IDENTIFICATION

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS:

[0001] This application claims priority from United States Provisional Application No. 61/422,445, filed on December 13, 2010. The entire contents of this earlier filed application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety as if fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND:

Field:

[0002] Embodiments of the invention relate to a method, apparatus, and/or system for secure positive identification and authentication of an owner or executor of a content-document or instrument. The content-document or instrument can be in physical form or in electronic form.

Description of the Related Art:

[0003] Document or instrument authentication (confirming authenticity and genuineness of content-document) involves verifying the nature and source or owner of a document presented for acceptance. For example, personal monetary transaction cheques are required to include a signature of the account holder or owner in order to be valid as presented. However, hand-written signatures can be easily forged, modified or tampered with resulting in the unlawful use of checks to illegally acquire funds. Such fraud is not limited to checks, but can apply to other financial and also non-financial instruments, such as bonds and money orders, and other official documents or contractual agreements, such as birth certificates, travel passports, identity cards, and also such as legally binding documents, medical prescription slips, etc.

SUMMARY:

[0004] One embodiment is directed to a method including producing or fabrication a label (material compound or electromagnetic element) configured to capture a multi-dimensional fingerprint features or characteristics. The label includes a mold or material compound or electromagnetic element for capturing the multi-dimensional fingerprint features. The method further includes applying or embedding the label comprising the mold or material compound or electromagnetic element to a document requiring authentication or requiring confirmation of source or owner identity such that a multi-dimensional fingerprint placed in the mold positively identifies a source or owner of the content-document.

[0005] Another embodiment is directed to an apparatus including a production or fabrication unit configured to produce or manufacture a label configured to capture a multi-dimensional fingerprint. The label includes a mold or material compound or electromagnetic element for capturing the multi-dimensional fingerprint. The apparatus also includes an applying or embedding unit configured to apply or to embed the label including the mold for capturing the multi-dimensional fingerprint to a document requiring authentication or confirming source or owner identity. When an owner of the document applies their multi-dimensional fingerprint to the mold, the multi-dimensional fingerprint transposed onto the mold or captured by the material compound or electromagnetic element positively identifies the source or owner of the content-document.

[0006] One embodiment is directed to a method including reading fingerprint features off live finger in order to capture a multi-dimensional fingerprint features or characteristics. In an embodiment, the reading of the fingerprint features may be performed by a fingerprint features capturing (reading and printing) unit. The method further includes printing the read fingerprint features to a document requiring authentication or requiring confirmation of source or owner identity such that a multi-dimensional fingerprint printed on the content-document positively identifies a source or owner of the content-document.

[0007] Another embodiment is directed to a method including reading fingerprint features from a finger in order to capture fingerprint features or characteristics. Additionally or alternatively, the method may include reading other body members or physiological features, such as facial features or iris features, from a person in order to capture other characteristics including behavioral traits. In an embodiment, the reading of the fingerprint features may be performed by a fingerprint features capturing and/or body member capturing (reading and printing) unit. The method further includes printing the read fingerprint features or printing the read other body members features to an electronic document requiring authentication or requiring confirmation of source or owner identity such that a multi-dimensional fingerprint printed on the electronic content-document positively identifies a source or owner of the content- document. Another embodiment is directed to an apparatus including a reader unit configured to read fingerprint features and/or other body member features, such as facial or retina features.

[0008] Another embodiment is directed to an apparatus including a printer unit configured to define or apply fingerprint and/or other body member or physiological features onto a content-document requiring authentication or confirming source or owner identity. When an owner of the document transposed or prints their multi-dimension fingerprint and/or other body member or physiological features to the content-document, the multi- dimensional fingerprint and/or other body member or physiological features printed onto document positively identifies the source or owner of the content-document.

[0009] The above described embodiments provide for the production or fabrication phase of a label, for example, and the applying or embedding of the label, for the alternative of the Physical Interface Approach to capturing fingerprint features onto a document. The above described embodiments also separately highlight the reading and printing phase for the alternative of the Electronic Interface Approach to capturing fingerprint features and/or other body member or physiological features onto a document. In some embodiments, the content- document can also be an electronic content-document. In addition to fingerprint features, the biometric features captured onto content-document can also be of a person's other body members or physiological features, such as facial features or iris features. In another embodiment, a method for authenticating a document is provided. The method includes receiving a content-document for authentication or for confirming the source or owner identity. The content-document embeds a label including a mold or material compound or electromagnetic element for capturing a multi-dimensional fingerprint features and/or other body member or physiological features, and the mold may include a captured multi-dimensional fingerprint and/or other body member or physiological features. In another embodiment the content- document includes printed or captured fingerprint features, characteristics or information . In another embodiment, the content-document may additionally or alternatively include printed or captured other body member or physiological features, characteristics or information. In another embodiment, the content- document can be of electronic form and electronically include captured fingerprint features, characteristics, or information, and/or other body member or physiological features.

[0010] The method further includes scanning or reading the document and the label or the printed information to assimilate the multi-dimensional fingerprint captured features and/or other body member or physiological features, recovering and comparing the multi-dimensional fingerprint features and/or other body member or physiological features against a database of pre-registered fingerprints, body member or physiological features, and when a match is located in the background database that hosts registered fingerprints, body member or physiological features, and the associate owner identity, confirms whether the matched fingerprint corresponds to a supposed source or owner of the content- document.

[0011] Another embodiment is directed to an apparatus including at least one processor, and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, with the at least one processor, to control the apparatus to receive a document for confirming authenticity of the content-document source or owner. The document includes a label including a mold for capturing a multi-dimensional fingerprint, body member or physiological features, and the mold includes captured multi-dimensional fingerprint features, body member or physiological features. In another embodiment the document includes captured fingerprint features printed information. In another embodiment, the document may include information capturing other body members features and/or physiological features. In another embodiment the document is of electronic form and includes captured fingerprint features, other body member features, and/or physiological features. The at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured, with the at least one processor, to control the apparatus to read the document and the label or the printed information to assimilate the multi-dimensional fingerprint captured features, other body member features, and/or physiological features, compare the fingerprint features or other body member features information against a database of pre-registered fingerprints, retinal/iris scans, faces, or the like and, when a fingerprint match is located in the database, confirms whether the matched fingerprint corresponds to a supposed source or owner of the content-document.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

[0012] For proper understanding of the invention, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0013] Fig. 1 illustrates an apparatus configured to produce or fabricate an element for capturing fingerprint features, according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0014] Figs. 2a-2e illustrate a use-example of a product of manufacture, according to one embodiment;

[0015] Fig. 3 illustrates an apparatus configured to match a captured fingerprint, according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0016] Fig. 4 illustrates a flow diagram of a method, according to one embodiment;

[0017] Fig. 5 illustrates a flow diagram of a method, according to another embodiment;

[0018] Fig. 6 illustrates an apparatus configured to read, match and/or print fingerprint features, according to one embodiment of the invention; [0019] Fig. 7 illustrates a flow diagram of a method, according to another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION:

[0020] Embodiments of the invention provide a method, apparatus, and/or system for content-document source or owner assured identification and, therefore, confirm the authenticity and genuineness of the content-document. More specifically, certain embodiments of the invention can be utilized with any content-document, whether physical or electronic form and including, but not limited to, financial and non-financial instruments, such as bonds and money orders, and official documents or contractual agreements, such as birth certificates, travel passports, identity cards, and also such as medical prescription slips, etc. where assured and secured positive identification of the source or owner is desired or required.

