Abstract: The present invention relates to smart gun technology, i.e., devices, systems, and methods, designed to ensure that the individual who is attempting to fire a weapon has been authorized to use the in-use weapon. In some embodiments, we disclose a firearm safety device having a spring-type, hammerless firing pin coupled to a logic circuit configured to uniquely identify an individual. Some embodiments employ RFID technology, which is much more reliable than most consumer-grade biometric identification mechanisms.

Abstract: Multi-Dimensional Statistical Patchwork Steganographic Encoding and Verification uses fluctuations in image density and brightness to encode a binary cipher and decode the same in the absence of prior knowledge other than that of the existence of encoding and encoding party source. Once encoded, the image can be deciphered without any prior knowledge outside the encoding preference or hallmarks. This allows a party to encode and image, release it publicly, retrieve it at a later time, and decode it without any other knowledge than it was an image they encoded. Using a statistical representation of a defined segment of the image in a mated pair is used to define either a “I” or “0”. The addition of stereoscopic, alternate frequency bands, or harmonic stacking allows multiplication of available bits without degradation of image appearance. Using any pre-defined hallmarks of origin and pattern allow for non-cataloged reference of the encoded image.