Identity authentication device

• US 20010055411A1
• Filed: 05/25/2001
• Published: 12/27/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 05/25/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: United States CP LLC
• Original Assignee: Gerald R. Black
• Inventors: Black, Gerald R.
• Granted Patent: US 6,970,583 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 382/124
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/316 by observing the pattern of computer usage, e.g. typical user behaviour
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/32 using biometric data, e.g. fingerprints, iris scans or voiceprints
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/35 communicating wirelessly
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2203/0336 Mouse integrated fingerprint sensor
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/03545 Pens or stylus
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/341 Active cards, i.e. cards including their own processing means, e.g. including an IC or chip
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/40145 Biometric identity checks
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 10/12 Details of acquisition arrangements; Constructional details thereof
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 40/13 Sensors therefor
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2011/02 related to amusement parks
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/37 using biometric data, e.g. fingerprints, iris scans or voice recognition
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 7/1008 Active credit-cards provided with means to personalise their use, e.g. with PIN-introduction/comparison system

Abstract

An identity authentication device is stylus-shaped. A processor is disposed within the device. The stylus-shaped device includes a scanner-type device component for capturing within the processor memory a written signature generated by the stylus while the stylus is writing upon a surface. A fingerprint sensor is disposed within the grip of the stylus. The fingerprint sensor enables the capture of a digital signature of the writer at the same time that the written signature of the writer is captured. Once the identity of the writer has been authenticated by comparison against a reference print, the signature of the writer irrefutable. The device serves the same general purpose and can be used in lieu of a signature pad. The device is either attached to a surface or is portable and wireless.

Claims

1. An identity authentication device having the general shape of a stylus, the device comprising:

a processor disposed within the stylus, the processor having memory, the stylus including a component for capturing within the processor memory a written signature generated by the stylus while the stylus is writing upon a surface; and

a sensor disposed within the grip of the stylus, the sensor enabling the capture of a biometric property of a finger while the stylus is being used for writing upon the surface.

2. The identity authentication device of

claim 1

, wherein the biometric property is a fingerprint.

3. The identity authentication device of

claim 1

, wherein the device is wireless and portable

4. The identity authentication device of

claim 1

, wherein the surface is a digital surface and there is a tethered connection of the device to the area proximate to the digital surface.

5. The identity authentication device of

claim 1

, wherein the capture component is a scanner.

6. The identity authentication device of

claim 1

, wherein text written on the surface and text written on the surface are captured for processing.

7. An identity authenticator disposed in a grip of a stylus, the stylus being used to capture text written by the stylus upon a surface, the stylus including a component to capture text generated by the stylus, the identity authenticator device comprising capture of a biometric property of a finger when the stylus grip is touched in an incidental manner, the identity authenticator device limiting access to text written by the stylus to a person who generates the text.

8. The identity authenticator of

claim 7

, wherein the authenticator is a fingerprint sensor.

9. The identity authentication of

claim 7

, wherein the stylus is wireless and portable

10. The identity authentication of

claim 7

, wherein the surface is a digital surface and there is a tethered connection of the device to the area proximate to the digital surface.

11. The identity authentication of

claim 7

, wherein the component is a scanner.

12. The identity authentication of

claim 7

, wherein text written on the surface and text written on the surface are captured for processing.

13. A signature pad that captures the electronic signature comprising a stylus, the stylus having a grip, a device being disposed in the stylus grip that authenticates identity of a person generating the electronic signature, identity authentication being performed in an incidental manner while the stylus is being used.

14. The signature pad of

claim 13

, wherein the authenticator is a fingerprint sensor.

15. The signature pad of

claim 13

, wherein the stylus is wireless and portable

16. The signature pad of

claim 13

, wherein the surface is a digital surface and there is a tethered connection of the device to the area proximate to the digital surface.

17. The signature pad of

claim 13

, wherein the component is a scanner.

18. The signature pad of

claim 13

, wherein text written on the surface and text written on the surface are captured for processing.