Abstract: This patent specification relates to apparatus, systems, methods, and related computer program products for providing home security/smart home objectives. More particularly, this patent specification relates to a plurality of devices, including intelligent, multi-sensing, network-connected devices, that communicate with each other and/or with a central server or a cloud-computing system to provide any of a variety of useful home security/smart home objectives.

Abstract: A lock release apparatus in a vehicle includes a vehicle unit and a portable device, for an exchange of the first and second reference signals transmitted therebetween from the portable device through human body of the driver toward the right and left hands of the driver onto the first and second interfaces. The signals received by the interfaces are used to set the first and second determination conditions. At a time of a shift lever operation, an interface on a shift lever is used to receive the first determination signal for determining the first determination condition, together with the second determination signal from the other interface for releasing the lock of the shift lever.

Abstract: A server receives a service personnel identification verification request from a computing device. The request includes identification information obtained via the computing device from a security badge. The computer determines whether there is a security concern with the identification information by comparing the identification information to stored service personnel information in a service personnel database. A response is sent to the computing device indicating the result of the determination, for presentation to a user who may be interacting with a person having the security badge.

Abstract: A charging apparatus is used to support and charge an electronic device defining a latching slot and includes a holding portion, a placement portion and controlling portion. The placement portion engages with the holding portion and defines a latching notch aiming at the latching slot when the electronic device is received in the placement portion. The controlling portion is secured in the holding portion and includes a magnetic switch and a safety latch. The magnetic switch includes a movable shaft, and the safety latch includes a latching portion engaging with the movable shaft and pivoting to the placement portion, and a buckling portion engaging with the latching notch and the latching slot. The magnetic switch drives the movable shaft move to urge the latching portion rotating relative to the placement portion and to urge the buckling portion passing through the latching notch and engaging with the latching slot.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed towards authenticating users using biometric devices. The biometric device may be arranged to capture one or more biometric feature of a user that may be wearing the biometric device such as biometric features that correspond to an electrocardiogram of the user. The user of the biometric device may be authenticated based on one or more biometric features, or a combination thereof. Authenticating the user of the biometric device, may include communicating information that includes biometric features to an authorized authentication device (AAD). When the user is authenticated, the biometric device may be preauthorized for the user. When the preauthorized biometric device senses at least one access point, an authorization signal may be provided to the access point. If the preauthorized biometric device is removed from the user, the biometric device is deauthorized, disabling access to access points by the user.

Abstract: A system and method for assigning controlled access to a securable device may include a kiosk configured to receive a PIN and to collect payment from a user for rental of a securable device from among multiple securable devices. A lock unit associated with the securable device and in communication with the kiosk may be configured to receive the PIN from said kiosk. After receiving the PIN, the kiosk may be configured to operate autonomously with respect to the kiosk to enable the user to access the securable device in response to the user entering the PIN into the lock unit.

Abstract: A novel system and methodology for conducting financial and other transactions using a wireless device. Credentials may be selectively issued by issuers such as credit card companies, banks, and merchants to consumers permitting the specific consumer to conduct a transaction according to the authorization given as reflected by the credential or set of credentials. The preferred mechanism for controlling and distributing credentials according to the present invention is through one or more publicly accessible networks such as the Internet wherein the system design and operating characteristics are in conformance with the standards and other specific requirements of the chosen network or set of networks. Credentials are ultimately supplied to a handheld device such as a mobile telephone via a wireless network. The user holding the credential may then use the handheld device to conduct the authorized transaction or set of transactions via, for example, a short range wireless link with a point-of-sale terminal.

Abstract: A method, a portable data storage medium, an approval apparatus and a system for approving a transaction using acceleration sensors integrated in a portable data storage medium.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide a system that authenticates a user. During operation, the system obtains a sequence of facial gestures from the user. Next, the system authenticates the user based on a likeness of the sequence to a set of baseline representations of the facial gestures.

