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.