Abstract: A base layer of an information storage card is coated with a first coating layer that will glow a first color under longwave ultraviolet light. A second coating is applied onto the first coating. This second coating will glow a second color under ultraviolet light. This second coating can then be printed on using standard printing techniques. An attempt to alter the card by removing the printing will damage the first and second coating in a nonuniform manner. This damage will be seen under longwave ultraviolet light, even if the card has been reprinted.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for upgrading an existing personal control system. The upgrade is achieved by replacing the personnel data input unit of an existing personal control system with a biometric interface device capable of reading physical characteristic and an access control signal in the format of the existing personnel control system.

Abstract: A fingerprint sensing system for providing data in dependence upon fingerprint information to a computer is disclosed. The system comprises an imaging device for capturing a fingerprint image. The fingerprint image is processed to provide associated data such as a portion of an encryption key. The associated data are secured prior to transmission by encoding into an image frame forming part of a video data signal. The data are encoded at predetermined locations within the image frame instead of image pixel data. The video data signal comprising the associated data are then transmitted to a computer. Upon receipt at the computer the received video data signal is processed to extract the encoded data from the predetermined locations within the image frame.

Abstract: The present invention makes it possible for a user to have a security key created from one or more biometric elements of the user, such as a fingerprint. For example, a biometric feature or combination of biometric features of the user can be used to create an instance of a problem which can only be solved by data inherent in the biometric feature or combination of biometric features. The user can supply the data to solve the problem by inputting, through an appropriate input device, an image, or other representation of the biometric elements from which the data that will solve the instance of the problem is derived. If problem is solved, either completely or partially, using the derived data then the identity of the user can either be verified or ascertained. the solution can then be used for other purposes such as the generation of a cryptographic key.

Abstract: A transducer is provided with an integral smart card reader. For security applications the transducer is a biometric information input device. The device provides co-operative operation of the smart card and the transducer to provide user specific processing of biometric information provided by the user. Because of the integral smart card reader, tampering and monitoring of security operations is prevented.

Abstract: A method and device for securely duplicating sensitive documents. A marking element is entered on the original document to identify its confidential nature, as well as an encoded rules elements which defines duplication restrictions of the document. For each duplication request (101) for a sensitive document (102), the document is digitized (103) to determine the presence of a marking element (104) and to find the duplication restrictions, i.e., the encoded rules elements (106). Duplication may be performed (110) depending on the restrictions defined in the rules elements (106) and after an authorization check (108). A duplication may be obtained by requesting the computerized original of the document from the document issuer. In addition to the selective control of reproduction of documents the method and device is particularly suitable for preventing the duplication of documents for fraudulent purposes, multiple duplication of selected documents, and for copyright administration.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the accurate determination of the identity of human beings by comparing a fingerprint image with previously recorder templates utilize an oil impregnated material to condition a finger by releasing a controlled amount of a lubricant on the finger prior to recording the finger with an electronic scanner. The conditioned finger in then scanned and a fingerprint image is acquired. Different orthogonal sets of features, including but not limited to, minutiae and meniscus or global ridge frequency information are extracted from the fingerprint image. To enhance the matching accuracy, these features are then fused using a rank score combining method. The fused score is compared to a threshold to identify the human being. During the scanning process, the scanned finger is monitored electronically to determine the consistency in position, the quality of the image, and the stationary of the finger.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described which provide secure interactive communication of the text and image information between a central server computer and one or more client computers, located at remote sites for the purpose of storing and retrieving files describing and identifying unique products, services or individuals. Textual information and image data from one or more of the remote sites are stored separately at the location of the central server computer, with the image data being compressed, and the textual information included in a relational database with associated image identifiers. The central computer has the capability for independent management of both image and textual data, to ensure that all information can be independently retrieved. Requests are made from remote terminals to the central server computer, with the capability of processing multiple, simultaneous requests. Upon a request from a remote terminal, textual and associated image data are recalled and downloaded for review.

Abstract: A fingerprint detection apparatus includes a plurality of first electrodes having linear shapes and arranged in parallel to one another, a plurality of second electrodes arranged between said plurality of first electrodes and arranged in the longitudinal direction of each of said plurality of first electrodes, keeping apart from one another, and detecting section for obtaining a fingerprint image in accordance with resistance value groups each of which is generated between the adjacent first and second electrodes when the finger of a person required to be identified has been brought into contact with said plurality of first and second electrodes. Therefore, the fingerprint of a person required to be identified can be detected without a complicated optical system.

Abstract: A fingerprint and token sensor system includes an array of fingerprint sensing elements for generating signals related to a fingerprint based upon a finger being positioned adjacent the sensing elements, and a token for also causing the sensing elements to generate signals related to a token message based upon the token being positioned adjacent the sensing elements. Accordingly, the single sensor may be used for both fingerprints and for reading data from a token for range of useful purposes. Each fingerprint sensing element may preferably include an electric field sensing electrode, and a shield associated with a respective electric field sensing electrode. A drive circuit may be connected to the array of electric field sensing electrodes for driving same. The sensor is preferably in the form of an integrated circuit and includes a substrate adjacent the array of fingerprint sensing elements.

Abstract: A baggage security system is disclosed for providing fingerprint identification of all persons checking luggage or cargo to be shipped on airline flights, to enable swift identification of all persons checking or carrying on board luggage or cargo. The security kit preferably includes a first document, such as a passenger ticket, a second document, such as a baggage tag label and a fingerprint coating material. The first document or passenger ticket has a first substrate with a personal information area on a surface thereof bearing the name of the person depositing baggage or cargo for transport. The ticket additionally has a fingerprint identification area on a surface thereof for receiving a fingerprint of the passenger wishing to check luggage.

Abstract: A fingerprint image is divided into blocks of pixels. The blocks are determined to be within the foreground or background of the image. Poor quality images are examined to determine if the imaging process is corrupted, e.g. by a wet finger, by determining if a smudginess measure is above a smudginess threshold. For each foreground block, a mean intensity (.mu.) of pixels is computed for those pixels whose intensities are smaller than the mean intensity of all pixels within the respective foreground block. Further the standard deviation (.cuberoot.) of intensities of all pixels within the respective foreground block is computed. For a foreground block with good contrast, .mu. is small and .cuberoot. is large. But for a block with low contrast due to smudginess, .mu. is small and .cuberoot. is small. Subsequently, to measure the contrast (a contrast measure) within a block, a function of the product (C.sub.S) of corresponding .mu. and corresponding .cuberoot. is determined.

Abstract: A technique for detecting and verifying a fingerprint includes a skin resistance sensing array for translating the skin resistance of a fingertip into an electrical signal. The fingertip is moved relative to the skin resistance sensing array in a first linear direction for producing a reference trajectory signal which is stored into a memory. The fingertip is again moved relative to the skin resistance sensing array in a second linear direction for producing a sample trajectory signal. The second linear direction of movement is offset from the first linear direction of movement by a predetermined angle. A processor is provided for performing a set of functions on the reference trajectory signal and the sample trajectory signal. The sample trajectory signal is correlated with the reference trajectory signal for producing a verification signal related to the probability that the fingertip generated both the sample trajectory signal and the reference trajectory signal.

Abstract: System for identification of a person (P, P') or an object with an informon carrier (1; G, 20), including at least one identification (IA, IB, IC; K) not perceptible with a human sense organ characteristic for a certain person (P, P') or an object (G), a device (2; 22, 23) for the inscription of the identification (IA, IB, IC; K) on to the information carrier (1; G, 20) and a device (8) to the read and evaluate the identification, wherein the information carrier (1; G, 20) carries a recording detectable only in ultraviolet light of a predestined range of wavelengths which is containing the identification (IA, IB, IC; K) and that the device for the inscription (2; 22, 23) includes means for the generation (7) and the device (8) for reading and evaluating includes means for reading the recording by means ultraviolet light.

