Abstract: A method and apparatus for verifying/identifying a person based on contour of the knuckles of at least one hand, e.g. a digitized waveform unique to each individual. At an Enrollment Station a microcomputer is connected to a video camera (with CCD array). A candidate user grasps and turns a grip handle on the apparatus, thus positioning a fist before a viewing window and activating the camera to scan the fist and generate a contour of the user's knuckle profile. User's data comprises a knuckle profile of fist(s), an assigned PIN, and optionally, information such as user's name, bank ID number, Social Security Number, and access restrictions. User's data may be stored as an electronic waveform profile (template) in an ID card, and simultaneously in a master database containing data of all authorized users in a guarded system (factory, retail store, bank customers, computer data files). Similar apparatus is installed at each Guarded Station (a door, turnstile, gate, ATM, etc.).

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for verifying the identity of an individual is based on the profile of a hand print. A set of reference data is created by determining the location of the edges of each finger separately to generate a set of finger profiles, establishing a central axis for each finger profile by reference to the edges thereof, rotating the central axis of each finger profile until it is normal to a reference line, determining the width of each finger profile at predetermined locations parallel to said reference line, and recording said finger profile information. Thereafter, a candidate's finger profile can then be compared with the reference profile by comparing the width of each finger profile at predetermined locations, determining whether the corresponding between finger widths at said predetermined locations meets a predetermined criteria, and then indicating acceptance or rejection of the candidate.