Abstract: A programmable digital camera requiring a programming password to be entered to access the camera's programmability. The camera further includes programming so as to allow the camera to be operated only for a specified time interval, after which the camera becomes inoperable until the programming password is again entered and the camera is programmed to operate for another interval of time. An alternate embodiment of the invention includes a programmable digital camera as above described wherein the camera is programmed to only capture a set number of images, at which point the programming password must again be entered and the camera reset for another quantity of images. A further alternate embodiment includes a camera system with a separate transmitter for radiating a signal designed to cover a designated area, the signal being modulated with a camera operational code. The camera is equipped with a corresponding receiver and demodulator to receive the operational code.

Abstract: Apparatus for fraud detection for an account includes a plurality of N statistical estimators which estimate the likelihood of a transaction being fraudulent from data about a transaction on the account and transaction history of the account. A statistical estimator is provided which computes an estimate of the likelihood of a particular signature being that of a person authorized to sign on the account from an exemplar of the signature and a history of previous signatures. A combiner produces a combined probability estimate from the plurality of N statistical estimators and the statistical estimator.

Abstract: A system and method of identification of an animal based on features of the iris of an eye are disclosed. An image of the animal's eye is captured using an iris acquisition device that combines a camera, an optical system, an illumination source, and a viewing screen, preferably in one small, hand-held device. A biometric template based on the features of the animal's iris is extracted from the captured iris image. The identity of the animal is determined by comparing the obtained biometric template with a previously-obtained and stored biometric template, collected under conditions which permit independent verification of identity, and stored in a database along with identification information.

Abstract: Different types of data including voice data of a user, image data produced by picturing the mouth of the user, and ambient noise data are provided through an input unit 10. Those data are analyzed by preprocessors 20 to 23 respectively to determine characteristic parameters. In a classification data constructing unit 24, classification data is constructed from the characteristic parameters and transferred to a classification unit 25 for classification. Meanwhile, an integrated parameter constructing unit 26 constructs integrated parameters from the characteristic parameters provided by the preprocessors 20 to 23. An adaptivity determining unit 27 selects a table corresponding to the class determined by the classification unit 25. From the standard parameters saved in the table and the integrated parameter from the integrated parameter constructing unit 26, the voice emitted by a user is recognized. Accordingly, the accuracy of the voice recognition will be increased.

Abstract: A method and apparatus determine when a subject is looking at a specific target area by estimating a divergence angle between (1) the direction in which the subject is looking and (2) the direction from the subject directly to the target area. This technique accesses whether the subject is looking at a particular area. The invention may further condition this determination according to the subject's distance from the target area, because there is less tolerance for divergent angles when the subject is farther away. In one embodiment, the divergence angle is estimated using the position of a glint of light in the subject's pupil. The glint is created by a light source located in the target area. If the glint is sufficiently central to the pupil, with the camera and light source being near the target area, the subject is looking at the target area. At long distances, when the glint is not sufficiently discernable from the pupil, another technique may be employed to estimate divergence angle.

Abstract: A plurality N of capacitance sensing cells are arranged in a row/column array top to cooperate with a fingertip and produce an output signal that controls the movement of a cursor/pointer across a display screen. The output of each individual sensing cell is connected to the corresponding individual node of a resistor array that has N nodes arranged in a similar row/column array. A centroid output of the resistor nodes in row configuration provides an output signal for control of cursor movement in a row direction. A centroid output of the resistor nodes in column configuration provides an output signal for control of cursor movement in an orthogonal column direction. A mass signal output of the row/column resistor mode array provides a switch on/off signal.

Abstract: Fingerprinting and fingerprint detection, techniques are described which, unlike typical fingerprint systems used to conceal video signals, are compatible with all conceivable forms of signal compression systems while still allowing viewing of the video signal. The fingerprint technique is based on the principle of applying very slight local spatial distortion to the pixels in a video image, and the like, by means of selected warp patterns. Thus the technique provides means for conveying, within the video signal, selected information in the form of the fingerprint which is detectable electronically but which is not noticeable to a critical viewer who is watching the video signal. That is, the resultant fingerprinted video signal will appear to be identical to the undistorted video signal.