Production or Fabrication-Phase:

[0021] One embodiment includes a method or apparatus for applying or embedding a specially produced or manufactured label with a mold or material compound or electromagnetic element for capturing the fingerprint features or characteristics onto a document or onto a content-document. In one example, a label-production or fabrication apparatus , or any other device configured to create or produce labels, can create or produce and also apply or embed the label onto the content-document. The label is designed with a mold or material compound or electromagnetic element so as to accept or capture the application of a multidimensional (2-dimensional or 3 -dimensional) fingerprint features or characteristics thereupon by a source, an owner, or executor of the document. According to one embodiment, the label can be a mold made of material compound or electromagnetic element which can be a resin based or wax based compound or can be of organic (carbon-based) and inorganic combination to capture a multi-dimensional fingerprint features. [0022] The steps can be for pre- label production or fabrication and pre- label embedding within the document, i.e., prior to, or in anticipation of, information or content being transposed onto the document by content source or owner. Alternatively, embodiments can be on-demand or real-time in the sense that at time of content-document generation alternative whereby label production or fabrication and/or applying or embedding within document is at the same step or phase as of information or content being generated on the document by the content source or owner. In either alternative the source or owner of content-document will then transpose fingerprint features or characteristics to a label embedded within the now content-document.

[0023] Therefore, one embodiment of the invention includes a method which may be performed by a production or fabrication apparatus or device for creating and applying the specially formulated label. The method includes receiving a content-document that requires content source or owner authentication. The document can be a monetary transaction, check, money order, bond, travel passports, identity card, medical prescription slip, or any other financial or non- financial official document, contract or instrument. The method may further include applying or embedding a label configured to accept or capture transposition of fingerprint features or characteristics thereupon or applying the specially formulated label to a content-document. Thereafter, the owner or executor of the document can transpose their fingerprint features onto the label just embedded onto the content-document to thereby transpose fingerprint features onto the content-document. In one embodiment, the label is a mold configured to accept or capture a multi-dimensional transposition or recording or image of fingerprint features.

[0024] Fig. 1 illustrates an apparatus 100 for creating and applying a specially formulated label onto a document, according to one embodiment of the invention. The apparatus 100 also includes a receiving unit 105 (for the matching-phase) configured to receive a document that may require authentication. The apparatus 100 may also include a production or fabrication unit 107 configured to produce a label configured to capture a multi- dimensional fingerprint. In one embodiment, the label includes a mold for capturing the multi-dimensional fingerprint. The label producing or fabrication unit 107 can be in communication with and/or connected to an applying unit 110 (production or fabrication-phase) that is configured to create or produce and apply or embed the label onto the document. Unit 110 is deployable in the pre-embed scenario versus the on-demand scenario where the use-case is highlighted by the owner of content embeds label onto document as content-document is generated.

[0025] This embodiment provides on-demand or real-time alternative in the sense that production or fabrication of label and/or applying, or embedment of, the label onto document at same step or time as of information or content creation or generation onto document by content source or owner, i.e. as the document becomes content-document.

Product-Use or Execution-Phase:

[0026] In one embodiment, the fingerprint features or characteristics that have been transposed or recorded to the label is protected with a sealing cover that is made of a translucent and soft material to seal the captured or recorded features or characteristics and ensure that fingerprint features transposition for positive identification attempts cannot be replicated or even reused. The label is configured so as to accept only one fingerprint capturing and only one embedment within document - it only accepts a one-time use, and any effort to tamper with the translucent seal will render the document and/or the label non-authentic. Thus, once a label is embedded within document and similarly once a fingerprint is transposed and captured within label, any attempt to remove the label off document or remove captured features protective seal or tamper with the label and/or fingerprint captured features will be evidenced, and will render captured fingerprint unreadable or integrity destroyed. Therefore, any such tampered-label of a content-document is rendered unaesthetic. In some embodiments, the label and protective seal is provided with physical security bonding attributes and the protective seal may include a hologram to provide an added level of physical security and higher assurance on the physical integrity of the label and integrity of the of the one-time link between captured fingerprint features and the content- document. This is to confirm the one-time use of label to document and the onetime use of fingerprint features to label.

[0027] In another embodiment, the applied label material compound or electromagnetic element will only accept a onetime fingerprint features capturing and then will solidify thus nullifying any other attempt at generating another fingerprint capture. The label sealing cover or protective cover will only accept one-time sealing attempt and attempts to remove sealing cover will render captured featured unreadable or destroyed. The label physical bonding to document will only accept one-time bonding attempts and attempts to remove label will render label and captured features unreadable or destroyed.

[0028] Fig. 2a illustrates an example of a document 200 including a label 205 applied or embedded thereon. The label 205 may be applied, for example, by the apparatus 100 illustrated in Fig. 1, as discussed above. According to an embodiment, the label 205 shown in Fig. 2a has a specially formulated material compound or electromagnetic element or coating applied thereon that can capture a multi-dimensional fingerprint features or characteristics. The label 205 may be applied to the document 200 at the time of creation of the document 200 or, alternatively, the label 205 may be of a physical secure bonding label nature that is applied to the document at some point after its creation. Removal of the label from document will render sealed fingerprint featured unreadable. For example, the document 200 illustrated in Fig. 2a may include, but is not limited to, other financial and non-financial instruments, such as bonds and money orders, and other official documents or contractual agreements, such as birth certificates, travel passports, identity cards, and also such as legally binding documents, medical prescription slips, etc. and any other possible document or instrument in which positive secured identification of source or owner is required.

[0029] Fig. 2b illustrates an embodiment in which a translucent protective and sealing cover 210 of the label 205 is removed or peeled back to reveal an area of the label 205 with a specially formulated material compound or electromagnetic element for receiving a fingerprint. In one embodiment, the compound can be a resin based or wax based material compound, or can be of organic (carbon-based) and inorganic combination based electromagnetic element that is capable of capturing a multi-dimensional fingerprint features under certain specific conditions as pertaining to live fingerprint. According to certain embodiments, the material compound or electromagnetic element can be made to harden after it is exposed to air for a pre-specified hardening period. In one embodiment, the translucent sealing cover 210 may include a hologram applied thereon. In one embodiment, the sealing cover is removed after sealing a captured fingerprint will render fingerprint features unreadable.

[0030] Fig. 2c illustrates the subject, i.e., the owner or executer of the document or instrument 200, applying their finger against the material compound or electromagnetic element area of label 205 which includes the specially formulated material compound or electromagnetic element in order to transpose and capture a multi-dimensional image of the finger onto the document. As shown in Fig. 2d, the cover 210 of the label 205 can then be re-applied to the area now containing the fingerprint to create a seal onto the fingerprint. In one embodiment, the translucent sealing cover or film 210 may include a hologram in order to be able to assess any attempt to break the seal or tamper with the fingerprint or document 200. Applying the cover onto the fingerprint renders the label 205 and fingerprint captured features physically tamperproof. Fig. 2e illustrates the document 200 with the completed and sealed tamperproof fingerprint which is now ready for matching. Accordingly, once a document has label with a fingerprint features applied thereto and the translucent film/cover seals the captured features, the label can then be used to seal and protect the information for later securely and positively identify the content-document owner/executor and its authenticity.

[0031] The labels shown in Figs. 2a-2e may be provided to the general public, trade organizations, commercial organizations and businesses, financial institutions, health organizations, shipping organizations, government agencies and others either in the form of pre-applied or pre-embedded within documents ready for capturing owner content and owner fingerprint features, or, alternatively, the authentication labels may be provided separately from the documents as authentication labels with required secure bonding mechanism, all packaged for distribution to any end use type. This later alternative is for on-demand or realtime applying or embedding within content-document at owner content generation point.

[0032] Fig. 5 illustrates a flow diagram of a method for creating a label or document such that the owner or executor of the document can be identified and the content-document authenticated. The method of Fig. 5 includes, at 500, creating or producing or fabrication a label capable of capturing a multidimensional fingerprint features. The label may include a mold or material compound or electromagnetic element that captures the multi-dimensional fingerprint features, as discussed above. In one embodiment, the label is created or produced by a multi-dimensional production or fabrication mechanism. The method then includes, at 510, applying or embedding the label comprising the multi-dimensional fingerprint features capturing mold or material compound or electromagnetic element onto content-document requiring authentication or source or owner identification such that the captured multi-dimensional fingerprint features positively identifies a source or owner of the document.

The Electronic Approach to capturing fingerprint features - The Reading and Printing-phase:

[0033] According to an embodiment, in addition to or instead of the fingerprint features captured on the label, an added level of or an alternative for, authenticity verification and mechanism integrity may be provided by computing a unique set of alpha-numeric characters based on the characteristics or features of the fingerprint or of other body members features. For example, the characteristics of the fingerprint may include the fingerprint pattern, i.e., whorl, loop, or arch, the ridge characteristics, the Galton characteristics, and the dimensions of the fingerprint. These unique fingerprint characteristics or features can be converted and combined to form a unique set of alpha-numeric characters. This unique set of alpha-numeric characters that are based on the fingerprint characteristics or features may then be applied to the content-document to further confirm the source or owner of the content-document.

[0034] Further, in one embodiment, another level of authenticity verification and mechanism integrity can be provided by computing a private key for the source or owner of the content-document. The private key can then be computationally combined with the unique set of alpha-numeric characters that are based on the owner's fingerprint characteristics or features or other body members features. This computational combination of the owner's private key and unique set of alpha-numeric characters may then be applied onto the content-document.

[0035] In some embodiments, the fingerprint-derived or other body member featured-derived alpha-numeric or the computational combination alpha-numeric may be applied to the document through embossing. In an embodiment, the embossing may be accomplished by applying heat and pressure with male and female dyes that fit together and squeeze the fibers of the document. The heat and pressure raise the level of the image higher than the substrate. In an embodiment, the embossing may be performed on a letterpress.

[0036] In some embodiments, the fingerprint-derived alpha-numeric or the computational combination alpha-numeric may be applied to the document through printing. In an embodiment, the printing may be imperceptible or invisible to the human eye.

[0037] Fig. 6 illustrates an apparatus 300 for reading and embossing or printing live fingerprint features label or other body members features onto a document, according to one embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment the apparatus 300 can be handheld and transportable. The apparatus 300 also includes a receiving unit 305 (for the matching-phase) configured to receive a document that may require authentication. The apparatus 300 may also include an embossing or a printing unit 307. In one embodiment applying unit 310 may be configured to define a computational combination derived from the source or owner private key and/or unique set of alpha-numeric characters based on the fingerprint features, as discussed above. In some embodiments and for such purposes the method may include printing imperceptible or human invisible representation of the computational combination onto content-document. The content-document can be of electronic form.

[0038] In another embodiment, applying unit 310 may be configured to emboss the computational combination alpha-numeric onto the document. In some embodiments and for such purposes the apparatus may include a printer, printing press or letterpress.

[0039] Methodology for defining or printing fingerprint computational combination can include reproduction on media such as paper-based media can include any one or more of the following techniques but no limited to:- laser etching, laser engraving, laser perforation, micro-printing, layered-printing, watermarks, ghost image printing, the use of optically variable reproduction material such as optically variable ink or other reproduction material including liquid crystal, color shifting printing, rainbow printing, printing using variable luster material that can be metallic, pearlescent, iridescent, and other mechanism that alters the physical topology of the media that can be as mentioned paper-based.

[0040] Certain embodiment of the invention, therefore, provide alternative approaches to capturing fingerprint features, including the Physical Approach whereby fingerprint features are captured through a physical finger pushed against the mold within label for capturing fingerprint features onto content-document, or including the Electronic Approach whereby physical finger or other body members is pushed against, or placed in front of, a reader for reading features that then captured through embossing or alternatively printing features computation combination or representation onto the content-document.

[0041] Certain embodiments of the invention, therefore, provide a more assured mechanism for confirming the authenticity of a source or owner of a content- document. In particular, embodiments of the invention provide a more guaranteed method of confirming the genuineness of a document than currently provided by hand- written signatures.

[0042] In addition, such embodiments of invention as described above, provide a mechanism for revoking the link between source or owner and the elements that confirm content authenticity and genuineness.

Matching-Phase:

[0043] In another embodiment, a method and device for reading and confirming the source of a document that includes a label with a fingerprint features transposed thereupon is provided.

[0044] In another embodiment, a method and device for reading and confirming the source of a document that includes embossing or alternatively a printing with a fingerprint features, or a printing with another body members features, transposed thereupon is provided.

[0045] According to one embodiment, when the authenticity of source or of owner of content-document needs to be confirmed, for example by its intended recipient, a specialized reading apparatus (reader) is utilized to identify the original source or owner of the content-document and hence to confirm content- document authenticity and genuineness. For example, the reader can scan or read the content-document and in particular the embedded label and captured features within. An alternative example may be that the reader can scan or read the content-document and in particular the embossing or otherwise the printed captured features within. An alternative example may be that the reader can read the content-document of electronic form and in particular the printed fingerprint features information or other body member features information that is imperceptible or invisible to the human eye.

[0046] In one embodiment, the reader can detect whether the label, its bonding to document and/or its sealing cover, has been tampered with by detecting any anomalies in the label and/or the protective sealing cover or in the fingerprint features captured within the label. If no tampering is detected, the reader can then compare the multi-dimensional fingerprint features captured within the label against a database of pre-registered fingerprints and their owners' identity. When a fingerprint features match is located in the database, the reader can confirm whether the matched fingerprint features correspond to the alleged owner or executor of the document. If so, the reader can provide a notification that indicates that the content-document is valid and authentic. If, however, the reader detects that the label has been tampered with, that automatically there is no fingerprint match in the database(s), or that the fingerprint located in the database does not match the alleged owner of the document, the reader can return an error notification indicating that the document is invalid or forged.

[0047] In another embodiment, the reader may first confirm the validity of the computational combination in order to continue matching the fingerprint features.

[0048] In another embodiment, the reader may first confirm the integrity of the content-document in order to confirm content-document of electronic form has not been modified further to the fingerprint or other body member features being captured and printed thereon, in order to continue matching the fingerprint or other body member features.

[0049] Fig. 3 illustrates a reader configured to read and match the alleged source or owner of a document that includes a label with a fingerprint transposed or captured on the label in accordance with the method discussed above. In another embodiment the reader is configured to read and match the alleged source or owner of a document that includes a fingerprint transposed or captured with embossed or printed information in accordance with the method discussed above. Reader 10 may include a communications interface 12, such as a bus or other communications mechanism, for communicating information between components of reader 10. Alternatively, the components of reader 10 may communicate directly with each other, without use of communications interface 12. Reader 10 also includes at least one processor 22, coupled to communications interface 12, for receiving, managing, and/or processing network or user input or information, and for executing instructions or operations. Processor 22 may be any type of general or specific purpose processor. In one embodiment, processor 22 may be included within an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0050] Reader 10 further includes a memory 14 for storing information and instructions to be executed by processor 22. Memory 14 can be comprised of any combination of random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), static storage such as a magnetic or optical disk, or any other type of machine or computer readable media. Computer readable media may be any available media that can be accessed by processor 22 and could include volatile or nonvolatile media, removable or non-removable media, and communication media. Communication media may include computer program code or instructions, data structures, program modules or other data, and includes any information delivery media.

[0051] Processor 22 can further be coupled, via communications interface 12 or directly, to a graphical user interface or display 24, such as liquid crystal display (LCD) or a thin film transistor (TFT) LCD, for displaying information to a user. Any type of display capable of presenting information to the user may be used, according to certain embodiments of the invention.

[0052] Reader 10 further includes a communication device 20, such as a transceiver, antenna, or network interface card or other communications interface, to provide access to and facilitate communications with a network or database. Additionally, communication device 20 may facilitate the receipt of information from a user, network, or database, and the transmission of information to the user, network, or database. As a result, a user may interface with reader 10 directly or remotely through the network or any other method.

[0053] In one embodiment, memory 14 stores software modules or applications that provide functionality when executed by processor 22. The modules may include an operating system 15 that provides operating system functionality for reader 10. Reader 10 may also store a fingerprint features reading and recognition application 16 for reading and recognizing a fingerprint transposed or captured on a label and on embossing or printed information, as discussed above. The memory 14 may also store other functional modules or applications 18. Other applications 18 may include an application for recovering and comparing and matching fingerprints features read by reader 10 with fingerprints features stored in database 30.

[0054] Processor 22 and memory 14 may also be coupled via bus 12 to a database system 30 and, thus, may be able to access and retrieve information stored in database system 30. Although only a single database is illustrated in Fig. 3, any number of databases may be used in accordance with certain embodiments. In some embodiments, database system 30 may store fingerprint features and associated information such as the computational combination derived from the source or owner private key in combination with the alpha-numeric based on the fingerprint features. In one example, database system 30 is configured to store, update, and retrieve data associated with fingerprint features and associate owner or owner identity. Database 30 may comprise or be connected to a centralized database of an organization or a national database of fingerprints features, including those of local, national, or international law enforcement. Database system 30 may include a database server and any type of database, such as a relational or flat file database.

[0055] In one embodiment, processor 22, together with memory 14, are configured to control reader 10 to receive a document for verification, and scan or read the document and associated label. In certain embodiments, the document received by reader may be a document as prepared in Figs. 2a-2d discussed above. For example, the document may include a label that includes a captured multidimensional fingerprint features in a mold made of a resin or wax or other material based compound or made of organic (carbon-based) and inorganic combination based electromagnetic element. In another example, the document may include printed information that is imperceptible or invisible to the human eye. The reader 10 is configured to read a fingerprint features transposed or captured on the label to identify the fingerprint owner, and detect whether the label has been tampered with by detecting any anomalies in the label sealing cover or in the fingerprint transposed or captured on the label. If no tampering is detected, the reader 10 can then compare the multi-dimensional fingerprint image contained on the label against the database 30 storing pre-registered fingerprints and their owners' identity. When a fingerprint features match is located in the database 30, the reader 10 can confirm whether the matched fingerprint features corresponds to the alleged owner or executor of the document. If so, the reader 10 can provide a notification that indicates that the document is valid and authenticated. The notification can include, but is not limited to an audible sound or a visual signal. If, however, the reader 10 detects that the label has been tampered with, that there is no fingerprint features match in the database(s), or that the fingerprint features located in the database does not match the alleged owner of the document, the reader can return an error notification indicating that the document is invalid or forged. The error notification may also include an audible sound or visual signal.

[0056] The reader 10 can be configured specifically for each application or type of document that is to be verified. For instance, in some embodiments, the reader 10 can be handheld and transportable. In some embodiments, reader 10 may include a specially designed biometric fingerprint features reader device. In one embodiment the reader 10 is configured to read a fingerprint features transposed or captured via embossed information on content-document. In one embodiment the reader 10 is configured to read a fingerprint features transposed or captured via printing information on content-document whereby the printed information is imperceptible or invisible to the human eye.

[0057] Fig. 4 illustrates a flow diagram of a method for receiving and verifying the authenticity or genuineness of a document which includes the specially formulated label and applied fingerprint, according to one embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, the functionality of the flow diagram illustrated in Fig. 4, and Fig. 5 and Fig. 7 discussed below, can be implemented by software stored in memory or other computer readable or tangible media, and executed by a processor. In other embodiments, the functionality may be performed by hardware (e.g., through the use of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable gate array (PGA), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), etc.), or any combination of hardware and software.

[0058] The method of Fig. 4 includes, at 400, receiving a document for verification. At 410, the method includes scanning and/or reading label on the received document to determine whether the label has been tampered with and to read fingerprint features transposed on the label. The method further includes, at 420, recovering and comparing the fingerprint features read from the label with a database of fingerprints features. At 430, the method includes retrieving a match of the fingerprint features from the database, if any match is found. At 440, the method includes providing a notification based on whether a fingerprint features match is found and whether the fingerprint features match corresponds with the alleged owner/executor of the document.

[0059] Fig. 7 illustrates a flow diagram of a method for reading live fingerprint features or other body members features and defining or printing the features, or a representation of the features, within the content-document for later source or owner identity confirmation. According to an embodiment, the method of Fig. 7, in addition to, or instead of, the applying of the label capturing the fingerprint or other body member features, an added level of authenticity verification mechanism integrity may be provided by computing, and applying to the document, a unique set of alpha-numeric characters based on the characteristics or features of the fingerprint or other body member. For example, the characteristics of the fingerprint may include the fingerprint pattern, i.e., whorl, loop, or arch, the ridge characteristics, the Galton characteristics, and the dimensions of the fingerprint. These unique fingerprint characteristics can be converted and combined to form a unique set of alpha-numeric characters. This unique set of alpha-numeric characters that are based on the fingerprint characteristics may then be applied to the document to further identify the source and/or owner of the content-document.

[0060] The method illustrated in Fig. 7 may include, at 600, reading live fingerprint characteristics or other body members features or characteristics. Then, at 610, the method may include printing the fingerprint features or other body members features to the content-document. The content-document can alternatively be in electronic form. In this embodiment, the applying of the label at 610, may further include the applying of the unique set of alpha-numeric characters that are based on the fingerprint characteristics or features. The applying of the unique set of alpha-numeric characters may be performed via embossing, according to one embodiment.

[0061] Further, in one embodiment, another level of authenticity verification mechanism integrity can be provided by computing a private key for the source or owner of the document. The private key can then be computationally combined with the unique set of alpha-numeric characters that are based on the owner's fingerprint characteristics or features, or based on the owner's other body members features. This computational combination of the owner's private key and unique set of alpha-numeric characters may then be applied onto the content-document. Thus, in an embodiment, the applying of the read fingerprint features at 610, may further include the applying of the computational combination of the source or owner's private key and unique set of alpha-numeric characters. The applying of the computational combination may be performed via embossing, according to one embodiment. In another embodiment the applying of the computational combination may be performed via printing whereby the defined representation can be imperceptible or invisible to the human eye. In another embodiment, the applying of the computational combination may be performed via printing within an electronic content-document and the defined representation can be imperceptible or invisible to the human eye. Embodiments of the invention may also include a computer program embodied on a non-transitory computer readable storage medium. The computer program may include computer code or instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to execute any of the methods described herein, such as the methods illustrated in Fig. 4, Fig. 5, or Fig. 7.

[0062] It should be noted that many of the functional features described in this specification have been presented as modules or units, in order to more particularly emphasize their implementation independence. For example, a module or unit may be implemented as a hardware circuit comprising custom VLSI circuits or gate arrays, off-the-shelf semiconductors such as logic chips, transistors, or other discrete components. A module or unit may also be implemented in programmable hardware devices such as field programmable gate arrays, programmable array logic, programmable logic devices or the like.

[0063] Modules or units may also be partially implemented in software for execution by various types of processors. An identified module of executable code may, for instance, comprise one or more physical or logical blocks of computer instructions which may, for instance, be organized as an object, procedure, or function. Nevertheless, the executables of an identified module need not be physically located together, but may comprise disparate instructions stored in different locations which, when joined logically together, comprise the module and achieve its stated purpose.

[0064] Indeed, a module of executable code could be a single instruction, or many instructions, and may even be distributed over several different code segments, among different programs, and across several memory devices. Similarly, operational data may be identified and illustrated herein within modules, and may be embodied in any suitable form and organized within any suitable type of data structure. The operational data may be collected as a single data set, or may be distributed over different locations including over different storage devices, and may exist, at least partially, merely as electronic signals on a system or network.

[0065] It should be noted that the different approaches and phases described above may be combined and are not mutually exclusive. For example the electronic approach may be combined with the physical label formulation to produce a further enhanced level of authentication.

[0066] One having ordinary skill in the art will readily understand that the invention as discussed above may be practiced with steps in a different order, and/or with hardware elements in configurations which are different than those which are disclosed. Further, it should be noted that embodiments of the invention can be combined and are not mutually exclusive.

[0067] Therefore, although the invention has been described based upon these preferred embodiments, it would be apparent to those of skill in the art that certain modifications, variations, and alternative constructions would be apparent, while remaining within the spirit and scope of the invention. In order to determine the metes and bounds of the invention, therefore, reference should be made to the appended claims.