MXPA00001075A - System and method utilizing biometric identification for controlling access to events and transportation systems - Google Patents
System and method utilizing biometric identification for controlling access to events and transportation systemsInfo
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- MXPA00001075A MXPA00001075A MXPA/A/2000/001075A MXPA00001075A MXPA00001075A MX PA00001075 A MXPA00001075 A MX PA00001075A MX PA00001075 A MXPA00001075 A MX PA00001075A MX PA00001075 A MXPA00001075 A MX PA00001075A
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Abstract
An integrated access control and scanning system (100) identifies registered users by scanning a stable biometric characteristic as the user passes through a checkpoint (102) which may include a physical turnstile barrier (122). An account associated with a user is then debited by a ticket charge, usage fee, fare or other charge appropriate to the site or conveyance accessed through the system (100). In various preferred embodiments, the system (100) is connected to a financial network (110) for processing of charges and point of purchase stations (111) are provided within the controlled area so that users may charge goods and services to their accounts without carrying cash or other artifacts.
Description
SYSTEM AND METHOD USING BIOMETRIC IDENTIFICATION TO CONTROL ACCESS TO EVENTS
AND TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS
Field of the Invention The present invention relates in general to a financial transaction system and method for providing debit or credit / charge functions and allowing entry / egress of salons, stadiums, public mass transit networks, and the like using identification procedures. biometric
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Public transit systems have long accepted cash or metal tokens, sometimes received by unattended mechanical turnstiles, to control entry into the system. Increasingly, these transit systems are using machine-readable tickets or "fare cards" coded with a fare balance, which is owed at the appropriate rate as the user enters and / or exits the transit system. Rate cards have several advantages over metal tokens. They are lighter in weight, difficult to counterfeit, can be used by the traveler for a large number of trips without refilling them, and makes it possible to increase profits and fairly allocate costs by dynamically varying the charge for a trip, based on the distance traveled , the trip in the peak season or out of season, etcetera. However, the rate cards are still "chips" in the sense that they are a physical artifact that must be carried by the user in transit to have access to the system. In addition, these tickets typically wear out quickly and it is a risk to provide these tickets in a way that is durable enough to withstand normal use, and that is not prohibitively expensive. Thus, for various reasons, it would be desirable if artefacts such as rate cards and tokens could be substantially eliminated from the process of controlling access to the transit system. Airlines similarly depend on tickets to determine who will be admitted to board an airplane. The unauthorized resale of tickets and security concerns about allowing unidentified persons to board an aircraft has recently led the Federal Aviation Administration, and airlines, to require passengers to show identification when they are documented, in addition to the ticket. Access to sporting and cultural events that take place in stadiums, concert halls, and the like, is usually obtained by purchasing a ticket that is then displayed to obtain admission. Relying on an "artifact" ticket as the sole admission arbitrator leads to a subsequent ticket market, which can pass through many hands before it reaches a person who really wishes to attend the event. Although in many jurisdictions the "resale" of tickets is illegal, popular events often sell everything quickly. Resellers create an artificial shortage by buying all available tickets with the intention of reselling them. In this way, people with real interest in attending an event may have no alternative to buy tickets from a reseller of unknown reputation, and at an inflated price. To the extent that ticket resellers create an artificial shortage of tickets by monopolizing ticket inventory, it would be desirable to avoid this practice. To the extent that ticket resellers provide a useful economic service by ensuring that tickets are allocated to their highest valued user, it would be desirable to provide event organizers with a mechanism to obtain a fair share of the additional value that they get the tickets after they leave the box office, since it is the demand for the show that generates the surplus value, and not necessarily the ticket resellers. With the increasing availability of high-quality color copiers, another issue related to tickets is introduced. There is a great danger that a ticket purchased from a place other than the official ticket office or the authorized ticketing agency is a fake. Recently, in professional football stadiums, people who come to watch a game have discovered that many other people have tickets for the same seats, due to sales of multiple copies of tickets for counterfeiters. Previous efforts to develop effective systems to control access to transportation and financial accounts have not provided a solution to these problems. U.S. Patent No. 5,485,520 to Chaum et al. Shows a system that collects highway rates from moving vehicles without requiring them to stop. However, this is accomplished by using a transmission unit within the vehicle "an artifact" to identify the vehicle, and then charging the user's credit card or other account for the tolls incurred. Other previous systems use biometrics to provide identification for secured access to financial areas and transactions. For example, U.S. Patent Nos. 5,615,277 and 5,613,012 to Hoffman et al. Control access to computer systems and financial accounts using