Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

An identification card and method and apparatus for producing and authenticating such an identification card. A person whom the identification card will identify, is scanned to produce a digital signal which is compressed, encrypted, and coded as a two dimensional barcode or as some other appropriate form of coding, which is incorporated into one portion of the identification card. The image is also printed or otherwise embodied onto another portion of the identification card. A text message maybe appended to the signal before it is encrypted and also printed as plain text on the identification card. In one embodiment the signal representing the image is encrypted using a public key encryption system and the key is downloaded from a center. To validate the card the coded message is scanned, decoded, decrypted, expanded and displayed. The card may then be authenticated by comparison of the displayed representation of the image and the displayed text message with the image and text message with the image and text message printed on the card. A secure record of the verification transaction is made. In one embodiment the record is electronically notarized.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim