Abstract: A method and system for personal authentication using sequences of partial fingerprint signatures provides a high security capability to various processes requiring positive identification of individuals. In a baseline usage, the sequential partial fingerprint sequence techniques augments sentinel systems for gaining access to restricted areas, and when used in combination with financial cards, offer a unique and greatly simplified means for authenticating or identifying individuals. A highly automated technique initially obtains eight (illustratively) linear partial fingerprint signatures which serve as reference data against which later proffered candidate data in the form of at least two linear partial fingerprint signatures are compared for authentication. The particular two candidate signatures used and the sequence in which they are submitted are selected with the user's consent and serve as a PIN-like unique personal code.

Abstract: A biometric method and system for personal authentication using sequences of partial fingerprint signatures provides a high security capability to various processes requiring positive identification of individuals. This approach is further enhanced by employing a frequency domain technique for calculating a Similarity Index of the partial fingerprint signatures. In a baseline usage, the sequential partial fingerprint sequence techniques augments sentinel systems for gaining access to restricted areas, and when used in combination with financial cards, offer a unique and greatly simplified means for authenticating or identifying individuals. A highly automated technique initially obtains a reference set of linear partial fingerprint signatures which serve as reference data against which later proffered candidate data in the form of at least two linear partial fingerprint signatures are compared for authentication.

Abstract: In a fingerprint/palmprint image processing system and method, for local regions other than a highly reliable region, a ridge line image which can be estimated to represent a ridge line is selected from ridge line candidate images, and whether or not each of the selected ridge line images is valid as an image representing a ridge line is discriminated. Thus, a whole image is generated on the basis of the ridge line image in the highly reliable region and the ridge line images which were discriminated to be valid in the other regions.

Abstract: An apparatus is configured for use with a digital camera to capture images of a fingerprint with the camera. The digital camera includes a primary lens for general photography purposes. The apparatus includes an accessory lens assembly including a first surface for supporting a finger to be imaged. The accessory lens assembly is configured to direct light reflected from the finger to the primary lens of the digital camera. A connection mechanism connects the accessory lens assembly to the digital camera. The accessory lens assembly is movable via the connection mechanism to cover the primary lens for fingerprint imaging, and is movable via the connection mechanism away from the primary lens to allow the digital camera to be used for general photography purposes.

Abstract: A biometric method and system for personal authentication using sequences of partial fingerprint signatures provides a high security capability to various processes requiring positive identification of individuals. This approach is further enhanced by employing a frequency domain technique for calculating a Similarity Index of the partial fingerprint signatures. In a baseline usage, the sequential partial fingerprint sequence techniques augments sentinel systems for gaining access to restricted areas, and when used in combination with financial cards, offer a unique and greatly simplified means for authenticating or identifying individuals. A highly automated technique initially obtains four (illustratively) linear partial fingerprint signatures which serve as reference data against which later proffered candidate data in the form of at least two linear partial fingerprint signatures are compared for authentication.

Abstract: Identification of a fingermark is performed by obtaining for a fingermark a fingermark image, storing reference fingermarks in a databank, comparing the obtained fingermark image with the reference fingermarks for identification, before the identification determining for each reference fingermark in comparison with the obtained fingermark image a similarity degree, sorting the reference fingermarks in the databank in accordance with the similarity degree, and performing the identification of the fingermark beginning with the reference fingermark which leads to the greatest similarity degree.

Abstract: A system and method for counting ridges in a captured print image frame is described. A pixel path through the captured print image frame is traversed. A hysteresis band for the pixel path is determined. A number of crossings of the determined hysteresis band is counted while traversing the pixel path. A number of print ridges based on the counted number of hysteresis band crossings is determined.

Abstract: A fingerprint image acquisition apparatus of the present invention includes fingerprint sensing device unit, a CCD device unit, and an image processing unit, the image processing unit comprising: an A/D converting unit for converting and outputting the fingerprint image outputted from the CCD device unit into a digital signal; an image buffer for storing the digital signal from the A/D converting unit; a controller for watching a state of the image buffer, i.e.

Abstract: In a fingerprint identification system, a fingerprint sensor 104 of a registration apparatus 2 reads a fingerprint in a larger region, whereas a fingerprint sensor 30 of an identification apparatus 4, which is smaller in size, reads a fingerprint in a smaller region. When registering a fingerprint, the fingerprint sensor 104 of the registration apparatus 2 reads a fingerprint, and a fingerprint registration circuit 14 generates binary image data based on the fingerprint which has been read. The binary image data is transferred to the identification apparatus 4 and stored in an image memory 16 of the identification apparatus 4. When identifying a fingerprint, the fingerprint sensor 30 of the identification apparatus 4 reads a fingerprint, and a fingerprint identification circuit 32 generates binary image data based on the fingerprint which has been read. Then, the binary image data is compared against the binary image data stored in the image memory 16.

Abstract: A player is permitted to participate in an interactive gaming event from a remote location, such as a hotel room or home computer, once the player's entitlement to participate has been confirmed using a biometric identifier. One method of the invention includes first verifying the identity of a potential player of a gaming event, such as by verifying the age of the player. If verified, the fingerprint of the player is obtained and the fingerprint is stored in association with an assigned identification code. When a player requests to participate in a gaming event from a remote location, the player's identification code is received from the player and is used to locate the corresponding stored fingerprint. The player then transmits their scanned fingerprint. If the transmitted fingerprint and stored fingerprint match, the player is verified as entitled to participate in the gaming event.

Abstract: A biometric verification system for controlling access is provided that does not rely on a non-biometric discriminator, such as a PIN or magnetic card, to convert a one-to-many verification task to a one-to-one verification task. The system enrolls authorized users by obtaining digitized fingerprint templates from them and storing them in a database. Video cameras and fingerprint sensors are provided for use in authenticating persons seeking access. Software compares a digital representation of a captured human facial image with stored facial images in a database of facial images, generating a match confidence therefrom and rank-ordering the database from highest to lowest match confidence. The software then compares captured human fingerprints with stored fingerprint templates associated with the rank-ordered database to verify the identity of the person and provide an output signal indicative of recognition.

Abstract: The disclosed invention herein is a method for extracting fingerprint feature data using a ridge orientation model. The fingerprint feature data extracting method includes the steps of inputting a fingerprint image, extracting ridge orientations according to regions, calculating ridge qualities according to regions and separating background region from the fingerprint image, extracting regions having a core and a delta, setting an initial ridge orientation model, calculating a ridge orientation function, and extracting the ridge orientations and the core and delta positions of the fingerprint image.

Abstract: The system and method store biometric information and a personal identification number (PIN) on a token having a magnetic storage medium. A biometric image is captured, biometric data is produced and a PIN is provided by an authorized user. The biometric data and PIN are stored on the magnetic storage medium of the token for subsequent use in verifying an authorized user of the token.

Abstract: The region feature judging part judges whether local regions are regions including ridges only or regions including a mixture of creases and ridges, and the suitable ridge image selecting part selects images showing ridges among ridge candidate images based on evaluation criteria adapted to each of the crease and ridge mixed regions and ridge exclusive regions.

Abstract: A secure and modular architecture for monitoring and controlling clusters of pay entertainment and gaming devices. The architecture allows flexible and secure use of state-of-the-art multimedia and Internet technologies to attract the younger player generation used to flashy and networked games. Cash or cash-less entertainment and gaming devices are supported.

Abstract: A biometric identification system directed toward use of dual-band visual-infrared imaging with appropriate techniques for integrating the analysis of both images to distinguish less reliable from more reliable image components, so as to generate a composite image comprised of layers. Correlation and analysis of the composite layers enables improved reliability in identification. The method and apparatus of the invention provide for efficient and optimized use of dual-band imaging for biometric identification of faces, fingerprints, palm and hand prints, sweat pore patterns, wrist veins, and other anatomical features of humans and animals. One embodiment includes the addition of a thermal infrared camera to a visual facial recognition system, with the IR image used to determine that the subject is alive and locate any features which are disguised.