biometric identification procedures. U.S. Patent Nos. 5,572,596 to Ildes et al., 5,280,527 to Gullman et al., 5,177,342 to Adams, 5,336,870 to Hughes, 5,471,203 to Sasaki, and 4,210,899 to Swonger et al. Similarly show system using biometrics for identification purposes. . However, none of these prior systems provides access control and a charging system that is particularly suited to operate in transit and event environments. Access to transit and ticketing problems noted above have traditionally been seen as separate problems. There has not been an effective system in any of these fields that would allow a person to register at the same time a ticket or a purchase of a travel fare, and then obtain the delivery of the purchased service (for example, access to the transit system or entry). to an event) without carrying an artifact. In this way, the inventor believes that there is a need for an improved system and method for the registration and delivery of these transport services and access to events.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, it is a general object of the present invention to provide improved biometric access control and a user charging system for events, tourist attractions, and transit systems. Another object of the invention is to provide improved access control and a charging mechanism to the user who use biometric identification techniques to eliminate the need to carry artifacts or recall identification numbers. Another important object of the invention is to provide an improved, biometric, ticketless identification system that makes it easy to make airline bookings, document, and board an aircraft and that provides improved verification and enhanced security features. Another object of the invention is to provide a system and method for controlling entry to fee-for-access areas by loading the accounts of registered users based on a biometric identification without tokens at an entry point to the area. Another object of the invention is to provide an improved system and method for issuing charge rates in a mass transit system using coordinated biometric identification of previously registered users at both entry and exit points to determine variable rates to be charged to the accounts of the users. Another object of the invention is to provide improved systems and methods for acquiring an iris image in a high volume tourniquet type application with minimal effort for users who place their eyes for scanning.
Another object of the invention is to provide a system and method for biometrically associating reservations or tickets to a party, and transferring reservations or tickets to another party, charging a transfer fee for this service. A further object of the invention is to provide a system and method for charging user access fees based on biometric identification of an anonymous user who maintains a deposit account. Another object of the invention is to provide an improved biometric identification system suitable for general public use, of high volume, which selectively uses an electronic camera array to acquire an iris image or other identification feature. It is also an object of the invention to provide a system and method for providing a network of biometric identification and charging systems to facilitate intermodal access by registered users to transport systems, fields, etc., geographically distinct. Another object of the invention is to provide biometric identification and collection system to charge the use or access fees of users, which stores account codes for users, causing the presence or absence of specific codes special operations different from other operations of the system.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a system for charging users' accounts for access to areas or systems, based on the biometric identification of the user. Another object of the invention is to provide a system for uploading user accounts for access to areas or systems, based on the biometric identification of the user, which also provides point-of-purchase scanners within the defined area or system, to load goods or services to the user's account. A more specific object of the invention is to provide an improved system and a method for faster charging of fees in a mass transit system using biometric identification of previously registered users with an automated charge to the account. Another object of the invention is to provide biometric access control and accounting system that is electronically connected to a financial network to facilitate loading to the users the entry and / or exit to areas or systems. Additional objects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the description, including the drawings and the claims. These objects and others are achieved by providing an integrated access control and accounting system that identifies registered users by scanning a stable biometric feature as the user passes through a checkpoint. An account associated with the user is charged by a ticket charge, usage fee, travel ticket, or other appropriate charge to the site or transportation accessed through the system. In several preferred modalities. The system connects to a financial network to process charges, and point-of-purchase stations provided with controlled area are provided so that registered users can upload goods and services to their accounts without carrying cash or other artifacts.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure la is a schematic block diagram showing an access control and an accounting system in accordance with the present invention. Figure Ib is a front view of a turnstile apparatus of Figure 1, showing an embodiment of input signals and height detectors according to the invention. Figure 2 is a flow diagram showing a biometric registration and access purchase process of the present invention. Figure 3 is a flow diagram showing the operation of a biometric access verification and accounting process used with the apparatus of Figure 1.
Figure 4 is a schematic block diagram of an intermodal computer network mode of the invention. Figure 5 shows a process for providing visual and / or audio indications to a user, to indicate when the identity has been validated and entry is possible, and to adjust the operation of the system based on stored user profile codes. Figure 6 is a flow diagram of a preferred process according to the present invention for an air travel application. Figure 7 is a schematic block diagram of a modality particularly adapted for use in a sports field environment; and Figures 8a and 8b are views in side section and front view, respectively, of the operation equipment of another embodiment of a biometric high performance tourniquet according to the present invention. Figure 8c is a front view of a person to be scanned, showing the placement of a lamp to create the desired lighting effects. Figures 9a and 9b are flow charts showing the input and output processing in a system that varies the charges depending on the point of entry or exit. Figure 9c is a schematic diagram of a system that includes biometric turnstiles at both the entry and exit points.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Modalities The present invention relates in general to an integrated financial transaction system and method for providing debit or credit / charge functions and allowing entry / exit to salons, stadiums, public mass transit networks, and the like. using biometric identification procedures. The systems and methods of the invention will be described in terms of operation in exemplary applications, such as mass transit and access to sporting event fields. However, it should be recognized that the systems and methods described can be applied with small modifications to a variety of places where it is advantageous to provide an entry / egress control system closely coupled with the accounting function, including cinemas, theme parks or fun, concert halls, museums, etcetera. These applications fall into several categories: (1) applications where an unlimited number of admissions to the same area is generally possible (eg, theme parks, museums and mass transit systems); (2) applications where limited admissions are possible and those admitted have an assigned seat, so that the system of the present invention must incorporate a prior reservation, registration, and seat allocation system operatively coupled (eg, airlines, stadiums) , concert halls); and (3) hybrid applications where the number of admissions must be controlled by a defined limit, but reservations and seat assignments (eg, cinemas) are not required. Examples of implementation of the invention in each of these categories will be described below. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the examples given can easily be adapted, in each case, to cases that have similar operating characteristics. The invention will be described initially with reference first to Figure la. As shown in Figure, the system 100 includes one or more turnstiles 102, operatively connected to scan control and accounting computer 104, which is connected to the database 106, to one or more registration stations 108, and optionally to the financial network 110 The registration station 108 includes a biometric sensor 112 which captures real-time data corresponding to a stable physical characteristic of a person such as a fingerprint, fingerprint of the palm, entire facial image, aspects of the iris of the eye, retinal eye pattern, body thermal image, or DNA pattern. In a preferred embodiment, the biometric sensor 112 scans the iris of the eye and records its characteristics for recovery and comparison. The biometric sensor 112, the registration station 108, and the scanning control and the accounting computer 104 are preferably built to incorporate a processor / central computer system enrollment unit System 2100 sold by IriScan, Inc. of Mt. Laurel, New Jersey, as well as associated software to query the database and select iris images for comparison, also available from IriScan, Inc. Operating principles for iris recognition software are described in the US Patent of North America number 5,291,560 for Dr. John Daugman and other issued and pending patents assigned to IriScan, Inc. The financial network 110 provides a data link with a financial institution and / or credit transaction processing center to allow the control computer Scanning and accounting 104 process credit transactions, verify credit capacity, and transmit requests to debit accounts at the financial institution. The data link can be used to process payments for each purchase using the system 100, or to create a credit balance with the system 100, registered in the scan and accounting control computer 104, from which it can be rotated against the user who has an account that contains the credit balance. The database 106 stores the biometric data collected by the biometric sensor 112 at the registration station 108 for each user, together with information about the services purchased by that user. For example, in a typical mass transit access control system according to the invention, each driver would have biometric identification information stored in the database 106, along with an account balance equivalent to a pass card balance. Typically this account balance would be established by discounting from the bank account of the user or the credit card a previously determined amount, such as $ 30, using the connection with the financial network 110. In a typical plaza or ticketing system in accordance with the invention, each patron, or a single representative of each patron group that buys the tickets, would have biometric identification information collected and stored. The pattern record would also identify an event or events for which the tickets were purchased, and the particular assigned seat for the event (s). In each of these two examples, when the user or patron wishes to attend the event or use the transit system or the like, the user or patron will enter one of the turnstiles 102 and will undergo biometric scanning. The biometric scanners on the turnstiles 102 will capture an image of a stable physical feature in real time (such as the structure of the iris) directly from a person;
will encode the image, and will compare the encoded image with the data of physical characteristics stored in the database 106. If the captured image is not recognized as corresponding to any of the stored data access is denied and the user or employer is directed to seek help from staff on the site, or through an intercom system or video conference. Although the system is described herein in terms of the iris scanning modality, the biometric sensors used may depend on any stable physical feature or a combination of these characteristics for identification purposes. What is important is that the characteristic or characteristics chosen be able to uniquely identify an individual as the authorized individual who purchased the seats or access to the transit, within an acceptable margin of error. One or more scan computers at point of purchase 111, with associated biometric scanners 112, can be connected to the scan and accounting control computer 104 so that users within the transit system, auditorium, arena, etc., can obtain goods and services undergoing another biometric scanning at the point of purchase. These points of purchase may include magazine stands, concessions, retail stores, and various services provided within the access area with access fee.
r,% £ aÉt? ±: -Hfe ^ through turnstiles 102. Goods and services purchased in this way will result in charges to user accounts which will be carried out in accordance with any of the methods described in the preeente The scanning computer at the point of purchase 111 can optionally be provided with a copy of the database 106 and with software to match in real time the biometric scanning from the scanner 112 with a corresponding user record from the base of data 106. This software may be identical to that provided in the scan and accounting control computer 104. In this embodiment, the point of purchase computer lll performs user identification independently of the operation of the scan control computer and 104, and when the identification is completed, it can either directly initiate a charge to one of the user's financial accounts using the financial network 110 (to which the point-of-purchase scanning computer 110 is connected), or it can pass one or more information packets to the scan and accounting control computer 104 specifying the user's account, the amount of the purchase, and information about the purchase, so that the scanning and accounting control computer 110 may load the user's account or accounts in a predetermined manner as will be described in greater detail below.
If the point of purchase scanning computer III is provided with a copy independently of the database 106 containing biometric data and the user's account, this copy of the database can continuously be updated in real time, or can update periodically
(for example once a day during the early morning hours) from the master record database associated with the scan and accounting control computer 104. For simplicity, only one turnstile installation and point of purchase system is shown in Figure 1, but it should be understood that one of these scan and accounting control systems 104 can be designed to control the master database that is updated from many recording stations in all associated transit systems and / or places of events. These updates can be continuous or can be done at intervals either using a communication network or through personnel visiting the site and manually uploading an updated copy of the database from electronic mediae. The transmission of this information electronically through a secure communications network is preferred in most cases, but a manual loading process may be appropriate in facilities where communication infrastructures are limited or where the seventh to be loaded is located in a remote area. This database can serve, and / or can be replicated in, a plurality of scanning control systems which control the operation of the turnstiles in a plurality of locations. The accounting and financial network interface functions of the computer 104 can be centralized in a single scan and accounting control computer 104 or can be distributed across a plurality of these systems, and these options are available regardless of whether the database is centralized or replicated in multiple places. In a preferred embodiment, the turnstile 102 is arranged with a dog leg shape having a first passage portion 114 at an angle of 30 degrees, 45 degrees, or between 30 and 45 degrees with respect to a second passage portion 116. The first passage portion 114 has the entrance 118 in which the height scanner 120 is located. A biometric seneor 112 is located on each turnstile near the junction of the first passage portion 114 and the second passage portion 116, so that a user approaching the biometric seneor 112 through the paging portion 114 can present his iris for scanning by turning his head slightly towards the biometric sensor 112. The biometric sensors 112 located on the turnstile 102 are connected to the sensing sensor. 120 of each turnstile respectively, and are provided with automatic white adjustment for the mechanism of image gathering in the biometric sensor 112. The adjustment of white responds to the height of the height eensor to adjust the vertical white of the image gathering mechanism, so that it adapts to the users of different eetaturae and captures the image of the user of the users regardless of their height. The turnstiles 102 can also be configured in other ways, for example, in a straight orientation (not dog leg), depending on the space available on the site. However, dog paw orientation is preferable when the biometric scanner 112 is an iris scanner, because this configuration places the user's eye more naturally with respect to the biometric array 112 as the bird paes through the tourniquet. The biometric array 112 is separated from the detector array 120 by the length of the first patch portion 114 to allow time for the automatic target assembly to operate as the probe walks from the height sensor 120 to the biometric sensor 112. Depending on the the speed of the target response, the length of the portion of the first leg 114 may be very short, or it may be one and a half to two meters in length or more, if several seconds of time are required after detection of height to achieve the desired target setting. Each tourniquet 102 may further include a tourniquet barrier mechanism 122 at the exit point of the tourniquet 102. The preferred mode for mass transit and stadium applications would include this barrier mechanism 122 to improve crowd control and minimize the requirements of surveillance and security personnel. However, for air cargo and other applications where an employee will be present at the point of entry, the barrier mechanism may be omitted. In fact, in these applications where the space is in a privileged location and other security measures are already in place, the walls that define the portion of the first passage 114 and the portion of the second section 116 ee may omit so that the Tourniquet 102 is an identification feature that effectively only connects biometric selectors 112 and associated components of indication, signaling, computer, and