CODING DATA INTO A HANDWRITTEN SAMPLE

Abstract

The teachings of the present disclosure include systems and / or methods for encoding digital data into a handwritten sample. An exemplary method includes accessing a predetermined vibration pattern stored in memory that corresponds to defined data, and vibrating a stylus based on the predetermined vibration pattern during creation of the handwritten sample to encode the defined data into the handwritten sample.

Description

PRIORITY

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 404,886, filed September 8, 2022, the contents of which are hereby incorporated in their entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to encoding data into a handwritten sample. Various examples of the teachings contained herein include vibration-based certification of handwriting and signatures. BACKGROUND

[0003] It is usually assumed that handwriting or signatures can be authenticated through graphology and handwriting analysis. With the proliferation of scanners and access to high-resolution photography, it is becoming increasingly easier to reproduce a signature or larger samples of handwriting. This makes such assumptions untenable. SUMMARY

[0004] The teachings of the present disclosure include systems and / or methods for encoding data into a handwriting sample. The digital data can increase the security or credibility of the sample. This added level of authenticity can be digitally verified without requiring reference to handwriting experts or other specialized resources. Furthermore, the use of such a sample can reduce the need for stamps or reference indicia.

[0005] For example, an apparatus incorporating the teachings of the present disclosure may include: a stylus, a vibrating mass, and circuitry that drives the vibrating mass to vibrate the stylus according to a predetermined pattern.

[0006] As another example, a device incorporating the teachings of the present disclosure may include a wearable device having: a housing attachable to a user; a vibrating mass; and circuitry for controlling the vibrating mass to vibrate the housing according to a predetermined pattern.

[0007] Another example of a method for encoding data into a handwritten sample may include: accessing a predetermined vibration pattern stored in a memory and corresponding to defined digital data; and vibrating a stylus based on the predetermined vibration pattern during creation of the handwritten sample to encode the defined digital data into the handwritten sample. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The teachings of the present disclosure include systems and / or methods for encoding digital data into a handwritten sample. In the drawings: Fig. 1 is a schematic drawing illustrating the use of an example system incorporating the teachings of the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 2 is a schematic drawing showing an exemplary circuit for use with the system of Fig. 1 shows; Fig. 3 is a schematic drawing illustrating the use of another exemplary apparatus incorporating the teachings of the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 4 is a schematic drawing showing some details of the exemplary device of Fig. 3 shows; Fig. 5 is a schematic drawing showing an exemplary circuit for use with the device of Fig. 4 shows; and Fig. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method incorporating the teachings of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] The teachings of the present disclosure include handheld or portable devices designed to vibrate a writing hand, or the object or pen itself during writing, to incorporate a second level of information stored in a handwritten sample. The applied vibration pattern (e.g., a predetermined series of frequency and amplitude variations) can encode a series of data (e.g., digital or otherwise) that serves as evidence of the authenticity of the handwritten sample and / or signature. The vibration pattern can be applied by haptic or electromechanical methods, such as those used in smartphones with a miniature DC motor or a piezoelectric actuator.

[0010] The vibrations of the device cause variations within the signature or handwriting, which can be used as a second layer of information. For example, segments of a drawn line may be shaky or non-shaky due to the vibrations applied by the device. In some examples, the shaky portion of the drawn line may be interpreted as a digital 1 and a non-shaky portion as a digital 0. Vibration-encoded data may further be encrypted as a hash to make replication attempts more difficult.

[0011] The vibrating device can be implemented, for example, on a smart wearable device such as a ring, smart watch, bracelet, or glove, where the vibration during writing is transmitted by the hand to an ordinary writing instrument such as a pen, pencil, or stylus. The vibrating device can be implemented on a pencil, a ballpoint pen, or a stylus, without limitation, which can also be equipped with a locking or unlocking mechanism for the user for security reasons, such as a biometric (fingerprint scan) or an input seed for generating a hash (such as numeric keys). The input seed can be used to generate specific vibrations or frequencies or amplitudes.

