US 2006/0215886 A1 · Method for identity verification

Abstract

The method for identity verification employs biometric technology. Positioned at the center of the system is a stylus with any of a number of biometric properties or their combination or with one or more metric sensors, while the customer uses the stylus to sign his/her name, or even for writing anything. The identity verification system is used at point-of-sale terminals, in various closed environments, to access a computer network, in applications involving pen-based computers and smart-pens, and for e-commerce. When fingerprint sensors are used, the sensors are positioned in the stylus grip, one sensor for the index finger, and a second sensor for the thumb. In one variation, one-to-one biometric matching is used. Each participant carries on his/her person a device that includes an encrypted biometric for reference purposes to gain access Into the system. Processing is simplified since the system need only make a “MATCH” or “NO MATCH” decision. In a second variation that is particularly useful in closed environments, one-to-many biometric matching is used. During each event access request, the community of reference prints is searched for a match with the applicant. Each member of the community need carry nothing on his/her person to participate in the system. In either variation, the stylus is either attached to each site or is portable, one such stylus being carried by each participant.

Claims10

Dependent claims

A stylus for use as an identity verification device, the stylus being coupled to a processor, comprising:

a stylus body;
and,
a sensor coupled to the stylus body, the sensor being adapted to capture a thumbprint of a user as a user finger touches the sensor coupled to the stylus body.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Method for identity verification

Life of this patent

Method for identity verification

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims10