Identity card, information carrier and housing designed for its application

Abstract

An identity card comprises an easy-to-use, more specifically card-shaped, information carrier provided with an electronically readable memory capable of digitally storing personal user data, including data concerning the user's physical features. The information carrier is installed in and can be removed from an input unit of a housing of comfortable dimensions. The housing has been provided with reading equipment which is capable of reading the personal data stored in the memory of the information carrier. Moreover, the housing has been provided with a screen for representing the data read.

Description

[0001]Notice: More than one reissue application has been filed for the reissue of U.S. Pat. No. 6,382,506. The first reissue application is application Ser. No. 10 / 841,424. This reissue application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10 / 841,424 filed May 7, 2004, which is now RE43,333.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention concerns an identity card comprising an easy-to-use, more specifically a card-shaped, information carrier provided with an electronically readable memory which is capable of digitally storing personal user data including the user's physical characteristics.[0003]At present, an identity card is usually a document issued by the government, such as a passport or a driving licence, or a proof of identity which is applied within a specific business environment or for a particular professional group. In all these cases, the identity card comprises a representation in the form of a passport photograph of a user in combination with the printed person...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention relates to an identity card that can be used in various identification methods. The card has a memory with the user's personal information, including physical characteristics like picture, fingerprint, voice, and iris. The card can be read by an electronic identification system, and even if there is no such system, the card can still be used to establish the user's identity. The card also has additional features like authenticity features and a central processing unit that can compare the user's physical characteristics with those registered on site. The data in the card is encrypted to protect privacy and prevent forgery or falsification. The technical effects of the invention are that it provides an identity card that is compatible with both modern and conventional identification methods, and it enhances the processing speed and accuracy of the identification process.

Problems solved by technology

However, this type of identity card has the disadvantage of being susceptible to fraud After all, the picture on the photo is the only indication that the data on the card belong to its user.

In addition, this regular type of identity cards are to a varying degree susceptible to forgery, as well as to loss and theft.

Although this means of identification in itself is highly reliable and fraud-proof, nevertheless a disadvantage lies in the fact that the implementation. requires relatively advanced and specifically suited equipment which will not be generally available everywhere.

This makes this type of identity card only suitable for a closed circuit of users, e.g. a specific professional group or employees / co-workers within a particular business environment or (government) institution.

This type of identity card, however, is less suitable as a travelling document because, for instance, it leaves no room for making notes, such as is required for visa, and, moreover, because the required equipment will not be available world-wide.

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