This pen-based, identity verification uses biometric technology. For use in
commercial transactions at a point-of-sale terminal, a customer registers advising
the system of a customer account that is to be used for payment. The customer also
submits a digital signature for reference purposes-a fingerprint. The customer
is then issued a transponder that links the customer to the customer account and
to the reference digital signature. When the customer is at the point-of-sale terminal
for making payment, an interrogator disposed at the point-of-sale terminal transmits
a radio signal requesting identity verification. The transponder submits data to
the interrogator. Thereafter, when the customer uses a stylus to submit written
data (a signature), a sensor in the stylus makes incidental capture of biometric
data that enables the interrogator to confirm customer identity. Similarly, at
a security checkpoint in an office building, the system is utilized when a written
log is used to track access and egress to the building. Again, a transponder is
issued to a party having authorized access after the party has registered and submitted
a digital signature for reference purposes.
