Systems and methods for authenticating an individual

Abstract

Systems and methods for employing histological and physiological biometric markers that are substantially unique to an individual in order to activate a device, participate in a transaction, or identify himself or herself, wherein at least one biometric marker is obtained by one or more electrical contacts on the surface of the skin. A biometric identification of an individual is obtained by a heartbeat waveform, which is acquired by one or more direct electrical contacts. A mechanism for biometric authentication is used that includes one or more electrodes, an electrical signal receiver, a memory module, and a processing module.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 300,659, filed Nov. 19, 2002, entitled, “Obtaining Biometric Identification Using a Direct Electrical Contact,” which in turn claims priority to U.S. application Ser. No. 09 / 642,459, filed Aug. 18, 2000, entitled “Method And Apparatus For Histological and Physiological Biometric Operation and Authentication,” now U.S. Pat. No. 6,483,929, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]The present invention relates to obtaining biometric identification to activate a device or authenticate a participant in a transaction using histological and / or physiological traits. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for employing histological and physiological biometric markers that are substantially unique to an individual in order to permit an individual to activate a device, participate in a transaction, or identify himself or he...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0032]The examples given, which are representative and are not intended to be limiting, demonstrate that histologically based biometric markers provide advantages not found in the prior art and in particular, can be used to improve security and increase the variety of applications for which biometric markers are used.

[0033]In the same way that histological markers increase both the marketability and security of biometric systems, physiologically based biometric markers also provide advantages for the present invention. Physiological markers do not require the scanning or mapping of anatomical structure. Neither do they require the analysis of volitional acts, as are required with voice or signature analysis. Physiological markers are based upon non-volitional, phys

Problems solved by technology

For example, fingerprint databases may raise significant privacy issues for those whose information is entered in the system.

Hand and facial geometry recognition systems may require large scanners and/or expensive cameras.

Voice recognition devices have problems screening out background noise.

Retinal devices may require users to place their eye close to or on a scanning device, exposing the user to potential infection.

Another disadvantage of the prior art to biometric authentication is the limited number of biometric markers that are unique to each individual and that are practical for implementing in computer and electronic devices.

If the biometric marker is used to identify an individual from a large group of individuals, the computer memory storage and processing capability ma

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