METHOD FOR SIGNATURE VERIFICATION

A method and apparatus are described for verifying handwritten, human signatures, and for permitting access to a system if such a signature is accepted. In an initializing stage, an authorized entrant submits a sample of multiple signatures. A first reference signature is selected from the sample, and a second reference signature is constructed by averaging over the sample. When a subsequent, prospective entrant submits a signature, a dynamic mismatch is calculated with respect to the first reference signature, and a shape mismatch is calculated with respect to the second reference signature. The signature is accepted if it satifies a predetermined criterion that refers to the dynamic and shape mismatch values.