Abstract: A mobile identification transmitter for activating a security system of a motor vehicle, particularly an access and/or ignition control system, having a housing in which electronics and a communication means are arranged, wherein the communication means can be brought into communication with a communication means of the security system on board the motor vehicle, a payment element is removably fastened in a receptacle of the housing, where a closure is separately arranged on the housing, the identification transmitter can be set in a normal state and in a secure state, in the normal state and in the secure state communication can be made with the security system, in the secure state the payment element is removed from the receptacle, and the closure seals and protects the receptacle.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an apparatus and system for and method of registering, admitting and testing of a candidate. Test candidate can be registered and admitted through verification of identity using biometric comparisons and third party identification systems. Scanning of identification documents and comparison with security information database can authenticate the validity and authenticity of identification documents. Authentication of testing candidates can be accomplished by comparison of biometric data of candidate against biometric data contain in identification document. Testing can be conducted on an apparatus remotely located from a proctor monitored administrative station or apparatus. The remote testing station can detect and prevent individuals from cheating, detect unauthorized objects, and can prevent or detect unauthorized copying of an examination or portions thereof.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes receiving sensor data from multiple sensors associated with multiple persons; for each of the sensors, identifying the person associated with the sensor; determining whether the sensor data are valid; and, for the sensor data that are valid, aggregating them based on the associations of their sensors with the persons and routing them to one or more sensor-application-service providers based on associations of the persons with the sensor-application-service providers.

Abstract: An arrangement for secure user authentication includes a computer or telecommunication terminal with a smartcard and a device. The smartcard is adapted to securely store biometric information relating to at least one user and the device is adapted to detect biometric data of users. The smartcard and the device include a radio interface for communicating together and a module for exchanging biometric information between each other. In this way, tampering of the transferred biometric information is difficult. In order to increase the security, one or more of the following measures may be used: a secure communication channel between the device and the smartcard, a direct (preferably short range) communication channel between the device and the smartcard and encryption and decryption of biometric information transferred between the device and the smartcard.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes an accelerometer (included within a wireless physiology monitoring device or as part of a separate device such as, but not limited to a smartphone, e.g., iPhone, or other mobile device) to link a patient with a separate medical data acquisition device such as a weight scale or a blood pressure monitor in order to collect and transmit a range of medical data associated with the user. The medical data acquisition device includes a vibration source for emitting a vibration at a predetermined or random frequency. When the acquisition device is activated, a vibration is transmitted from the through the patient and is detected by the accelerometer. The accelerometer then measures the particular frequency of vibration and transmits this information to a centralized monitoring unit (CMU). Based on the measured frequency, the CMU is able to know that the same patient wearing/holding the device is also the same patient using the data acquisition device.

Abstract: This patent application is generally related to watermarking and steganography. One claim recites a method of transmarking an audio or video signal previously embedded with a first digital watermark using a first digital watermark embedding method. The method includes: utilizing a programmed electronic processor, decoding the first digital watermark from the audio or video signal, in which the decoding determines relationships or values associated with local masking opportunities of the media signal; converting the audio or video signal into a different form; and utilizing a programmed electronic processor, embedding decoded message information from the first digital watermark into a second digital watermark in the different form such that the second digital watermark is adapted to robustness or perceptibility parameters associated with the different form. Of course, other combinations and claims are provided as well.

Abstract: A tracking apparatus includes a face detection unit, a face corresponding region detection unit, a face tracking unit, a peripheral part tracking unit, a tracking switch unit. The face tracking unit tracks the face in accordance with a result detected by the face detection unit or a result detected by the face corresponding region detection unit. The peripheral part tracking unit tracks, as a part other than the face, a part of the subject having a preset positional relationship with the face. The tracking switch unit switches to the tracking of a part other than the face by the peripheral part tracking unit when the face is not tracked by the face tracking unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reporting victims of natural disasters (tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, etc.) or man-made disasters (explosions, fires, mass shootings, aircraft or train accidents, etc.), is disclosed. A machine-readable tag is issued to a rescue worker, first-responder, etc. The information in this tag is then uploaded to a database. During disaster relief operations, when a victim of a disaster is found, the tag is attached to the victim and then scanned by a device having geographic information, such as from GPS. An image of the victim along with the location information and possibly other information on the victim's identity and physical condition (deceased or extent of injuries) is uploaded, such as through a cell phone communications system, a satellite communication system, or other communications system, into a database. The database can be queried by family members and loved ones, as well as disaster relief personnel.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods for continuously authenticating individuals are provided. A continuous authentication system receives first biometric authentication information from an individual. The system compares the first biometric authentication information to stored first biometric information to identify the individual and links the identified individual to a device for obtaining second biometric authentication information. The device for obtaining second biometric authentication information continuously receives second biometric authentication information. The continuous authentication system compares the received second biometric authentication information to stored second biometric information that corresponds to the individual to determine if the received second biometric authentication information corresponds to the individual.

