Mems-based security system

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention is directed to a portable identification object (e.g., ID card), an object recognition system (e.g., card reader system), and a method of identity verification or authentication utilizing the portable identification object and the object recognition system. Illustratively, the ID Card incorporates an optical MEMS that, in a passive aspect, exhibits amplitude modulation, wavelength selectivity and/or optical phase modulation with respect to an input signal provided by the card reader system; and, in an active aspect, exhibits amplitude modulation, wavelength selectivity and/or optical phase modulation with respect to an input signal provided by the card reader system based on specific stimulation of the MEMS. MEMS stimulation may be activated by the card reader system in response to a selective user input (e.g., PIN) and algorithmic processing provided by the card reader system. Resultant signals produced by the MEMS ID card and read by the card reader are compared to results stored in a database. An identity or authentication determination can then be made based on the validity of the comparison.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.