Patent US1189307A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
Patent US7027623B2 successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US7027623B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for capturing an image
Assignee: Upper Deck Co LLC
•
Filing: 2003-05-21
•
Granted: 2006-04-11
•
Expires: 2023-05-21
Abstract
Abstract A method and system for providing owners, potential buyers and other users of autographed items such as sports and other entertainment memorabilia visual evidence for verifying the authenticity of the autograph are described. A method of the present invention involves capturing an image of the signature as it is being placed on the item. The image so captured is then stored on a computer readable medium. In addition to the item itself, the owner of the item may be provided with a computer readable medium containing computer readable instructions for accessing the image and other information about the item, the signing process, the autographer, etc. The image may be captured by a camera mounted on a pen or other writing instrument.
Inventors
- 👤 Richard P. McWilliam
- 👤 G. Lynn Hagen
- 👤 Robert G. Andrews
- 👤 Matthew Hoerr
- 👤 Adam Christianson
- 👤 Brenton Demko
- 👤 William B. Abrahams
- 👤 Richard Sutherland
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 12:14
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F21/00; G06F21/30; G06F21/31; G06Q; G06Q30/00; G06Q30/06; G06K; G06K19/00; G06K19/06; G06K19/08; G06K19/10; G06K19/16; G06Q30/0601; G06Q30/0609; G06Q40/00; G06Q40/04; G06V; G06V30/00; G06V30/10; G06V30/22; G06V30/224; G06V40/00; G06V40/30; G07; G07C; G07C9/00; G07C9/30; G07C9/32; G07C9/35; G09; G09F; G09F3/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 95
Claim 1
Independent Claim
82 words
An apparatus for capturing an image, said apparatus comprising: a writing instrument capable of imprinting a mark on an item; a camera capable of capturing an image of said mark, said camera carried by said writing instrument; a receiver to receive an input signal from an external source, said receiver carried by said writing instrument; and a triggering signal generator coupled to the receiver to generate a triggering signal to control the camera, said triggering signal generator carried by said writing instrument.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
82 words
An apparatus for capturing an image, said apparatus comprising: a writing instrument capable of imprinting a mark on an item; a camera capable of capturing an image of said mark, said camera carried by said writing instrument; a receiver to receive an input signal from an external source, said receiver carried by said writing instrument; and a triggering signal generator coupled to the receiver to generate a triggering signal to control the camera, said triggering signal generator carried by said writing instrument.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the camera is positioned such that the image includes a selected target object.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the selected target object is a signature made with the writing instrument.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the position of the camera relative to the writing instrument can be changed.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said camera includes a charge-coupled device.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 1 , including a transmitter that sends a signal related to the image to a processor.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 1 , including a computer-readable medium that receives and stores said image.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the triggering signal generator is configured to send the triggering signal to the camera to initiate capture of the image.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 8 , wherein the triggering signal is sent when the item is within a specified distance from the apparatus.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 8 , wherein the triggering signal is sent when the triggering signal generator receives an input signal.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 8 , wherein the triggering signal is sent when an electromechanical device is actuated.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 8 , wherein the triggering signal is sent periodically.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the triggering signal generator is configured to send the triggering signal to the camera to terminate capture of the image.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the triggering signal is sent when the item is within a specified distance from the apparatus.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the triggering signal is sent when the triggering signal generator receives an input signal.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the triggering signal is sent when an electromechanical device is actuated.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the triggering signal is sent periodically.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus of claim 1 , including a coupler having a first end and a second end, said first end being connected to said camera and said second end being connected to said writing instrument.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the writing instrument includes a body, and wherein the camera is integrated into the body of the writing instrument.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
10 words
The apparatus of claim 1 , including a power supply.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 20 , wherein said power supply is a battery.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 1 , said writing instrument having an interchangeable tip.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 1 , said item being a memorabilia item.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
106 words
An apparatus for capturing an image, said apparatus comprising: a writing instrument, having a body with an aperture and capable of imprinting a mark on an item; a camera capable of capturing an image of the mark, said camera substantially disposed within said body and capturing the image through said aperture; a transmitter having an antenna which protrudes from said body; a receiver to receive an input signal from an external source, said receiver carried by said writing instrument; and a triggering signal generator coupled to the receiver to generate a triggering signal to control the camera, said triggering signal generator carried by said writing instrument.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
106 words
An apparatus for capturing an image, said apparatus comprising: a writing instrument, having a body with an aperture and capable of imprinting a mark on an item; a camera capable of capturing an image of the mark, said camera substantially disposed within said body and capturing the image through said aperture; a transmitter having an antenna which protrudes from said body; a receiver to receive an input signal from an external source, said receiver carried by said writing instrument; and a triggering signal generator coupled to the receiver to generate a triggering signal to control the camera, said triggering signal generator carried by said writing instrument.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 24 , said camera including a charge-coupled device.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 25 , said charge-coupled device being disposed within said body.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
10 words
The apparatus of claim 24 , including a power source.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 27 , said power source being a battery.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 27 , said power source being disposed within said body.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 24 , said writing instrument having a tip and said camera having a lens disposed so as to capture an image of the tip.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 24 , said writing instrument having an interchangeable tip.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 24 , said item being a memorabilia item.
