Abstract: A credit-card reader having a built-in digital camera for capturing a template signature and an email address on a credit card. The email address is identified by an optical character recognition program and input to an email system. A test signature is entered on a touch-pad input device and both the test and the template signatures are normalized and displayed for verification. Action buttons are provided on the display screen for enforcing the signature verification actions. The system enables the transmission of an electronic receipt selectively controlled by the customer and eliminates the needs of physically handling a credit card for signature verification and manual input or pre-registration of an email address for an electronic receipt. The computer-assisted features enables a central system of signature verification for purchase transactions at self-service check-out counters.

Abstract: Digitized signatures are recorded in respective digitized signature records. Each digitized signature record includes at least the position of each point of a signature in coordinates relative to a coordinate of a previous point thereof and time. Digitized signatures are identified, verified or authenticated by comparing characteristics thereof, may be indexed for facilitating comparison, may be utilized for network and Internet transactions, and may be converted to image format.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus to determine a similarity measure between first and second patterns. First and second storages store first and second feature vectors which represent the first and second patterns, respectively. A similarity estimator is coupled to the first and second storages to compute a similarity probability of the first and second feature vectors using a piecewise linear probability density function (PDF). The similarity probability corresponds to the similarity measure.

Abstract: A method of enabling user interaction with computer software running in a computer system via an interface surface and a sensing device. The interface surface contains information relating to the computer software and coded data indicative of a signature field relating to the computer software. When the sensing device is placed in an operative position relative to the interface surface, it senses indicating data indicative of the signature field. The sensing device also generates movement data indicative of the sensing device's movement. The indicating data and the movement data are received from the sensing device, and the signature field is identified. Once the signature has been identified, the computer software is operated in reliance on the movement data, and in accordance with instructions associated with the signature field.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system and a method of validating an identity of a user using a pointing device by comparing a sampled mouse signature with an authenticated mouse signature. The method includes presenting a virtual pad including a background graphic image, a plurality of objects positioned on the background graphic image to a user. The user moves the pointing device to manipulate a cursor on the background graphic image. The method includes a step of sampling a plurality of events corresponding to positions of the cursor to provide a sampled mouse signature including a set of position vectors. The present invention includes comparing the sampled mouse signature to a stored mouse signature representing the identity of a user, and validating the identity of a user in response to the comparing step.

Abstract: A method and system for enabling registration of a user to use a computer system. The method includes providing a printed registration form containing information relating to user registration, the form including coded data indicative of an identity of the form and of at least one reference point of the form. Indicating data is received, in a processing system associated with the computer system, from a sensing device regarding the identity of the form and a position of the sensing device relative to the form. The sensing device, when placed in an operative position relative to the form, generates the indicating data using at least some of the coded data on the form. The method further includes identifying, in the processing system and from the indicating data, at least one parameter relating to user registration, and storing the at least one parameter so as to be accessible by said computer system.

Abstract: A method and system for enabling registration of a user to use a computer system. The method includes providing a printed registration form containing information relating to user registration, the form including coded data indicative of an identity of the form and of at least one reference point of the form. Indicating data is received, in a processing system associated with the computer system, from a sensing device regarding the identity of the form and a position of the sensing device relative to the form. The sensing device, when placed in an operative position relative to the form, generates the indicating data using at least some of the coded data on the form. The method further includes identifying, in the processing system and from the indicating data, at least one parameter relating to user registration, and storing the at least one parameter so as to be accessible by said computer system.

Abstract: A method and system for enabling registration of a user to use a computer system. The method includes providing a printed registration form containing information relating to user registration, the form including coded data indicative of an identity of the form and of at least one reference point of the form. Indicating data is received, in a processing system associated with the computer system, from a sensing device regarding the identity of the form and a position of the sensing device relative to the form. The sensing device, when placed in an operative position relative to the form, generates the indicating data using at least some of the coded data on the form. The method further includes identifying, in the processing system and from the indicating data, at least one parameter relating to user registration, and storing the at least one parameter so as to be accessible by said computer system.

