Portable biometric system and method for biometric authentication and identification

Abstract

The present invention discloses a portable biometric authentication and identification system designed to provide secure enrollement and validation processes users. The system comprises a portable biometric authentication and identification system is provided, comprising a fingerprint scanner (104) configured to obtain one or more fingerprint images of the user; a camera (102) configured to obtain one or more images / video of the user; a card scanner port (103) configured to scan information associated with the user's card; and a device screen (101) configured to display information associated with the user; a network; and a server. The system further comprises a processor unit to validates the user's identity, and generating encrypted authentication signals. These signals are wirelessly transmitted using a dedicated transreceiver module. A biometric quality measurement component ensures accurate data capture during enrolment. The invention advances secure access by integrating multifunctionality with biometric validation, contributing to a seamless and robust authentication process across various application.

Description

[0001] PORTABLE BIOMETRIC SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR BIOMETRIC AUTHENTICATION AND IDENTIFICATION

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention pertains broadly to the use of biometric technology for authentication and identification, more especially the present invention relates to a system and method for user authentication and identification through portable biometric devices. The present invention, more precisely, focuses on the field of computer sensors of the system and method of biometric enrolment utilizing portable enrolment devices.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The enrolment process is an essential step for maintaining accountability, regulating access to resources, and ensuring a certain level of commitment from both parties involved. The enrolment process typically requires a series of formalities to provide necessary information to respective authorities.

[0006] In today's scenario, as biometrics are used more often and biometric databases grow in size as a result, enrolment into the databases becomes a more challenging issue. The availability of employees, time, and rather complex gear have historically been major constraints on enrolment, which has historically been a labor-intensive and skilled procedure.

[0007] Currently, institutions wishing to enroll large numbers of people generally require them to travel to a designated location (e.g., the Department of Motor Vehicles or a bank branch) for enrolment using approved hardware and skilled operators. This is often inconvenient for the enrolee and expensive in terms of time and costs. Some aspects of using these existing enrolment methods include:

[0008] (i) Use of bulky hardware;

[0009] (ii) Requirement of skilled operators for performing the enrolment; and

[0010] (iii)Sharing personal information during the enrollment process raises privacy concerns, and individuals must trust the organization to handle their data responsibly.

[0011] To solve the above-mentioned shortcomings, some institutions such as banks have experimented with an “inkless paper” enrolment mechanism, for example, a method of making permanent images (e.g., fingerprints) on a recording surface having a thermos-sensitive colour-developing layer or methods using multi-chemical recording surfaces. The special chemical paper (i.e., “inkless paper”) is mailed to the custom ers / enrollees who mail back the fingerprints for subsequent scanning. Similarly, some authorities (e.g., Immigration and Naturalization Service or UK Passport Agency) remotely enroll users in a facial image biometric database, requiring the users to send a photograph. The photography, however, must match strict institutional guidelines on size, head pose, illumination, paper type, etc. which may require the user / enrolee to travel to a designated place to have the image taken.

[0012] Furthermore, the following prior art documents disclose examples of existing user authentication and identification system which could be used for enrolment into various organizations.

[0013] The US patent application no. US 10,037,528 B2 entitled to “Biometric Device Utilizing Finger Sequence for Authentication. The invention discloses a system and method for enhancing biometric security utilizing a fingerprint sequence authentication process. The method comprises, during an enrollment period for an electronic transaction system, obtaining a set of fingerprint templates associated with a registering user; storing the fingerprint templates on a memory of the electronic transaction system; determining a verification sequence unique to the registering user, wherein the verification sequence comprises a pattern of entering fingerprint images; and associating the verification sequence with the stored set of fingerprint templates to be used for subsequent authentication of the registering user.

[0014] Furthermore, the existing system requires the enrolee to carry multiple information like identity cards, adhar cards, and any other user identification details. Furthermore, the existing method of enrolment requires manual entry of user’s identification details in each enrolment programs or service that is a very time consuming process. Therefore, there is a need for a simpler system through which user can enrol in number of services or program without manually entering user’s identification details (like name, age, address, PAN number, and any other information).

[0015] Therefore, to solve the above-mentioned shortcomings the present invention provide a system and method for remote enrolment that has significant advantages over existing methods of enrolment into biometric databases.