Abstract: An optical imaging device such as a fingerprint imager is disclosed that has an optical modification to reduce perspective distortion in a read image. The optical modification is a contoured lens, a contoured platen recess, a contoured output port, or a contoured reflective surface that compensates for perspective distortion. The optical modification is provided by a complex optical surface and is distinct for a uniformly planar, spherical or cylindrical lens. In addition, a method for determining a perspective distortion correction is disclosed.

Abstract: A fingerprint verification system utilizing a facial image-based heuristic search method which includes a first computer-based device having stored thereon encoded first human fingerprint biometric data representative of an authorized human user, an integrated circuit-based or optically-based fingerprint sensor for gathering said first fingerprint data, a control device with display and keyboard for enrolling said authorized human user, a second computer-based device located remotely from said first computer-based device for providing verification of said authorized human user, a network for communicating data between said first computer-based device and said second computer-based device, a receptacle or the like associated with said second computer-based device having embedded therein an integrated circuit-based or optically-based fingerprint sensor for real-time gathering of second human fingerprint biometric data, a video camera and digitizer associated with said second computer-based device for real-time

Abstract: Preferably a sensor receives a print image from an authorized person to form a template, and from a candidate to form test data. Power spectral density (PSD) data for the template and candidate are compared, to read out rotation & dilation; these are used to adjust the template or candidate preparatory to a correlation to find translation. After applying the translation, and refinement of the rotation and dilation, normalized spatial correlation values (NSCVs) are used as a measure of quality of the match—and thresholded to make an early rejection or acceptance decision in very clear cases. Where the question is closer, isomorphic adjustment is applied to the entire template or candidate for a fairer comparison in their overlap area. Such comparison proceeds by the same type of PSD analysis—but for multiple subregions in the overlap area. Resulting NSCVs are averaged to obtain a measure of quality of the match, which again is thresholded for a final decision in the closer cases.

Abstract: The method for identity verification employs biometric technology. Positioned at the center of the system is a stylus with any of a number of biometric properties or their combination or with one or more metric sensors, while the customer uses the stylus to sign his/her name, or even for writing anything. The identity verification system is used at point-of-sale terminals, in various closed environments, to access a computer network, in applications involving pen-based computers and smart-pens, and for e-commerce. When fingerprint sensors are used, the sensors are positioned in the stylus grip, one sensor for the index finger, and a second sensor for the thumb. In one variation, one-to-one biometric matching is used. Each participant carries on his/her person a device that includes an encrypted biometric for reference purposes to gain access into the system. Processing is simplified since the system need only make a “MATCH” or “NO MATCH” decision.

Abstract: An apparatus for shooting. The apparatus includes a gun. The apparatus includes a controller connected to the gun which controls whether the gun can fire. The apparatus includes a mechanism for determining a present biometric signature of a shooter who desires to fire the gun. The determining mechanism is in communication with the controller. The controller only allows the gun to fire if the present biometric signature of the shooter is recognized by the controller. A method for firing a gun. The method includes the steps of gripping a handle of a gun by a shooter. Then there is the step of recognizing a present biometric signature of the shooter. Next there is the step of releasing a trigger of the gun so the gun can fire as long as the biometric signature of the shooter is recognized.

Abstract: An organism collation apparatus capable of randomly selecting type of organism information to be collated is disclosed. A plurality of types of organism information owned by one human being like fingerprint patterns of the ten fingers are registered in advance for the different types like the “thumb of the right hand”. One type is selected from among the plurality of types of registered organism information, and inputting of organism information of the selected type is indicated to a person to be collated. In this condition, inputted organism information is accepted, and the inputted organism information and the registered organism information of the selected type are collated with each other.

Abstract: An organism collation apparatus capable of randomly selecting type of organism information to be collated is disclosed. A plurality of types of organism information owned by one human being like fingerprint patterns of the ten fingers are registered in advance for the different types like the “thumb of the right hand”. One type is selected from among the plurality of types of registered organism information, and inputting of organism information of the selected type is indicated to a person to be collated. In this condition, inputted organism information is accepted, and the inputted organism information and the registered organism information of the selected type are collated with each other.

Abstract: A distributed biometric identification system incorporates highly mobile workstations. The system generally includes a plurality of mobile workstations and a file server remotely located from the workstations. The workstations receive input biometric data, such as fingerprint and photographic data, and couples that biometric data to the remote file server. The file server compares the input biometric data with stored biometric data to determine whether any of the stored biometric data matches the input biometric data. The results of the comparison are provided to the workstation that requested the comparison. Workstation mobility is enhanced by providing a wireless and/or PSTN communications link between the workstation and the remotely located file server. Workstation mobility is further improved by housing the workstation in a self-contained, compartmentalized carrying case.

Abstract: The present invention can achieve the reliability and simplicity in registering a fingerprint by indicating the quality of a fingerprint image by the number of pseudo minutiae, improve the security of an entrance/exit control system to register a fingerprint, detect the direction of ridge lines of a fingerprint accurately as much as possible, improve the security in checking a fingerprint remarkably, collect renewed registered fingerprint data by a host device and hold the registered fingerprint data of each gate as the latest fingerprint data, improve the operability by enabling to use identification numbers having the less number of digits, and register a fingerprint having a high match rate by automatically applying spatial filtering in re-registering only.

Abstract: Biometric identification is combined with digital certificates for electronic authentication as biometric certificates. The biometric certificates are managed through the use of a biometric certificate management system. Biometric certificates may be used in any electronic transaction requiring authentication of the participants. Biometric data is pre-stored in a biometric database of the biometric certificate management system by receiving data corresponding to physical characteristics of registered users through a biometric input device. Subsequent transactions to be conducted over a network have digital signatures generated from the physical characteristics of a current user and from the electronic transaction. The electronic transaction is authenticated by comparison of hash values in the digital signature with re-created hash values. The user is authenticated by comparison against the pre-stored biometric certificates of the physical characteristics of users in the biometric database.

Abstract: An identity verification system is used to identify persons with high accuracy, while avoiding direct contact with the device to prevent any negative psychological reaction from a user. The system includes: a camera unit and an image processing unit for obtaining object images of body parts (such as fingerprints and irides) by scanning, without physical contact; an image display unit for displaying layered images of the body part as scanned and a guide showing the body part in an optimal position; a control unit for extracting biometric characteristic data from object images and sending the data to a verification server after encrypting by an encryption unit; and a communications interface unit.

Abstract: A reliable estimate of image pixel (fingerprint ridge) orientations, and block orientations for a given block is determined by finding an optimal block size in an area of an image, e.g., a fingerprint image. An initial block size is chosen. Then a block direction is determined, e.g., by analyzing intensity gradients in two directions, preferably two orthogonal directions, at a plurality (preferably all) of the pixels locations in the block. Block directions of blocks in a given area of the images (fingerprint) are compared. If the compared directions are within a tolerance of one another, the determined direction of the block is considered correct. However, if the compared directions are not within a tolerance of one another, the block size is changed and the process is repeated.

Abstract: A fingerprint image cutout processing device for a tenprint card includes a tenprint card image input unit for inputting, on a card basis, image data of a tenprint card in which rolled fingerprints and plain fingerprints of ten fingers of each hand are printed, an image storage unit for storing image data of the tenprint card input by said tenprint card image input unit, cutout information input portion for displaying the tenprint card images and ten cutout frames for specifying a cutout range of a fingerprint image of each finger to be superposed with each other and receiving input of fingerprint cutout information of each finger, and a cutout and edit portion for cutting and editing fingerprint image data of each finger out of the image data of the tenprint card stored in the image storage unit and displaying the edited data based on the input cutout information.

Abstract: An identification system using biometric information of human body parts and a secret sequence code. In particular, biometric information of human body parts is used to form the secret sequence code. Specifically, a combination entry device recognizes user's fingerprints which are entered as a sequence. The fingerprints must be entered in the proper sequence in order to be recognized by the system. The fingerprints are preferably recognized using a fast technique with a low-probability level of rejection. While the sensor can be fooled for any one fingerprint. The use of a plurality of different fingerprints improves the identification capability. In particular, the combination of fingerprints in the proper order is necessary to undo the lock.

Abstract: Apparatus for preventing unauthorized use of a voice dialing system and, particularly, a call forwarding feature associated with the system whereby system users may forward a telephone number respectively associated therewith to a remote location in order to receive phone calls at the remote location, comprises: a database for pre-storing telephone numbers of system users and for pre-storing acoustic models respectively representative of speech associated with each system user, the acoustic models respectively corresponding to the telephone numbers; and a speaker identification module operatively coupled to the database for obtaining and decoding a speech sample from a potential system user during the potential users' attempt to make a telephone call, the speaker identification module comparing the decoded speech sample obtained with the pre-stored acoustic model associated with the telephone number dialed by the potential user; whereby if the decoded speech sample substantially matches the pre-stored ac

Abstract: A fingerprint identification/verification system using bitmaps of a stored fingerprint to correlate with a bitmap of an input fingerprint, wherein an accurate reference point is located and selected two-dimensional areas in the vicinity of the reference point of the input image of the fingerprint are correlated with stored fingerprint recognition information to determine if the input fingerprint image and the stored fingerprint recognition information are sufficiently similar to identify/verify the input fingerprint.

Abstract: An identification system using biometric information of human body parts and a secret sequence code. In particular, biometric information of human body parts is used to form the secret sequence code. Specifically, a combination entry device recognizes user's fingerprints which are entered as a sequence. The fingerprints must be entered in the proper sequence in order to be recognized by the system. The fingerprints are preferably recognized using a fast technique with a low-probability level of rejection. While the sensor can be fooled for any one fingerprint. The use of a plurality of different fingerprints improves the identification capability. In particular, the combination of fingerprints in the proper order is necessary to undo the lock.

Abstract: A method for recognizing an individual based on attributes associated with the individual comprises the steps of: pre-storing at least two distinctive attributes of the individual during at least one enrollment session; contemporaneously extracting the at least two distinctive attributes from the individual during a common recognition session; segmenting the pre-stored attributes and the extracted attributes according to a sequence of segmentation units; indexing the segmented pre-stored and extracted attributes so that the segmented pre-stored and extracted attributes corresponding to an identical segmentation unit in the sequence of segmentation units are associated to an identical index; and respectively comparing the segmented pre-stored and extracted attributes associated to the identical index to each other to recognize the individual.

Abstract: A biometric authentication system is provided which includes a dual input reader, the inputs consisting of stored physiological data of a user on a chip disposed on a smart card, and a fingerprint scan for comparison against the stored data. The system is self-contained so that the comparison of the biometric data with the data stored on the chip is done immediately on board the reader without relying upon communications to or from an external source in order to authenticate the user. The invention also prevents communication with external sources prior to user authentication being confirmed, so as to prevent user data from being stolen or corrupted. Alternatively, the biometric input can consist of a retina scan, voice identification, saliva or other biometric data.

Abstract: A biometric watermark system and method generate a biometrically encoded bitstream from biometric data of a user and from electronic data to be transmitted to the user. The encoded bitstream has the biometric data acting as a biometric watermark. The encoded bitstream is then sent to a decoder of the user, with the biometric watermark providing security in the transmission in order to prevent unauthorized users from extracting the electronic data. The decoder utilizes the biometric data of the user to decode the biometrically encoded bitstream, so as to extract the biometric watermark, and to securely retrieve the electronic data.

Abstract: A personal identification system for use in security and various other types of pattern matching applications provides accurate recognition of a known person. This system uses a large quantity of course but inexpensive sensors to create a profile of a person seeking to enter the controlled space or to take other action. These sensors measure different statistically independent characteristics of the person, such as height, weight, stride, voice timbre, and time to perform various functions. The measurements so obtained may individually be of very low resolution. They are used to search a data base of patterns related to admissible individuals. Active agent methods are used to support learning and adaptation of the sensor set to address sensor drift and individual characteristic changes over time. A combination of many parameters will identify a person with very low probability of both false negative and false positive errors.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and device for tokenless authorization of a stored value transaction between a payor and a payee using an electronic identicator and at least one payor bid biometric sample, said method comprising the steps of registering with the electronic identicator at least one payor registration biometric sample, and at least one payor stored value account. During a payee registration step, the payee registers a payee identification data with the electronic identicator. In a transaction formation step, an electronic financial transaction is formed between the payor and the payee, which includes payee bid identification data, a transaction amount, and at least one payor bid biometric sample. The bid biometric sample is obtained from the payor's person. In at least one transmission step, the payee bid identification data, the transaction amount, and payor bid biometric sample are electronically forwarded to the electronic identicator.

