A novel digitizing pen for the analysis of pen pressure and inclination in handwriting biometrics

Abstract

In this paper we introduce a novel multi-functional digitizing pen for the verification and identification of individuals by means of handwritten signatures, text or figures (biometric smart pen, BiSP). Different from most conventional graphics tablets the device measures the kinematics and the dynamics of hand movement during the writing process by recording the pressure (Px, Py, Pz) and inclination (α, β) of the pen. Characteristic behavioral patterns are numerically extracted from the signals and stored in a database. Biometric test samples are compared against reference templates using a rapid feature classification and matching algorithm. A first BiSP prototype based on pressure sensors is available for presentation. Preliminary results obtained from 3D pressure signals demonstrate a remarkable potential of the system for person verification and identification, and suggest further applications in the areas of neurology and psychiatry. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2004.