Abstract: A method of enabling user interaction with computer software running in a computer system via an interface surface and a sensing device. The interface surface contains information relating to the computer software and coded data indicative of a signature field relating to the computer software. When the sensing device is placed in an operative position relative to the interface surface, it senses indicating data indicative of the signature field. The sensing device also generates movement data indicative of the sensing device's movement. The indicating data and the movement data are received from the sensing device, and the signature field is identified. Once the signature has been identified, the computer software is operated in reliance on the movement data, and in accordance with instructions associated with the signature field.

Abstract: A method of enabling user interaction with computer software running in a computer system via an interface surface and a sensing device. The interface surface contains information relating to the computer software and coded data indicative of a signature field relating to the computer software. When the sensing device is placed in an operative position relative to the interface surface, it senses indicating data indicative of the signature field. The sensing device also generates movement data indicative of the sensing device's movement. The indicating data and the movement data are received from the sensing device, and the signature field is identified. Once the signature has been identified, the computer software is operated in reliance on the movement data, and in accordance with instructions associated with the signature field.

Abstract: In an electronic signature verification method, in order to perform optimum verification while coping with variations in signatures of an individual, data of a handwritten character string of a signer are fetched and compared with registration signature data set in advance; and a verification judgment is performed by use of separate regions including a region in which the signature is recognized to be true, a region in which the signature is not recognized to be true, and an intermediate region in which re-signing is requested due to impossibility of judgment.

Abstract: The invention concerns a stylus for use with a digitizing tablet. The stylus stores information which identifies characteristics of a user's handwriting. These characteristics are transmitted to a computer when the user interfaces with the computer, and are used by the computer to recognize the user's handwriting.

Abstract: Compression of digital ink is achieved by calculating second order differences between consecutive elements in the digital ink and applying the differences to a Huffman encoder to produce a compressed bitstream. For digital ink that is not highly correlated, compression may be achieved by representing segments of the digital ink by mathematical shapes such as a Bezier curve or orthogonal elements and transmitting the shape instead of the digital ink.

Abstract: A method and system for generating a completed payment document ready for signature in image form and enabling signature in image form, storing the image and providing a printed copy of the document including the signature. A write input device for showing the image and enabling the signature includes a transparent interactive digitizing element with writing stylus, a display module positioned beneath the digitizing element and visible therethrough, and optionally a magnetic stripe reader for providing document-related information for the display. The device is embodied in a system which also includes a point of sale terminal, a printer for printing records of transactions processed by the system and a controller operatively coupled to other elements of the system.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for registration comprises a computer and a server in communication via a network, an intranet and/or the Internet, means for entry of data into the computer, and a signature or biometric digitizer including coupling software for directly entering digitized signature or biometric data electronically into the computer. The data and digitized signature or biometric data are communicated to the server. The registration apparatus and method may be utilized for voter or other registration and/or another transaction.

Abstract: The signature comparison process associated with bank approval processes is automated using signature capture devices and a stored database of valid signatures. A signature is captured as part of a normal credit transaction, digitized and compared with entries in a database of known valid signatures. In an automated gas pump environment, the signature is captured, compared and approved before any gas is dispensed.

Abstract: By smoothing a full-color image, staircasing of characters even in a gradation image is removed. An area to be smoothed is detected from image data having a plurality of color components, and image data included in the detected area is smoothed in units of color components. Image data which places an importance on resolution is smoothed by increasing the resolution to reproduce smooth characters and figures. Image data which places an importance on gradation characteristic is output without increasing the resolution, thus attaining high-gradation recording. A character or figure is detected from bitmap image data input from external equipment, and is smoothed. In correspondence with the density of the smoothed image data, the pulse width is switched, thereby changing the resolution of image data.

