Trw Limited

Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Bruce W Evans

Shi-Ping Hsu

Arthur F Messenger

James M Ling

Denes L Zsolnay

Peter J Hadinger

Russell H Lambert

Gerard Roccanova

A method ( ) and apparatus ( ) for encoding and decoding data in a signal using notch depth modulation. The method ( ) of data to be encoded in the signal. The method then notch filters ( ) the signal according to the frequency notch representation of the data. The apparatus ( ) for encoding data comprises an digitizer ( ) to digitize the signal. A code former ( ) provides the data to be encoded in the signal. A notch filter ( ) notch filters the signal according to the data. Decoding the data converts the signal into a frequency domain representation ( ) and determines the notch spectral content ( ) of the signal at selected notch frequencies. The method ( ) establishes notch thresholds ( ) at each of the selected notch frequencies, then decodes the data ( ) from the signal by comparing the notch spectral content to the notch thresholds.

Code modulation using narrow spectral notching

Apparatus, and a method for its use, for automatically verifying the identity of a person seeking access to a protected property that is remotely located with respect to the apparatus, such as a remotely located computer file or building alarm system. The apparatus, which is disclosed in the form of a handheld device (,) or other portable device (,), includes a sensor (,) for reading biometric data, such as a fingerprint image, from the person, and a correlator (,) for comparing the sensed data with a previously stored reference image (,) and for determining whether there is a match. If there is a match, the device (,) initiates an exchange of signals over a communication network, with the &ldquo;door&rdquo; (,) that protects the property. Specifically, the device (,) generates a numerical value, such as a cyclic redundancy code, from the stored reference image (,), encrypts the numerical value, and transmits it to the door (,) as confirmation of the person's identity. For further security, the person registers this numerical value at each door (,) to which access is desired. Upon receipt of identity confirmation from the device (,), the door (,) compares the received numerical value with the one stored during registration, before granting access to the protected property.

Remote identity verification technique using a personal identification device

A device, and a method for its operation, for verifying a person's identity by comparing in a correlator (18) selected features of a reference fingerprint image, generated in a sensor (10) from the fingerprint of a person of known identity, with a subject fingerprint image taken from a person whose identity is to be verified. In an enrollment procedure, a fingerprint from a person of known identity is analyzed in an enrollment processor (14) to locate multiple reference patches that together are distinctive to that person's fingerprint. The reference patch images are stored, together with their locations in the image, in a reference image storage unit (16). When a subject fingerprint image is later provided, every reference patch is compared with every possible patch of similar size in the subject image, to find a set of candidate match locations in the subject image. Then a subset of the candidate match locations is selected such that the candidate match locations in the subset are practically geometrically congruent with the locations of a corresponding subset of reference patches. A verification match is declared based on the number candidate match locations in the selected subset that satisfies this geometric constraint.

Fingerprint feature correlator

Apparatus, and a corresponding method for its use, for gaining access to and operating a vehicle, such as a car (10), by means of at least one fingerprint sensor (16) installed inside the vehicle at a convenient location and, optionally, outside the vehicle (at 14), in or near a door handle (12). Once an authorized user's identify has been verified in a fingerprint matching device (30), various vehicle subsystems are automatically adjusted to the identified user's preferred settings, which are stored in a memory (98). In addition, starting the vehicle engine is enabled if an interior fingerprint sensor has been used, or the vehicle is unlocked if an exterior fingerprint sensor has been used. Vehicle subsystems that are automatically adjusted to the user preferences include seats (38), mirrors (40), steering wheel (42), climate control (44), airbag (52), telephone (46), radio (50) and onboard computer (54), as well as performance control features (48) such as suspension and transmission adjustment. Door locks (34) and security system features (36) are also automatically controlled, as is a radio transmitter (56) that is automatically customized to open the user's home garage door or office parking entry gate. Features of a number of different fingerprints are stored in the device to allow for operation of the vehicle (10) by different family members, as authorized by a primary user.

Fingerprint actuation of customized vehicle features

Apparatus, and a method for its use, for automatically verifying the identity of a person seeking access to a protected property, such as a car, room, building or automatic teller machine. The apparatus, which is disclosed in the form of a handheld fob (14), includes a sensor (16) for reading biometric data, such as a fingerprint image, from the person (12), and a correlator (28) for comparing the sensed data with a previously stored reference image (32) and for determining whether there is a match. If there is a match, the fob (14) initiates an exchange of signals with the 'door' (10) that protects the property. Specifically, the fob (14) generates a numerical value, such as a cyclic redundancy code, from the stored reference image (32), encrypts the numerical value, and transmits it to the door (10) as confirmation of the person's identity. For further security, the person (12) registers this numerical value at each door (10) to which access is desired. Upon receipt of identity confirmation from the fob (14), the door (10) compares the received numerical value with the one stored during registration, before granting access.

Personal identification fob

Apparatus, and a method for its use, for automatically verifying the identity of a person seeking access to a protected property that is remotely located with respect to the apparatus, such as a remotely located computer file or building alarm system. The apparatus, which is disclosed in the form of a handheld device (14) or other portable device (14'), includes a sensor (16) for reading biometric data, such as a fingerprint image, from the person, and a correlator (28) for comparing the sensed data with a previously stored reference image (32) and for determining whether there is a match. If there is a match, the device (14) initiates an exchange of signals over a communication network, with the 'door' (10) that protects the property. Specifically, the device (14) generates a numerical value, such as a cyclic redundancy code, from the stored reference image (32), encrypts the numerical value, and transmits it to the door (10) as confirmation of the person's identity. For further security, the person registers this numerical value at each door (10) to which access is desired. Upon receipt of identity confirmation from the device (14), the door (10) compares the received numerical value with the one stored during registration, before granting access to the protected property.

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Redondo Beach, CA, United States of America

Bruce W Evans