[0016] OBJECTIVE OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The primary objective of the present invention is to provide a portable biometric authentication and identification system. Another objective of the present invention is to provide a portable system for biometric authentication of user by acquiring data from one or more biometric sensors, authenticating the enrolee associated with the biometric data, and enrolling the authenticated enrolee associated with the biometric data.

[0018] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a method of biometric authentication of user at the time of enrolment based on a pre -determined threshold and delivering the biometric data associated with the enrolee to a service provider.

[0019] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a portable biometric system and methodology that supports accurate, secure, and rapid authentication and / or identification of users and devices to provide selective access to resources accessible through camera-equipped devices.

[0020] A further objective of the present invention is to provide a localized data collector system based on biometric authentication and identification used for enrolment in different categories of services and program.

[0021] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0022] In an aspect of the invention, the present invention discloses a portable biometric system for acquiring biometric data from one or more biometric sensors, authenticating the enrolee associated with the biometric data, and enrolling the authenticated enrolee associated with the biometric data.

[0023] According to various embodiments of the disclosed technology, a portable biometric authentication and identification system is provided, comprising a fingerprint scanner (104) configured to obtain one or more fingerprint images of the user; a camera (102) configured to obtain one or more images / video of the user; a card scanner port (103) configured to scan information associated with the user’s card; and a device screen (101) configured to display information associated with the user; a network; and a server.

[0024] In another aspect of the invention, a method for biometric authentication of the user comprises the steps of acquiring biometric data from one or more biometric sensors, enrolling an enrolee associated with the biometric data, wherein the biometric data is verified for quality at the time of enrolment based on a pre-determined threshold and delivering the biometric data associated with the enrolee to a service provider. In another aspect of the invention, a computer program product is provided comprising a computer-usable medium having readable program code embodied in the medium. The computer program code includes at least one component to acquire biometric data from one or more biometric sensors, enroll an enrolee associated with the biometric data, wherein the biometric data is verified for quality at the time of enrolment based on a pre-determined threshold, and to deliver the biometric data associated with the enrolee to a service provider. Other features and aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjuction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrates, by way of example, the features in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The summary is not intended to limit the scope of any inventions described herein, which are defined solely by the claims attacher thereto.

[0025] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The accompanying drawings illustrate example approaches of the disclosure, including the practical application of the principles thereof, as follows:

[0027] FIG. 1 illustrates a portable biometric authentication and identification system within which various embodiments of the technology disclosed herein may be implemented.

[0028] FIG. 2 illustrates a flowchart for providing authenticated access according to an examplery embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0030] The present invention discloses a system and method of enrolling a plurality of enrolees into biometric databases. The system and method may provide a secure enrolment process without requiring an enrolee to manually input varieties of users information for enrolment. The portable biometric enrolment device of the present invention may also be used to implement a biometric enrolment service that may, for example, obtain, validate, and store biometric information on behalf of clients or customers. In addition, the system and method of the invention may be used for secure transactions to validate transactions and user accessibility and ability to store data in the system.

[0031] The embodiments described should be recognized as capable of implementation separately, or in combination, with other embodiments from the detailed description. A person of ordinary skill in the art of reviewing the detailed description should be able to learn and understand the different described aspects of the disclosure. The detailed description should facilitate understanding of the disclosure to such an extent that other implementations, not specifically covered but within the knowledge of a person of skill in the art having read the description of embodiments, would be understood to be consistent with an application of the disclosure.

[0032] An objective of some embodiments of the present disclosure is to verify / authenticate a multifunction portable smart card and / or the customer in possession of the multifunction portable smart card. In some embodiments, the multifunction portable smart card includes indicia in unique or non-standard positions, wherein providing the authentication to a touch screen interface of a device requires pressing or otherwise actuating the positions on the multifunction portable smart card. As such, the multifunction portable smart card functions as a key to knowing where to press on the touch screen interface to authenticate the user and / or the multifunction portable smart card.

[0033] In some embodiments, the multifunctional portable smart card may include conductive pads on one or both sides of the card, wherein the conductive pads may be any component capable of recognizing and communicating a capacitive input from a user. During use, pressing the indicia on one side causes the conductive pads on the opposite side to impact the touchscreen interface. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the transaction card may include one or more registration marks to allow the multifunction portable smart card to be positioned with respect to one or more location indicators on the touch screen interface.

