Abstract: One embodiment of the invention enhances the security of electronic signatures during transmission. A peripheral device, which may be located remotely and separate from a host processing system, captures the signature. The peripheral device then binds the signature to the particular transaction record and transmits it to the host processing system. The host processing system validates or confirms the received signature before accepting the transaction. Binding the signature and record data together at the point-of-use reduces the likelihood that someone may be able to hack into the transmission medium, encrypted or not, and obtain the raw signature data. By binding or associating the signature and transaction record data together at the point-of-use, each transaction has a unique key, further foiling attempts at hacking. In various implementations, rather than associating the whole signature with the transaction record data, signature sample points or segments are encrypted with transaction record data.

Abstract: A method for determining whether a disputed electronic signature is that of a purported signator includes the steps of (a) creating in a single step an ink on paper signature and an identical electronic signature of the purported signator; (b) verifying that the ink on paper signature is consistent with known ink on paper signatures of the purported signator; and (c) comparing the disputed electronic signature with the electronic signature of the purported signature to determine whether the disputed electronic signature is that of the purported signator.

Abstract: A stylus useful for direct contact with an electronic touch pad has an elongate body and a dry, inkless ball disposed at the tip end of the body. The ball is attached within the elongate body, such that it is rotatable in all directions when the ball is placed in contact with an electronic touch pad.

Abstract: An apparatus useful in facilitating commercial transaction payments as a secured electronic payment terminal and a thin keyboard cover. The keyboard cover is adjustably attached to the electronic payment terminal so that the keyboard cover can alternatively serve to cover the keyboard or to swing away from the keyboard to provide a security panel. The keyboard cover is “active,” in that it incorporates a data communicator for transmitting or receiving data from an outside source. In one embodiment, the data communicator includes a signature pad. The keyboard cover is removable from the electronic payment terminal for maintenance and/or replacement without having to access the internals of the electronic payment terminal, including its electronic circuitry.

Abstract: A touchpad stylus includes a housing, a stylus member axially moveable in the housing, and an energy-absorbing cushion member interposed between a rear extremity of the stylus member and an internal cavity of the housing, the cushion member lightly forwardly biasing the stylus member relative to the housing. The stylus member has a smoothly spherical tip extremity, and the device avoids impact damage to fragile outer membranes of existing touchpad devices because the full mass of the housing is isolated from impact with the touchpad, the stylus member itself having very significantly less mass than an aggregate mass of the complete assembly.

Abstract: A method for determining whether a disputed electronic signature is that of a purported signator includes the steps of (a) creating in a single step an ink on paper signature and an identical electronic signature of the purported signator; (b) verifying that the ink on paper signature is consistent with known ink on paper signatures of the purported signator; and (c) comparing the disputed electronic signature with the electronic signature of the purported signature to determine whether the disputed electronic signature is that of the purported signator.