Abstract: Detector for recognizing the living character of a finger which is arranged in a fingerprint recognizing apparatus and the detector is in contact with a print area (2) of the living finger constituting a print forming element (1) and the apparatus comprises for the examination of the print area (2) a print detector (5) which has a print imaging surface (4) partially covered by the print area (2). The detector comprises an electrode system (3) made of an electrically conductive material and sensing the presence of the print forming element (1), and an electrical evaluation unit coupled through electrical contacts (10) to the electrode system (3), the unit senses the change in state in the electrode system (3) caused by the proximity of the print forming element (1). The electrode system (3) is arranged on a portion of the print detector (5) covered by the print area (2) and it is coupled to the print imaging surface (4).

Abstract: A method of providing secure user access for doorways and network computer systems is disclosed. An overall system security level is provided. A user provides biometric information that is compared against stored biometric information of each of a plurality of users to identify the individual. When the likelihood of a match is above the likelihood necessary for identification, the threshold for that user is increased. Optionally, a threshold for another user is lowered in order to maintain a same system security level. When biometric information provided to the system is consistent, the stored template is automatically updated.

Abstract: A fingerprint detecting device includes a flat transparent body, a light source, a thin surface film layer, a fluid layer, and an image detection unit. The transparent body on which a skin surface of a finger is pressed has a surface constituted by a scattering surface with a fine three-dimensional unevenness. The light source irradiates incident light from an inside of the transparent body on the skin surface pressed against the surface of the transparent body. The surface film layer is formed on the surface of the transparent body via a small gap, on which a three-dimensional pattern of the skin surface is transferred by pressing the finger. The fluid layer is formed by sealing one of a gas and a liquid in the gap between the surface of the transparent body and the surface film layer, and is pressed by the surface film layer on which the three-dimensional pattern of the skin surface is transferred.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for controlling the distribution of age controlled merchandise or services based upon inputting personal information data encoded on an identification document, such as a driver's license, to determine whether the transaction is legal.

Abstract: A security device (2) of a security system which a user can unlock by means of a transmitter unit (1) normally can also be unlocked by unauthorized users utilizing the transmitter unit (1). The new procedure acording to the invention is to allow only authorized users to access the object (4) to be secured by means of a security system, even in the event of the transmitter unit (1) being lost or stolen. To this end, the transmitter unit (1) will generate an identification signal (3) characterizing the user, by means of a detector (10) scanning the user's own physical features, preferably a finger print. This identification signal (3) will then be transmitted to the security device (2). This security device can then be unlocked only if there is a match between the identification signal (3) and a stored identification signal provided by a user authorized to unlock the security device.

Abstract: An organism identification system that can identify whether or not a fingerprint image input object is a living body at a fingerprint collating time. A finger collator slides his finger at the time of inputting a fingerprint image. Meanwhile the finger is contact with bioelectric potential lead-out portions and a bioelectric potential grounding portion. Sliding of the finger causes a variation in the muscle potential of the finger. The bioelectric potential lead-out portions and the bioelectric potential grounding portion output electric signals corresponding to the potential variation to a bioelectric signal amplification section. The bioelectric signal amplification section amplifies the difference between electric signals from the bioelectric potential lead-out portions while the bioelectric potential grounding portion is at the ground potential. A signal peculiar to a living body is generated by sliding the finger. When an illegal person slides a replica, a variationless signal occurs.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for determining the likelihood that two object patterns arise from the same object source. It is able to do this without having previously been exposed to either of the object patterns. This system utilizes an adaptive processor trained to make this determination using a large number of example patterns in different views and orientations. It accommodates large verifications of how an object source is presented in an image. The system also does not require the storage of any information about any particular pattern, which greatly minimizes the storage requirements and improves the throughput of the system. Further, there is no need for accessing a database of previously stored features from a given pattern source. The system is particularly useful for object patterns which consist of facial images. The system employs a new technique for locating an object of interest within a pattern using an adaptive processor to determine a region of interest.

Abstract: A speaker recognition system for selectively permitting access by a requesting speaker to one of a service and facility include an acoustic front-end for computing at least one feature vector from a speech utterance provided by the requesting speaker; a speaker dependent codebook store for pre-storing sets of acoustic features, in the form of codebooks, respectively corresponding to a pool of previously enrolled speakers; a speaker identifier/verifier module operatively coupled to the acoustic front-end, wherein: the speaker identifier/verifier module identifies, from identifying indicia provided by the requesting speaker, a previously enrolled speaker as a claimed speaker; further, the speaker identifier/verifier module associates, with the claimed speaker, first and second groups of previously enrolled speakers, the first group being defined as speakers whose codebooks are respectively acoustically similar to the claimed speaker (i.e.

Abstract: The invention provides a fingerprint characteristic extraction apparatus wherein classification and preselection processing with an augmented degree of accuracy can be achieved without significantly increasing the processing time. The apparatus uses, in addition to characteristic amounts used in ordinary preselection processing, another characteristic amount obtained from a fingerprint image for the preselection processing. The apparatus includes a ridge extraction section for extracting ridges from an inputted fingerprint image, a singular point detection section for detecting singular points from the ridges, a main pattern discrimination section for discriminating a pattern of the inputted fingerprint image, and a singular point characteristic calculation section for detecting characteristic amounts between the singular points.

Abstract: A fingerprint sensor includes an integrated circuit die and a protective covering of a z-axis anisotropic dielectric material. The die includes a conductive layer defining an array of electric field sensing electrodes. The z-axis anisotropic dielectric layer focusses an electric field at each of the electric field sensing electrodes. In other words, the dielectric covering may be relatively thick, but not result in defocussing of the electric fields propagating through the dielectric covering because of the z-axis anisotropy of the material. The z-axis anisotropic dielectric layer may be provided by a plurality of oriented dielectric particles in a cured matrix. For example, the z-axis anisotropic dielectric layer may comprise barium titanate in a polyimide matrix. The conductive layer preferably comprises a plurality of capacitive coupling pads for permitting capacitive coupling with the integrated circuit die.

Abstract: Biometric facial comparison is deployed in a novel way to improve screening of applicants across multiple branch locations, preventing common forms of application fraud. The biometric facial comparison software is located at a computing location (20), readily accessible from a first applicant screening branch (30) and a subsequent applicant screening branch (40), by means of a communication network (10). The biometric facial screening is fast, affordable, nonintrusive, and takes place in person in the branch. Even if false identification documents are used, perpetrators will be automatically detected as they attempt to go from branch to branch making bogus transactions. Patterns of fraudulent behavior are detected even if no prior transaction is yet known to be fraudulent, and even if the applicant's face does not match the face of any known perpetrator.

Abstract: In the past, user authorization based on biometric information was conducted by correlating a single instance of biometric information against a template. By using this method, a percentage of the population is difficult to authenticate. Further, due to skin damage and injuries, sometimes biometric information is not suited to identification. A sore throat affecting voice information and scraped finger tips affecting fingerprint information are two examples of common problems with authorization in dependence upon biometric information. A method of authenticating a user in dependence upon biometric input information is disclosed. The method allows a user to select biometric information sources and a number of repetitions for each source in order to customize the process of biometric user authentication.

Abstract: A playing cards security system for detecting when additional playing cards are added to a deck of playing cards. The system includes a deck of playing cards where each playing card of the deck of playing cards has predetermined indicia provided thereon. The predetermined indicia of the each of the playing cards is the same as the predetermined indicia of the other playing cards of the deck of playing cards. The predetermined indicia is viewable under ultra-violet light and hidden from view under ambient light.