Abstract: A system for administering certificates involves the generation, distribution and recall of certificates for public key systems. The generation comprises generating encryption keys and personalizing smart cards. The system is designed as a distributed system and is divided into a central unit with one or more associated terminal units. Each terminal and center is allocated unique certified identities. Mutual checking of access rights and data contents is carried out between the central unit and each terminal unit. An issued certificate can be traced back to the individual responsible for the issuing, compatibility with standards being seen to exist. Personalization of cards is integrated in each terminal.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for controlling a remote device from a client computer using a digital image of a remote location associated with the remote device. Using graphical user interface (GUI) provided by a client computer, the user select areas in the digital image for mapping to control functions for the remote device. These control functions are associated with command objects downloaded from a server computer and displayed on the graphical user interface. The control functions for the remote device can then be selected by moving a cursor over the selected areas of the digital image. When a control function is selected, the client computer formulates a request that the server computer and/or remote device can understand. Instantaneous feedback is provided by the digital image for any control functions that may be invoked by the user.

Abstract: Handwritten ink is scanned to identify potential diacriticals. A list of diacriticals (19) is generated by traversing the ink. Potential diacritical-containing characters are processed by scoring them with and without a diacritical to generate a first and second score. The first score is compared to the second score to in order to make a decision as to which variant of the potential diacritical-containing character produced a highest score. The highest score is used as a score for a theory and the decision is recorded. A data structure (50) is added to the theory. Each data unit in the data structure (50) corresponds to an entry in the list of diacriticals (19). As a new theory is created by propagation, contents of the data structure (50) are copied into the new theory. Thus, the data structure (50) is used to ensure that all handwritten ink is used and is used only once.

Abstract: A verification system for authenticating a suspected signature on a collectible object by scanning the suspected signature into an originating computer, electronically transmitting the image to a central computer where the suspected signature is compared with a set of authentic reference signatures stored there based on the user's input as to the shape of the object on which the suspected signature is inscribed. The central computer transmits to the originating computer an authentication of the suspected signature or an indication that the suspected signature can not be authenticated. Optionally, a printer can print a certificate of authentication bearing one of two identical serialized holograms and a second identical serialized hologram for attachment to the collectible.

Abstract: A method for electronic analysis of handwriting samples. A digital bit-map of handwriting samples created, using a digital camera or electronic scanner. The bit-map is then marked at selected points using a cursor to obtain measurements, such as the slant angles of strokes and height measurements of major areas in the writing. The measurements are tabulated and may be used to authenticate the handwriting sample. Also, the tabulated results may be compared with predetermined standard profiles for determining certain characteristics relating to the person who produced the handwriting sample. The invention also provides a method for determining the pressure and angle of the writing instrument, by creating a three-dimensional representation of portions of the writing sample for measurement and analysis.

Abstract: A method of integrating photographic imaging products and services functionality with non-imaging functionality using the automatic teller machine (ATM) functions for providing financial transactions as the preferred embodiment wherein a single kiosk is disclosed. This invention provides the consumer with the flexibility to generate imaging products and conduct imaging services or perform ATM-related transactions independent of one another; to incorporate images into producing customized financial instruments at the kiosk; to access financial institution services to store or retrieve images as part of providing either imaging products/services or ATM financial instruments; and to utilize the customer's financial accounts and/or financial instruments as a means for payment of imaging products/services rendered at the kiosk.

Abstract: A handwriting verification device includes: a normalizing section for normalizing an inputted handwriting which has been subjected to sampling at regular intervals; a registered handwriting dictionary in which registered handwriting is accommodated; a correspondence making section for making the inputted handwriting, which has been normalized in accordance with the sampling points in the sampling, correspond to the registered handwriting, so that a portion of the inputted handwriting and a portion of the registered hand writing, which coincide with each other, can be made to correspond to each other; a segment making section for making the inputted handwriting and the registered handwriting to be a segment by allotting an interval between at least two continuous sampling points as a segment in accordance with the result of making correspondence; a characteristic extracting section for extracting the characteristics of the inputted handwriting and the registered handwriting for each segment; and a handwriting

Abstract: An automatic signature verification system is set forth that utilizes a main routine for comparing signatures using forensic hand writing methodology. A secondary program is used to modify the algorithms used by the main program for making adjustments thereto based on either additional data consisting of a plurality of genuine or authenticated signatures or changes in a persons signature due to aging or some other physical change resulting in a change in signature features. Over seventy thousand signatures can be verified in one hour using a single personal computer. In addition, authentic signature data having a resolution as low as 80 dpi can be used.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus detects the sampling rate of a coordinate input device, and standardizes the writing data which is input from the coordinate input device based on the detected sampling rate. The standardized writing data is further used for signature verification or for handwritten character recognition. The information processing apparatus provides precise signature verification or handwritten character recognition even if signatures or handwritten characters for handwritten character recognition are input using digitizers having different processing rates.

Abstract: An image forming system includes a scanner to read image data, an image forming apparatus to form an image on an image receiving medium based on the image data, an input panel to input a user's manual signature and a memory to store an image of a user's manual signature. Further, the system includes a processing unit to collate an image of a user's manual signature input through the input panel with an image of a user's manual signature stored in the memory and to approve the use of at least one of the scanner and the image forming apparatus by user according to a result of the collation.

Abstract: A method of creating registration signature data for a computerized signature collation scheme. A plurality of signature data sets are averaged in order to calculate a candidate set of registration signature data. The candidate set of registration signature data is collated with each signature data set. When no unacceptable discrepancy is found as a result of collation between the candidate set of registration signature data and the signature data sets, the candidate set of registration signature data is treated as registration signature data.

Abstract: In a method for detecting a manipulation performed on digital information the erroneous determination of a manipulation during processing disturbances is prevented by subdividing the information into information subunits from each of which an identification is derived which is assigned to the respective information subunit. After processing the information subunits together with their identifications, potentially manipulated information subunits are determined on the basis of their identifications. This enables the whole of the information to be classified as manipulated if at least two information subunits which are correlated with respect to time or location have been determined to have been potentially manipulated.

Abstract: Handwriting data is received electronically from a remote user at a handwritten-information server, and the handwriting data is processed in accordance with instructions provided to the server by the user, e.g. by forwarding the handwriting data to a specified destination identified by the user.

Abstract: What the method assures is that natural changes in the signature of a person are not reflected in the form of increasing rejections within the framework of an authentification of this person on the basis of the person's signature. “Natural” variation in the signature of the person is adapted to a reference signature, whereby an appropriate “distance” from a possible forged signature is adhered to so that adaptation is not undertaken in the direction of a potential forger. To that end, the signature is evaluated dependent on its distance from the reference signature and this evaluation criterion is divided into ranges that reflect the quality of the signature. Proceeding from the quality, an evaluation is possible as to whether or not an adaptation is implemented.

Abstract: A system for and method of analyzing a signature. The method includes receiving the signature; building a signature model based on the signature; checking a uniqueness of at least one of the signature and the signature model; and delivering a signal which indicates the uniqueness of the signature model.

Abstract: A distributed biometric identification system incorporates stand-alone workstations. The system generally includes a plurality of stand-alone workstations capable of communicating with a central server remotely located from the workstations. The workstations receive input biometric data, such as fingerprint and photographic data, and compares that data to biometric data stored in the workstation. The workstation 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 screen. Workstation mobility is improved by housing the workstation in a self-contained, compartmentalized carrying case. Workstation mobility may be even further enhanced by housing the workstation in a so-called lunchbox configuration having a main body, a front panel hinged to the main body, and a back panel hinged to the main body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the verification of time-dependent, user-specific signals which includes means for generating a set of feature vectors which serve to provide an approximative description of an input signal and are associated with selectable sampling intervals of the signal; means for preparing an HMM model for the signal; means for determining a probability value which describes the probability of occurrence of the set of feature vectors, given the HMM model, and a threshold decider for comparing the probability value with a threshold value and for deciding on the verification of the signal. For better adaptation of the verification to the relevant user and the user-specific signals assigned thereto, it is proposed to provide means for the automatic person-specific evaluation of the relevance of the features collected in the feature vectors by way of an LDA transformation and for the automatic selection of features evaluated as relevant.

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: An autograph verification and authentication process. The process includes having a representative of an authentication system provider witness an individual autographing an item and generate a unique label for each signed item. The tamper-proof label includes two forms of coding. The first is visible and provides unique identifying information. The second one is embedded and can only be observed by the authentication service provider. The second code includes the unique identifying information as well. The label includes Information associated with the signing and that information may be entered into a database. The process further includes the step of having the individual sign a statement that identifies the items(s) signed, the date and location of the signing, and reference to the label(s) affixed to the item(s). The unique information may be accessed through the database under control of the provider.

Abstract: An instruction input unit for supplying operating instructions to a machine is provided. The unit includes a touchpad, an instruction library and a recognizer. The touchpad receives an input pattern from a user and the instruction library stores a multiplicity of operating instruction patterns. Each operating instruction pattern has an operating instruction associated therewith. The recognizer detects which of the multiplicity of operating instructions patterns the input pattern most closely matches and provides the operating instruction associated with the matched operating instruction pattern to the machine. The recognizer includes a handwriting recognizer for recognizing alphanumeric characters.

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: A signature verification system consisting of a durable pressure sensitive data input stylus, signal processing, and computer algorithms for enrollment of signatures, digits and verification. The stylus contains two transducers placed so that axial force and lateral force are measured simultaneously. Combining the two signals at digitized sample points yields a ratio of pressures indicative of the angle of the stylus to the writing surface at that moment, controlling for variations in actual force. The ratio, called a relative angle, is calculated for the entire signal train of a signature and for various simple divisions, or segments. Segments are equal divisions of the signal train by various divisions. While the relative angle of the whole signature may vary unpredictably between signings, the unique variations around the average relative angle form unique signature discriminates. Variations are measured by comparing relative angle measurements of segments, one to another, in all mathematical combinations.

Abstract: A method is provided for reconstructing data generated on a digitizer tablet based on the dynamics of the data generation. The digitizer tablet samples the position of the writing pen, continuously transmitting data to a computer in the form of x and y coordinates plus an indicator of whether or not the pen is touching the surface of the tablet. After preprocessing, the data is reconstructed based on the dynamics of the data's creation. The values of the dynamic reconstruction are created by accumulating increments that are some function of the original data. To enhance the dynamics a nonlinear function is required.

Abstract: The invention concerns a stylus for use with a digitizing tablet. The stylus stores information which identifies characteristics of a user's handwriting. These characteristics are transmitted to a computer when the user interfaces with the computer, and are used by the computer to recognize the user's handwriting.

Abstract: The invention concerns a stylus for use with a digitizing tablet. The stylus stores information which identifies characteristics of a user's handwriting. These characteristics are transmitted to a computer when the user interfaces with the computer, and are used by the computer to recognize the user's handwriting.

Abstract: A signature verification method involves segmenting a smoothed and normalized signature and, for each segment, evaluating at least one local feature, thereby to obtain a feature-value vector. The method further includes computing the likelihood that the segments having the observed sequence of feature values were generated by a particular hidden Markov model, such model comprising a sequence of states having duration probabilities and feature-value histograms. In one aspect, the invention involves explicit state-duration modeling to account for duration in the respective states underlying the unknown signature. In another aspect, the invention involves computing a measure of signature complexity, and setting the number of states of the hidden Markov model according to such complexity measure.

Abstract: An authenticated personal signature is stored in the database which can be compared to a newly presented signature for validation. The method for registering, analyzing and validating the hand-written personal signature requires that the signature be written in an x, y plane with a writing instrument which has a multiaxis movement detector at its end. The multiaxis movement detector detects the movement of said writing device as a function of time and with six degrees of freedom. The six degrees of freedom given by a linear movement along an x-axis, a y-axis and a z-axis, respectively, as well as by rotation about said x-axis, said y-axis and said z-axis, respectively. The six degrees of freedom of the writing instrument are recorded in predetermined formats in a database. A newly registered personal signature that is presented for validation is compared with the stored authenticated personal signature in the database.

Abstract: The object is to improve the accuracy of signature input and signature verification and improve security by causing the handwriting of a signature to disappear by itself. The signature verification system includes a signature input apparatus 1 and a signature verifying apparatus 6. Signature input apparatus 1 has an externally charged type liquid crystal sheet 2 which has an underside being adhesive and is placed on a coordinate input unit 3. When a dedicated pen 5 having the function of applying static charge onto this liquid crystal sheet 2 is used to write a signature, the handwriting of the signature is liquid crystal representation on the display area of liquid crystal sheet 2 and this handwriting of the signature will disappear by itself after a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: There is provided a lossy ink compression system aimed at low cost, high compression of ink on hand-held platforms. The present invention detects the critical cusp, or knot points in the ink and then resamples the smooth curves between successive cusp points discarding the dynamic information. The resampled data is then scaled to more closely match the display resolution. Finally, the data is delta coded and then packed for storage.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for producing verified signatures on documents such as checks and affidavits. Initially, a customer who is to obtain a verified signature, at some point in time, registers with a signatory authority, and a secret key, having public and private components, is established uniquely for that customer. When a document requires a verified signature, the customer presents the document and proof of his/her identity, such as a preprogrammed computer-interfacable card, to a signature system. Typically, such a system is to be available at an institution, such as an office, bank, or post office, where such services will routinely be used. The system accesses the archive of the private portion of the customer's key, and generates an encoded signature based, in part, on the content of the document. Accordingly, when a recipient of the document later wishes to verify the signature, the recipient uses the customer's public key to decode the signature.

Abstract: A signal identification system for arbitrary contour, wherein personalized--contour signal is applied for the identification--of an individual user, entity, device, or phenomena. Said personalized identification signal does not disclose the physical shape information of the signal, and only requires simple computation and little data storage. Said signal identification system employs a portable storage device and/or network to store, download, or retrieve features and/or parameters according to a predefined signal template, wherein said parameters are used for simplification of processing of an incoming test signal, said features are used for verification of said incoming test signal for conforming the identity of said individuals. Said signal identification system supports a single or plurality of individuals, and allows each individual to select an unique personalized-identification-signal which represents the unique identity of said individual.

Abstract: A signature capture device includes a CPU that executes a routine to losslessly compress signature data in realtime such that decompression recovers a legally acceptable replica of the original signature. Digital data representing the pixel start point of a signature run is stored in preferably 10-bit or 9-bit format, and is then reduced to a common lower format of 9-bit or 8-bits. Subsequent data points within a run are reduced to the same common lower format and are compared to the common lower format version of the start point data. The differential between the start point and the adjacent second point is calculated and encoded with 4-bits if possible, or with 8-bits otherwise. The differential between the third point and second point is calculated and encoded with 4-bits or 8-bits, as required, and so on, within the run. A run is initiated by a pen-down status, or if a present run exceeds a predetermined length, or if a differential can no longer be encoded with 4-bits and requires 8-bit encoding.

Abstract: An object checking system, particularly a signature checking system, verifies each card carrier by checking a signature entered from a tablet provided for a signature checking terminal device with a reference data stored in an IC card carried by the card carrier. The card is provided with a signature checker used to check the signature according to the checking algorithm corresponding to the reference data. The terminal device sends the hand-written signature to the card and receives the check result from the signature checker. Thus, the terminal device can verify the card carrier regardless of the type of the reference data stored in the card. In addition, only the signature checking program may be stored in the card, so that the terminal device reads the checking program to check the target signature or many signature checking programs may be stored in the terminal device in advance.