[0012] The data encoded in the handwriting sample may be analyzed by any suitable means and with any suitable device (e.g., devices equipped with a camera and image processing software) that can identify and decode the vibration-based data encoded in the sample. The encrypted / hashed vibration-based data may be decrypted or verified for validity using pre-agreed procedures and algorithms within private applications, legally authorized organizations, or government entities. For example, companies or government agencies may analyze the data from a handwriting sample to verify, without limitation, legal documents, contracts, or checks.

[0013] Since the hand movement does not have a constant speed (to allow for timely data entry), the speed of the “vibration” input can be adjusted based on the readings of an accelerometer embedded in the vibrating device.

[0014] Fig. 1 is a schematic drawing illustrating the use of an exemplary device 100 incorporating the teachings of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 1, a handwritten sample 50 includes data 60 encoded into the sample according to the teachings of the present disclosure. The device 100 includes a stylus 110, a vibrating mass 120, a circuit 130, a latch 140, a communication interface 150, and an accelerometer 160.

[0015] The stylus 110 may include any user-operable device for creating a handwriting sample. For example, the stylus 110 may include a ballpoint pen or pencil for creating a conventional handwriting sample on paper (e.g., by applying ink or graphite). In some embodiments, the stylus 110 does not dispense any material onto the writing surface (e.g., in a system where the movement of the stylus is sensed by a tablet).

[0016] The vibrating mass 120 may be any object capable of causing vibrations of the pin 110. Some examples include masses that rotate off-center, as in Fig. 1. Other examples may include masses that move from side to side across the central length of the pin 110, e.g., a piezoelectric actuator. The vibrating mass 120 may be similar to those used in cell phones and other devices that provide vibration in "silent mode."

[0017] Circuitry 130 may include any component or combination of components to control vibrating mass 120 according to a pattern. The control circuitry may include, for example, a system on chip, an application-specific integrated circuit, a field-programmable gate array, a microcontroller, a processor and instructions stored in memory for execution by a processor, an analog circuit, a digital circuit, reprogrammable or programmable hardware, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0018] In some embodiments, control circuitry 130 may be external to stylus 110; for example, vibrating mass 120 may be controlled by a smartphone or other device. Alternatively, circuitry 130 may apply a controlled electrical charge to stylus 110. The electrical charge may act to shock the user while providing the handwriting sample. This causes a controlled contraction of the muscles and disrupts the user's normal handwriting movement.

[0019] The lock 140 may include any component that allows or restricts access to the device 100. For example, the lock 140 may include a mechanism for locking or unlocking the user, such as a biometric mechanism (fingerprint scan) or an input (seed) for generating a hash (e.g., numeric keys).

[0020] The communication interface 150 may include an interface for a cloud / internet uplink. The communication interface 150 may be used to retrieve a predetermined vibration pattern of the vibrating mass 120 from a remote source. For example, if the device 100 may be used to create validated or verifiable samples for more than one verifying unit, the device 100 may use the communication interface 150 to access predetermined vibration patterns for each of the relevant units.

[0021] The accelerometer 160 may include any device and / or circuitry to detect the movements and patterns of the handwriting sample 50. The detected movements and patterns may be used to adjust the vibration pattern to the user's actual speed.

[0022] Fig. 2 is a schematic drawing illustrating an exemplary circuit 130 for use with the device 100 of Fig. 1. The circuit 130 may include, for example, a microcontroller (MCU) 132 (with data encryption capability), a cryptographic chip for validation / authentication (such as the ATECC608 from Microchip Technology, Inc. of Chandler, Arizona), and an actuator 134 / 136 (for the actual vibration). Fig. 2 shows the MCU 132 controlling either a DC motor 134 or a piezoelectric actuator 136.

[0023] Fig. 3 is a schematic drawing illustrating the use of another exemplary apparatus 200 incorporating the teachings of the present disclosure to embed data into a handwritten sample 50.

[0024] The device 200 includes a housing 210 that can be attached to a user. In this example, the housing 210 includes a finger band. Other examples may include, without limitation, a ring, a smart watch, a bracelet, or a glove.

[0025] Fig. 4 is a schematic drawing showing some details of the example system of Fig. 3. The system 200 includes a housing 210 that can be attached to a user, a vibrating mass 220, a circuit 230, a communication interface 250, and an accelerometer 260.

[0026] Housing 210 may include any device that can be attached to a user and that applies vibrations to the handwriting sample. Housing 210 may include, for example, a watch, a bracelet, or a ring.

[0027] The vibrating mass 220 may be any object capable of vibrating the housing 210. Some examples include masses that rotate off-center, as in Fig. 3. Other examples may include masses that move from side to side, such as a piezoelectric actuator. The vibrating mass 220 may be similar to those used in telephones or other devices that provide vibrations in "sleep" mode.

[0028] Circuitry 230 may include any component or combination of components to control vibrating mass 220 according to a pattern. The control circuitry may include, for example, a system on chip, an application-specific integrated circuit, a field-programmable gate array, a microcontroller, a processor with instructions stored in memory for execution, an analog circuit, a digital circuit, reprogrammable or programmable hardware, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0029] In some examples, the control circuit 230 may be external to the housing 210; for example, the vibrating mass 220 may be controlled by a smartphone or other device. Alternatively, the circuit 230 may apply a controlled electrical charge to the housing 210. The electrical charge may act to shock the user while providing the handwriting sample, thereby causing a controlled contraction of the muscles and disrupting the user's normal handwriting movement.

[0030] The communication interface 250 may include a cloud / internet uplink interface. The communication interface 250 may be used to retrieve a predetermined vibration pattern of the vibrating mass 220 from a remote source. For example, if the system 200 may be used to create validated or verifiable samples for more than one verifying entity, the system 200 may use the communication interface 250 to access predetermined vibration patterns for each of the relevant entities. Some devices 200 do not include a communication interface 250. Some examples do not include a communication interface 250.

[0031] The accelerometer 260 may include any device and / or circuitry to detect the movements and patterns of the handwriting sample 50. The detected movements and patterns may be used to adjust the vibration pattern to the user's actual speed.

[0032] Fig. 5 is a schematic drawing illustrating an exemplary circuit 230 for use with the system of Fig. 4. The circuit 230 may include, for example, a microcontroller (MCU) 232 (with data encryption capability), a cryptographic chip for validation / authentication (such as the ATECC608 from Microchip Technology, Inc. of Chandler, Arizona), and an actuator 234 / 236 (for the actual vibration). Fig. 2 shows the MCU 132 driving either a DC motor 234 or a piezoelectric actuator 236.

[0033] Fig.6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method 300 incorporating the teachings of the present disclosure. However, some methods incorporating the teachings of the present disclosure may include more or fewer elements than method 300, or may include those elements in a different order or not at all.

[0034] The method 300 begins with step 310.

[0035] Step 320 involves accessing a predetermined vibration pattern stored in memory and corresponding to defined data. In some examples, the predetermined vibration pattern may be stored in a memory of a device or system for generating a handwritten sample with encoded data for increased identification accuracy.

[0036] Step 322 involves receiving an encrypted signal from an encryption server. The memory storing the predetermined vibration pattern may be associated with an encryption server and may provide the pattern to the device or system as an encrypted signal. In some examples, the predetermined vibration pattern may be stored in the device rather than on a server.

[0037] Step 324 involves decrypting the encrypted signal to access the predetermined vibration pattern. In some embodiments, the signal may not be encrypted and would not require decryption.

[0038] Step 330 involves vibrating a stylus based on the predetermined vibration pattern during the creation of the handwritten sample to encode the defined digital data in the handwritten sample. As described with respect to systems 100 and 200, vibrating a stylus may involve rotating and translating a mass or activating a vibrating mass to internally vibrate the stylus or to vibrate a casing attached to a user, such as a ring or bracelet.

[0039] Step 340 involves detecting movement of the pen. The system may include an accelerometer operable to detect the movement and patterns of the handwritten sample. In some examples, the movement of the pen is not detected.

[0040] Step 350 involves adjusting the predetermined vibration pattern based on the detected movement of the pen. Since the hand movement may not be at a constant speed (to allow for well-timed digital data input), the digital vibration input may be adjusted based on readings from an accelerometer embedded in the vibrating device. Some examples of this include adjusting the predetermined vibration pattern.

[0041] Step 360 involves scanning the handwriting sample to identify the defined data encoded in the handwriting sample. Decoding the handwriting or signature, including data extraction, may be analyzed using any suitable means and device (e.g., devices equipped with a camera and image processing software) that can identify and decode the vibration-based data encoded in the handwriting or signature. Vibration-based encrypted or hashed data may be decrypted or verified for validity using pre-agreed procedures and algorithms within private applications, legally authorized organizations, or government institutions. For example, companies or government institutions may analyze the digital data in a handwriting sample to validate legal documents, contracts, checks, etc.

[0042] Although the examples have been described above, other variations may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 63 / 404,886

[0001]

Claims

[1] Device comprising: a pen; a vibrating mass; and a circuit for actuating the vibrating mass to vibrate the pin according to a predetermined vibration pattern. [2] The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a lock to block operation of the circuit. [3] Device according to one of claims 1 to 2, further comprising: an ink dispenser; and a lock to control a locked state of the ink dispenser. [4] Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the circuit operates to decode a signal to access the predetermined vibration pattern. [5] Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the predetermined vibration pattern includes frequency and amplitude fluctuations. [6] Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a DC motor for actuating the oscillating mass. [7] Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a piezoelectric actuator for actuating the vibrating mass. [8] Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a communication interface for receiving or transmitting the predetermined vibration pattern. [9] The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising an accelerometer for tracking the movement of the pen; and wherein the circuit adjusts the predetermined vibration pattern based on the movement of the pen tracked by the accelerometer. [10] System that has: a housing that can be attached to a user; a vibrating mass; and a circuit for actuating the vibrating mass to vibrate the housing according to a predetermined vibration pattern. [11] The system of claim 10, wherein the circuit operates to decode a signal to access the predetermined vibration pattern. [12] The system of any one of claims 10 to 11, further comprising a DC motor for actuating the vibrating mass. [13] The system of any one of claims 10 to 11, further comprising a piezoelectric actuator for actuating the vibrating mass. [14] The system of any one of claims 10 to 13, further comprising a communication interface for receiving the predetermined vibration pattern. [15] The system of any one of claims 10 to 14, further comprising an accelerometer that tracks the movement of the portable device; wherein the control circuit adjusts the predetermined vibration pattern based on the movement of the portable device tracked by the accelerometer. [16] A method for encoding data into a handwritten sample, the method comprising: Accessing a predetermined vibration pattern stored in a memory and corresponding to defined data; and Vibrating a pen based on the specified vibration pattern during the creation of the handwritten sample to encode the defined data into the handwritten sample. [17] The method of claim 16, further comprising: Receiving an encrypted signal from an encryption server; and Decrypt the encrypted signal to access the predefined vibration pattern. [18] A method according to any one of claims 16 to 17, further comprising: detecting a movement of the pen; and Setting the preset vibration pattern based on the detected movement of the pen. [19] A method according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein detecting the movement of the pen includes using an accelerometer attached to the pen or to the hand of a user of the pen. [20] The method of any one of claims 16 to 19, further comprising scanning the handwritten sample to identify the defined data encoded in the handwritten sample.

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