Abstract: A method of recognizing an injury pattern on a fingerprint is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing biometric information to a contact imager; imaging and characterizing the biometric information; comparing an image of the biometric information against previously stored templates; upon a comparison result of the comparison, determining an injury pattern; wherein upon an injury pattern determination, performing a comparison against a stored template based on features extracted from the biometric data and the damage data.

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 is disclosed for transferring data via a USB interface. A workstation is provided having an interface therein supporting a first set of known commands. A USB device is provided for interfacing with the interface and supporting a second set of known commands, the second set including some commands absent from the first set of commands. A first command is provided from the second set of commands and absent from the first set of commands for execution on the USB device. The first command is provided on the workstation. The first command is encapsulated within data associated with a second other command, the second other command within the first set of commands. The first command is encapsulated within the data for extraction thereof. The second other command and the data associated with a second other command are transmitted to the USB device via the interface. Once received, the first command is extracted from the second other command and the first command is executed on the USB device.

Abstract: A method of supporting a substantially secure backup copy of a key-server database, said database comprising security information specific to a plurality of users, absent the need for a duplicate key-server is disclosed. According to the method, each individual's security data is stored within the key-server database and is also stored on a portable data storage device, such as a smart card or a PCMCIA token. If the key-server crashes and the database stored thereon is lost, a duplicate key-server database is reconstructed using the aggregate of the partial database files stored on each individual's portable data storage device. Similarly, when a portable data storage device is lost, it can be rebuilt from the data stored within the key-server.

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: 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 and apparatus are disclosed wherein a portable memory storage device is provided for interfacing with a communications port of the computer system. During operating system start up of the operating system of the computer, fields relating to security of the operating system are prompted for. The portable memory store retrieves from memory therein data for populating said fields and provides same to the computer system mimicking a data entry device other than a portable memory store.

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: 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 of implementing password level security 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 authorization methods each requiring data only from available user information entry devices. The user then selects one of the determined authorization methods for use in user authorization. Optionally, each authorization method is associated with a security level relating to user access to resources. Once the authorization method is selected, the user provides user authorization information in accordance with a determined user authorization method and registration proceeds. Once registration is complete, a password is passed from a password database to a password entry sub-system to provide access to that system.

Abstract: A method of recognizing an injury pattern on a fingerprint is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing biometric information to a contact imager; imaging and characterizing the biometric information; comparing an image of the biometric information against previously stored templates; upon a comparison result of the comparison, determining an injury pattern; wherein upon an injury pattern determination, performing a comparison against a stored template based on features extracted from the biometric data and the damage 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 method of authorizing 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 authorization methods each requiring data only from available user information entry devices. The user then selects one of the determined authorization methods for use in user authorization. Optionally, each authorization method is associated with a security level relating to user access to resources. Once the authorization method is selected, the user provides user authorization information in accordance with a determined user authorization method and registration proceeds.

Abstract: A fingerprint sensing device and recognition system includes a capacitive array of sense elements. A plurality of images is combined to form a composite image having an area that is greater than the area of a single captured image. The sensing device also features a spacer or spacers to allow for a reproducible sensing of the same fingerprint. Optionally, the spacer or spacers include a roller or rollers, which further optionally in conjunction with a monitoring device for determining motion of a surface being imaged device. Also optionally, th sensing devices includes a guiding channel as to allow for a well defined motion of the biological surface to be imaged. A method for sensing a biological surface using the fingerprint sensing device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for transferring data via a USB interface. A workstation is provided having an interface therein supporting a first set of known commands. A USB device is provided for interfacing with the interface and supporting a second set of known commands, the second set including some commands absent from the first set of commands. A first command is provided from the second set of commands and absent from the first set of commands for execution on the USB device. The first command is provided on the workstation. The first command is encapsulated within data associated with a second other command, the second other command within the first set of commands. The first command is encapsulated within the data for extraction thereof. The second other command and the data associated with a second other command are transmitted to the USB device via the interface. Once received, the first command is extracted from the second other command and the first command is executed on the USB device.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for improving error discrimination in biometric authentication systems. The error discrimination is set to a predetermined security policy. A plurality of biometric samples are provided and authenticated by a computer system in conjunction with a security token. An alternate embodiment allows inputting of the plurality of biometric samples in a predetermined sequence. The predetermined input sequence is maintained as an authentication secret which may be used to further reduce the authentication transaction error rate.

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 where the features have the 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: 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 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: A method, system and computer program product for ensuring a biometric template is associated with a live entity comprising an intelligent biometric scanner in processing communications with a computer system and a security token. The intelligent biometric scanner applies a data transformation to an inputted entity biometric sample and a biometric challenge supplied by a security token. The transformed biometric sample is processed by a computer system using the transformed biometric challenge resulting in an transformed entity biometric template which will not match an enrollment template stored inside the security token until the transformation is reversed by the intelligent biometric scanner. Embodiment of the invention are also disclosed which does not require the use of a challenge.