Method and apparatus for authenticating unique items such as sports memorabilia
First Claim
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 that is created by a writing instrument as the signature is being imprinted on an item;
transmitting an input signal from a computer external to the camera and the writing instrument;
receiving an input signal from the computer at the camera;
generating a triggering signal to initiate capture of the image by the camera after receiving the input signal from the computer;
transmitting the image from the camera;
storing the image on a computer readable medium; and
electronically categorizing the image according to signing related information, wherein the camera is physically coupled to the writing instrument.
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Accused Products
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.
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Citations
49 Claims
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1. A method for authenticating an item on which a signature is imprinted by an autographer, the method comprising:
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using a camera to capture an image of the signature that is created by a writing instrument as the signature is being imprinted on an item;
transmitting an input signal from a computer external to the camera and the writing instrument;
receiving an input signal from the computer at the camera;
generating a triggering signal to initiate capture of the image by the camera after receiving the input signal from the computer;
transmitting the image from the camera;
storing the image on a computer readable medium; and
electronically categorizing the image according to signing related information, wherein the camera is physically coupled to the writing instrument. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 30, 31, 32, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 40, 45, 46, 48)
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29. A system for authenticating an item on which a signature is imprinted by an autographer, the system comprising:
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a computer to transmit a signal to indicate the computer is ready to receive an image; and
an apparatus, said apparatus including a writing instrument to imprint a mark on the item;
a camera to capture an image of said mark, said camera carried by said writing instrument;
a transmitter to transmit the image of said mark;
a receiver to receive the signal from the first computer; and
a triggering signal generator to generate a triggering signal, in response to the receiver receiving the signal, to control the camera in the capturing of the image of said mark;
the computer to receive the image of said mark, the computer further including a memory to store data related to an image of the mark imprinted on the item and a processor for electronically categorizing the data according to signing-related information.
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33. A system for authenticating an item on which a signature is imprinted by an autographer, the system comprising:
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a computer to transmit a signal to indicate the computer is ready to receive an image;
an apparatus for capturing an image, said apparatus including a writing instrument to imprint a mark on the item, said writing instrument having a body with an aperture;
a camera to receive the signal from the first computer and to capture an image of said mark, said camera substantially disposed within said body and having a lens disposed so as to capture the image through said aperture; and
a transmitter to transmit the image of said mark, and an autographer-identifying information collector capable of capturing autographer-identifying information and electronically coupled to said camera, wherein said camera is prevented from capturing the image until the camera receives an authorization signal from said autographer-identifying information collector; and
whereinthe computer receives the image of said mark;
said computer further including a memory to store data related to the image of the mark imprinted on the item and a processor for electronically categorizing the data according to signing-related information. - View Dependent Claims (39, 41, 47, 49)
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42. A system for authenticating a memorabilia item on which a signature is imprinted by an autographer during a signing event, the system comprising:
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a unique item identifier attached to a memorabilia item;
a writing instrument, having a body with an aperture and capable of capturing the an image of the signature;
a camera that captures the image to create a captured 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 to interpret the unique item identifier and control the camera in capturing the image when the unique item identifier is within a predetermined range;
a transmitter to transmit the captured image to the first computer; and
a computer to receive the captured image;
said computer including a memory to store data related to the captured image and a processor for electronically categorizing the data according to signing-related information. - View Dependent Claims (43, 44)
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Specification