[0034] According to the present invention, the portable biometric authentication and identification system for providing selective access to an enrolee by validating the information available in a multifunction portable smart card with a device comprising a software executed on suitable hardware, said the system comprising: a portable device, at least one camera associated with the said portable device, wherein, the camera is configured to capture at least one photograph / Video of the enrolee; a multifunctional portable smart card configured to store the data associated with the enrolee which is used for the enrolment; a plurality of sensor module integrated into the said portable device, wherein the sensor module is configured to sense the physical presence of the user; a device screen (101), wherein the device screen (101) is accessed to validate and authenticate the data of the enrolee for the enrolment; a processor unit that is coupled to the plurality of sensor modules to authenticates the person in response to the detected biometric information and coincidentally confirming the person holding the smart card is alive, wherein, the processor unit further generates an authentication signal representing an authentication result, and encrypts the authentication signal; a memory that is coupled to the processor unit and stores biometric information of a specific individual associated with the smart multi-functional smart card; a wireless transreceiver module coupled to the processor unit, wherein, the wireless transreceiver module comprising a signal antenna that is coupled to the processor unit and wirelessly transmits the encrypted authentication signal received from the processor unit; and a power antenna that is coupled to a power circuit and receives a wirelessly-transmitted power signal; and a power circuit provided on the portable device to generates supply voltage from the received power signal and provides the generated supply voltage to the plurality of sensor module.

[0035] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the device screen (101) is a touch screen pad having a multifunctionality wherein the enrolee selects the given options and has access to the screen by simply touching it. The system includes a touch screen device that enables users to interact with the system for the validation and authentication of enrolee data during the enrolment process.

[0036] According to another embodiment of the present invention the plurality of sensors includes a fingerprint scanner module (104), wherein the said fingerprint scanner module is configured to obtain and verify one or more fingerprints images of the enrolee; a card scanner port (103), wherein the card scanner port is configured to insert the multifunction portable smart card in the device that detects and authenticates the details of the enrolee stored in the card; an iris scanner module, wherein the iris scanner module (102) is configured to capture and compare iris images of the enrolee with an existing database of images stores in multifunctional card in order to authenticates the enrolee’ s identity; and a blood detecting sensor module, wherein, the blood detecting sensor is configured to detects blood flow of the enrolee's body and coincidentally confirms whether the person holding the smart card is alive

[0037] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the iris scanner module (102) would typically include a Charge Coupled Device (CCD) with its own light source and an array of light embedding diodes. The system is equipped with at least one camera that capture photographs or videos of individuals. This camera is used to obtain visual identification information of the user. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the multifunction portable smart card is inserted in the card scanner port (103); the device detects and authenticates the details of the enrolee stored in the card; and authenticates the information with the security key. The multifunction portable smart card serves as a storage device for enrolee data. It contains the necessary information required for enrolment purposes. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the fingerprint scanner (104) is configured to obtain one or more image of a finger and determine whether any pattern of ridges and valleys in the image matches the pattern of ridges and valleys in a pre-scanned image of the enrolee. A fingerprint scanner is included in the system to verify the fingerprints of users. This feature adds an additional layer of biometric authentication.

[0038] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the portable biometric authentication and identification system further comprises a processor and a memory, and it is understood that the processing circuitry may contain additional components, including, memories, error, and parity / CRC checkers, data encoders, anti-collision algorithms, controllers, command decoders, security primitives and tamper-proofing hardware, as necessary to perform the functions described herein.

[0039] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the method of biometric authentication and identification during an enrolement process, comprises the steps of: a. obtaining an enrolment biometric sample from the enrolee; b. detecting biometric information of the user using biometric sensors present on a portable biometric authentication system; c. authenticating the identity of user by comparing the detected biometric sample with stored biometric information associated with the multifunctional smart card; d. generating an authentication signal representing the authentication result; e. encrypting the authenticated signal to maintain security; f. wirelessly transmitting the encrypted authentication signal received from the processor unit using a signal antenna; and g. receiving the transmitted data from signal antenna by power antenna.

[0040] Fig. 2 of the present invention illustrates a flowchart for providing authenticated access according to an examplery embodiment of the present invention. Various steps involve in biometric authentication of the enrolee during the enrolement process are illustrated below:

[0041] Step 1: Inserting the multifunctional smart card in card scanner port (103) of the portable biometric system,

[0042] Step 2: Detecting enrolee’ s information associated with the smart card by the system,

[0043] Step 3: Capturing sample fingerprint image of the enrolee using the fingerprint scanner (104). The system correlates the sample fingerprint image with the fingerprint image stored in the biometric model database to verify whether the transaction card belongs to the enrolee, Step 4: Capturing images / video of the enrolee and taking sample iris image of the enrolee using the iris scanner module (103). The system correlates the sample iris image with the iris image stored in the biometric model database to verify the identity of the enrolee, and

[0044] Step 5: Sending system generated one time password (OTP) to the registered contact no. of the enrolee for further verification.

[0045] With the above-mentioned process the system verifies the user identity and authenticate enrolee for further enrolment in plurality of services and programs.

[0046] The client device may further include a display and input devices. The display may be any type of device for presenting visual information such as a flat panel display, and a device screen, including liquid crystal displays, light-emitting diode displays, plasma panels, and cathode ray tube displays.

[0047] The input devices may include any device for entering information into the user's device that is available and supported by the user's device, such as a touch-screen, keyboard, mouse, cursorcontrol device, transaction card port, microphone, digital camera, video recorder or camcorder. These devices may be used to enter information and interact with the software and other devices described herein.

[0048] The described invention operates as follows: When a user wants to validate their data, they insert their multifunction portable smart card into the card scanner port (103) of the device. The system then detects and authenticates the information stored on the card. The system uses the camera to capture photographs or videos of the user, while the fingerprint scanner verifies their fingerprints for added security. The touch screen device allows the user to validate and authenticate their data during the enrolment process.

[0049] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the portable biometric authentication and identification system further comprises, a biometric quality measurement component, associated with the processor, measure the quality of any biometric input at the point of enrolment using, for example, fingerprint quality analysis, head pose measurement, finger liveness testing (e.g., not a prosthetic), or similar techniques for assuring that the captured metrics are accurate, valid and of sufficient quality.

[0050] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the method for acquiring a biometric authentication and identification data, comprises the steps of: a. obtaining an enrolment biometric sample from the enrolee using a plurality of biometric sensor of the portable biometric device; b. creating a biometric model of the enrolee using the enrolment biometric sample, wherein the biometric model represents the unique characteristics of the enrolee's biometric data; c. generating a first encryption key using the encryption key generation data, wherein the encryption operation is performed on the biometric model, resulting in an encrypted biometric model to ensures that the biometric data is securely stored in the database; and d. maintaining the encrypted biometric model in the biometric database that allows for the retrieval of the enrolee's personal information and data.

[0051] Further, the standards or plan may stipulate pre -determined thresholds that must be achieved when a biometric is measured. For example, a fingerprint must have a certain number of determinable critical points, or a face scan must include a certain number of discernable characteristics, or a voice print must have a certain minimum duration and include certain recognizable words or phrases, or the voice print background noise must not exceed a certain level, or the like.

[0052] The biometric quality measurement component is a significant advantage over traditional enrolment methods that require the biometric data to be mailed before quality is assessed. Determining quality of the measured biometrics at the time of enrolment saves time and permits multiple attempts to assure acceptable quality in the biometric scans. Since quality is measurable at the time of a biometric scan, the enrolee may be informed immediately of poor quality or unacceptable presentation of the measured body part. In this manner, time and costs are minimized.

[0053] The invention may also present information on the output device (e.g., an LCD or a loudspeaker) of the quality measurement relative to a required threshold (e.g., a pre -determined threshold). In the case of some measures, the output device may provide specific instructions to the user (e.g., “press harder,” “turn to your left,” “speak louder,” “use your left-hand index finger”, etc.).

[0054] The invention may automatically acquire the biometric when the quality is improved and becomes sufficient as determined in conjunction with one or both capture monitor and quality measurement component. Likewise, continued acquisition may be predicated on suitable ongoing quality parameters.

[0055] The biometric matcher, also associated with the processor, compares the biometric data from a biometric scan with a stored record. The biometric matcher may match data based on which type of metric is being processed. For example, a fingerprint scan is compared with previously stored fingerprint record, etc. The biometric matcher may adjust for variations in the data within prescribed tolerances so that acceptable (typically minor) differences between two different scan episodes may be appropriately processed correctly.

[0056] In the embodiment, the biometric enrolment device may be used as a sensor for verification of one or more biometrics of a potential user of the equipment or device, with or without having transferred the data to a central database (e.g., institutional database). If a user biometric is not verified, access to the equipment (or service) or device may be denied or an alarm initiated.

[0057] By combining these components and functionalities, the system provides a comprehensive and secure means of selectively granting access based on validate user information. The validation process is completed by inserting the multifunction portable smart card into the transaction card port, allowing for the verification of the specific user's information.

Claims

CLAIMWe claim,1. A portable biometric authentication and identification system, the said system comprising:(a) a portable device having a device screen (101) configured to display information associated with a user;(b) at least one camera (102) associated with the said portable device, wherein, the camera is configured to capture one or more image of the user;(c) a multifunctional portable smart card configured to store the data associated with the enrolee for the user’ s enrollment;(d) a plurality of sensor module integrated into the said portable device, wherein the sensor module includes: i. a fingerprint scanner module (104), wherein the said fingerprint scanner module is configured to obtain and verify one or more fingerprints images of the enrolee; ii. a card scanner port (103), wherein the card scanner port is configured to insert the multifunction portable smart card in the device that detects and authenticates the details of the enrolee stored in the card; iii. an iris scanner module, wherein the iris scanner module is configured to capture and compare iris images of the enrolee with an existing database of images stores in multifunctional card in order to authenticates the enrolee’ s identity; and iv. a blood detecting sensor module, wherein, the blood detecting sensor is configured to detects blood flow of the enrolee's body and coincidentally confirms whether the person holding the smart card is alive;(e) a processor unit that is coupled to the plurality of sensor modules to authenticates the person in response to the detected biometric information and coincidentally confirming the person holding the smart card is alive, wherein, the processor unit generates an authentication signal representing an authentication result, and encrypts the authentication signal;(f) a biometric quality measurement component associated with the processor to assess the quality of captured biometric inputs during enrolment;(g) a memory that is coupled to the processor unit and stores biometric information of a specific individual associated with the smart multi-functional smart card;(h) a wireless transceiver module coupled to the processor unit, wherein, the wireless transceiver module comprising:i. a signal antenna that is coupled to the processor unit and wirelessly transmits the encrypted authentication signal received from the processor unit; and ii. a power antenna that is coupled to a power circuit and receives a wirelessly- transmitted power signal; and(i) a power circuit provided on the portable device to generates supply voltage from the received power signal and provides the generated supply voltage to the plurality of sensor module.

2. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the fingerprint scanner module (104) is configured to capture the image of a fingertrip, compares the pattern of ridges and valley with the stored images, and verifies the enrolee’s identity.

3. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the data associated with the multifunctional smart card includes but not limited to passcodes, security questions, fingerprint recognition, facial recognition, iris recognition, written signature recognition, and other biometric and non-biometric modalities.

4. The method of biometric authentication and identification during an enrolement process, comprises the steps of:(a) obtaining an enrolment biometric sample from the enrolee;(b) detecting biometric information of the user using biometric sensors present on a portable biometric authentication system;(c) presenting information about the biometric quality on an output device relative to predetermined thresholds and providing instructions to improve quality; .(d) authenticating the identity of user by comparing the detected biometric sample with stored biometric information associated with the multifunctional smart card;(e) generating an authentication signal representing the authentication result;(f) encrypting the authenticated signal to maintain security;(g) wirelessly transmitting the encrypted authentication signal received from the processor unit using a signal antenna; and(h) receiving the transmitted data from signal antenna to power antenna.

5. The method for acquiring a biometric authentication and identification data, comprises the steps of:(a) obtaining an enrolment biometric sample from the enrolee using a plurality of biometric sensor of the portable biometric device;(b) creating a biometric model of the enrolee using the enrolment biometric sample, wherein the biometric model represents the unique characteristics of the enrolee's biometric data;(c) generating a first encryption key using the encryption key generation data, wherein the encryption operation is performed on the biometric model, resulting in an encrypted biometric model to ensures that the biometric data is securely stored in the database; and(d) maintaining the encrypted biometric model in the biometric database that allows for the retrieval of the enrolee's personal information and data.

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