Biometric-based device and system and associated safety system

Abstract

A biometric-based security circuit in which the user database, processor, and biometric map generation functions are all located on the same integrated circuit whose secure contents are inaccessible from external to the integrated circuit. Biometric data, such as a fingerprint, retina scan, or voiceprint, is taken from a user requesting access to restricted resources. The biometric data is transferred into the integrated circuit, where it is converted to a biometric map and compared with a database of biometric maps stored in a non-volatile memory in the integrated circuit. The stored maps represent pre-authorized users, and a match triggers the security circuit to send a signal to a host processor authorizing the host processor to permit the requesting user access to the restricted resources. The integrated circuit essentially serves as a write-only memory for the secure data, because the secure data and security functions in the integrated circuit are not directly accessible through any pin or port, and therefore cannot be read or monitored through a dedicated security attack. A second non-volatile memory, accessible from external to the integrated circuit, can also be provided in the integrated circuit for holding non-secure data. This second memory has its own interface port, and is isolated from the security-related functions and memory so that secure and non-secure functions are physically isolated from each other and cannot be modified to overcome that isolation.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention generally pertains to security systems. In particular, it belongs to the category of improved security devices based on the user's biometric characteristics. Background technique [0002] Advances in circuit miniaturization, wireless technology, and battery power have led to the widespread use of portable devices that can access the resources of a large number of distributed systems. One example is the use of cellular telephones, which allow subscribers to access the resources of national and global telephone systems with a device that they can carry with them personally. A typical cell phone allows anyone with the cell phone access to these resources. For larger devices like desktops in a secure domain, making security based on ownership is not a problem. But for small portable devices that are prone to loss or theft, this level of security is not enough. [0003] The normal way to solve this problem is to use a password. Bu...

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Problems solved by technology

[0007] these vulnerabilities also expose the system to destructive tampering aimed at disrupting normal operations rather than gaining unauthorized use of those operations

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