Claim 35
Independent Claim
99 words
An apparatus for capturing an image, said apparatus comprising: a writing instrument, having a body with an aperture and capable of imprinting a mark on an item; a camera that captures an image of the mark, said camera substantially disposed within said body and capturing the image through said aperture; a receiver to receive an input signal from an external source, said receiver carried by said writing instrument; a triggering signal generator coupled to the receiver to generate a triggering signal to control the camera, said triggering signal generator carried by said writing instrument; and a computer readable medium.
Claim 36
Independent Claim
99 words
An apparatus for capturing an image, said apparatus comprising: a writing instrument, having a body with an aperture and capable of imprinting a mark on an item; a camera that captures an image of the mark, said camera substantially disposed within said body and capturing the image through said aperture; a receiver to receive an input signal from an external source, said receiver carried by said writing instrument; a triggering signal generator coupled to the receiver to generate a triggering signal to control the camera, said triggering signal generator carried by said writing instrument; and a computer readable medium.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 33 , said computer readable medium being removably associated with the apparatus.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
10 words
The apparatus of claim 33 , including a power source.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 35 , said power source being a battery.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 35 , said power source being disposed within said body.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 35 , said writing instrument having a tip and a lens disposed so as to capture an image of the tip.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 35 , said writing instrument having an interchangeable tip.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 33 , said item being a memorabilia item.
Claim 44
Independent Claim
81 words
An apparatus for capturing an image, said apparatus comprising: means for writing capable of imprinting a mark on an item; means for capturing an image of the mark, said means carried by said writing means; means for receiving an input signal from an external source, said means for receiving an input signal carried by said writing means; and means for generating a triggering signal for controlling the capturing means, said means for generating a triggering signal carried by said writing means.
Claim 45
Independent Claim
81 words
An apparatus for capturing an image, said apparatus comprising: means for writing capable of imprinting a mark on an item; means for capturing an image of the mark, said means carried by said writing means; means for receiving an input signal from an external source, said means for receiving an input signal carried by said writing means; and means for generating a triggering signal for controlling the capturing means, said means for generating a triggering signal carried by said writing means.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 41 , including means for transmitting said image.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 41 , including means for supplying electrical power to the capturing means.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 41 , including means for storing the image.
Claim 49
Independent Claim
101 words
A system for capturing an image of a signature being imprinted on an item by an autographer, said system comprising: a writing instrument, having a body with an aperture and capable of capturing an image of the signature; a unique item identifier attached to the item; a camera that captures the image, said camera substantially disposed within said body and having a lens disposed so as to capture the image through said aperture; and a reading device attached to said body to interpret the unique item identifier and control image capture when the unique item identifier is within a predetermined range.
Claim 50
Independent Claim
101 words
A system for capturing an image of a signature being imprinted on an item by an autographer, said system comprising: a writing instrument, having a body with an aperture and capable of capturing an image of the signature; a unique item identifier attached to the item; a camera that captures the image, said camera substantially disposed within said body and having a lens disposed so as to capture the image through said aperture; and a reading device attached to said body to interpret the unique item identifier and control image capture when the unique item identifier is within a predetermined range.
Claim 51
Independent Claim
81 words
An apparatus for capturing an image, said apparatus comprising: a writing instrument, having a body with an aperture; a camera that captures the image, said camera substantially disposed within said body and having a lens disposed so as to capture the image through said aperture; and a autographer-identifying information collector capable of capturing autographer-identifying information and electronically attached to said camera, wherein said camera is prevented from capturing the image until the camera receives a signal from said autographer-identifying information collector.
Claim 52
Independent Claim
81 words
An apparatus for capturing an image, said apparatus comprising: a writing instrument, having a body with an aperture; a camera that captures the image, said camera substantially disposed within said body and having a lens disposed so as to capture the image through said aperture; and a autographer-identifying information collector capable of capturing autographer-identifying information and electronically attached to said camera, wherein said camera is prevented from capturing the image until the camera receives a signal from said autographer-identifying information collector.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of claim 46 , said autographer-identifying information being a member selected from the group consisting of a signature, an image, a biometric sample, a fingerprint, and a unique identification code.