Abstract: Methods and procedures for improving the performance and reliability of image analysis within an image identification system include a series of image qualification functions designed to quickly process a fraction of available image data and to provide feedback to a system user pertaining to image quality and authenticity. Functions designed to produce image models based on original image data and to catalogue such image models into a searchable database are included in the present invention. The present invention also includes functions for comparing one image model to another. Finally, the present invention provides functions for making a quick determination as to which, if any, of a potential thousands (or more, i.e., millions) of image models within a searchable database exhibit a desired level of similarity, as compared to a target image model.

Abstract: Featured is a device for generating a 3-D model of a target object detects size, position, and direction of the target object in an input image. The device calculates the position of each vertex of a 3-D rough geometric model projected onto a 2-D plane in the detected size, position, and direction, as well as onto a 2-D plane in a predetermined size, position, and direction. The device also modifies the input image based on a correspondence relationship between the position of each vertex of the 3-D rough geometric model calculated by the first calculation means and the position of each vertex of the 3-D rough geometric model calculated by the second calculation means to generate a texture images and maps the texture image to the 3-D rough geometric model.

Abstract: A portable biometric device enables a designated person to unlock any one portal exclusive of other portals of a secure entity and or a secure service by choosing which of their personal biometric characteristics is presented to the portable biometric device. The portable biometric device includes a biometric sensor such that a biometric characteristic of a person for example a finger pattern is read dependent upon the person presenting the biometric characteristic to the biometric sensor. The reading is encoded in order for a processor to determine if the biometric characteristic has been predesignated for access via a predesignated one of the plurality of portals. If so, the processor selects an appropriate authorization code which is communicated by wireless transmission for unlocking the predesignated one of the portals, to the exclusion of any other of the portals. In an alternate example the processor is a central controller remote from the biometric device.

Abstract: Authentication methods are very important in several applications. Existing methods of authentication based on possessions or knowledge have several problems that can be overcome by using biometrics. Unfortunately biometrics-based authentication is unrevocable today and has many privacy concerns in users' minds. The proposed technique employs signal scrambling and morphing techniques to intentionally distort the original biometrics signal in a non-invertible fashion. If the security is compromised, the system can cancel a particular distortion and reacquire the signal with a new distortion function. This provides functionality as good as non-biometric authentication methods in terms of their power of revocation.

Abstract: The invention as described provides a method and system for tokenless authorization of commercial transactions between a buyer and a seller using a computer system. The method comprises the steps of registering a buyer, wherein the buyer registers with the computer system a PIN, at least one registration biometric sample, and at least one buyer financial account. The method also includes a seller registration step, wherein the seller registers with the computer system at least one seller financial account. In a proposal step, the seller offers a proposed commercial transaction to the buyer usually comprising price information. If the buyer accepts the seller's proposal, in an acceptance step, the buyer signals his/her acceptance by adding to the proposed commercial transaction the buyer's personal authentication information comprising a PIN and at least one bid biometric sample which is obtained from the buyer's person.

Abstract: A PC card authentication system has a PC card having a PC card housing with a plug connector at one end thereof configured to be inserted into a computer slot of a computer and to provide electrical contact with the computer. Electronic components are mounted in the PC card housing and are connected to the plug connector. A sensor is provided for detecting biometric data of a person for the purpose of authenticating the identity of a person.

Abstract: An integrated circuit card is accessed by a card reader that is capable of establishing a communications link with a host computer. The integrated circuit card includes a card body, a memory device mounted on the card body, a fingerprint sensor mounted on the card body, a card reader interface circuit mounted on the card body, and a processing unit mounted on the card body and connected to the memory device, the fingerprint sensor and the card reader interface circuit. The memory device stores fingerprint reference data obtained by scanning a fingerprint of an assigned user, and card information therein. The fingerprint sensor scans a fingerprint of a holder of the card body, and generates fingerprint scan data. The card reader interface circuit is activable so as to communicate with the card reader.

Abstract: A self-service terminal (10) includes a non-contact interface (18, 20) for enabling a user to interact with the terminal without requiring physical contact with the terminal, a biometric sensor (14) for establishing the identity of the user by sensing a physical trait or characteristic of the user, and a processor (30) for controlling the terminal. The interface (18, 20) may utilize speech recognition and generation.

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 switch for power gating is disposed between an electronic device and its power source. The switch is controlled from a biometric reader that asserts a signal to the switch when a biometric profile matches a stored biometric signature. The gating of the power may thereby activate the electronic device. As the electronic device is isolated from its power source pending a successful biometric verification, it is not possible to circumvent the access control feature using the resources of the electronic device. Until the biometric reader verifies a biometric profile, the electronic device remains in an unpowered state.

Abstract: A portable apparatus having a slot for inserting a PC card which includes a card unit and a fingerprint scanner unit. The PC card has a support for supporting the scanner and reducing the force transferred to the card unit and a connector for realizing correct fingerprint identification whether the card is inserted into the left or the right of the apparatus. The apparatus includes a support pivotally joins the scan unit and the card unit together or adjust the height of the scan unit.

Abstract: The improved smart card of the present invention preferably comprises a CPU, memory, and a fingerprint reader including a sensing surface. Preferably, the sensing surface is located along a surface of the smart card so that a user's thumb is naturally positioned over the sensing surface when the card is inserted into a write/read unit or other suitable card reader. When an individual inserts the smart card into a write/read unit, the smart card creates an electrical representation of the individual's fingerprint and compares the acquired representation to a stored fingerprint representation in the card's memory. If the acquired representation matches the stored representation, the card is enabled, and the user is given access to information and/or services that require cooperation of the smart card.

Abstract: A card containing a programmable microchip having a memory for storing a color identification photograph. A color identification image is digitally compressed from a photograph by a novel method which makes practical the use of a relatively small amount of memory for the storage of the image.

Abstract: An automated check-cashing unit includes an input device configured to generate input signals in response to inputs from a customer, a storage device including a database of customer information, a check reader configured to receive and read a check to be processed, a cash dispenser, and an electronic processor. The processor is configured to receive the input signals from the input device, receive information about the check to be processed from the check reader, access the database of customer information to obtain data about the customer, and determine automatically whether to accept or reject the check based on the input signals, the received information about the check, and the data about the customer. Upon accepting the check, the processor signals the cash dispenser to dispense cash to the customer. The processor may be further configured to confirm the identity of the customer based on biometric information about the customer.

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 method is taught for analyzing the keystroke timing signature of an ATM or other electronic commerce customer. The timing signature is compared to a database of previously stored keystroke timing sequences to allow for a test of the identity of the putative customer. This allows increased identification without the need for additional hardware beyond the ubiquitous keypad or keyboard.

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: The present invention relates to the field of identity verification. Specifically, the invention is directed to a device and method for facilitating signature-less financial transactions as an improvement over common, prior art check-based financial transactions. This system and method provides the ability to use a check as a form of payment at a point of use without having to use the signed check as the binding document that is processed through the financial system to obtain payment by the entity rendering the service. The system and method comprises reading a hardcopy check via an electronic scanner, correlating the account number to a biometric or other piece of data that would positively identify the person tendering the check and using the biometric or other data to confirm the identity of the person tendering the check. This data is then associated with an auditable record of the person who performed the biometric or other data comparison.

Abstract: A method of codifying and comparing an identification card includes imprinting the identification card with a selected fingerprint of the owner which upon match with a corresponding natural fingerprint of the owner opens the access to a terminal that stores another fingerprint of the owner. If a comparison of this stored fingerprint matches also the corresponding natural fingerprint of the owner, the identification card is cleared for use.

Abstract: A biometric security procedure for manufacturing an identity document, such as an identity card, credit card, visa or passport, which includes the steps of: providing a nucleus of the identity document, the nucleus including personal data of a holder of the identity document and a face image of the holder; carrying out, by a computer and an image capturer such as a scanner or a video camera, an analysis of face features of the face image, the computer carrying out an analysis of basic face features of the face image, comparing the basic face features with master/pattern features in a data base, wherein each master/pattern feature has a specific number; obtaining by the analysis a derived set of master/pattern features that corresponds to a characteristic synthetic image of the holder, the derived set of master/pattern features corresponding to a specific numeric code determined by the number of each of the master/pattern features making up the derived set of master/pattern features; and printing the specific

Abstract: The present invention teaches systems and methods for verifying or recognizing a person's identity based on measurements of the acoustic response of the individual's ear canal. The system comprises an acoustic emission device, which emits an acoustic source signal s(t), designated by a computer, into the ear canal of an individual, and an acoustic response detection device, which detects the acoustic response signal f(t). A computer digitizes the response (detected) signal f(t) and stores the data. Computer-implemented algorithms analyze the response signal f(t) to produce ear-canal feature data. The ear-canal feature data obtained during enrollment is stored on the computer, or some other recording medium, to compare the enrollment data with ear-canal feature data produced in a subsequent access attempt, to determine if the individual has previously been enrolled. The system can also be adapted for remote access applications.

Abstract: A tokenless security system and method for preventing unauthorized access to one or more secured computer systems is shown. The security system and method are principally based on a correlative comparison of a unique biometric sample, such as a finger print or voice recording, gathered directly from the person of an unknown user with an authenticated unique biometric sample of the same type obtained from each authorized user. The security system and method may be integrated with and dedicated to a single computer system, or may be configured as a non-dedicated, stand-alone entity capable of and intended to perform security functions simultaneously for more than one computer system. Further, the stand alone configuration can be networked to act as a full or partial intermediary between a secured computer system and its authorized users, or may be interactive solely with and act as a consultant to the computer systems.

Abstract: A tokenless identification system and method for authorization of transactions and transmissions. The tokenless system and method are principally based on a correlative comparison of a unique biometrics sample, such as a finger print or voice recording, gathered directly from the person of an unknown user, with an authenticated biometrics sample of the same type obtained and stored previously. It can be networked to act as a full or partial intermediary between other independent computer systems, or may be the sole computer systems carrying out all necessary executions. It further contemplates the use of a private code that is returned to the user after the identification has been complete, authenticating and indicating to the user that the computer system was accessed. The identification system and method of additionally include emergency notification to permit an authorized user to alert authorities an access attempt is coerced.

Abstract: An automatic transaction apparatus for taking a transaction requiring the acquisition of a signature is provided with a mechanism for acquiring a signature. The signature acquisition mechanism includes a detector for detecting the execution of signature application. At the time of a signature acquisition processing, an advancement to the next processing step is taken when the execution of signature application is detected and information indicative of the completion of signature application is inputted. Thereby, the signature is surely recorded. The transaction requiring the acquisition of a signature includes a process for issuing a traveler's check.

Abstract: A self-service system, such as an automated teller machine (ATM) system, uses predictive technology. When a user begins a transaction by inserting an identification card into a card reader of an ATM, the predictive technology predicts which service or services provided by the system the user is likely to request. This prediction is based upon a stored record in the system, representing previous transactions by that user. The prediction is made in advance of completion of an authorization process for the transaction, to increase the speed of operation of the ATM in carrying out the transaction. For example, to reduce overall transaction time, the ATM can count out a predicted amount of cash in advance of an anticipated withdrawal request. Also, the prediction is used to generate a special display for a particular user, the display being designed to simplify the decisions and selections required to be made by the user.

Abstract: A self-service automated teller system includes a fraud detection module which uses a biometric recognition technique, such as voice or fingerprint recognition, in combination with predictive technology. The biometric recognition test is normally decisive, but if this test produces a result which is close to a predetermined threshold, the predictive technology checks to determine whether the transaction is consistent with the user's normal behavior before permitting the transaction to proceed. A suspicion count may also be included in the decision-making process, to determine whether or not the user has a previous record of suspicious transactions.

Abstract: Systems for interchanging information, for example, obtaining cash from a terminal by use of a portable device such as a credit card are well-known but suffer from being vulnerable to fraud. In the invention a highly secure information interchange system is achieved by utilizing an intelligent card as the portable device which verifies that the terminal is a valid one and the terminal in turn verifies that the card is valid. Unauthorized users are screened out by means of a physical characteristic scan of the user such as a fingerprint which is then compared with comparable data stored on the portable device. If an invalid terminal attempts to communicate with the card, the card erases the data and programs from its memory. All programs and data in the terminal are stored in memory which loses its contents when power is interrupted, thus improving the security of the system by making unauthorized use of a terminal very difficult.