Abstract: A system for controlling access to a computer and for verifying informed consent in medical procedures includes a finger anatomy analyzer for verifying identity of a person. The analyzer generates a pattern of finger width vs length along the surface of the finger. The pattern generated is compared to a stored pattern to verify identity. To verify that the identified person is giving informed consent or denial to a medical procedure, the person is provided with the appropriate information and test questions given and answers recorded as evidence of comprehension to serve as evidence of informed consent or denial in combination with verified person identification.

Abstract: A system for automatically detecting and recognizing the identity of a deformable object such as a human face, within an arbitrary image scene. The system comprises an object detector implemented as a probabilistic DBNN, for determining whether the object is within the arbitrary image scene and a feature localizer also implemented as a probabilistic DBNN, for determining the position of an identifying feature on the object such as the eyes. A feature extractor is coupled to the feature localizer and receives coordinates sent from the feature localizer which are indicative of the position of the identifying feature and also extracts from the coordinates information relating to other features of the object such as the eyebrows and nose, which are used to create a low resolution image of the object. A probabilistic DBNN based object recognizer for determining the identity of the object receives the low resolution image of the object inputted from the feature extractor to identify the object.

Abstract: A micro computer, constituting a signature recognition apparatus, comprises an automatic signature creating section, a data extracting section, a recognition network section, a retrieval section, and a memory section. The data extracting section creates personal data representing a plurality of personal characteristics or features based on an input signature. The recognition network section selects the data to be used for evaluation from the personal data representing personal characteristics or features, and executes an evaluation of thus chosen data. The retrieval section, using the genetic algorithm, finds out a combination pattern having preferable evaluation result. Accordingly, in recognizing signatures, it becomes possible to know beforehand what kind of personal characteristics or features data should be utilized for the recognition of the given signatures, thereby increasing the accuracy in the recognition.

Abstract: A system for verifying that a card possessor is the authorized card owner compares scanned fingerprint data with fingerprint data encoded on an optical card. More than one of the person's fingerprints are encoded on the card, and the process of identification of the card possessor involves the random selection of separate fingerprints for scanning and comparison against the encoded fingerprints. A card reader/writer reads fingerprint characteristic information from an optical card inserted therein and a processing unit, connected to a fingerprint scanner and card reader/writer extracts from the scanned fingerprint certain well known indicators, and matches the recorded fingerprint characteristic data with the scanned fingerprint characteristics to establish identity therebetween.

Abstract: At a first end of an optic-fiber prism assembly are fiber terminations to contact a relieved surface, e.g. finger (stabilized by a handgrip). In a region where fiber diameter is essentially constant with longitudinal position, light enters the prism, crosses the fibers and enters individual fibers through their sidewalls, lighting the terminations. To allow crosslighting of the assembly, the fiber-optic numerical aperture (NA) is small: preferably not exceeding one-half. Due to fingerprint etc. detail, fractions of light pass along the fibers; at the assembly second end a detector responds with an electrical-signal array based on the surface relief. The signals are processed to check finger etc. identity and applied to control access to a personal weapon, other equipment, facilities, data, or a money service. FTIR ("frustrated total internal reflection") bright- and dark-field versions have various benefits.

Abstract: A system for identifying an individual by having the person grasp an object which contains a means for detecting the structure and other characteristics of the hand and comparing these unique characteristics with those previously recorded and stored in memory.

Abstract: In a passive identification apparatus for identifying a predetermined individual member of a television viewing audience in a monitored viewing area, a video image of a monitored viewing area is captured. A template matching score is provided for an object in the video image. A Eigenface recognition score is provided for an object in the video image. These scores may be provided by comparing objects in the video image to reference files. The template matching score and the Eigenface recognition score are fused to form a composite identification record from which a viewer may be identified. Body shape matching, viewer tracking, viewer sensing, and/or historical data may be used to assist in viewer identification. The reference files may be updated as recognition scores decline.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for determining the authenticity of an individual. In accordance with the method, audio and video data of the individual speaking at least one selected phrase is obtained. Identifying audio features and video features are then extracted from the audio data and the video data, respectively. A feature vector is formed which incorporates both the audio features and the video features. The feature vector is compared to a stored feature vector of a validated user speaking the same selected phrase. The individual is authenticated if the feature vector and the stored feature vector form a match within a prescribed threshold.

