APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR VERIFYING THE IDENTITY OF AN AUTHOR AND A PERSON RECEIVING INFORMATION

• US 20120314048A1
• Filed: 07/31/2012
• Published: 12/13/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 06/11/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Jeffrey A. Matos
• Original Assignee: Jeffrey A. Matos
• Inventors: MATOS, Jeffrey A.
• Granted Patent: US 9,152,837 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 348/78
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 18/00 Pattern recognition
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/32 using biometric data, e.g. fingerprints, iris scans or voiceprints
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 50/265 Personal security, identity or safety
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 40/19 Sensors therefor
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 40/193 Preprocessing; Feature extraction
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 40/197 Matching; Classification
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 40/40 Spoof detection, e.g. liveness detection
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 40/70 Multimodal biometrics, e.g. combining information from different biometric modalities
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 1/10 together with the recording, indicating or registering of other data, e.g. of signs of identity
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/12 specially adapted for proprietary or special-purpose networking environments, e.g. medical networks, sensor networks, networks in vehicles or remote metering networks

Abstract

A method and apparatus for identifying the writer or receiver of a document, where identifying information for each of a plurality of registered human individuals is stored in a database, calls for capturing local images of an individual producing or receiving information and determining whether this individual is the same as one of the registered individuals whose identifying information is stored in the database. The identifying information stored in the database includes both an alphanumeric identifier and at least one image of a unique, visually observable biologic identifier on a body portion of each registered individual.

Claims

1. Apparatus for verifying the presence of a particular human individual at a given location for a given period of time by repeatedly assessing a changeable visible identifying feature of said human individual, said apparatus comprising, in combination:

(a) a computer database in which are stored a plurality of images of said visible identifying feature and other identification data of at least one registered human individual (“

RHI”

);

(b) a first processor coupled to the database for accessing selected information from the database and for producing at least one prompt signal;

(c) at least one first camera arranged (1) to view an identifying feature of a putative human individual (“

PHI”

), and (2) to repeatedly generate successive test images of said identifying feature of said PHI during said given period of time for transmission to said first processor;

(d) a prompt producing device, for producing at least one prompt in response to said at least one prompt signal received from said first processor, for inducing at least one anatomic change in said identifying feature of said PHI;

wherein said first processor is operative to;

(1) generate said at least one prompt signal for transmission to said prompt producing device;

(2) repeatedly compare each of said successive test images of said identifying feature of said PHI received from said at least one first camera, with said stored images of the identifying feature of said at least one RHI to repeatedly verify the identity of the PHI during said given period of time;

thereby to repeatedly verify that the PHI is the same individual as one of said at least one RHIs during said given period of time, or to determine that the PHI is not the same individual as any one of said at least one RHI.

2. The apparatus defined in claim 1, wherein

(a) said first processor is coupled to (1) each of said at least one first camera and (2) said prompt producing device;

and

(b) each of said first camera, said prompt producing device, said first processor and said computer database is situated at a common location.

3. The apparatus define in claim 1, wherein said first camera and said prompt producing device are situated at a remote location from said computer database and said first processor, and wherein said apparatus further comprises

(a) a first transmitting and receiving (“

T/R”

) device, coupled to said first processor, for transmitting said at least one prompt signal to said prompt producing device and for receiving said successive test images from said at least one first camera; and

(b) a second T/R device, for communication with said first T/R device, said second T/R device coupled to

(1) said prompt producing device for receiving said at least one prompt signal, and to

(2) said at least one first camera, for transmitting said successive test images;

wherein

(a) said first processor is further operative to cause said first T/R device to transmit said at least one prompt signal, and to process said received test images.

(b) said first processor and said computer database are situated at a first location; and

(c) said second processor, said at least one first camera, and said prompt producing device are situated at a second location.

4. The apparatus defined in claim 1, further comprising:

(a) a second processor, coupled to each of said at least one first camera and said prompt producing device; and

(b) a communication system, coupled to each of said first processor and said second processor, for exchanging of signals between said first and said second processors;

wherein

(a) said second processor is operative to transmit said successive test images to said first processor via said communication system;

(b) said first processor is operative to transmit said prompt signal to said prompt producing device via said communication system;

(c) said first processor and said computer database are situated in a first location; and

(d) said second processor, said at least one first camera, and said prompt producing device are situated at a second location.

5. The apparatus defined in claim 1, wherein said prompt produces an involuntary anatomic change in said PHI identifying feature;

thereby to induce a change in said PHI identifying feature not under the conscious control of said PHI.

6. The apparatus defined in claim 1, wherein said prompt requests a voluntary anatomic change in said identifying feature;

thereby to prompt an action under the conscious control of said PHI.

7. The apparatus defined in claim 1, wherein said processor compares said successive test images with those stored images of the identifying feature that include the anatomic change expected to be caused by said prompt.

8. The apparatus defined in claim 1, wherein said computer database further comprises labeling information indicating at least one characteristic of said prompt.

9. The apparatus defined in claim 1, wherein said computer database further comprises labeling information indicating the conditions under which a RHI image was obtained.

10. The apparatus defined in claim 5, wherein

(i) said identifying feature is a pattern of an iris of an eye of the RHI and the PHI;

(ii) said computer database stores a plurality of images of an iris of an eye of said RHI, each image obtained under different lighting conditions for said iris; and

(iii) said prompt producing device is a light source configured to generate light in response to said at least one prompt signal, which impinges on said PHI iris thereby to alter an opening size of said PHI iris;

wherein said first processor is further operative to change said lighting conditions by generating said at least one prompt signal;

whereby said first processor is operative to compare a plurality of viewed images of said PHI iris, each under different lighting conditions, with a plurality of stored RHI iris images;

thereby to verify that said PHI is or is not the same individual as said RHI.