Abstract: A method of authenticating or declining to authenticate an asserted identity of a candidate-person. In an enrollment phase, a reference PQRST heart action graph is provided or constructed from information obtained from a plurality of graphs that resemble each other for a known reference person, using a first graph comparison metric. In a verification phase, a candidate-person asserts his/her identity and presents a plurality of his/her heart cycle graphs. If a sufficient number of the candidate-person's measured graphs resemble each other, a representative composite graph is constructed from the candidate-person's graphs and is compared with a composite reference graph, for the person whose identity is asserted, using a second graph comparison metric. When the second metric value lies in a selected range, the candidate-person's assertion of identity is accepted.

Abstract: Enhanced biometric authentication is achieved by combining a user's inherent biometric data with the user's knowledge of a secret glyph. In one embodiment, a touchpad is provided on which the user may use a finger to indicate a plurality of strokes that form a distinct glyph. Image stabilization may be used to extract a readable fingerprint from the strokes, and the glyph and finger print are matched to a stored profile. The glyph may be one or more alphanumeric characters that represent a password. The user can then enter the password on the touch pad with his finger. If the fingerprint and password both match, the user is authenticated.

Abstract: A contactless bi-directional device including first and second generally mutually electromagnetically decoupled contactless loop antennas which are arranged in at least partially mutually overlapping orientation, first and second contactless communication chips, each of the first and second communications chips being connected to a corresponding one of the generally mutually electromagnetically decoupled contactless loop antennas, thereby providing bi-directional communication.

Abstract: Mustering of persons from a building in an emergency situation is made possible by tagging mustering stations with unpowered, unique tokens which can be read by a user's personal mobile electronic device. The user's device transmits both mustering station identity and user identification to a remote server, where, upon successful validation, the user is removed from a list of persons to be mustered. The system may be part of a physical access security system for the building, in which single-use digital tokens as well as traditional cards may be used to open the doors. The permissions relating to doors or other physical assets may also be used to grant access to logical assets within the building.

Abstract: A technique performs an authentication operation using pulse and facial data from a user. The technique involves obtaining current pulse data from a user, and performing a comparison between the current pulse data from the user and expected pulse data for the user. The technique further involves generating an authentication result based on the comparison between the current pulse data and the expected pulse data. The authentication result may control user access to a computerized resource. Since such a technique uses pulse data, a perpetrator cannot simply submit a static image of a subject's face to circumvent the authentication process. In some arrangements, the technique involves obtaining videos of human faces and deriving cardiac pulse rates from the videos. For such arrangements, a standard webcam can be used to capture the videos. Moreover, such techniques are capable of factoring in circadian rhythms and/or aging adjustments to detect and thwart video replay attacks.

Abstract: A method of reconstructing a three-dimensional (3D) facial shape with super resolution even from a short moving picture having a front facial image by acquiring a super-resolution facial image by applying, as a weighting factor, a per-unit-patch similarity between a target frame and frames remaining after excluding the target frame from among a plurality of continuous frames including the front facial image, and reconstructing the 3D facial shape based on the acquired super-resolution facial image.

Abstract: An authentication method and system to combat confirmation bias provides for an authentication system that upon matching an access request to a record for a given user in an authentication system further interrogates a set of secondary sources to determine that the individual requesting access is in fact the correct user.

Abstract: A method for determining an interest level of a digital image to a particular person. The digital image, or metadata associated with the digital image, is analyzed to designate one or more image elements in the digital image. Familiarity levels of the designated image elements to the particular person are determined. The interest level of the digital image to the particular person is then determined responsive to the determined familiarity levels. In some embodiments the image elements include persons and scene contexts, where digital images containing more familiar persons and less familiar scene contexts correspond to higher interest levels.

Abstract: A method of redeploying waste containers in a waste collection system with an active or passive signal means requires a user to aim an optical character recognition reader at a waste container comprising a unique optical waste container identifier. The optical character recognition reader reads unique waste container optical identifier. The unique waste container optical identifier is converted to a unique electronically formatted waste container identifier. A unique radio frequency signal identifier is stored on a radio frequency emitting tag and associated with the unique electronically formatted waste container identifier. The radio frequency emitting tag is attached to the waste container.

Abstract: A method of operating a communication device to interface with a machine system comprises projecting a human-machine interface (HMI) system for the machine system on a surface, wherein the HMI system comprises a plurality of commands associated with the machine system, detecting an input from a user, wherein the input comprises a fluid motion in air performed by the user corresponding to a selection of a command of the plurality of commands associated with the machine system, and transferring the selected command for delivery to the machine system.

