Apparatus for capturing an image

A method for authenticating an item on which a signature is imprinted by an autographer, the method comprising:

• verifying the identity of the autographer;
• identifying the item;
• using a camera to capture an image of the signature as it is being imprinted on the item;
• storing the image on a computer readable medium;
• and
• electronically categorizing the image according to signing-related information.

A system for authenticating an item on which a signature is imprinted by an autographer, the system comprising:

• a camera for capturing an image of the signature as it is being imprinted on the item;
• a computer readable medium for storing data related to the image;
• and
• a processor for electronically categorizing the data according to signing-related information.

A system for authenticating an item on which a signature is imprinted by an autographer, the system comprising:

• means for capturing an image of the signature as it is being imprinted on the item;
• means for storing data related to the image;
• and
• means for electronically categorizing the data according to signing-related information.

A system for authenticating an item on which a signature is imprinted by an autographer, the system comprising:

• a computer readable medium for storing data related to an image of the signature as it is being imprinted on the item;
• a processor for electronically categorizing the data according to signing-related information;
• and
• a computer electronically associated with said processor to provide a user access to said data.

A system for authenticating an item on which a signature is imprinted by an autographer, the system comprising:

• means for storing data related to an image of the signature as it is being imprinted on the item;
• means for electronically categorizing the data according to signing-related information;
• and
• means for providing a user access to said data.

An apparatus for capturing an image, said apparatus comprising:

• a writing instrument, having a body with an aperture and capable of imprinting a mark on an item;
• a camera capable of capturing an image of the mark, said camera substantially disposed within said body and capturing the image through said aperture;
• and
• a transmitter having an antenna which protrudes from said body.

An apparatus for capturing an image, said apparatus comprising:

• a writing instrument, having a body with an aperture and capable of imprinting a mark on an item;
• a camera that captures the image, said camera substantially disposed within said body and capturing the image through said aperture;
• and
• a computer readable medium.

An apparatus for capturing an image of a signature being imprinted on an item by an autographer, said apparatus comprising:

• a writing instrument, having a body with an aperture and capable of capturing an image of the signature;
• a unique item identifier attached to said memorabilia item;
• a camera that captures the image, said camera substantially disposed within said body and having a lens disposed so as to capture the image through said aperture;
• and
• a reading device attached to said body for interpreting the unique item identifier.

An apparatus for capturing an image, said apparatus comprising:

• a writing instrument, having a body with an aperture;
• a camera that captures the image, said camera substantially disposed within said body and having a lens disposed so as to capture the image through said aperture;
• and
• a autographer-identifying information collector capable of capturing autographer-identifying information and electronically attached to said camera,
• wherein said camera is prevented from capturing the image until the camera receives said signal from said autographer-identifying information collector.

A computer readable medium with computer readable instructions encoded thereon for:

• receiving an image of a signature being imprinted on an item;
• receiving at least one piece of signing-related information;
• and
• writing data related to the image to a computer readable storage element so that it may be retrieved according to said at least one piece of signing-related information.