Abstract: A plurality of linear electrodes, which are perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of a finger to be measured, are arranged on a substrate. A porous film is placed on the electrodes. The porous film repels water, such as waterdrop, but transmits water vapor. When the finger is pressed against the porous film, water (sweat) diffused through sweat pores of projected portions of the finger surface is further diffused through holes of the porous film and reaches to the electrode located just under the projected portions of the finger surface. At this time, the resistance of the portion between the electrodes, to which the water reaches, is lowered due to ions existing in the water. Resistances across adjacent electrodes are serially read and synthesized, thereby obtaining fingerprint information.

Abstract: A thin, inexpensive, removable platen for a direct fingerprint reader without a permanently attached platen. A removable platen is formed as a transparent area on a credit card, passport or identification card or as a separate card. The portable platen on the card is inserted over an imaging area of the direct fingerprint reader. Light from the direct fingerprint reader passes through an optical surface formed on the underside of the portable platen, is reflected off the fingerprint and passes back through the optical surface to the imaging apparatus where the image is digitized and analyzed. The optical surface is formed such that the incident light is not refracted away from the fingerprint and the reflected light from the fingerprint is not refracted away from the imaging apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a print section for printing a face image and characters on a first card medium, a check section for checking on whether the first card medium is defective or not, an integration section for integrating the first card medium with a second card medium with an IC memory to produce a certificate card only when the print of the first card medium is acceptable, and a write section for writing at least the data corresponding to the face image and characters into the memory section of the second card medium. The apparatus further comprises an automatic reception section containing a retina image photoing unit and an eyesight test unit, wherein an retina image of the owner of the card is photoed, while he or she is having an eyesight tested, thereby identifying the owner.

Abstract: A system and method of authentication electronic transactions in which personal hand writing patterns like signatures are used. Signatures are conveyed from sender to receiver through a data communications channel and stored as data streams. The method is based on the fact that nobody can hand write two identical patterns. The result of the authentication test is false if the new hand writing pattern is identical or too close to any of the previously stored patterns.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with apparatus for use in a fingerprint imaging system, of the type comprising a light source; a fingerprint testing station for producing and transmitting an image of a fingerprint reflected off a fingertip; a first lens positionable for receiving light from the fingerprint testing station and for producing an image of the fingerprint; aid a CCD camera positionable in a first optical path which includes the fingerprint testing station and the first lens and which is capable of converting the fingerprint image into an electrical signal. In accordance with the invention, the apparatus further includes a second lens capable of receiving miscellaneous images of objects viewable from the vicinity of the apparatus which are displaced from the fingerprint testing station, and mechanism for selectively providing a further optical path including the second lens and the CCD camera while interrupting the first optical path.

Abstract: A digital image capture system for a photo identification card wherein a housing contains a video camera and a tray that selectively moves through a formed slot in the housing between a first fully inserted position within the housing and a second fully open position outside of the housing. The tray has a formed recess that receives an insert plate. The insert plate has a formed opening for holding a photo identification card of a person. Different insert plates could be utilized under the teachings of the present invention having different-sized formed openings for different-sized photo identification cards. The photo identification card is placed into the formed opening and then the tray is slid into the fully inserted position in the housing. A magnet in the housing firmly holds the tray in the fully inserted position and this fully inserted position is sensed by a micro-switch that becomes activated to turn on a pair of opposing lamps to fully illuminate the photo identification card in the tray.

Abstract: A general approach is provided for the combined use of several sources of information in the automatic recognition of a consistent message. For each message unit (e.g., word) the total likelihood score is assumed to be the weighted sum of the likelihood scores resulting from the separate evaluation of each information source. Emphasis is placed on the estimation of weighing factors used in forming this total likelihood. This method can be applied, for example, to the decoding of a consistent message using both handwriting and speech recognition. The present invention includes three procedures which provide the optimal weighing coefficients.

