Abstract: A facsimile transmission system is used to transmit documents over telephone lines using an electronic mail system, which may be a localized system or a distributed electronic mail system. Transmission is initiated by the sending facsimile machine transmitting a mark sense cover sheet, which has a mark sense identifier printed on it, to a facsimile controller. The controller checks for the presence of the mark sense identifier and if present, the controller reads the identifying information and destination address coded thereon. The controller then transmits the identifying information and destination address and the subsequently received document facsimile data to the electronic mail system in digital form, for retransmission back through the same or a different controller to one or more receiving facsimile machines.

Abstract: A pressure sensing device having applicability as a simple pressure sensor and which is particularly adapted for use as a pen in a Signature Verification System, said device including a unique mounting structure for the pressure sensing stylus by flexible support means mounted on a substantially rigid base. The support means has a pressure sensing element mounted thereon. The flexible support means comprises two spaced members so disposed that their deflections and the output of the pressure sensing element are substantially independent of the angle of pressure on the stylus. In the special purpose embodiment useful for Signature Verification the stylus comprises a pen and the device further includes two orthogonally disposed accelerometers for sensing accelerations of said pen during the writing of a signature.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for verifying a sample signature based on comparison of the dynamics of a reference and a sample signature. More particularly, second derivative values of pen displacements (i.e. acceleration) and continuous pressure pattern signals are periodically sampled for both a reference and sample signature and a comparison of these second derivative values and pressure patterns is made. To effect the comparisons the two groups (reference and sample) of both second derivative and pressure pattern signals are segmented and corresponding segments are individually correlated. Successive comparisons of the same segment pairs are performed utilizing successive shifting of the phases between the two segments being correlated to find regions of highest possible correlation. A running account of the maximum cross correlation values for all of the segment pairs of the two signatures are kept.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for verifying a sample signature based on comparison of the dynamics of a reference and a sample signature. More particularly, second derivative values of pen displacements (i.e. acceleration) are periodically sampled for both a reference and sample signature and a comparison of these second derivative values is made. According to the disclosed verification method, the two lists of second derivative values are segmented and similar segments are individually compared and also correlated utilizing shifting of the segments during successive comparisons to find regions of high correlation. A running account of cross correlation values between successive segments of the two signatures are kept. Finally, the maximums of the cross correlation values obtained for each segment comparison are combined and this maximum correlation value is utilized as a verification indicator.