Method for authenticating signatures and memorabilia kit employing same

• US 6,250,549 B1
• Filed: 06/17/1998
• Issued: 06/26/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 06/17/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Prographs LLC
• Original Assignee: Daniel J. Defabio Jr
• Inventors: DeFabio, Daniel J. Jr.
• Primary Examiner(s): Frech, Karl D.
• Application Number:
  US09/098,867
• Time in Patent Office: 1,105 Days
• Field of Search: 386/95, 283/72, 235/380, 235/382, 235/382.5, 235/375
• US Class Current: 235/380
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 40/30 Writer recognition; Reading and verifying signatures

Abstract

A system and method for authenticating a signature on an originally signed article employs at least one camera for capturing an image of an individual when actually signing the article. In one embodiment, the image is a real-time video image, and in another embodiment, the image is a still photo. The images associated with the signed article, so that a holder of the article has a mechanism by which to authenticate the signature. Preferably, the signed article has a unique identifier located thereon, and the image is preferably edited to also include that identifier. A memorabilia kit, containing an originally signed article, a storage medium having stored thereon a captured image of an original signing event associated with the article, is also provided. Additionally, a captured image and data indicative of the signed article are stored electronically in association with each other, such as on a storage medium made available to a holder of the signed article, or in a data base which is accessible remotely.

Claims

1. A method comprising:

providing an article to be signed;

having a desired individual originally sign said article;

recording a real time video image of the individual and said article when the individual is originally signing said article, whereby said image evidences that said article was signed by the desired individual.

2. The method as set forth in claim 1, further comprising:

associating said image with said signed article.

3. The method as set forth in claim 2, wherein said step of associating comprises:

providing a package in which both of said image and said article are contained.

4. The method as set forth in claim 2, wherein said step of associating comprises:

applying a common identifier to each of said article and said image.

5. The method as set forth in claim 2, wherein said step of associating comprises:

electronically storing data indicative of said signed article and said image in conjunction with each other.

6. The method as set forth in claim 1, further comprising the steps of:

placing said image on a medium;

placing a common, unique identifier on said medium and also on its associated article.

7. The method as set forth in claim 6, wherein said real time video image is comprised of a plurality of sequential frames, and wherein said medium is a storage medium for storing said real time video image, said method further comprising encoding at least one of said frames with said unique identifier, whereby, upon playback of said real time video image on a display, said identifier encoded on said video image is displayed.

8. The method as set forth in claim 1, wherein said step of recording an image comprises recording an image of the signing of said article by said individual.

9. A method comprising:

providing a plurality of articles to be signed;

applying a unique identifier to each said article such that each article has its own unique identifier distinct from the identifier of each other article;

having a desired individual originally sign each said article during an autograph session;

capturing a real time image of the desired individual signing each said article;

storing said captured image on a storage medium, wherein said captured image comprises a plurality of successive frames, wherein said frames include selected subsets of frames corresponding to the signing of each said article; and

encoding at least one of said frames in each subset of frames with the unique identifier corresponding to the said article captured in the subset of frames.

10. A method comprising:

providing an article to be signed;

having a desired individual originally sign said article;

recording a real time video image of the individual and said article when the individual is originally signing said article, whereby said image evidences that said article was signed by the desired individual, wherein said article is a storage medium and said real time video image is stored on said storage medium.