Abstract: A method for ringtone, voice, and sound notification of printer status, comprising obtaining status information of a printer, converting it into an audible report, and delivering the audible report. The method is especially useful for visually-impaired users and for shared printers in crowded situations where it is difficult for each user to see the panel or monitor display. The methods also include detection by the events controller, UI manager instructing an audio manager, codec decoding an audio file in firmware and hardware organization; job owner identification information embedded into a print job with a unique tag; user identification sound data embedded in a print job; audible report for multiple jobs in a job queue, with positional information; text-to-speech conversion; unique ringtone melody for each user, comprising department prefix, higher pitch modulation for higher priority, and automatically converting an alphanumeric character into the corresponding note.

Abstract: The present invention regards a system comprised of a camera lens, a sensor, a light source and a structure for directly collecting (imaging) latent fingerprints from surfaces, either naturally or with a reagent to fluoresce, and suitable for use in military tactical environments. The present invention is intended to be used with a portable computer, having software capable of receiving, storing and processing images collected by the device of the present invention.

Abstract: An optical fingerprint recognition system has a finger board. The finger board has a plurality of micro-structures, and a plate face of the finger board is to be in contact with a finger, and the other plate face of the finger board has an image capturing element and at least one light emitting element disposed thereon. The image capturing element and the light emitting element are separated from the finger board for a distance. When the light emitting element emits a light ray towards the finger board, the light ray is guided by the plurality of micro-structures to be uniformly distributed in the finger board, so as to facilitate the image capturing element to capture the light ray applied on the finger, thus improving the recognition rate of the fingerprint.

Abstract: A method of logging a first user in to an computing device includes receiving a an image of the first user via a camera operably coupled with the computing device and determining an identity of the first user based on the received image. If the determined identity matches a predetermined identity, then, based at least on the identity of the first user matching the predetermined identity, the first user is logged in to the computing device.

Abstract: A biometric authentication apparatus includes a part to retain first biometric data items extracted from living body parts of a user in correlation with the collation order of the first biometric data items; a part to acquire a second biometric data item from the user, to compare and collate the acquired second biometric data item with the first biometric data items in descending order of their collation priorities based on the collation order, and to determine that the user has been successfully authenticated in response to detecting one of the first biometric data items whose match rate with the second biometric data item exceeds a predetermined value; and a part to change the collation order in response to detecting, from the state of usage of the one of the first biometric data items, that the user has steadied at a change of her/his living body part to use for authentication.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying the writer of a document, where identifying information for each of a plurality of registered human individuals is stored in a database, calls for capturing local images of an individual making writings and/or keyboard entries and determining whether the individual making these writings and/or keyboard entries is the same as one of the registered individuals whose identifying information is stored in the database. The identifying information stored in the database includes both an alphanumeric identifier and an image of a unique, visually observable biologic identifier on a body portion of each registered individual. The local images include both: (i) the making of the writings and/or keyboard entries by the individual whose identifying information may be stored in the database; and (ii) a body portion of this same individual on which is visible the biologic identifier.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting people or speakers in an automated fashion are disclosed. A pool of features including more than one type of input (like audio input and video input) may be identified and used with a learning algorithm to generate a classifier that identifies people or speakers. The resulting classifier may be evaluated to detect people or speakers.

Abstract: In a biometrics system for a building entrance unlocking or a bank account authentication, reference information registered under administration by the system is transmitted to a room or mobile-phone for private storage, with the original reference information deleted from the system. Biologic information gotten upon authentication is transmitted through wireless system to the room or mobile-phone for comparison with the reference, the result being returned to the system. Or, the reference is tentatively sent back to the system for comparison with the gotten biologic information. The biologic information sent to mobile-phone also includes health control information for storage and display. Mobile-phone also can receive blood pressure information at a waiting lounge of medical institution though wireless local communication even if the main power shut down. The communication between the biometrics system and the mobile-phone is encrypted.

Abstract: A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for detecting behavioral deviations in members of a cohort group. In one embodiment, a member of a cohort group is identified. Each member of the cohort group shares a common characteristic. Respiratory metadata associated with the member of the cohort group is received in real-time as the respiratory metadata is generated. The respiratory metadata describes respiration associated with the member of the cohort group. Patterns of respiratory changes are identified using the respiratory metadata. The respiratory metadata is analyzed to identify the patterns of respiratory changes. In response to the patterns of respiratory changes indicating behavioral deviations in the member of the cohort group, the member of the cohort group is identified as a person of interest.

Abstract: A method identifies persons based on biometric information. The method includes providing a cache of biometric templates. The cache stores segments of the biometric templates associated with biometric features contained in the segments. The method also includes receiving a sample biometric template to be identified; dividing the sample biometric template into jobs based on the biometric features contained in the sample biometric template; comparing the jobs to the segments corresponding to the biometric features of the sample biometric template to determine candidate biometric templates associated with the segments that match the jobs; and generating a candidates list identifying the candidate biometric templates and entities related to the candidate biometric templates.

Abstract: There is disclosed a mouse including: an obtaining unit that obtains a vein image; a generation determination unit that determines a predetermined generation from the vein image; and a setting switch unit that switches content of settings, which is set in a computer connected through a predetermined transfer path, to content of settings assigned to the generation determined by the generation determination unit.

Abstract: In the present invention, processing for setting a parameter expressing a measurement condition of three-dimensional measurement to a value necessary to output a proper recognition result is easily performed. The three-dimensional measurement is performed to stereo images of real models WM1 and WM2 of a workpiece using a measurement parameter set by a user, and positions and attitudes of the workpiece models WM1 and WM2 are recognized based on the measurement result. An image expressing the recognition result is displayed, and numerical data indicating the selected recognition result is set to sample data in response to a user manipulation for selecting the recognition result.

Abstract: A compact authentication device that prevents user from feeling pressure and is strong against external light, when capturing an image of a finger blood vessel pattern with transmitted light. The device includes a guidance part for determining the finger position, a light source disposed on at least one side of the guidance part to emit light to be transmitted though the finger, an image capture part for capturing the transmitted light, a shading unit for limiting an irradiation region of the light, a finger thickness measuring unit, a unit for controlling a light amount of the light source based on a result of the measurement, a unit for recording registered image patterns of the finger, a unit for collating a captured image pattern from the image capture part with the registered patterns, and a unit for controlling different processing according to the collation result.

Abstract: A portable telephone and electronic device are provided. The portable telephone includes a casing having a first surface: a finger guide section that is provided in the first surface and guides a finger of a user to allow the finger to be placed so that a side portion of the finger faces the first surface; an illuminating section provided in the first surface so as to be adjacent to the finger guide section, the illuminating section being capable of radiating light of a predetermined wavelength that transmits through the placed finger; an imaging section provided in the casing so as to be spaced at a predetermined distance from the first surface with respect to a perpendicular direction, the imaging section being capable of imaging the light that has transmitted through the finger; and a control section that performs authentication of the user on the basis of an image obtained by the imaging.

Abstract: A biometric mobile device is capable of interacting with existing cellular, wireless, and wired telecommunication and other communication networks to support intelligence gathering, human body identification, special operations and other applications. A method of collecting biometric data at an accident or crime scene may comprise, for example, utilizing a camera to photograph the accident scene, collecting key entered data that may not be otherwise obtainable, using a fingerprint scanner to collect, digitize and store fingerprint data, using a lab-on-a-chip DNA profile device for collecting and analyzing a DNA specimen and generating identification and DNA profile data for bar code entry and other means for collecting any known form of biometric data including, but not limited to, vascular facial structure, dental structure, cornea, iris or other data which may be unique or limiting for identification purposes.

Abstract: Plural kinds of feature information for identifying an object and a period of time, set for each kind of the feature information, for which the feature information is effective are stored in connection with each other. A feature is extracted from image data, the extracted feature is compared with the feature information, which is within the set period of time, among the stored feature information, and an object is recognized.

Abstract: A media object authentication system uses layers of security features based on digital watermarks embedded in media objects. The system generates a first digital watermark with a message payload carrying data about the object, such as a hash of text data printed on the object. The first digital watermark is combined with a content signature derived from features of the media object, such as frequency domain attributes, edge attributes, or other filtered version of the media signal (e.g., image photo on a secure document) on the media object. This combination forms a new digital watermark signal that is embedded in the host media object. Biometric information may also be embedded in a machine readable code in the object or indexed via the machine readable code. This biometric information is used to generate biometric templates, and facilitate or enhance biometric comparison for one to one or one to many verification.

Abstract: A device may receive a request to authenticate a user, automatically establish a multimedia session with the user in response to receiving the request, and capture a group of biometric identifiers for the user from the multimedia session. The device may further perform a group of biometric authentication operations using the analyzed or captured biometric identifiers to obtain a group of authentication scores, determine whether the user is properly authenticated based on the group of authentication scores, and transmit a message representing the determination of whether the user is properly authenticated.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method of deciding whether a data set is acceptable for making a decision. A first probability partition array and a second probability partition array may be provided. One or both of the probability partition arrays may be a Copula model. A no-match zone may be established and used to calculate a false-acceptance-rate (“FAR”) and/or a false-rejection-rate (“FRR”) for the data set. The FAR and/or the FAR may be compared to desired rates. Based on the comparison, the data set may be either accepted or rejected. The invention may also be embodied as a computer readable memory device for executing the methods.