Abstract: A handy printing device comprises a printing unit that forms images on a print medium in consecutive scan lines resulting from scanning relative movement between the printing unit and the print medium: a movement amount detection unit that detects amount of relative movement between the printing unit and the print medium; an interface that receives print data from an external source; a received data memory that stores the print data received by the interface; a print data extraction unit that extracts, from the print data stored in the received data memory, print data to be printed by the printing unit in a single scan line; and a print control unit that controls the printing unit to print the single scan line based on detection by the movement amount detection unit and on the print data extracted by the print data extraction unit.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for simultaneously authenticating a user using two or more factors, such as both a password and a physical token or both a password and biometric information. The user presents a physical token including a storage device to a processor and attempts to log in using a first password; the processor includes a login service which receives the first password, accesses the storage device to transform the first password into a second password, and authenticates the second password using an operating system for the processor. The storage device includes encrypted information regarding the second password which can be relatively easily determined in response to the first password, but which cannot be relatively easily determined without the first password. The system or the storage device may also store information for biometric authentication of the user.

Abstract: A fingerprint image is divided into blocks of pixels. The blocks are determined to be within the foreground or background of the image. Each of the foreground blocks are assigned a block direction. If an image consists of the complete impression of the fingerprint, there should exist at least one path (ridge), composes of foreground blocks, which lies on both half planes of a coordinate system with an origin at the centroid of the foreground and that comes sufficiently close to the x axis once the path crosses to the second half plane of the coordinate system.

Abstract: A rotationally invariant correlator which correlates an arbitrarily rotated image with a large database of similar stored images. The correlator initially scans the image to produce a two-dimensional array of pixels representative thereof. A plurality of concentric rings of pixel data are then produced from the two-dimensional array of pixels. A Fast Fourier Transform is taken of each ring of pixel data which produces an amplitude spectra of the frequency components of that ring of pixel data, which is then normalized. The normalized amplitude spectra for the image being correlated is then compared with normalized amplitude spectra of similar rings of pixel data for similar images in memory, and any matches are identified. The width of each ring of pixel data is selected to be smaller than the size of the smallest features which are to be resolved, while being sufficiently wide to smooth out extraneous noise.

Abstract: The device for imaging finger prints has a transparent electrically insulating substrate, a thin transparent electrode on the substrate and a sensitive layer on the electrode comprising electroluminescent dielectric material, arranged to receive hand tissues whose print is to be imaged. A source means connected to said electrode applies a voltage between the electrode and tissues. A camera provides a picture taken through the substrate.

Abstract: A tenprint selector comprises a fingerprint pattern level feature difference calculating unit which receives and compares a set of candidates for pattern level feature types of fingerprint images shown on file cards and a set of candidates for pattern level feature types of fingerprint images shown on a search card and calculates a pattern level feature difference, a card difference calculating unit which calculates a card difference based on the pattern level feature difference of the fingerprint images of all fingers shown on the file cards and the search card, and a judging unit which compares the card difference determined by the card difference calculating means with a predetermined card difference threshold value and judges, whether the file card shall be selected to be further checked with the search card.

Abstract: A read section reads an image. A feature extraction section extracts feature information of a finger, of a person to be authenticated, which is to be collated. The feature information of the finger of the person, which is to be collated, extracted by the feature extraction section is stored in a storage section in advance. A collation section collates feature information of the finger of the person, which is to be collated, extracted by the feature extraction section again, with the feature information read out from the storage section. A control section controls the input operation of the read section on the basis of the collation result obtained by the collation section.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for verifying an authorized user of a credit/identification card. The method includes the steps of scanning the card with an apparatus having a plurality of scanning devices for scanning a bar code, scanning the card for evidence of tampering, scanning at least one fingerprint on the card, and any other detectable information, and comparing the scanned information on the card to information of the owner stored on at least one accessible database in communication with the apparatus. Data transmissions between the apparatus and databases are protected by an encryption system. If the information on the card does not match the information germane to the owner of the card which is stored in the database, the card is withheld from the user. Otherwise, the user of the card is free to use it for a desired purpose.