Abstract: A controller includes an authentication unit, an operator information database, an operation unit, a plant control logic processor and an operation history database. The authentication unit performs authentication when the operator in touch with the touch electrode inputs an operation to the operation unit. The operation unit obtains operator information of an operator authenticated by the authentication unit, and records an operation history of an operation input to an operation unit by the operator in the operation history database in relation to the operator information.

Abstract: Digital image data including discrete photographic images of a variety of different subjects, times, and so forth, are collected and analyzed to identify specific features in the photographs. In an embodiment of the invention, distinctive markers are distributed to aid in the identification of particular subject matter. Facial recognition may also be employed. The digital image data is maintained in a database and quarried in response to search requests. The search requests include criteria specifying any feature category or other identifying information, such as date, time, and location that each photograph was taken, associated with each photograph. Candidate images are provided for review by requesters, who may select desired images for purchase or downloading.

Abstract: [PROBLEMS] To provide an authentication system improving authentication accuracy of existence of a registered person and easily find an unauthorized act to improve the security in a system by performing authentication using coincidence/non-coincidence of biometrics information and temporal/spatial authentication when performing individual authentication via a network by using electronic information which is easily tampered, easily leaks out, and is easily stolen. [MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS] An authentication server (1) includes a database for managing individual information on a registered person to be authenticated. Moreover, the authentication server (1) is connected to a plurality of management servers (2) via a communication network and correlates the individual information transmitted from an individual information input device (3) via the management server (2) with the individual information in the database, thereby authenticating the existence of the registered person.

Abstract: A system and method for assigning controlled access to a securable device may include multiple securable devices available for a user to rent. A first kiosk may be configured to enable the user to rent a securable device from among the securable devices. A second kiosk may be configured to alternatively enable the user to rent the securable device from among the securable devices. A lock unit may be associated with the securable device and be in communication with the first and second kiosks. The lock unit may be configured to enable the user to access the securable device after being rented by the user via either of the first or second kiosk.

Abstract: A system and method for assigning controlled access to a securable device may include (i) multiple securable devices and (ii) a kiosk configured to enable a user to rent a securable device from among the securable devices. The kiosk may be physically remote from the securable devices.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing authentication using an arrangement of dynamic graphical images. The graphical images can be arranged as a grid or matrix for presentation on a device display for authentication of a user. The kinds of graphical images can be derived from a designated authentication category and non-authenticating categories. A series of password elements corresponding to the graphical images can be displayed with the graphical images. The user may enter the series of one or more password elements corresponding to graphical images from the authentication category which combine to form a password entry. An authentication server can compare the password entry to an authentication password corresponding to the particular arrangement of dynamic graphical images. The selection of graphical images, their arrangement and their corresponding password elements, may dynamically change in between authentication processes.

Abstract: A method of making individualized communications includes providing one or more images including each of a plurality of individuals, automatically extracting one or more individual appearance attributes for each of the individuals from the image including the individual, providing a communication that is generic to the individuals, using a processor to make an individualized communication for each of the individuals by modifying the generic communication in accordance with the one or more individual appearance attributes associated with the individual, communicating the individualized communication to a corresponding individual.

Abstract: A personal digital ID device provides a digital identifier to a service for a predetermined duration in response to user interaction. The user interaction may include a button press. The personal digital ID device may be in the form of a bracelet, a key fob, or other form factor. The service may be provided by a mobile device, in the cloud, or elsewhere.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to systems and methods for dynamically adjusting functions of an automation system. More particularly, the present disclosure includes systems, devices, and methods for intelligently controlling one or more energy-consuming devices in a structure such as a residential, commercial, or industrial building. One embodiment include determining an identity of a person and/or the direction the person is traveling, and then changing a function of an actuator based on the determination(s).

Abstract: A personal digital ID device provides a digital identifier to a service for a predetermined duration in response to user interaction. The user interaction may include a button press. The personal digital ID device may be in the form of a bracelet, a key fob, or other form factor. The service may be provided by a mobile device, in the cloud, or elsewhere.

Abstract: Systems and methods for job site management, such as those, for example, configured validate a worker, clock-in a worker, clock-out a worker, detect a geographic location of a worker, provide information relating to a worker, and the like.

Abstract: A personal digital ID device provides a digital identifier to a service for a predetermined duration in response to user interaction. The user interaction may include a button press. The personal digital ID device may be in the form of a bracelet, a key fob, or other form factor. The service may be provided by a mobile device, in the cloud, or elsewhere.

