Apparatus for capturing an image

• US 20030198365A1
• Filed: 05/21/2003
• Published: 10/23/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 05/16/2000
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Upper Deck Company LLC
• Original Assignee: Upper Deck Company LLC
• Inventors: Sutherland, Richard, Andrews, Robert G., Demko, Brenton, McWilliam, Richard P., Christianson, Adam, Abrahams, William B., Hagen, G. Lynn, Hoerr, Matthew
• Granted Patent: US 7,027,623 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 382/115
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/16 the marking being a hologram or diffraction grating
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/06 Buying, selling or leasing transactions
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0609 Buyer or seller confidence or verification
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 40/04 Trading; Exchange, e.g. stocks, commodities, derivatives or currency exchange
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 40/30 Writer recognition; Reading and verifying signatures
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/35 by means of a handwritten signature
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 3/00 Labels, tag tickets, or similar identification or indication means medals or badges A44C3/00; making labels B31D1/02; sheets temporarily attached together B42F; labelling B65C; labels on record carriers G11B23/38, G11B23/40; Seals; Postage or like stamps

Abstract

A method and system for providing owners, potential buyers and other users of autographed items such as sports and other entertainment memorabilia visual evidence for verifying the authenticity of the autograph are described. A method of the present invention involves capturing an image of the signature as it is being placed on the item. The image so captured is then stored on a computer readable medium. In addition to the item itself, the owner of the item may be provided with a computer readable medium containing computer readable instructions for accessing the image and other information about the item, the signing process, the autographer, etc. The image may be captured by a camera mounted on a pen or other writing instrument.

Claims

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

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.

2. The method of claim 1, including providing a user access to first information related to the image.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the access is provided to the user after the user activates a hotlink.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein the user is an owner of the item.

5. The method of claim 4, including providing a potential buyer access to second information related to the image.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the owner is provided access to the first information related to the image after the owner activates an owner hotlink, and the potential buyer is provided access to the second information related to the image after the potential buyer activates a potential buyer hotlink.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the owner hotlink and the potential buyer hotlink are related.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein the potential buyer hotlink is created by the owner.

9. The method of claim 6, wherein the first information related to the image is different from the second information related to the image.

10. The method of claim 2, wherein the user is a potential buyer of the item.

11. The method of claim 2, wherein the user may create an exhibition package including information related to the image.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the signing-related information is stored in conjunction with the image.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein the signing-related information includes certificate of authenticity information.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein the signing-related information includes record of ownership information.

15. The method of claim 1, wherein the image is an electronic image.

16. The method of claim 1, wherein the image is a physical image, and capturing the image includes converting the image to an electronic image.

17. The method of claim 1, wherein the captured image includes an image of at least a portion of a signature, the signature being created by the autographer signing the item.

18. The method of claim 1, including transmitting a signal related to the image from the camera to a computer having the computer readable medium.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the computer is communicatively connected to an owner computer through a communication network.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the computer is communicatively connected to a potential buyer computer through a communication network.

21. The method of claim 1, including collecting autographer-identifying information.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the autographer-identifying information includes an image of the autographer captured during the signing event.

23. The method of claim 21, wherein collecting autographer-identifying information includes capturing a second image, the second image having the autographer as its target.

24. The method of claim 21, wherein the autographer-identifying information includes a biometric sample submitted by the autographer.

25. The method of claim 21, wherein the autographer-identifying information includes an identification code.

26. The method of claim 21, wherein the autographer-identifying information includes a signature known to have been made by the autographer.

27. The method of claim 1, including sending a trigger signal to the camera to initiate capture of the image by the camera.

28. The method of claim 1, including sending a trigger signal to the camera to terminate capture of the image by the camera.

29. The method of claim 1, including uniquely identifying the item.

30. The method of claim 29, including affixing a unique item identifier to the item, said unique item identifier bearing a representation of identifying information and wherein said identifying includes translating the representation into information related to the unique identification code.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein the unique item identifier is selected from the group consisting of a radio frequency identification tag, a bar code, and a diffraction grating pattern.

32. The method of claim 1, wherein the item is a memorabilia item.

33. 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.

34. 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.

35. The system of claim 34, including a transmitter for transmitting a signal related to the image from the camera to the processor.

36. The system of claim 35, wherein the transmitter is a wireless transmitter.

37. The system of claim 35, wherein the transmitter is a wire transmitter.

38. The system of claim 34, wherein the computer readable medium is removably attached to the camera.

39. The system of claim 34, wherein the computer readable medium is connected to a computer.

40. The system of claim 39, wherein the computer is connected to a second computer through a communication network.

41. The system of claim 34, including a second computer readable medium delivered to an owner of the item along with the item.

42. The system of claim 41, wherein the second computer readable medium contains computer readable instructions for accessing the data related to the image.

43. The system of claim 42, wherein the computer readable instructions for accessing the data related to the image include an owner hotlink.

44. The system of claim 34, wherein the second computer readable medium contains computer readable instructions for creating a potential buyer hotlink that can be used by a potential buyer to access the image.

45. The system of claim 34, including a biometric reader for collecting a biometric sample submitted by the autographer.

46. The system of claim 34, wherein the processor receives an identification code submitted by the autographer and comparing it to a stored identification code associated with the autographer.

47. The system of claim 34, wherein the processor compares the signature placed on the item by the autographer to a stored signature known to have been made by the autographer.

48. The system of claim 34, including a second camera for capturing an image of the autographer during the signing event.

49. The system of claim 34, wherein the item is a memorabilia item.

50. 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.

51. The system of claim 50, said storing means capable of storing the data in a digital format.

52. 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.

53. The system of claim 52, including a communication network and wherein said computer is remotely connected to said processor through said communication network.

54. The system of claim 52, said user being an owner of the item.

55. The system of claim 52, said processor being a central server.

56. 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.

57. An apparatus for capturing an image, said apparatus comprising:

a writing instrument capable of imprinting a mark on an item; and

a camera capable of capturing an image of said mark, said camera carried by said writing instrument.

58. The apparatus of claim 57, wherein the camera is positioned such that the image includes a selected target object.

59. The apparatus of claim 58, wherein the selected target object is a signature made with the writing instrument.

60. The apparatus of claim 57, wherein the position of the camera relative to the writing instrument can be changed.

61. The apparatus of claim 57, wherein said camera includes a charge-coupled device.

62. The apparatus of claim 57, including a transmitter that sends a signal related to the image to a processor.

63. The apparatus of claim 57, including a computer-readable medium that receives and stores said image.

64. The apparatus of claim 57, including a triggering signal generator configured to send a signal to the camera to initiate capture of the image.

65. The apparatus of claim 64, wherein the signal is sent when the item is within a specified distance from the apparatus.

66. The apparatus of claim 64, wherein the signal is sent when the triggering signal generator receives an input signal.

67. The apparatus of claim 64, wherein the signal is sent when an electromechanical device is actuated.

68. The apparatus of claim 64, wherein the signal is sent periodically.

69. The apparatus of claim 57, including a triggering signal generator configured to send a signal to the camera to terminate capture of the image.

70. The apparatus of claim 69, wherein the signal is sent when the item is within a specified distance from the apparatus.

71. The apparatus of claim 69, wherein the signal is sent when the triggering signal generator receives an input signal.

72. The apparatus of claim 69, wherein the signal is sent when an electromechanical device is actuated.

73. The apparatus of claim 69, wherein the signal is sent periodically.

74. The apparatus of claim 57, including a coupler having a first end and a second end, said first end being connected to said camera and said second end being connected to said writing instrument.

75. The apparatus of claim 57, wherein the writing instrument includes a body, and wherein the camera is integrated into the body of the writing instrument.

76. The apparatus of claim 57, including a power supply.

77. The apparatus of claim 76, wherein said power supply is a battery.

78. The apparatus of claim 57, said writing instrument having an interchangeable tip.

79. The apparatus of claim 57, said item being a memorabilia item.

80. 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.

81. The apparatus of claim 80, said camera including a charge-coupled device.

82. The apparatus of claim 81, said charge-coupled device being disposed within said body.

83. The apparatus of claim 80, including a power source.

84. The apparatus of claim 83, said power source being a battery.

85. The apparatus of claim 83, said power source being disposed within said body.

86. The apparatus of claim 80, said writing instrument having a tip and said lens disposed so as to capture an image of the tip.

87. The apparatus of claim 80, said writing instrument having an interchangeable tip.

88. The apparatus of claim 80, said item being a memorabilia item.

89. 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.

90. The apparatus of claim 89, said computer readable medium being removably associated with the apparatus.

91. The apparatus of claim 89, including a power source.

92. The apparatus of claim 91, said power source being a battery.

93. The apparatus of claim 91, said power source being disposed within said body.

94. The apparatus of claim 91, said writing instrument having a tip and said lens disposed so as to capture an image of the tip.

95. The apparatus of claim 91, said writing instrument having an interchangeable tip.

96. The apparatus of claim 89, said item being a memorabilia item.

97. An apparatus for capturing an image, said apparatus comprising:

means for writing capable of imprinting a mark on an item; and

means for capturing the image of the mark, said means carried by said writing means.

98. The apparatus of claim 97, including means for transmitting said image.

99. The apparatus of claim 97, including means for supplying electrical power to the capturing means.

100. The apparatus of claim 97, including means for storing the image.

101. 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.

102. 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.

103. The apparatus of claim 102, said autographer-identifying information being a member selected from the group consisting of a signature, an image, a biometric sample, a fingerprint, and a unique identification code.

104. 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.

105. The computer readable medium of claim 104, said at least one piece of signing-related information including information identifying the autographer.

106. The computer readable medium of claim 104, said at least one piece of signing-related information including information related to date the item was signed.

107. The computer readable medium of claim 104, said at least one piece of signing-related information including information related to the autographer'"'"'s field of endeavor.

108. The computer readable medium of claim 104, said at least one piece of signing-related information including information related to the autographer'"'"'s group affiliation.

109. The computer readable medium of claim 104, said at least one piece of signing-related information including information identifying the item.

110. The computer readable medium of claim 104, the computer readable instructions further for providing a user access to the data.

111. The computer readable medium of claim 104, the computer readable instructions further for writing the at least one piece of signing-related information to the computer readable storage element.

112. The computer readable medium of claim 104, the computer readable instructions further for providing a user access to the at least one piece of signing-related information.

113. The computer readable medium of claim 104, said image being received from an owner of the item.

114. The computer readable medium of claim 104, said image being received from a camera.

115. A computer readable medium having computer readable instructions encoded thereon for:

displaying a hotlink that can be activated by an owner of a signed item on an owner computer; and

in response to activation of the hotlink by the owner, allowing the owner to access information related to a signing event for the signed item.

116. The computer readable medium of claim 115, wherein allowing the owner to access information includes establishing communication between the owner computer and a central server through a communication network.

117. The computer readable medium of claim 116, wherein the computer readable instructions encoded thereon are further for retrieving information identifying the owner and submitting the identifying information to a website.

118. The computer readable medium of claim 116, wherein the computer readable instructions encoded thereon are further for retrieving information identifying the signed item and submitting the identifying information to a website.

119. The computer readable medium of claim 115, wherein the computer readable instructions encoded thereon are further for:

displaying a hotlink that can be activated by a potential buyer of the signed item on a potential buyer computer; and

in response to activation of the hotlink by the potential buyer, allowing the potential buyer to access information related to a signing event for the signed item.

120. The computer readable medium of claim 119, wherein the information the potential buyer is allowed to access is different from the information the owner is allowed to access.

121. A computer readable medium having computer readable instructions encoded thereon for:

displaying a hotlink that can be activated by a potential buyer of a signed item on a potential buyer computer; and

in response to activation of the hotlink by the potential buyer, allowing the potential buyer to access information related to a signing event for the signed item.