11. The apparatus defined in claim 10, wherein said first processor is further operative to assess whether an image of said PHI iris under a given lighting condition corresponds to a stored image of the iris of said RHI for the given lighting condition;

thereby to determine if the observed anatomic change is appropriate for the lighting condition.

12. The apparatus defined in claim 10, wherein

(i) said database is further operative to store information indicating the amount of incident light at the time a given RHI image of said iris was obtained;

(ii) said first processor is operative to cause said prompt producing device to produce the same amount of light as the amount of incident light at the time said given RHI image of said iris was obtained, resulting in the generation of a respective PHI test image by said at least one first camera, and

(iii) said first processor is operative to compare said respective PHI test image with the given RHI image, with both images obtained with substantially the same amount of incident light.

13. The apparatus defined in claim 10, wherein said first processor is operative to cause said prompt producing device to vary the amount of light produced, and to determine if at least one of said PHI test images matches a stored RHI image;

thereby to determine if any lighting condition causes the PHI image to match a RHI image.

14. The apparatus defined in claim 10, wherein said processor is further operative to generate calculated RHI images from at least one of said stored RHI images, and to compare said PHI test images with both said stored and said calculated PHI images.

15. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein

(i) said light source is operative to provide light with a plurality of different light intensities, and

(ii) said prompt signal causes said light source to provide the light intensity specified by said signal.

16. The apparatus defined in claim 10, wherein

(i) said light source comprises a plurality of light-emitting elements, and

(ii) said first processor is operative to select the number of illuminated light-emitting elements,

thereby to determine (i) the amount of iris illumination and (ii) the extent of alteration in said iris opening size.

17. The apparatus defined in claim 10,

(i) said light source comprises a plurality of light-emitting elements, each operative to emit a different wavelength of light, and

(ii) said first processor is operative to provide a prompt signal which specifies the illuminated light-emitting elements.

18. The apparatus defined in claim 10, wherein said first processor is operative to alter the duration of illumination of said light source.

19. The apparatus defined in claim 1, wherein said prompt producing device is a display screen for displaying a representation of digitized information.

20. The apparatus defined in claim 10, wherein

(i) said prompt producing device comprises a display screen;

and

(ii) said first processor causes said display device to produce an image whose visualization by said PHI requires the PHI to change a visual focus, and thereby to change the opening size of said PHI iris;

whereby focusing by said PHI on said image produces said anatomic change in the configuration of said PHI iris.

21. The apparatus defined in claim 1, wherein first processor is operative to randomly generate prompt signals during said given period of time.

22. The apparatus defined in claim 1, wherein said first processor is operative to generate prompt signals with a pseudo-random pattern during said given period of time.

23. The apparatus defined in claim 5, wherein

(i) said identifying feature is a spatial pattern of blood vessels of a retina of an eye of the RHI and the PHI;

(ii) said computer database stores a plurality of images of said retinal blood vessels of a RHI, each image obtained under different lighting conditions; and

(iii) said prompt producing device is a light source configured to generate light in response to said at least one prompt signal, which light impinges on said PHI iris thereby to alter an opening size of said PHI iris, and thereby to alter the size of the field of viewable retinal vessels;

wherein said first processor is further operative to change said lighting conditions by generating said at least one prompt signal;

whereby said first processor is operative to compare a plurality of viewed PHI test images of said retinal vessels, each under different lighting conditions, with a plurality of stored retinal vessel RHI images;

thereby to determine whether said PHI is or is not the same individual as said RHI.

24. The apparatus defined in claim 5, wherein

(i) said identifying feature is a pattern of an iris of an eye of the RHI and the PHI;

(ii) said computer database stores a plurality of images of an iris of an eye of said RHI, each image obtained under different conditions, each different condition resulting in a different opening size of said iris; and

(iii) said prompt producing device is configured to apply a painful stimulus to said PHI, thereby to cause a change in an opening size of said PHI iris;

wherein said first processor is further operative to cause said prompt device to apply said painful stimulus by generating said at least one prompt signal;

wherein said pain application causes a physiologic change in said iris opening;

whereby said first processor is operative to compare a plurality of viewed images of said PHI iris with a plurality of stored RHI iris images.

25. The apparatus defined in claim 5, wherein

(i) said identifying feature is a pattern of an iris of an eye of the RHI and the PHI;

(ii) said computer database stores a plurality of images of an iris of an eye of said RHI, each image obtained with said iris oriented at a different angle with respect to a second camera that obtained the stored RHI iris images; and

(iii) said prompt producing device comprises a display device;

(iv) said first processor causes said display device to produce a plurality of images whose observation by said PHI requires the PHI to change a direction of sight, and thereby to change the spatial orientation of said PHI iris with respect to said at least one first camera; and

(v) said first processor is operative to compare

(1) a plurality of images of said PHI iris, each with different spatial orientation of said PHI iris with respect to said at least one first camera, with

(2) said stored RHI images;

whereby attention by said PHI to said plurality of images produces said changing visible identifying feature;

thereby to verify that said PHI is or is not the same individual as said RHI.

26. The apparatus defined in claim 5, wherein

(i) said identifying feature is a pattern of an iris of an eye of the RHI and the PHI;

(ii) said computer database stores a plurality of images of an iris of an eye of said RHI, each image obtained with a different angulation from a line defining the plane of said RHI iris; and

(iii) said prompt producing device comprises a display device;

(iv) said first processor causes said display device to display an instruction whose execution by said PHI requires the PHI to change a direction of sight, and thereby to change the spatial orientation of said PHI iris with respect to said at least one first camera; and

(v) said first processor is operative to compare

(1) a plurality of images of said PHI iris, each with different spatial orientation of said PHI iris, with

(2) said stored RHI images;

whereby execution of said instruction by said PHI results in said change in said visible identifying feature.

27. The apparatus defined in claim 1, wherein

(i) said identifying feature is an image of a face of the RHI and the PHI;

(ii) said prompt producing device comprises a display screen;

(iii) said first processor causes said display device to produce a plurality of images whose observation by said PHI requires the PHI to change a direction of sight, and thereby to change at least one of (a) an eye orientation with respect to a face of said PHI, and (b) an orientation of a face of said PHI with respect to said at least one first camera;

(iv) said computer database includes stored RHI facial images of said RHI, obtained during the variation of at least one of (a) an eye orientation with respect to a face of said RHI, and (b) an orientation of a face of said RHI with respect to a second camera that obtained the stored RHI facial images; and

(v) said first processor is operative to compare a plurality of said PHI images with said stored RHI images;

whereby attention by said PHI to said plurality of images produces said changing visible identifying feature.

28. The apparatus defined in claim 1, wherein

(i) said identifying feature is an image of a face of the RHI and the PHI;

(ii) said prompt producing device comprises a display screen;

(iii) said first processor causes said display device to display an instruction whose execution by said PHI requires the PHI to change a direction of sight, and thereby to change at least one of (a) an eye orientation with respect to a face of said PHI, and (b) an orientation of a face of said PHI with respect to said at least one first camera;

(iv) said computer database includes stored RHI facial images of said RHI, obtained during the variation of at least one of (a) an eye orientation with respect to a face of said RHI, and (b) an orientation of a face of said RHI with respect to a second camera that obtained the stored RHI facial images; and

(v) said first processor is operative to compare a plurality of said PHI images with said stored RHI images;

whereby execution of said instruction by said PHI results in said change in said visible identifying feature.

29. The apparatus in claim 1, wherein said first processor is further operative to generate a signal containing information which indicates the result of said comparison of said test images with said stored images.

30. The apparatus defined in claim 1, further comprising a first input device, coupled to said first processor, for inputting information to said processor.

31. The apparatus defined in claim 1, wherein said first processor is operative to store information in said computer database.

32. The apparatus define in claim 31, wherein said first processor is further operative to store identification information pertaining to a registration person who is permitted to store information in said computer data base.

33. The apparatus in claim 1, wherein said first processor is further operative to cause the transmission of signals to said PHI representing secure information only if said first processor repeatedly verifies the identity of said PHI during said given period of time.

34. The apparatus defined in claim 33, further comprising a computer memory, coupled to said first processor, for storing said secure information, and for accessing said secure information therefrom.

35. The apparatus defined in claim 33 further comprising a digital memory device, located in proximity to said PHI for receiving and storing said secure information.

36. The apparatus defined in claim 4, further comprising a memory device, coupled to said second processor, for receiving and storing secure information;

wherein

(a) said first processor is further operative to cause the transmission of signals to said PHI representing said secure information only if said first processor repeatedly verifies the identity of said PHI during said given period of time; and

(b) said second processor is further operative to (i) receive said secure information, (ii) store said secure information in said memory device and (iii) access said secure information therefrom.

37. The apparatus defined in claim 33, wherein said first processor is further operative to interrupt the transmission of said signals representing secure information to said PHI, if said first processor does not verify the identity of said PHI.

38. The apparatus defined in claim 1, further comprising a display device located in proximity to said PHI, for displaying a first representation of code information received from said first processor;

wherein

(i) said first processor is further operative to generate a first representation of code information for transmission to said display device;

(ii) said at least one first camera is arranged to view said display device in addition to said PHI such that said test image includes both (a) a visible identifying feature of said PHI, and (b) an image of said first representation of said displayed code;

(iii) said first processor is further operative to generate both (a) a second representation of said code, and (b) a representation of said image of said PHI, from each of said received test images;

(iv) said first processor is further operative to compare information contained in said first representation of said code with information contained in said second representation of said code; and

(v) said first processor is further operative to generate a signal containing comparison information which indicates the result of said comparison.

39. The apparatus defined in claim 38, wherein said code information specifies a secure message to said PHI.

40. The apparatus in claim 38, wherein said first processor is further operative to cause the transmission of signals to said PHI representing secure information only if said first processor

(a) verifies that the information contained in said second representation of said code represents the information contained in said first representation of said code;

and

(b) repeatedly verifies the identity of said PHI during said given period of time.

41. The apparatus defined in claim 40, wherein said first processor is further operative to interrupt the transmission of said secure information to said PHI, if said first processor does not

(a) verify that the information contained in said second representation of said code represents the information contained in said first representation of said code;

and

(b) repeatedly verify the identity of said PHI during said given period of time.

42. The apparatus defined in claim 38, wherein said code is generated by generating at least one pseudorandom number.

43. The apparatus defined in claim 38, wherein said first processor is coupled to a weather input device, and said code is generated based on weather information.

44. The apparatus defined in claim 38, wherein said first processor is coupled to a stock market input device, and said code is generated based on stock market information.

45. The apparatus defined in claim 38, wherein said first processor is coupled to a astronomic data input device, and said code is generated based on astronomic information.

46. The apparatus defined in claim 38, wherein said first processor is coupled to a athletic event data input device, and said code is generated based on athletic event information.

47. The apparatus defined in claim 38, wherein said first processor is coupled to a traffic input device, and said code is generated based on traffic information.

48. The apparatus defined in claim 38, wherein said apparatus further comprises a white noise generating device coupled to said first processor, and wherein said code is generated by digitizing the output of said noise generating device.

49. The apparatus defined in claim 38, wherein said code repeatedly changes, and wherein said processor is operative to compare each generated version of said code with each respective second representation of said code.

50. The apparatus defined in claim 1, further comprising a light projection device located in proximity to said PHI, for projecting a first representation of code information received from said first processor onto a reflective surface of said PHI;

wherein

(i) said first processor is further operative to generate a first representation of code information for transmission to said projection device;

(ii) said at least one first camera is arranged to view said PHI such that said test image includes both (a) a visible identifying feature of said PHI, and (b) a reflected image from said surface of said PHI of said projected first representation of said code;

(iii) said first processor is further operative to generate both (a) a second representation of said code, and (b) a representation of said image of said PHI, from each of said received test images;

(iv) said first processor is further operative to compare information contained in said first representation of said code with information contained in said second representation of said code; and

(v) said first processor is further operative to generate a signal containing comparison information which indicates the result of said comparison.

51. The apparatus defined in claim 50, wherein said light projection device is oriented such that light emitted from said device is (a) reflected from a cornea of an eye of said PHI, and (b) thereafter impinges on said at least one first camera;

whereby said at least one first camera provides test images, each of which comprises both said visible identifying feature and said reflected image of said projected first representation of said code.

52. The apparatus defined in claim 50, further comprising a light reflective element reversibly attached to said PHI, and positioned in proximity to said visible identifying feature of said PHI, such that light emitted from said projection device is (a) reflected from said reflective element, and (b) thereafter impinges on said at least one first camera;

whereby said at least one first camera provides test images, each of which comprises both said visible identifying feature and said reflected image of said projected first representation of said code.

53. The apparatus defined in claim 1 comprising at least two first cameras, including

(a) a primary first camera arranged to view said visible PHI identifying feature from a first spatial orientation with respect to the location of said PHI, and

(b) a secondary first camera arranged to view said visible PHI identifying feature from a second spatial orientation with respect to the location of said PHI,

each camera operative to repeatedly generate successive test images of said identifying feature of said PHI during said given period of time for transmission to said first processor;

wherein

(i) said computer database is operative to store (a) a first plurality of RHI images of said identifying feature obtained with said first spatial orientation, and (b) a second plurality of RHI images of said identifying feature obtained with said second spatial orientation, and

(ii) said first processor is operative to receive and repeatedly compare each of said successive test images of said identifying feature of said PHI received from said at least two first cameras, with said respective stored plurality of images of the identifying feature of said at least one RHI to repeatedly verify the identity of the PHI during said given period of time.

54. The apparatus defined in claim 53, wherein said first processor is further operative to generate calculated RHI images from each of (a) at least one of said first plurality of stored RHI images, and (b) at least one of said second plurality of stored RHI images;

and to repeatedly compare said PHI test images with both said stored and said calculated PHI images.

55. The apparatus defined in claim 53, wherein said first processor is further operative to generate calculated PHI images from each of (a) at least one test image received from said primary first camera, and (b) at least one of test image received from said secondary first camera;

and to repeatedly compare said stored RHI images with both said received PHI images and said calculated PHI images.

56. The apparatus defined in claim 1 further comprising an additional first camera arranged (1) to view an additional visible PHI identifying feature of said PHI, and (2) to repeatedly generate successive test images of said additional identifying feature of said PHI during said given period of time for transmission to said first processor;

wherein

(i) said computer database is further operative to store a plurality of RHI images of said additional identifying feature; and

(ii) said first processor is further operative to receive and repeatedly compare each of said successive test images of said additional identifying feature of said PHI received from said additional first camera, with said stored plurality of images of the additional identifying feature of said at least one RHI to repeatedly verify the identity of the PHI during said given period of time;

thereby to provide PHI identification based on two different visible identifying features.

57. The apparatus defined in claim 1 further comprising a security camera arranged (1) to view said at least one first camera and said identifying feature of said PHI, and (2) to repeatedly generate successive security images, each said image including both (a) said at least one first camera and (b) said identifying feature of said PHI during said given period of time for transmission to said first processor;

wherein

(i) said computer database is further operative to store a plurality of (a) RHI images as viewed from the position of said security camera, with respect to the position of said PHI; and

(b) images of said at least one first camera, as viewed from the position of said security camera; and

(ii) said first processor is further operative to receive and generate both (a) a security representation of said PHI identifying feature, and (b) a security representation of said at least one first camera, from each of said received security images;

(iii) said first processor is further operative to repeatedly compare (a) each of said successive security representations of said PHI identifying feature with the RHI identifying images in said database, and (b) each of said successive security representations of said at least one first camera with the camera images in said database; and

(iv) said first processor is further operative to indicate the results of said comparisons;

thereby to repeatedly verify the identity of the PHI during said given period of time, and to repeatedly verify that each of said at least one first camera and said PHI has not been subject to tampering.

58. The apparatus defined in claim 57, wherein said at least one first camera further comprises a camera display screen for displaying a first representation of security code information received from said first processor, said screen (a) attached to an outer surface of a housing of said at least one first camera, and (b) positioned and oriented so that it may be viewed by said security camera;

wherein

(i) said first processor is further operative to generate a first representation of security code information for transmission to said camera display screen;

(ii) each of said successive security images includes each of (a) said identifying feature of said PHI, (b) said image of said at least one first camera, and (c) said first representation of security code information;

(iii) said first processor is further operative to generate each of (a) a second representation of said security code, (b) said image of said at least one first camera, and (c) the representation of said image of said PHI, from each of said received security images;

(iv) said first processor is further operative to compare information contained in said first representation of said security code with information contained in said second representation of said security code; and

(v) said first processor is further operative to generate a signal containing comparison information which indicates the result of said comparison.

59. The apparatus defined in claim 57, wherein said security camera further comprises a security display screen for displaying a first representation of additional security code information received from said first processor, said security display screen (a) attached to an outer surface of a housing of said security camera, and (b) positioned and oriented so that it may be viewed by said at least one first camera;

wherein

(i) said first processor is further operative to generate a first representation of additional security code information for transmission to said security display screen;

(ii) each of said successive test images includes each of (a) said identifying feature of said PHI, (b) said image of said security camera, and (c) said first representation of said additional security code information;

(iii) said first processor is further operative to generate both (a) a second representation of said additional security code, and (b) the representation of said image of said PHI, from each of said received security images;

(iv) said first processor is further operative to compare information contained in said first representation of said additional security code with information contained in said second representation of said additional security code; and

(v) said first processor is further operative to generate a signal containing comparison information which indicates the result of said comparison.

60. The apparatus defined in claim 6, wherein said prompt producing device comprises a sound producing device, for providing an instruction to said PHI, whose execution by said PHI results in a change in at least one of (i) the appearance, and (ii) the position of said identifying feature, and wherein said first processor is operative to provide said instruction for transmission to said prompt producing device.

61. The apparatus defined in claim 60, wherein said first processor is coupled to an input device for the input of information which results in the provision of said instruction.

62. The apparatus defined in claim 6, wherein

(i) at least two of said identifying features are selected from the group consisting of:

(a) at least one fingerprint,

(b) at least one palm print,

(c) a facial image,

(d) a pattern of blood vessels of at least one hand,

(e) a pattern of retinal veins of at least one eye,

(f) a pattern of an iris of at least one eye, and

(g) a pattern of blood vessels of a sclera of at least one eye;

of the PHI and of the PHI;

(ii) said computer database stores a plurality of images of at least two of said identifying features of said RHI; and

(iii) said prompt producing device provides an instruction, received from said first processor, to said PHI to move a body part so that a geometric relationship between said two PHI identifying images is altered by said movement;

(iv) said first processor is further operative to provide said instruction for transmission to said prompt producing device; and

(v) said first processor is operative to receive and repeatedly compare each of said two PHI test images obtained during said movement with a plurality of stored RHI images of said identifying features;

thereby to verify that said PHI is or is not the same individual as said RHI.

63. Apparatus for verifying the presence of a particular human individual at a given location at a given time by assessing both a visible identifying feature of said human individual and a representation of a code supplied to said individual, said apparatus comprising, in combination:

(a) a computer database in which are stored at least one image of said visible identifying feature and other identification data of at least one registered human individual (“

RHI”

);

(b) a first processor coupled to the database for (1) accessing selected information from the database, (2) generating and storing a first representation of a code, and (3) producing a code signal specifying said first representation;

(c) a display device, for displaying said first representation of said code in response to said code signal received from said first processor; and

(d) at least one first camera arranged to view both (1) an identifying feature of a putative human individual (“

PHI”

) located in proximity to said display device, and (2) said display device displaying said first representation of said code, for generating a composite image containing both said identifying feature of said PHI and said first representation of said code, for transmission to said first processor;

wherein said first processor is further operative to;

(i) receive said composite image and generate both (a) a second representation of said code, and (b) a representation of said identifying feature of said PHI, each from the received composite image;

(ii) compare information contained in said stored first representation of said code with information contained in said generated second representation of said code;

(iii) compare information contained in said stored RHI identifying feature with information contained in said representation of said identifying feature of said PHI; and

(iv) indicate a verification that said PHI is the same individual as said RHI and that said PHI is located at the location of said display device, if both said (a) code comparison and (b) said identifying feature comparison each indicate respective substantially similar information.

64. The apparatus defined in claim 63, wherein

(a) said first processor is coupled to (1) each of said at least one first camera and (2) said display device;

and

(b) each of said first camera, said display device, said first processor and said computer database is situated at a common location.

65. The apparatus define in claim 63, wherein said first camera and said display device are situated at a remote location from said computer database and said first processor, and wherein said apparatus further comprises

(a) a first transmitting and receiving (“

T/R”

) device, coupled to said first processor, for transmitting said code signal to said display device and for receiving said composite image from said at least one first camera; and

(b) a second T/R device, for communication with said first T/R device, said second T/R device coupled to

(1) said display device for receiving said code signal, and to

(2) said at least one first camera,

for transmitting said composite image;

wherein

(a) said first processor is further operative to cause said first T/R device to transmit said code signal, and to process said received composite image.

(b) said first processor and said computer database are situated at a first location; and

(c) said second processor, said at least one first camera, and said display device are situated at a second location.

66. The apparatus defined in claim 63, further comprising:

(a) a second processor, coupled to each of said at least one first camera and said display device; and

(b) a communication system, coupled to each of said first processor and said second processor, for exchanging of signals between said first and said second processors;

wherein

(a) said second processor is operative to transmit said composite image to said first processor via said communication system;

(b) said first processor is operative to transmit said code signal to said display device via said communication system;

(c) said first processor and said computer database are situated in a first location; and

(d) said second processor, said at least one first camera, and said display device are situated at a second location.

67. The apparatus defined in claim 63, wherein said visible identifying feature is selected from the group consisting of:

(a) a fingerprint,

(b) a palm print,

(c) a pattern of blood vessels of a hand,

(d) a facial image,

(e) a pattern of retinal veins of an eye,

(f) a pattern of an iris of an eye, and

(g) a pattern of blood vessels of a sclera of an eye.

68. The apparatus defined in claim 63, wherein said first processor is further operative to

(i) repeatedly generate, and store a first representation of a code, and repeatedly produce a code signal specifying said first representation;

(ii) repeatedly compare information contained in said stored first representation of said code with information contained in said generated second representation of said code;

(iii) compare information contained in said stored RHI identifying feature with information contained in said representation of said identifying feature of said PHI; and

(iv) repeatedly indicate a verification that said PHI is the same individual as said RHI and that said PHI is located at the location of said display device, if both said (a) repeated code comparison and (b) said identifying feature comparison each indicate respective substantially similar information.

69. The apparatus defined in claim 63, wherein said first processor is further operative to

(i) compare information contained in said stored first representation of said code with information contained in said generated second representation of said code;

(ii) repeatedly compare information contained in said stored RHI identifying feature with information contained in said representation of said identifying feature of said PHI; and

(iii) repeatedly indicate a verification that said PHI is the same individual as said RHI and that said PHI is located at the location of said display device, if both said (a) code comparison and (b) said repeated identifying feature comparison each indicate respective substantially similar information.

70. The apparatus defined in claim 63, wherein said first processor is further operative to

(i) repeatedly generate, and store a first representation of a code, and repeatedly produce a code signal specifying said first representation;

(ii) repeatedly compare information contained in said stored first representation of said code with information contained in said generated second representation of said code;

(iii) repeatedly compare information contained in said stored RHI identifying feature with information contained in said representation of said identifying feature of said PHI; and

(iv) repeatedly indicate a verification that said PHI is the same individual as said RHI and that said PHI is located at the location of said display device, if both said (a) repeated code comparison and (b) said repeated identifying feature comparison each indicate respective substantially similar information.

71. The apparatus defined in claim 63, further comprising a first input device, coupled to said first processor, for inputting information to said first processor.

72. The apparatus defined in claim 63, wherein said first processor is operative to store information in said computer database.

73. The apparatus define in claim 72, wherein said first processor is further operative to store identification information pertaining to a registration person who is permitted to store information in said computer data base.

74. The apparatus defined in claim 63, wherein said code specifies a secure message to said PHI.

75. The apparatus in claim 63, wherein said first processor is further operative to cause the transmission of signals to said PHI representing secure information only if said first processor verifies both (a) the identity of said PHI, and (b) that the information contained in said second representation of said code represents the information contained in said first representation of said code.

76. The apparatus defined in claim 75, further comprising a computer memory, coupled to said first processor, for storing said secure information, and for accessing said secure information therefrom.

77. The apparatus defined in claim 75 further comprising a digital memory device, located in proximity to said PHI for receiving and storing said secure information.

78. The apparatus defined in claim 66, further comprising a memory device, coupled to said second processor, for receiving and storing secure information;

wherein

(a) said first processor is further operative to cause the transmission of signals to said PHI representing said secure information only if said first processor verifies both (a) the identity of said PHI, and (b) the information contained in said second representation of said code represents the information contained in said first representation of said code; and

(b) said second processor is further operative to (i) receive said secure information, (ii) store said secure information in said memory device and (iii) access said secure information therefrom.

79. The apparatus defined in claim 75, wherein said first processor is further operative to interrupt the transmission of said signals representing secure information to said PHI, if said first processor does not verify both (a) the identity of said PHI, and (b) that the information contained in said second representation of said code represents the information contained in said first representation of said code.

80. The apparatus in claim 63, wherein said first processor is further operative to cause the transmission of signals to said PHI representing secure information only if said first processor

(a) repeatedly verifies that the information contained in said second representation of said code represents the information contained in said first representation of said code during said transmission;

and

(b) repeatedly verifies the identity of said PHI during said transmission.

81. The apparatus defined in claim 80, wherein said first processor is further operative to interrupt the transmission of said secure information to said PHI, if said first processor does not

(a) repeatedly verify that the information contained in said second representation of said code represents the information contained in said first representation of said code;

and

(b) repeatedly verify the identity of said PHI during said given period of time.

82. The apparatus defined in claim 63, wherein said code is generated by generating at least one pseudorandom number.

83. The apparatus defined in claim 63, wherein said first processor is coupled to a weather input device, and said code is generated based on weather information.

84. The apparatus defined in claim 63, wherein said first processor is coupled to a stock market input device, and said code is generated based on stock market information.

85. The apparatus defined in claim 63, wherein said first processor is coupled to a astronomic data input device, and said code is generated based on astronomic information.

86. The apparatus defined in claim 63, wherein said first processor is coupled to a athletic event data input device, and said code is generated based on athletic event information.

87. The apparatus defined in claim 63, wherein said first processor is coupled to a traffic input device, and said code is generated based on traffic information.

88. The apparatus defined in claim 63, wherein said apparatus further comprises a white noise generating device coupled to said first processor, and wherein said code is generated by digitizing the output of said noise generating device.

89. The apparatus defined in claim 63, wherein said code repeatedly changes, and wherein said processor is operative to compare each generated version of said code with each respective second representation of said code.

90. The apparatus defined in claim 63, further comprising a light projection device located in proximity to said PHI, for projecting a first representation of code information received from said first processor onto a reflective surface of said PHI;

wherein

(i) said first processor is further operative to generate a first representation of code information for transmission to said projection device;

(ii) said at least one first camera is arranged to view said PHI such that said composite image includes both (a) a visible identifying feature of said PHI, and (b) a reflected image from said surface of said PHI of said projected first representation of said code;

(iii) said first processor is further operative to generate both (a) a second representation of said code, and (b) a representation of said image of said PHI, from said received composite image;

(iv) said first processor is further operative to compare information contained in said first representation of said code with information contained in said second representation of said code; and

(v) said first processor is further operative to generate a signal containing comparison information which indicates the result of said comparison.

91. The apparatus defined in claim 90, wherein said light projection device is oriented such that light emitted from said device is (a) reflected from a cornea of an eye of said PHI, and (b) thereafter impinges on said at least one first camera;

whereby said at least one first camera provides said composite image which comprises both said visible identifying feature and said reflected image of said projected first representation of said code.

92. The apparatus defined in claim 90, further comprising a light reflective element reversibly attached to said PHI, and positioned in proximity to said visible identifying feature of said PHI, such that light emitted from said projection device is (a) reflected from said reflective element, and (b) thereafter impinges on said at least one first camera;

whereby said at least one first camera provides said composite image which comprises both said visible identifying feature and said reflected image of said projected first representation of said code.

93. The apparatus defined in claim 63 comprising at least two first cameras, including

(a) a primary first camera arranged to view said visible PHI identifying feature from a first spatial orientation with respect to the location of said PHI, and

(b) a secondary first camera arranged to view said visible PHI identifying feature from a second spatial orientation with respect to the location of said PHI,

each camera operative to generate a composite image of said identifying feature of said PHI during at said given time for transmission to said first processor;

wherein

(i) said computer database is operative to store (a) at least one RHI image of said identifying feature obtained with said first spatial orientation, and (b) at least one RHI image of said identifying feature obtained with said second spatial orientation, and

(ii) said first processor is operative to receive and compare said composite images of said identifying feature of said PHI received from said at least two first cameras, with said respective stored images of the identifying feature of said at least one RHI to verify the identity of the PHI during at given time.

94. The apparatus defined in claim 93, wherein said first processor is further operative to generate calculated RHI images from said stored RHI images, and to compare said received PHI image with both said stored and said calculated PHI images.

95. The apparatus defined in claim 93, wherein said first processor is further operative to generate calculated PHI images from each of (a) at least one image received from said primary first camera, and (b) at least one of image received from said secondary first camera;

and to repeatedly compare said stored RHI images with both said received PHI images and said calculated PHI images.

96. The apparatus defined in claim 63 further comprising an additional first camera arranged (1) to view an additional visible identifying feature of said PHI, and (2) to generate an additional composite image of (a) said additional identifying feature of said PHI and (b) said displayed first representation of said code, at said time for transmission to said first processor;

wherein

(i) said computer database is further operative to store at least one RHI image of said additional identifying feature; and

(ii) said first processor is further operative to receive and compare said additional composite image received from said additional first camera, with said at least one stored image of the additional identifying feature of said at least one RHI to verify the identity of the PHI at said time;

thereby to provide PHI identification based on two different visible identifying features.

97. The apparatus defined in claim 63 further comprising a security camera arranged (1) to view said at least one first camera, said code representation displayed by said display device and said identifying feature of said PHI, and (2) to generate a security image including each of (a) said at least one first camera, (b) said displayed code representation and (c) said identifying feature of said PHI at said time for transmission to said first processor;

wherein

(i) said computer database is further operative to store a RHI image, as viewed from the position of said security camera with respect to the position of said PHI; and

(b) an image of said at least one first camera, as viewed from the position of said security camera; and

(ii) said first processor is further operative to receive and generate each of (a) a security representation of said PHI identifying feature, (b) a security representation of said displayed code, and (c) a security representation of said at least one first camera, from said received security image;

(iii) said first processor is further operative to compare (a) said security representation of said PHI identifying feature with the RHI identifying images in said database, (b) the information contained in said security representation of said displayed code with the information contained in said stored first representation of said code and (c) said security representation of said at least one first camera with the camera image in said database; and

(iv) said first processor is further operative to indicate the results of said comparisons;

thereby to repeatedly verify the identity of the PHI at said given time, and to verify that each of said at least one first camera, said display device and said PHI has not been subject to tampering.

98. The apparatus defined in claim 97, wherein said at least one first camera further comprises a camera display screen for displaying a first representation of security code information received from said first processor, said camera screen (a) attached to an outer surface of a housing of said at least one first camera, and (b) positioned and oriented so that it may be viewed by said security camera;

wherein

(i) said first processor is further operative to generate a first representation of security code information for transmission to said camera display screen;

(ii) said security image includes each of (a) said identifying feature of said PHI, (b) said first representation of said code, (c) said at least one first camera and camera screen and (d) said first representation of said security code;

(iii) said first processor is further operative to generate a second representation of said security code in addition to (a) the second representation of said code, (b) the image of said at least one first camera, and (c) the representation of said image of said PHI, from said received security images;

(iv) said first processor is further operative to compare information contained in said first representation of said security code with information contained in said second representation of said security code; and

(v) said first processor is further operative to generate a signal containing comparison information which indicates the result of said comparison.

99. The apparatus defined in claim 97, wherein said security camera further comprises a security display screen for displaying a first representation of additional security code information received from said first processor, said security display screen (a) attached to an outer surface of a housing of said security camera, and (b) positioned and oriented so that it may be viewed by said at least one first camera;

wherein

(i) said first processor is further operative to generate a first representation of additional security code information for transmission to said security display screen;

(ii) said composite image includes each of (a) said identifying feature of said PHI, (b) said first representation of said code, (c) said security camera and security display screen, and (d) said first representation of said additional security code information;

(iii) said first processor is further operative to generate a second representation of additional security code information in addition to (a) the second representation of said code, (b) the image of said security camera and security display screen, and (c) the representation of said image of said PHI, from said received composite image;

(iv) said first processor is further operative to compare information contained in said first representation of said additional security code with information contained in said second representation of said additional security code; and

(v) said first processor is further operative to generate a signal containing comparison information which indicates the result of said comparison.

100. The apparatus defined in claim 63 further comprising a prompt producing device, for producing at least one prompt in response to at least one prompt signal received from said first processor, for producing at least one anatomic change in said identifying feature of said PHI, wherein

(i) said computer database further comprises (1) at least one RHI image of a visible identifying feature following the receipt of said prompt by said RHI;

and

(ii) said first processor is operative to (a) generate said at least one prompt signal for transmission to said prompt producing device, and (b) compare the received PHI image following said prompt with said at least one RHI image obtained following said prompt, and (c) indicate the results of said comparison.

101. The apparatus defined in claim 100, wherein said computer database further comprises labeling information indicating at least one characteristic of said prompt.

102. The apparatus defined in claim 100, wherein said computer database further comprises labeling information indicating the conditions under which a RHI image was obtained.

103. The apparatus defined in claim 100, wherein said prompt produces an involuntary anatomic change in said PHI identifying feature;

thereby to induce a change in said PHI identifying feature not under the conscious control of said PHI.

104. The apparatus defined in claim 100, wherein said prompt requests a voluntary anatomic change in said identifying feature;

thereby to prompt an action under the conscious control of said PHI.

105. The apparatus defined in claim 103, wherein

(i) said identifying feature is a pattern of an iris of an eye of the RHI and the PHI;

(ii) said computer database stores a plurality of images of an iris of an eye of said RHI, each image obtained under different lighting conditions for said iris; and

(iii) said prompt producing device is a light source configured to generate light in response to said at least one prompt signal, which impinges on said PHI iris thereby to alter an opening size of said PHI iris;

wherein said first processor is further operative to change said lighting conditions by generating said at least one prompt signal;

whereby said first processor is operative to compare a plurality of viewed images of said PHI iris, each under different lighting conditions, with a plurality of stored RHI iris images;

thereby to verify that said PHI is or is not the same individual as said RHI.

106. The apparatus defined in claim 105, wherein said first processor is operative to cause said prompt producing device to vary the amount of light produced, and to determine if at least one of said PHI images matches a stored RHI image;

thereby to determine if any lighting condition causes the PHI image to match a RHI image.

107. The apparatus defined in claim 105, wherein said processor is further operative to generate calculated RHI images from at least one of said stored RHI images, and to compare said PHI images with both said stored and said calculated PHI images.

108. The apparatus of claim 105, wherein

(i) said light source is operative to provide light with a plurality of different light intensities, and

(ii) said prompt signal causes said light source to provide the light intensity specified by said signal.

109. The apparatus defined in claim 105,

(i) said light source comprises a plurality of light-emitting elements, each operative to emit a different wavelength of light, and

(ii) said first processor is operative to provide a prompt signal which specifies the illuminated light-emitting elements.

110. The apparatus defined in claim 105, wherein said first processor is operative to alter the duration of illumination of said light source.

111. The apparatus defined in claim 105, wherein said prompt producing device is a display screen for displaying a representation of digitized information.

112. The apparatus defined in claim 105, wherein

(i) said prompt producing device comprises a display screen;

and

(ii) said first processor causes said display device to produce an image whose visualization by said PHI requires the PHI to change a visual focus, and thereby to change the opening size of said PHI iris;

whereby focusing by said PHI on said image produces said anatomic change in the configuration of said PHI iris.

113. The apparatus defined in claim 100, wherein first processor is operative to randomly generate prompt signals.

114. The apparatus defined in claim 100, wherein said first processor is operative to generate prompt signals with a pseudo-random pattern.

115. The apparatus defined in claim 103, wherein

(i) said identifying feature is a spatial pattern of blood vessels of a retina of an eye of the RHI and the PHI;

(ii) said computer database stores a plurality of images of said retinal blood vessels of a RHI, each image obtained under different lighting conditions; and

(iii) said prompt producing device is a light source configured to generate light in response to said at least one prompt signal, which light impinges on said PHI iris thereby to alter an opening size of said PHI iris, and thereby to alter the size of the field of viewable retinal vessels;

wherein said first processor is further operative to change said lighting conditions by generating said at least one prompt signal;

whereby said first processor is operative to compare a plurality of viewed PHI images of said retinal vessels, each under different lighting conditions, with a plurality of stored retinal vessel RHI images;

thereby to determine whether said PHI is or is not the same individual as said RHI.

116. The apparatus defined in claim 100, wherein

(i) said identifying feature is a pattern of an iris of an eye of the RHI and the PHI;

(ii) said computer database stores a plurality of images of an iris of an eye of said RHI, each image obtained with said iris oriented at a different angle with respect to a second camera that obtained the stored RHI iris images; and

(iii) said prompt producing device comprises a display device;

(iv) said first processor causes said display device to produce a plurality of images whose observation by said PHI requires the PHI to change a direction of sight, and thereby to change the spatial orientation of said PHI iris with respect to said at least one first camera; and

(v) said first processor is operative to compare

(1) a plurality of images of said PHI iris, each with different spatial orientation of said PHI iris with respect to said at least one first camera, with

(2) said stored RHI images;

whereby attention by said PHI to said plurality of images produces said changing visible identifying feature;

thereby to verify that said PHI is or is not the same individual as said RHI.

117. The apparatus defined in claim 100, wherein

(i) said identifying feature is an image of a face of the RHI and the PHI;

(ii) said prompt producing device comprises a display screen;

(iii) said first processor causes said display device to produce a plurality of images whose observation by said PHI requires the PHI to change a direction of sight, and thereby to change at least one of (a) an eye orientation with respect to a face of said PHI, and (b) an orientation of a face of said PHI with respect to said at least one first camera;

(iv) said computer database includes stored RHI facial images of said RHI, obtained during the variation of at least one of (a) an eye orientation with respect to a face of said RHI, and (b) an orientation of a face of said RHI with respect to a second camera that obtained the stored RHI facial images; and

(v) said first processor is operative to compare a plurality of said PHI images with said stored RHI images;

whereby attention by said PHI to said plurality of images produces said changing visible identifying feature.

118. The apparatus defined in claim 104, wherein said prompt producing device is selected from the group consisting of

(a) a sound producing device, and

(b) a display screen,

for providing an instruction to said PHI, whose execution by said PHI results in a change in at least one of (i) the appearance, and (ii) the position of said identifying feature, and wherein said first processor is operative to provide said instruction for transmission to said prompt producing device.

119. The apparatus defined in claim 104, wherein

(i) at least two of said identifying features are selected from the group consisting of:

(a) at least one fingerprint,

(b) at least one palm print,

(c) a facial image,

(d) a pattern of blood vessels of at least one hand,

(e) a pattern of retinal veins of at least one eye,

(f) a pattern of an iris of at least one eye, and

(g) a pattern of blood vessels of a sclera of at least one eye;

of the PHI and of the PHI;

(ii) said computer database stores a plurality of images of at least two of said identifying features of said RHI; and

(iii) said prompt producing device provides an instruction, received from said first processor, to said PHI to move a body part so that a geometric relationship between said two PHI identifying images is altered by said movement;

(iv) said first processor is further operative to provide said instruction for transmission to said prompt producing device; and

(v) said first processor is operative to receive and compare each of said two PHI images obtained before and after said movement, with a plurality of stored RHI images of said identifying features;

thereby to verify that said PHI is or is not the same individual as said RHI.