Abstract: A personal digital ID device provides a digital identifier to a service for a predetermined duration in response to user interaction. The user interaction may include a button press. The personal digital ID device may be in the form of a bracelet, a key fob, or other form factor. The service may be provided by a mobile device, in the cloud, or elsewhere.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an approach for confirming/verifying an identity of a test taker using a biometric analysis. For example, in the medical field, it is desirous to ensure that a given test is being administered to a correct individual (e.g., “test taker’). By comparing a given/submitted identity against a biometric-based identity, such verification can be performed. In one embodiment, the individual will submit biometric information via a biometric reader or the like coupled to a testing apparatus. The identity submitted by or on behalf of the individual (referred to herein as a “submitted identity”) will then be confirmed against the individual's identity as determined based on the biometric reading (referred to herein as a “biometric-based identity”). If the submitted identity and the biometric-based identity match, results of the test will be accepted. If the two identities do not match, then results of the test will be denied.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cleaning apparatus, comprising an operating unit for operating the cleaning apparatus, at least one functional unit for carrying out an operating instruction, and a control unit for receiving operating instructions performed on the operating unit and controlling the at least one functional unit based on said operating instructions, wherein an access authorization stored on an authorization carrier is required in order to operate the cleaning apparatus. In order to provide such a cleaning apparatus with a more user-friendly access control, it is proposed that the cleaning apparatus have a detection unit operatively connected to the control unit and configured for contactless detection of the access authorization and transmission thereof to the control unit, and that the access authorization be verifiable for its validity by the control unit. The invention further relates to a method for controlling access to a cleaning apparatus.

Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying a user of an electronic device are disclosed. An example method includes capturing body characteristic data associated with a user via a sensor on a computing device. The body characteristic data is captured as the user interacts with the computing device for a purpose different from user identification. The example method includes determining an identifier associated with the user based on the captured body characteristic data.

Abstract: One or more facial recognition categories are assigned to a face region detected in an input image (24). Each of the facial recognition categories is associated with a respective set of one or more different feature extraction modules (66) and a respective set of one or more different facial recognition matching modules (76). For each of the facial recognition categories assigned to the face region, the input image (24) is processed with each of the feature extraction modules (66) associated with the facial recognition category to produce a respective facial region descriptor vector of facial region descriptor values characterizing the face region. A recognition result (96) between the face region and a reference face image (28) is determined based on application of the one or more facial recognition matching modules (76) associated with the facial recognition categories assigned to the face region to the facial region descriptor vectors produced for the face region detected in the input image (24).

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a portable device is described. The portable device includes a housing having a mating feature adapted to mate with a corresponding mating feature of the cradle. The cradle includes a locking mechanism that is capable of locking the portable device to the cradle. A transceiver is positioned in the housing. The transceiver is capable of communicating with a remote server containing data of a registered user. A radio-frequency identification (RFID) reader is positioned in the housing. The RFID reader controls the locking mechanism such that the locking mechanism releases the portable device from the cradle when a RFID tag storing the data of the registered user is positioned proximate to the RFID reader.

Abstract: A method and system for protection of and secure access to a computer system or computer network. The method includes the steps of receiving a first login account identifier, such as a user name from a user in communication with the computer system or network. A determination is made if the user is recognized and enrolled from the first login account from the first login account identifier. If the user is recognized, a grid of randomly generated visual images is displayed including one visual image from an image category which has been preselected by the user upon enrollment. An image category identifier is randomly assigned to each visual image in the grid. An image category identifier, second login account identifier, such as a password, is entered and received. If the login account identifier and the image category is validated, access is permitted to the computer system or network.

Abstract: A recognition system is used for recognizing an operation of a user. The recognition system includes a sensor module, a processing device, a playing device, and data storage device. The sensor module is used for generating a first sensing signal according to an operation of a user. The data storage device stores a plurality of objects. The processing device compares the first sensing signal with the plurality of objects to generate a recognition result in response to the first sensing signal. The playing device is used for playing the recognition result. The sensor module is used for, after the recognition result is played, recognizing a response of the user to generate a second sensing signal, and feeding the second sensing signal back to the processing device. The processing device judges whether the recognition result corresponding to the first sensing signal is correct according to the second sensing signal.

Abstract: A method, portable data carrier (1) and system for releasing a transaction using acceleration sensors (4, 5, 6) and a structure (8) on the data carrier (1).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to support personal information management are described. One example method includes receiving personal information of a user from a mobile device through close-proximity communication, accessing verification information related to the personal information, obtaining biometric information; and verifying the personal information based on the biometric information and based on a comparison of the verification information and the personal information.