Method for identity verification
The method for identity verification employs biometric technology. Positioned at the center of the system is a stylus with any of a number of biometric properties or their combination or with one or more metric sensors, while the customer uses the stylus to sign his/her name, or even for writing anything. The identity verification system is used at point-of-sale terminals, in various closed environments, to access a computer network, in applications involving pen-based computers and smart-pens, and for e-commerce. When fingerprint sensors are used, the sensors are positioned in the stylus grip, one sensor for the index finger, and a second sensor for the thumb. In one variation, one-to-one biometric matching is used. Each participant carries on his/her person a device that includes an encrypted biometric for reference purposes to gain access into the system. Processing is simplified since the system need only make a “MATCH” or “NO MATCH” decision. In a second variation that is particularly useful in closed environments, one-to-many biometric matching is used. During each event access request, the community of reference prints is searched for a match with the applicant. Each member of the community need carry nothing on his/her person to participate in the system. In either variation, the stylus is either attached to each site or is portable, one such stylus being carried by each participant.
1. A stylus for use as an identity verification device, the stylus being coupled to a processor, comprising:
a stylus body; and,
a sensor coupled to and being located on or within the stylus body, the sensor being adapted to capture a thumbprint of a user as a user thumb touches the sensor coupled to the stylus body.
2. A stylus, as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the sensor is coupled to the processor, the processor being adapted to compare the captured thumbprint with a reference thumbprint to confirm user identity.
3. A stylus, as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the sensor is coupled to the processor, the processor being adapted to compare the captured thumbprint with a plurality of reference thumbprints in search of a match.
4. A stylus, as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the processor is contained within the stylus body.
5. A stylus, as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the sensor is a digital sensor.
6. A stylus, as set forth in claim 1 , including a memory device coupled to the sensor for storing the captured thumbprint.
7. A stylus, as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the sensor is adapted to capture a second print.
8. A stylus, as set forth in claim 7 , wherein the sensor is adapted to capture the thumbprint and the second print of the user at the same time.
9. A stylus, as set forth in claim 1 , including a second sensor coupled to the stylus body, the second sensor being adapted to capture a second print.
10. A stylus, as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the sensor is located partially within and partially outside of the stylus body.
11. An identity verification device, comprising:
a stylus having a body;
a sensor coupled to and being located on or within the body, the sensor being adapted to capture a thumbprint of a user as a user thumb touches the stylus body;
a memory device for storing at least one reference print; and,
a processor coupled to the sensor and the memory device, the processor being adapted to receive the captured thumbprint, the processor being adapted to compare the captured thumbprint with the at least one reference print.
12. An identity verification device, as set forth in claim 11 , wherein the processor is adapted to compare the captured thumbprint with the reference print to confirm the user identity.
13. An identity verification device, as set forth in claim 11 , wherein the processor is adapted to compare the captured thumbprint with a plurality of reference prints in search of a match.
14. An identity verification device, as set forth in claim 11 , wherein the processor is contained within the stylus body.
15. An identity verification device, as set forth in claim 11 , wherein the processor is contained within an external system and wherein the stylus is in digital communication with the external system.
16. An identity verification device, as set forth in claim 11 , wherein the sensor is a digital sensor.
17. An identity verification device, as set forth in claim 11 , wherein the memory device is adapted to store the captured thumbprint.
18. An identity verification device, as set forth in claim 11 , wherein the sensor is adapted to capture a second print.
19. An identity verification device, as set forth in claim 18 , wherein the sensor is adapted to capture the thumbprint and the second print of the user at the same time.
20. An identity verification device, as set forth in claim 11 , including a second sensor coupled to the body, the second senor being adapted to capture a second print.
21. An identity verification device, as set forth in claim 11 , wherein the stylus is a pen and includes an ink tube.
22. A device, as set forth in claim 11 , wherein the sensor is located partially within and outside of the stylus body.
23. A stylus, comprising:
a stylus body;
a sensor coupled to and being located on or within the stylus body, the sensor being adapted to capture a fingerprint of a user as the user grasps the stylus;
a memory device within the stylus body and being adapted to store at least one reference fingerprint; and,
a processor within the stylus body and being coupled to the sensor and the memory device, the processor being adapted to receive the captured fingerprint, the processor being adapted to compare the captured fingerprint with the at least one reference fingerprint.
24. A stylus, as set forth in claim 23 , wherein the processor is adapted to compare the captured fingerprint with the at least one reference print to confirm user identity.
25. A stylus, as set forth in claim 23 , wherein the processor is adapted to compare the captured fingerprint with a plurality of reference prints in search of a match.
26. A stylus, as set forth in claim 23 , wherein the sensor is a digital sensor.
27. A stylus, as set forth in claim 23 , wherein the memory device is adapted to store the captured thumbprint.
28. A stylus, as set forth in claim 23 , wherein the sensor is adapted to capture a second print.
29. A stylus, as set forth in claim 23 , including a second sensor coupled to the body, the second sensor being adapted to capture a second print.
30. A stylus, as set forth in claim 23 , wherein the stylus is a pen and includes an ink tube.
31. A stylus, as set forth in claim 23 , wherein the sensor is located partially within and partially outside of the stylus body.
32. A stylus, comprising:
a stylus body;
a sensor coupled to and being located on or within the stylus body, the sensor being adapted to capture a fingerprint of a user as a user finger touches the stylus body;
a memory device within the stylus body, the memory device being adapted to store at least one reference fingerprint; and,
a processor within the stylus body and being coupled to the sensor, the processor being coupled to the memory device, the processor being adapted to receive the captured fingerprint, the processor being adapted to store the captured fingerprint within the memory device, and the processor being adapted to compare the captured fingerprint with the at least one reference fingerprint.
33. A stylus, as set forth in claim 32 , wherein the processor is adapted to compare the captured fingerprint with the at least one reference print to confirm user identity.
34. A stylus, as set forth in claim 32 , wherein the processor is adapted to compare the captured fingerprint with a plurality of reference prints in search of a match.
35. A stylus, as set forth in claim 32 , wherein the sensor is a digital sensor.
36. A stylus, as set forth in claim 32 , wherein the sensor is located partially within and partially outside of the stylus body.
37. A stylus far use as an identity verification device, the stylus being coupled to a processor, comprising
a stylus body having a sensor, the sensor being adapted to capture a thumbprint of a user as a user thumb touches the sensor coupled to the stylus body.