Abstract: A verification method for use in a verification system comprises a verification terminal operated by a verification authority, a remote terminal remote from the verification terminal, and a communication link coupling the verification terminal to the remote terminal. The method includes the steps of generating a document data file from an identity document provided at the remote terminal, and then transmitting the document data file from the remote terminal to the verification terminal. The method further includes generating a verification data file that verifies an attribute of the document at the verification terminal. The verification data file preferably comprises a digitized signature of the verification authority operating the verification terminal. The verification data file is transmitted to the remote terminal. Finally, the document data file and the verification data file are merged to produce a verification record. The verification record may be time stamped and stored and/or printed by a printer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for verifying/identifying a person based on contour of the knuckles of at least one hand, e.g. a digitized waveform unique to each individual. At an Enrollment Station a microcomputer is connected to a video camera (with CCD array). A candidate user grasps and turns a grip handle on the apparatus, thus positioning a fist before a viewing window and activating the camera to scan the fist and generate a contour of the user's knuckle profile. User's data comprises a knuckle profile of fist(s), an assigned PIN, and optionally, information such as user's name, bank ID number, Social Security Number, and access restrictions. User's data may be stored as an electronic waveform profile (template) in an ID card, and simultaneously in a master database containing data of all authorized users in a guarded system (factory, retail store, bank customers, computer data files). Similar apparatus is installed at each Guarded Station (a door, turnstile, gate, ATM, etc.).

Abstract: A portable optical media imaging system for use in personal identification includes: a portable optical media card (13); an optical reader (34), having circuitry for reading information from the portable optical media card (13); an image scanner (30); an image system processor (31), including an encoder connected to the image scanner, and a comparator connected to the encoder and the optical reader; and transaction completion circuitry (33, 35, 36) connected to the comparator. This is also a method of personal identification verification. The method comprises: capturing a personal identification image directly from customer or operator; feeding the personal identification image into an encoder; capturing appropriate identification data from an optical media card; comparing the encoded image to the data from the optical media card; determining if the customer is true owner of the optical media credit card; and performing correct transaction.

Abstract: In a passive identification apparatus for identifying a predetermined individual member of a television viewing audience in a monitored viewing area, a video image of a monitored viewing area is captured. A template matching score is provided for an object in the video image. A Eigenface recognition score is provided for an object in the video image. These scores may be provided by comparing objects in the video image to reference files. The template matching score and the Eigenface recognition score are fused to form a composite identification record from which a viewer may be identified. Body shape matching, viewer tracking, viewer sensing, and/or historical data may be used to assist in viewer identification. The reference files may be updated as recognition scores decline.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for enabling machine operations. In particular, the invention includes an electronic device that senses or scans one or more physical characteristic of a person about to operate a machine and generates signals indicative of such physical characteristic(s), which signals are automatically analyzed and compared with signals stored in a memory to generate control signals for enabling the operation of the machine. In a particular form of the invention, both the presence of a person at a machine and an identifying characteristic of such person are sensed and used to enable the operation of the machine.

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.

Abstract: A general approach is provided for the combined use of several sources of information in the automatic recognition of a consistent message. For each message unit (e.g., word) the total likelihood score is assumed to be the weighted sum of the likelihood scores resulting from the separate evaluation of each information source. Emphasis is placed on the estimation of weighing factors used in forming this total likelihood. This method can be applied, for example, to the decoding of a consistent message using both handwriting and speech recognition. The present invention includes three procedures which provide the optimal weighing coefficients.

Abstract: A portable and lightweight fingerprint scanning apparatus which can optically scan and record fingerprint images in the field and transmit said images to a mobile unit for processing and subsequent wireless transmission to a central location for the purpose of providing immediate identity and background checks on the individual being fingerprinted. The apparatus of the present invention includes a fingerprint scanner for capturing a fingerprint image, a camera for capturing a photographic image of a person or a scene and means for transmitting the fingerprint image and the photographic image to a mobile unit. In the preferred embodiment the present invention includes a highly integrated camera with a superior signal to noise ratio and an infrared lighting source for illuminating a person or scene in low ambient light situations.