Abstract: A method and system for accumulating and using images of individuals, and associated image-derived data, on an continuous basis to create recognition models that facilitate ongoing recognition of individuals in images or photo collections.

Abstract: A multi-biometric finger sensor may include an integrated circuit (IC) substrate for receiving a user's finger. The multi-biometric finger sensor may also include an optical source for projecting light of a known polarization angle onto the user's finger and at least one optical sensing pixel on the IC substrate for detecting a relative depolarization angle of the light reflected from the user's finger. The multi-biometric finger sensor may also include at least one other biometric finger sensing pixel on the IC substrate for sensing at least one other biometric characteristic from the user's finger.

Abstract: A finger sensing device may include a finger sensing area, at least one processing stage coupled to the finger sensing area and having at least one adaptively determined processing parameter, and a controller for spoof reduction. More particularly, the controller may determine a spoof attempt based upon a change in the at least one adaptively determined processing parameter. For example, the at least one adaptively determined processing parameter may include a feedback determined processing parameter. Accordingly, the finger sensing device has enhanced spoof reduction, since different materials, for example, will cause a change in an adaptive processing parameter and thereby indicate the attempted spoof.

Abstract: Biometric systems capture and combine biometric information from more than one modality, employing digital processing algorithms to process and evaluate captured images having data for a biometric characteristic. Such digital algorithms may include a pupil segmentation algorithm for determining a pupil image in the captured image, an iris segmentation algorithm for determining an iris image in the captured image, an eyelid/eyelash segmentation algorithm for determining an eyelid/eyelash image in the captured image, and an algorithm for measuring the focus on the iris. Some embodiments employ an auto-capture process which employs such algorithms, in part, to evaluate captured images and obtain the best possible images for biometric identification.

Abstract: A method for detecting a facial expression and repairing a smile face of a portrait photo includes the steps of: detecting a location and a range of a mouth region in an inputted portrait photo; capturing a patch in the mouth region and a predetermined peripheral range thereof; executing a comparison process to a smile state or a stiff state of the mouth region in the patch by a mouth state classifier; executing a calculation process to a repaired region of the mouth region when the mouth region is determined to be in the stiff state, in order to calculate a location of a plurality of feature points in the repaired region of the mouth region; and executing an image warping process to the location of the feature points and adjacent pixels thereof, for generating a portrait photo showing a smile state.

Abstract: A biometrical feature inputting apparatus includes a 1-dimensional or quasi 1-dimensional image sensor. When a finger and the image sensor are relatively slid, a finger sliding guide keeps a finger and an effective pixel unit of the image sensor to a constant distance without any contact between them. An image processing section sequentially generates partial images by imaging emission light that is scattered inside the finger and then emitted from a skin surface of the finger by the image sensor during the relative motion of the finger and the image sensor and link the partial images to an image.

Abstract: In a method for identifying use by unauthorized users of an electronic device, a digital image of a user is captured when the user powers on the electronic device. The digital image of the user is compared with predefined images of authorized users of the electronic device to determine whether the user is an authorized user, if there are predefined images stored in the storage system. A message is sent to notify an owner of the electronic device that an unauthorized user is using the electronic device if the user is an unauthorized user.

Abstract: Biographic data associated with a user is received. Biometric data associated with the user is also received. External data associated with the biographic data and the biometric data is received and a determination is made as to a level of access to grant the user based on the external data. One or more settings associated with a smartcard are configured based on the level of access.

Abstract: Systems and methods for authenticating a user are disclosed. In some embodiments, information regarding multiple biometric parameters is gathered from a test subject and compared with a validation template. The validation template can be augmented with some or all of the information if the user is successfully authenticated.

Abstract: A biological information acquisition device that acquires information from a biological body by irradiating the biological body with light, the device comprises: a light source irradiating the biological body with light; a plurality of light receiving elements receiving one of passed light and reflected light from the biological body irradiated with light by the light source; and an inhomogeneous neutral density filter disposed on the plurality of light receiving elements and in a light path of one of passed light and reflected light. An optical transmittance of the inhomogeneous neutral density filter is set so that intensity of each light component received by light receiving elements is evened out as a whole.

Abstract: The invention relates to the authentication of users for a multi-function peripheral (MFP) device using handwritten signatures. Systems and methods are disclosed which relate to a MFP that conditions access to MFP operations based on an authenticating process that compares a prospective user's signature to previously saved signatures. The signatures are communicated to the MFP using the MFP's native scanning function.

Abstract: A method and system used to integrate and control multiple secure credentialing approaches including magnetic stripes, bar codes, contact and contactless SmartCard chips, Short Message Systems (SMS), Global Positioning Systems (GPS), vicinity type Radio Frequency Identification Devices (RFID), and proximity type RFID, into compact, self-powered, biometrically-protected devices.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes: image acquiring means for acquiring an image; search-window-size setting means for setting a size of a search window; search-range setting means for setting a search range in the image in relation to the set size of the search window; scanning means for moving the search window having the set size in the set search range; face-area determination means for determining whether the image in the search window at each scanning position is a face area; and face-information output means for outputting information of the face area obtained from a determination result of the face-area determination means.

Abstract: A system and algorithms to authenticate a person where a system only has some standard personal text data about the person, and cannot have a real biometric template obtained using an enrollment procedure. The authentication allows access to restricted resources by the person. This method is especially useful when it is used as an auxiliary authentication service with other methods such as password or Callback that dramatically lower the chances for an imposter.

Abstract: The invention provides a robust method to control interactive media using gestures. A method to retrieve metadata information from a multimedia outlet device, wherein the method follows the steps: (1) extracting image hot spot areas in a current captured image using face detection, (2) detecting a human gesture directive in at least one image hot spot area using gesture recognition, (3) determining if the gesture directive matches a pre-assigned command to a rich interaction module, (4) sending a signal to a rich interaction module corresponding to the pre-assigned command detected, (5) extracting a media image hot spot area from electrical signals sent from the multimedia, (6) matching any detected human gestures in at least one image hot spot area using gesture recognition with a specific pixel on a device screen, and (7) retrieving information from metadata assigned to an area of pixels on the screen.

Abstract: A registration apparatus includes: display control means for controlling display means to display a body part reflected on an image pickup surface and where the body part should be placed on the image pickup surface; driver means for driving a light source to emit light specific to a verification object inside the body part, the verification object being used for verification; extraction means for extracting a pattern of the verification object reflected on the image pickup surface as a result of emitting the light; and registration means for registering in storage means the pattern extracted by the extraction means.

Abstract: A device for detecting the presence of human skin including an illuminator source for providing an IR band at a predetermined frequency known as a blue LED. The IR band frequency ranges from about 400 nanometers (nm) to about 500 nm, and preferably from about 450 nm to about 485 nm. Most preferred is a blue LED with a frequency of about 468 nm. The band is reflected off a target and received by a sensor such as a photo detector. The value for human skin is compared to the signal detected. Other materials that have been used to spoof detectors have different values and thus are distinguished from human skin.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for reducing data size of at least one bitmap image, wherein the bitmap image comprises a plurality of color blocks, wherein each color block is associated with a distinct color plane. In some embodiments, the bitmap image may be compressed. At least one compressed color block that is contained in a transfer frame may be determined, based on information pertaining to a physical offset between successive color planes when they are rendered on a print medium. Further, at least one compressed color block in the transfer frame may be tagged, if the size of the transfer frame exceeds a threshold, and the resolution of the at least one compressed color block that is tagged may be reduced.

Abstract: A system controlling online access to a study course verifies the identity of an individual taking a study course over a global computer network from a first computer at a node of the network. The first computer has a biometric identification program and communicates over the network with a second computer that is at a network node other than a node of the first computer. The second computer includes study program material. The first computer operates a biometric reader, which obtains a first set of biometric data from the individual and a second set of biometric data from the individual while access is granted to course material. The biometric identification program compares the first set of data with the second set of data to make a verification of the identity of the individual and communicates the verification to the second computer.

Abstract: The basic invention uses biometric signals to help identify the name of a family member, acquaintance or newly met individual. The biometric signals include facial and voice recognition. In addition, the invention can interactively produce the name of an individual met for the first time just after that individual shakes your hand and introduces themselves. Most people forget this name since they are concentrating on maintaining a conversation. An earphone plug can physically connect the handheld unit to the ear canal of the user and the identity of the individual is electronically passed over the wire to the user. A handheld unit identifies the individual and whispers their name into the ear canal. An earphone is physically connected to the handheld unit via a wire. This allows the identity of the individual to be electronically passed over the wire to the user. By touching the portable unit which is inserted into the ear canal, the name is whispered into the canal.

