Knuckle profile indentity verification system

Abstract

A method and apparatus for verifying/identifying a person based on contour of the knuckles of at least one hand, e.g. a digitized waveform unique to each individual. At an Enrollment Station a microcomputer is connected to a video camera (with CCD array). A candidate user grasps and turns a grip handle on the apparatus, thus positioning a fist before a viewing window and activating the camera to scan the fist and generate a contour of the user's knuckle profile. User's data comprises a knuckle profile of fist(s), an assigned PIN, and optionally, information such as user's name, bank ID number, Social Security Number, and access restrictions. User's data may be stored as an electronic waveform profile (template) in an ID card, and simultaneously in a master database containing data of all authorized users in a guarded system (factory, retail store, bank customers, computer data files). Similar apparatus is installed at each Guarded Station (a door, turnstile, gate, ATM, etc.). To gain access or transaction approval at a Guarded Station, the user inserts his ID card into a reader to retrieve the template from the card and store it temporarily for use in a digital signal processor; the system may also retrieve the template from master database. As at the Enrollment Station, the user generates his knuckle profile by turning a grip/handle into position before a camera viewing window.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.