric reading. A plurality of first values are gathered prior to the first value. The second biometric reader delivers a second measured biometric for processing by the second biometric matching engine to produce a second value, which is indicative of a likelihood that the second measured biometric matches a second stored biometric reading. A plurality of second values are gathered prior to the second value.

Abstract: A method and a system for extracting a minutia mapping from a digital image, including dividing the image into regions; defining an orientation of each region based on the general direction of grooves in this region; and for each region: unidirectionally filtering the image portion along a direction perpendicular to the orientation of the region; locating the enters of gravity of the grooves based on the intensity of the filtering results, chaining up the barycenters along the general direction of the region grooves, and interpreting the results of the chaining to determine the presence of minutiae of end type or of branch type.

Abstract: A biometric key (10) having a body or housing (11) incorporating a biometric sensor (17) uses a plurality of contacts (19, 20, 21) enabling the key to gain access to a facility. There is also provided a receptor (25) for receiving the biometric key (10), wherein the biometric key (10) and receptor (24) have contacts (19, 20, 21) and mating contacts (30, 31, 32), respectively, for communicating. The biometric key (10) can communicate biometric data acquired from a key operator to the receptor (25). The biometric key (10) can communicate with the receptor (25) when received in a first orientation and also when received in a second orientation where the contacts (19, 20, 21) are inverted from the first orientation.

Abstract: A multimodal biometric identification or authentication system includes a plurality of biometric clients. Each of the biometric clients may include devices for capturing biometric images of a plurality of types. The system includes a router in communication with the biometric clients. The router receives biometric images from, and returns biometric scores or results to, the biometric clients. The system includes a plurality of biometric matching engines in communication with the router. Each biometric matching engine includes multiple biometric processors. Each biometric processor is adapted to process biometric data of a particular type. The biometric matching engines transmit and receive biometric data to and from the router.

Abstract: Disclosed is a secure system of authentication including a means for retrieving information about an authenticated individual (i.e., citizens, customers, employees, patients, and subjects). More specifically, the system allows a person to execute forms (i.e., agreements, authorizations, contracts, records, and transactions) at any location across the world by submitting to a positive identification test. In turn, authorized personnel can receive all pertinent information associated with the authenticated individual. Importantly, the autonomy and the privacy of the individual with respect to his or her information are always maintained.

Abstract: A secure and modular architecture for monitoring and controlling clusters of pay entertainment and gaming devices. The architecture allows flexible and secure use of state-of-the-art multimedia and Internet technologies to attract the younger player generation used to flashy and networked games. Cash or cash-less entertainment and gaming devices are supported.

Abstract: A method of screening passengers for a passenger aircraft flight includes a step of obtaining voluntary consent from a plurality of passengers to perform background check. The method further includes formulating a data record associated with each of the plurality of passengers. The passenger aircraft flight is scheduled as one of a plurality of regular scheduled flights. Prior to the passenger aircraft flight, it is determined whether a person is associated with a formulated data record. The method includes denying participation by the person in the passenger aircraft flight if the person is not associated with a formulated data record.

Abstract: A biomedical recognition system includes diagnostic image information obtained by taking an image of a patient, a workstation storing the diagnostic image information, and a display device for displaying the diagnostic image information. A sensor is provided for capturing a biomedical information of a doctor. A biomedical information recognition system is connected to the sensor and integrated in the workstation for comparing a previously registered biomedical information and the biomedical information captured by the sensor. A display device control system is provided for causing the display device to display a diagnostic image linked to the biomedical information if a comparing result indicates a correspondence between the previously registered biomedical information and the biomedical information captured by the sensor, and for causing the display device to discontinue a part of functions thereof if the comparing result indicates a non-correspondence between the information.

Abstract: A method for matching biometric data on a smart card is disclosed. A smart card is provided having biometric template data stored thereon. A host processor in communication with the smart card is also provided. A sensed biometric image is provided to the host processor from an individual. From the smart card to the host processor, co-ordinate data relating to a plurality of non-contiguous features of the template data are provided. Other data is extracted from the biometric image, the other 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. Once aligned, biometric data is extracted from the biometric image, the biometric data within the known frame of reference and then the extracted biometric data is transmitted to the smartcard.

Abstract: A method of hashing biometric data for generation of a public template is disclosed. According to the method, a hash function is provided for hashing of feature data the hash function a function of data within the biometric information and determinable therefrom but resulting in a hashing result from which the original feature data is indiscernible.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of biometric authentication. The first step is taking a series of measurements of the biometric. The second step is averaging those measurements to create a valid iris model. The third step is generating a random number. The fourth step is using an error-correcting code to create a codeword using the random number. The fifth step is generating a list of random locations corresponding to valid bits in the biometric reading. The sixth step is generating a list of numbers consisting of the combination of specified biometric bits and the codeword. The seventh step is generating the secret by performing a hash on the random number. The eighth step is storing the secret and the list to a certificate. The ninth step of the method is authenticating the subject.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus detects the sampling rate of a coordinate input device, and standardizes the writing data which is input from the coordinate input device based on the detected sampling rate. The standardized writing data is further used for signature verification or for handwritten character recognition. The information processing apparatus provides precise signature verification or handwritten character recognition even if signatures or handwritten characters for handwritten character recognition are input using digitizers having different processing rates.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for determining a reference orientation (pattern orientation) to a fingerprint-like pattern, formed with a number of curves, accurately in a short time. The apparatus includes a pattern-center determination section for determining a reference center to the pattern, a reference-circle generation section for generating a reference circle centered at the pattern center, a reference-circle-intersecting-point calculation section for calculating intersecting points of the reference circle and the curves of the pattern, a reference-point determination section for determining a reference point for the pattern orientation based on a relationship between directions of the reference circle and directions of the pattern curves at the intersecting points, and a pattern-orientation determination section for determining the pattern orientation based on the pattern center and the reference point.

Abstract: In a method for forgery recognition in the fingerprint recognition, at first an image sequence is captured, which comprises a plurality of images of the fingerprint to be recognized. From at least two images capturing a texture captures a differential image. The texture will be compared with a predetermined texture in order to determine whether the captured image sequence comes from a real finger or from an imitation.

Abstract: A method detecting a rectangle enclosed by a pair of parallel horizontal lines that are demarcation lines between the palm pattern impression and the background in wrist-side and fingertip-side, and a pair of parallel vertical lines are orthogonal to the horizontal lines and are demarcation lines between the palm pattern impression and the background in thumb-side and little-finger-side. The method splits the rectangle into, three segments horizontally by four segments vertically, and then splits the palm pattern impression into three regions, the first being a combination of three segments horizontally by two segments vertically located toward the fingertip among the segments, the second being a combination of two segments horizontally by three segments vertically located toward the thumb and the wrist among the segments, and the third region being a combination of two segments horizontally by three segments vertically located toward the little finger and the wrist among the segments.

Abstract: A biometric verification system for controlling access is provided that does not rely on a non-biometric discriminator, such as a PIN or magnetic card, to convert a one-to-many verification task to a one-to-one verification task. The system enrolls authorized users by obtaining digitized fingerprint templates from them and storing them in a database. Video cameras and fingerprint sensors are provided for use in authenticating persons seeking access. Software compares a digital representation of a captured human facial image with stored facial images in a database of facial images, generating a match confidence therefrom and rank-ordering the database from highest to lowest match confidence. The software then compares captured human fingerprints with stored fingerprint templates associated with the rank-ordered database to verify the identity of the person and provide an output signal indicative of recognition.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for non-invasively verifying human identities using near-infrared spectroscopy. Near-infrared tissue spectra can be obtained by projecting near-infrared radiation into skin on the underside of human forearms and capturing the light reflected back and out through the tissue. The tissue spectrum collected preferably includes primarily diffuse reflected light reflected from the inner dermis. Multiple tissue spectra and identities can be collected from individuals for whom identity verification may later be desired. The tissue spectra for each individual can be analyzed on a computer, and the spectra for each individual clustered or classified together using tools such as linear discriminant analysis. A target individual seeking identity verification can submit both a purported identity and a near-infrared tissue spectrum for analysis through near-infrared spectroscopy of the forearm.

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: The fingerprint identification system includes a fingerprint identification terminal having a function of receiving input of a plurality of fingerprint images taken from one target finger to select a fingerprint image suited for identification processing based on image quality determination and a fingerprint identification device having a function of outputting an identification result by selectively combining, for each image, one-to-N matching, one-to-one matching, fusion score calculation from a plurality of scores and condition determination of an identification score and a fusion score.

Abstract: A USB drive mass storage device mainly includes a housing having a predetermined size, in which an optical fingerprint identification system is mounted for use with the USB drive. A printed circuit board (PCB) is located on an inner bottom of the housing with a universal serial bus (USB) plug projected from a front end of the housing. The optical fingerprint identification system includes an image sensing element and an optical prism located across front and rear ends, respectively, of the PCB, so that a space above the PCB provides an optical path for the optical fingerprint identification system. The housing is provided at a rear end with a pivotally connected rear cover to enable easy protection of and access to a fingerprint surface on the optical prism.

Abstract: An enquiry face image shot by a video camera and the like is collated with face image data converted into database. The data converted into the database are three-dimensional shape data of surfaces of faces and color image data. Shooting conditions (an angle and lighting directions) of the enquiry image are supplied to the data, and thereby a color image of each person's face from the database in accordance with the shooting conditions is generated. By comparing the color image with the enquiry image, the collation is implemented.

Abstract: A plurality of iris images of a person to be authenticated in which the positions of extraneous light reflection are respectively different are captured by using an image capturing device. Iris codes, that is, features for authentication, are respectively extracted from the plural iris images, and the plural iris codes thus extracted are respectively compared with a registered iris code, so as to generate a plurality of comparison results. The plural comparison results are integrated to obtain an ultimate comparison score, which is used for the authentication.

Abstract: A face recognition system and process for identifying a person depicted in an input image and their face pose. This system and process entails locating and extracting face regions belonging to known people from a set of model images, and determining the face pose for each of the face regions extracted. All the extracted face regions are preprocessed by normalizing, cropping, categorizing and finally abstracting them. More specifically, the images are normalized and cropped to show only a persons face, categorized according to the face pose of the depicted person's face by assigning them to one of a series of face pose ranges, and abstracted preferably via an eigenface approach.

Abstract: A method for authenticating an individual by use of fingerprint data that involves two different broad steps. The first step is to obtain a biometrics fingerprint signature template (“BFST”) for an individual in an enrollment process by selecting a plurality of bands for the BFST and obtaining a plurality of tracks corresponding to each of the plurality of bands by use of an enrollment frame of a selected finger of the individual, wherein the plurality of bands are spatially referenced to the enrollment frame and can be spatially referenced to a reference barrier.

Abstract: A face recognition system and process for identifying a person depicted in an input image and their face pose. This system and process entails locating and extracting face regions belonging to known people from a set of model images, and determining the face pose for each of the face regions extracted. All the extracted face regions are preprocessed by normalizing, cropping, categorizing and finally abstracting them. More specifically, the images are normalized and cropped to show only a persons face, categorized according to the face pose of the depicted person's face by assigning them to one of a series of face pose ranges, and abstracted preferably via an eigenface approach.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus. A camera inputs an image of a face of a person to be recognized. A recognition area detection section generates a difference image between the input image and a predetermined pattern, and detects a recognition area whose value is above a threshold from the input image. An input data generation section converts the recognition area to a predetermined input data. A similarity calculation section calculates a similarity by comparing the predetermined input data with a predetermined dictionary data. A view position of the camera is located lower than a position of the face of the person. A direction of the optical axis of the camera represents an angle of elevation from a horizontal direction.

Abstract: A face image recognition apparatus includes a registration information holding section in which a reference feature amount of the face of at least one to-be-recognized person is previously registered, the feature amount of the face is extracted from a face image input via an image input section by use of feature amount extracting section, a recognition section determines the recognition rate between the extracted feature amount and the reference feature amount registered in the registration information holding section, and a feature amount adding section additionally registers the feature amount extracted by the feature amount extracting section as a new reference feature amount into the registration information holding section when it is determined that the determined recognition rate is lower than a preset value.

Abstract: An identification tag (100) facilitates use of a secure computer system (300). The tag (100) is adapted to be worn on a user's wrist and includes an identification and registration circuit (102) that includes an identification component (106), an affiliation component (110), and a light-emitting diode (112). The computer system includes an RF identification tag registration device (302) operable to acquire user physical information and communicate the physical information to a computer (202), wherein the computer verifies that a valid user is wearing the tag (100). The identification and registration device (302) ensures that the physical information communicated to the computer pertains to the user wearing the tag by comparing pulse signals acquired from the user's hand and wrist as the device (302) is acquiring physical information.