Claim 54
Independent Claim
124 words
A system for capturing an image of a signature being imprinted on an item by an autographer, said system comprising: a writing instrument, having a body with an aperture and capable of capturing the image of the signature; a unique item identifier attached to a memorabilia item, wherein the unique item identifier includes an active circuit, the active circuit being powered by an internal power source; a camera that captures the image, said camera substantially disposed within said body and having a lens disposed so as to capture the image of the signature through said aperture; and a reading device attached to said body to interpret the unique item identifier and prevent image capture until the unique item identifier is within a predetermined range.
Claim 55
Independent Claim
124 words
A system for capturing an image of a signature being imprinted on an item by an autographer, said system comprising: a writing instrument, having a body with an aperture and capable of capturing the image of the signature; a unique item identifier attached to a memorabilia item, wherein the unique item identifier includes an active circuit, the active circuit being powered by an internal power source; a camera that captures the image, said camera substantially disposed within said body and having a lens disposed so as to capture the image of the signature through said aperture; and a reading device attached to said body to interpret the unique item identifier and prevent image capture until the unique item identifier is within a predetermined range.
Claim 56
Independent Claim
136 words
A system for capturing an image of a signature being imprinted on an item by an autographer, said system comprising: a writing instrument, having a body with an aperture and capable of capturing the image of the signature; a unique item identifier attached to a memorabilia item; a camera that captures the image of the signature, said camera substantially disposed within said body and having a lens disposed so as to capture the image of the signature through said aperture; a receiver to receive an input signal from an external source; a triggering signal generator coupled to the receiver to generate a triggering signal to control the camera; and a reading device attached to said body to interpret the unique item identifier and prevent image capture until the unique item identifier is within a predetermined range.
Claim 57
Independent Claim
136 words
A system for capturing an image of a signature being imprinted on an item by an autographer, said system comprising: a writing instrument, having a body with an aperture and capable of capturing the image of the signature; a unique item identifier attached to a memorabilia item; a camera that captures the image of the signature, said camera substantially disposed within said body and having a lens disposed so as to capture the image of the signature through said aperture; a receiver to receive an input signal from an external source; a triggering signal generator coupled to the receiver to generate a triggering signal to control the camera; and a reading device attached to said body to interpret the unique item identifier and prevent image capture until the unique item identifier is within a predetermined range.
Claim 58
Independent Claim
125 words
A system for capturing an image, said system comprising: a writing instrument, having a body with an aperture; a camera that captures the image, said camera substantially disposed within said body and having a lens disposed so as to capture the image through said aperture; a receiver to receive an input signal from an external source, said receiver carried by said writing instrument; a triggering signal generator coupled to the receiver to generate a triggering signal to control the camera, said triggering signal generator carried by said writing instrument; and an autographer-identifying information collector capable of capturing autographer-identifying information and electronically attached to said camera, wherein said camera is prevented from capturing the image until the camera receives said signal from said autographer-identifying information collector.
Claim 59
Independent Claim
125 words
A system for capturing an image, said system comprising: a writing instrument, having a body with an aperture; a camera that captures the image, said camera substantially disposed within said body and having a lens disposed so as to capture the image through said aperture; a receiver to receive an input signal from an external source, said receiver carried by said writing instrument; a triggering signal generator coupled to the receiver to generate a triggering signal to control the camera, said triggering signal generator carried by said writing instrument; and an autographer-identifying information collector capable of capturing autographer-identifying information and electronically attached to said camera, wherein said camera is prevented from capturing the image until the camera receives said signal from said autographer-identifying information collector.
Claim 60
Independent Claim
61 words
An apparatus for capturing an image, said apparatus comprising: a writing instrument capable of imprinting a mark on an item; a camera capable of capturing an image of said mark, said camera carried by said writing instrument; and a reading device to interpret a unique item identifier and control image capture when the unique item identifier is within a predetermined range.
Claim 61
Independent Claim
61 words
An apparatus for capturing an image, said apparatus comprising: a writing instrument capable of imprinting a mark on an item; a camera capable of capturing an image of said mark, said camera carried by said writing instrument; and a reading device to interpret a unique item identifier and control image capture when the unique item identifier is within a predetermined range.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 51 , further including a power source.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 51 , wherein said camera is a charge-coupled device.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 51 , wherein the writing instrument has an interchangeable tip.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 51 , wherein said item is a memorabilia item.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 51 , further including a transmitter that sends a signal relating to the image to a processor.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 51 , further including a computer-readable medium to receive and store said image.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 51 , further including a triggering signal generator configured to send a triggering signal to said camera to initiate image capture.
Claim 69
Independent Claim
103 words
An apparatus for capturing an image of a signature being imprinted on an item by an autographer, said apparatus comprising: a writing instrument, having a body with an aperture and capable of capturing the image of the signature; a camera that captures the image of the signature, said camera substantially disposed within said body and having a lens disposed so as to capture the image of the signature through said aperture; and a reading device attached to said body to interpret a unique item identifier attached to the item and prevent image capture until the unique item identifier is within a predetermined range.
Claim 70
Independent Claim
103 words
An apparatus for capturing an image of a signature being imprinted on an item by an autographer, said apparatus comprising: a writing instrument, having a body with an aperture and capable of capturing the image of the signature; a camera that captures the image of the signature, said camera substantially disposed within said body and having a lens disposed so as to capture the image of the signature through said aperture; and a reading device attached to said body to interpret a unique item identifier attached to the item and prevent image capture until the unique item identifier is within a predetermined range.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 59 , further including a power source.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 59 , wherein said camera is a charge-coupled device.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 59 , wherein the writing instrument has an interchangeable tip.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 59 , wherein said item is a memorabilia item.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 59 , further including a transmitter that sends a signal relating to the image to a processor.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 59 , further including a computer-readable medium to receive and store said image.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 59 , further including a triggering signal generator configured to send a triggering signal to said camera to initiate image capture.
Claim 78
Independent Claim
117 words
An apparatus for capturing an image of a signature being imprinted on an item by an autographer, said apparatus comprising: a writing instrument, having a body with an aperture and capable of capturing the image of the signature; a camera that captures the image, said camera substantially disposed within said body and having a lens disposed so as to capture the image of the signature through said aperture; and a reading device attached to said body to interpret a unique item identifier attached to the item and prevent image capture until the unique item identifier is within a predetermined range, wherein the unique item identifier includes an active circuit that is powered by an internal power source.
Claim 79
Independent Claim
117 words
An apparatus for capturing an image of a signature being imprinted on an item by an autographer, said apparatus comprising: a writing instrument, having a body with an aperture and capable of capturing the image of the signature; a camera that captures the image, said camera substantially disposed within said body and having a lens disposed so as to capture the image of the signature through said aperture; and a reading device attached to said body to interpret a unique item identifier attached to the item and prevent image capture until the unique item identifier is within a predetermined range, wherein the unique item identifier includes an active circuit that is powered by an internal power source.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 67 , further including a power source.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 67 , wherein said camera is a charge-coupled device.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 67 , wherein the writing instrument has an interchangeable tip.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 67 , wherein said item is a memorabilia item.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 67 , further including a transmitter that sends a signal relating to the image to a processor.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 67 , further including a computer-readable medium to receive and store said image.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 67 , further including a triggering signal generator configured to send a triggering signal to said camera to initiate image capture.
Claim 87
Independent Claim
92 words
An apparatus for capturing an image of a signature being imprinted on an item by an autographer, said apparatus comprising: a writing instrument, having a body with an aperture and capable of capturing the image of the signature; a camera capable of capturing the image, said camera substantially disposed within said body and having a lens coupled to the body; and a reading device attached to said body to interpret a unique item identifier attached to the item and prevent image capture until the unique item identifier is within a predetermined range.
Claim 88
Independent Claim
92 words
An apparatus for capturing an image of a signature being imprinted on an item by an autographer, said apparatus comprising: a writing instrument, having a body with an aperture and capable of capturing the image of the signature; a camera capable of capturing the image, said camera substantially disposed within said body and having a lens coupled to the body; and a reading device attached to said body to interpret a unique item identifier attached to the item and prevent image capture until the unique item identifier is within a predetermined range.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 75 , further including a power source.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 75 , wherein said camera is a charge-coupled device.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 75 , wherein the writing instrument has an interchangeable tip.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 75 , wherein said item is a memorabilia item.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 75 , further including a transmitter that sends a signal relating to the image to a processor.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 75 , further including a computer-readable medium to receive and store said image.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 75 , further including a triggering signal generator configured to send a triggering signal to said camera to initiate image capture.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2009-04-10 | 2009-10-10 | 2010-04-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2013-04-10 | 2013-10-10 | 2014-04-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2017-04-10 | 2017-10-10 | 2018-04-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |