Inventors:
Alexander G. Dickinson - Laguna Beach CA
Andrew Cole - Sebastian FL
Shahin Hadjiabadi - Vero Beach FL
Fredric F. Derwitsch - Melbourne FL
Paul F. Vachris - Palm Bay FL
Steven J. Marteney - Melbourne FL
Ronald S. Smith - Palm Bay FL
Gregory A. Mullins - Melbourne FL
Assignee:
Ethentica, Inc. - Aliso Viejo CA
International Classification:
G06K 900
US Classification:
382124, 382127, 345156, 345 45
Abstract:
A system and method for using a relief object image generator for cursor control, computer access control, and operational parameter control is disclosed. The system includes a relief object image generator, a sensor array, an image processor, and a memory. The relief object image generator generates images of relief objects, such as fingerprints, brought in proximity of the exposed surface of the image generator. The image processor receives the image from the sensor array, processes the image, and compares the resulting descriptive information to stored information corresponding to authorized users. If a match is found, the user is granted access to the computer. The image processor may also process the image to determine image movement or the images presence or absence. Detected movement is used to generate directional signals while the presence and abserice of the image is used to generate highlight and select signals. These signals conform to those generated by known mouse devices so the system of the present invention can replace a position variable device in the keyboard of a laptop or other portable computer without sacrificing functionality for the system.