Abstract: A method includes identifying a named entity, retrieving images associated with the named entity, and using a face detection algorithm to perform face detection on the retrieved images to detect faces in the retrieved images. At least one representative face image from the retrieved images is identified, and the representative face image is used to identify one or more additional images representing the at least one named entity.

Abstract: A modular biometrics collection system with an architecture having application to a combined features recognition system. The system may be a self-organizing mesh of collaborative independent components. Each component may have inputs, outputs, and local prioritization management. Each component may operate autonomously. Federated behavior of the components may be achieved by subscribing to content that influences local prioritization. An example of the system may have application to combined face and iris recognition.

Abstract: A biometrical feature inputting apparatus includes a 1-dimensional or quasi 1-dimensional image sensor. When a finger and the image sensor are relatively slid, a finger sliding guide keeps a finger and an effective pixel unit of the image sensor to a constant distance without any contact between them. An image processing section sequentially generates partial images by imaging emission light that is scattered inside the finger and then emitted from a skin surface of the finger by the image sensor during the relative motion of the finger and the image sensor and link the partial images to an image.

Abstract: A finger sensing device may include a finger sensing area to receive a user's finger moved in a sliding motion, and a controller cooperating with the finger sensing area for generating successive image samples. Moreover, the controller may also generate the displacement estimate of the user's finger by at least performing a plurality of different image sample correlations between at least one pair of image samples, and cross-verifying results of the plurality of different image sample correlations.

Abstract: A system for extracting finger vein and finger texture images from a finger of a person at the same time, the device including an image capture device configured to capture at least one image of at least one finger in a contactless manner, a feature extraction module configured to extract unique finger vein features and finger texture features from the at least one captured image, and a processing module configured to normalize the at least one captured image and integrate the extracted finger vein features and finger texture features.

Abstract: The present invention discourages effective illegal use of compromised biometric information in biometric authentication and allows biometric authentication to be securely continued even when some biometric information is compromised. A user authentication system compares extracted user features with a previously registered combination of features and authenticates the user on the basis of the result of the comparison. If the authentication is successful, the previously registered combination is replaced with a new combination of features that are registered for use in the subsequent authentication of the authentication object.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to identification documents and related methods and apparatus. One claim recites a method to determine whether to authenticate an identification document through digital watermarking or through an alternative process. The method includes: receiving data carried by the identification document corresponding to a detection trigger; if the received data indicates an expected presence of digital watermarks, attempting to authenticate the identification document by analyzing digital watermarking carried by the identification document; and if the received data indicates an expected absence of digital watermarks, attempting to authenticate the identification document through an alternative process. Other claims and combinations are provided too.

Abstract: An apparatus has two optical portions, for capturing imagery from two directions. One portion captures imagery from the user (e.g., the user's retina), and the other captures imagery from another subject. In one arrangement, each optical portion has its own image sensor, and the two portions operate at the same time to capture imagery. Information derived from the imagery of the user (e.g., a hash) can be used—in consultation with a database—to attempt to identify the user. Such an image hash can be steganographically embedded into the subject-related image information. A great number of other features and arrangements are also detailed.

Abstract: An especially small operating device for a hearing aid, but one which is nevertheless simple for a user to actuate manually, which still enables a multiplicity of different operating functions in a simple and clear manner is provided. The use of a fingerprint sensor is provided for this purpose, whereby different operating functions are assigned to the individual fingers of the user. Depending on the finger with which the user actuates the fingerprint sensor, different operating functions are initiated.

Abstract: A method and system for verifying the continued presence of the same player at a gaming machine is provided. The system comprises a device for continuously obtaining verification data samples, wherein each verification data sample relates to one or more physical features of a first player. A subsequently obtained verification data sample is analyzed to determine whether it is substantially similar to a previously obtained verification data sample. If the subsequent verification data sample is substantially similar to the previously obtained verification data sample, then the system determines that the first player continues to be the same player present at the gaming machine.

Abstract: A portable UV detection apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment, the UV detection apparatus includes a UV detection device integrated with a skin type measuring device. A controller can be included in the apparatus that is in communication with the skin type measuring device and the UV detection device. The controller can provide information to the user regarding the amount of ultraviolet radiation present in the environment. In an alternative embodiment, the UV detection apparatus includes a UV detection device in conjunction with a light sensor. The light sensor can be configured to activate the UV detection device should light at a particular intensity be present in the environment. The UV detection device as described above can be configured to measure UVA radiation, UVB radiation, and/or UVC radiation.