Abstract: A security checkpoint for verifying whether a user is an authorized user includes: (a) a one-way mirror for concealingly permitting the automated recordation of data concerning a person at the security checkpoint; and (b) recording equipment for recording the data, the recording equipment being concealed by the one-way mirror; wherein the recorded data is sent to an analysis device for analysis and depending on the result of the analysis of the recorded data, an exit gate moves from a closed to an open position; the security checkpoint also comprising a document scanner to scan a document carried by the person and further comprising a printer to print a stamp on an identity document.

Abstract: Privacy of information is protected by a method of securing access to information associated with a value item, the method including comparing a security signature and a stored profile, and permitting access to the information associated with the value item if the security signature matches the stored profile. The value item may be a machine readable document or other item of high value. The associated information may be stored in an electronic storage medium attached to the value item, or may be stored in an external database, or both. Permitting access to the associated information may include generating an access code unique to the associated information and to the value item.

Abstract: An apparatus for verifying whether a user of an object is an authorized user of the object includes: (a) means for detecting a biometric feature of the user and generating data representing the biometric feature; and (b) a reader-printer for reading and printing on the object, which includes: (i) reader system for reading the object to obtain a digital representation of biometric information associated with the authorized user; and (ii) printer system for printing on the object; the apparatus being operable to cause the printer system to print on the object if the data matches the digital representation. Separately or incorporated into the apparatus, the reader-printer may include: (a) reader for reading the object to obtain a digital signature representing a unique feature of the object; and (b) printer for printing on the object if the digital signature matches a reference digital signature associated with the object.

Abstract: Privacy of information is protected by a method of securing access to information associated with a value item, the method involving comparing a security signature and a stored profile, and permitting access to the information associated with the value item if the security signature matches the stored profile. An apparatus and method for detecting an item is provided in accordance with other aspects of the invention. The apparatus includes one or more sources operable to produce electromagnetic radiation in a range of wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum; and one or more imaging devices, such as cameras, operable to produce images of the item. Different images may be produced for different ranges of wavelengths being produced. A material profile may be made from digital representations of the images for subsequent authentication of the item and for detecting changes to the item.

Abstract: An apparatus for authenticating a standardized document is provided. The apparatus includes: (a) a detector operable to detect the presence of the standardized document when the standardized document is being received by the apparatus; (b) a source operable to illuminate the standardized document; and (c) an imaging device operable to capture for authentication an image of the standardized document, wherein the apparatus is operable to determine its location. The apparatus may include a communications module operable to transmit a communication containing information selected from the group consisting of: an indication of time, an indication of location, an indication of the presence of the standardized document, a digital representation of the image, an identification of the standardized document, an indication whether the standardized document has been authenticated, and an indication of a parameter of the apparatus.

Abstract: A document authentication apparatus and system is provided comprising a scanner, PC, a central database and a network. The scanner emits a stimulus which illuminates security features such as ink, fibers or planchettes in or on a substrate of a value item such as a check, bank note, credit card or identification document. A sensor(s) detect the illuminated security features and values are generated relating to the color, coordinates on and depth of the security features in the substrate. The values are digitized and recorded for comparison when a value item is presented for authentication. Matching digitized values indicates a match of the substrates thereby identifying the value item.

Abstract: Privacy of information is protected by a method of securing access to information associated with a value item, the method involving comparing a security signature and a stored profile, and permitting access to the information associated with the value item if the security signature matches the stored profile. An apparatus and method for detecting an item is provided in accordance with other aspects of the invention. The apparatus includes one or more sources operable to produce electromagnetic radiation in a range of wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum; and one or more imaging devices, such as cameras, operable to produce images of the item. Different images may be produced for different ranges of wavelengths being produced. A material profile may be made from digital representations of the images for subsequent authentication of the item and for detecting changes to the item.

Abstract: Privacy of information is protected by a method of securing access to information associated with a value item, the method including comparing a security signature and a stored profile, and permitting access to the information associated with the value item if the security signature matches the stored profile. The value item may be a machine readable document or other item of high value. The associated information may be stored in an electronic storage medium attached to the value item, or may be stored in an external database, or both. Permitting access to the associated information may include generating an access code unique to the associated information and to the value item.

Abstract: A document authentication apparatus and system is provided comprising a scanner, PC, a central database and a network. The scanner emits a stimulus which illuminates security features such as ink, fibers or planchettes in or on a substrate of a value item such as a check, bank note, credit card or identification document. A sensor(s) receive values relating to the color, coordinates on and depth of the security features in the substrate. The values are digitized and recorded for comparison when a value item is presented for authentication. Matching digitized values indicates a match of the substrates therefore value items.