communications. In this modality, the system is located at a threshold, or point of entry or exit but provides only an indicative barrier and not a physical one. Thus, the shape of the means selected to provide the tourniquet function can encompass a wide range of physical barrier degrees provided, and in some embodiments it can provide only an access permission indicator without any form of physical access prevention. The turnstile barrier mechanism 122 is connected to the scanning and accounting control computer 104, for example, by a digital data connection in series to the network of a standardized serial port on the computer 104, and the associated interface in the barrier mechanism 122. The tourniquet barrier mechanism 122 can be selectively activated by the scanning and accounting control computer 104 after validating the user identification and validation of the user's account, to allow the user to enter. the controlled area. The turnstile barrier mechanism 122 may be a mechanical tourniquet that physically selectively opens or closes to allow entry, or it may be an optical tourniquet that sounds an alarm if an infrared ray intersects the second passage portion 116 without the The user is first authorized by the identification scan or biometric sensor 112. An example of an optical tourniquet is the HP100 model system manufactured by Omega Optical Turnstiles of Walnut Creek, California. This turnstile is designed to provide access as a response to the presentation of an access card. The operational control of the turnstile can be modified (in accordance with the present invention) by removing the card scanning and authorization system, and connecting the turnstile seneor and the alarm system to instead provide access as a response to a signal from "open" command from the scan and accounting control computer 104. If the user crosses the infrared ray of the optical tourniquet without first obtaining authorization through the
-la ----- S-C ^ a scan of the biometric sensor 112, an alarm will sound. Crossing the beam by the user re-establishes the turnstile 102 to allow the next ueber to enter * the entrance 118 and pass the authorization process. In the prior art applications where iris scanning is used to control access to secured areas, the iris scanner is typically activated by a "start" button on the biometric seneor 112 which is depressed by the uery. However, in the present invention, it is more preferred to operate the sensor 112 without a start button, in a free running mode where the sensor 112 continuously tries to acquire an iris image that automatically resets and re-processes the recognition afterwards. of any unsuccessful attempt at recognition, without the user doing anything. In the case of purchases of multiple tickets (for example, if the user has purchased four seats for an opera), the validation of the user's identity will sequentially activate the barrier mechanism 122 to allow all of the member as a whole to participate of the user. . For example, if four tickets were purchased by one person, four people will be allowed to continue through the barrier mechanism 122 without sounding an alarm, after validation of the buyer's identity on the biometric sensor 112.
The operation of the system is controlled by the scan and accounting control computer 104, which is operably connected to both monitor and control all biometric sensors 112, height sensors 120, and barrier mechanisms. in the manner described herein. The level of certainty of identification of the biometric comparison made by the scan and accounting control computer 104 can be adjusted appropriately depending on the circumstances and the nature of its access provided. For example, the damage caused by allowing a person to transit through a transit system without an adequate charge to their account can in many cases, particularly in times of peak load, be considered more acceptable than the inconvenience of a passenger associated with stopping a tourniquet. to a fault in the identification. It may be desirable to reduce the level of trust required to make the match at those times, so that user accounts should be protected against accidental charges incurred by another person. Thus, in some cases a user may be allowed to enter without any charge to any account if the system identifies a probable but not definitive match, and the identification is at a level of trust that is sufficient to be valid does not cause the inconvenience of the transit and the people behind it, but not enough to justify a definitive charge to your account. In an appropriate mode for transit systems, the turnstiles 102 can be provided both at the user's entry point and at the exit point, similar to the placement of conventional ticket readers at the Metrorail of Washington DC, seven pm. so that the scan control and accounting computer 104 can register the entry point in the database 106 and then after knowing the exit point, to calculate the correct rate to be deducted from the user's account based on in the distance traveled. The flow charts in input and output processing required for such a system are shown in Figures 9a and 9b, respectively, while a schematic block diagram of the system with turnstiles both input and output is shown in Figure 9c. As shown in Figure 9a, beginning with block 902, after a user is presented on a tourniquet, the user is biometrically identified in the manner described above. Then, in block 904, the entry point (identification of release) is recorded in the database 106 of the accounting and accounting control computer 104 (both shown in Figure 9c). The entry point information is stored in correlation with the user identification, and can thus be stored either together with the user's record in the database 106, in a separate database together with some form of user identifier. In block 906, the user regietro is marked as being "in system" to facilitate accounting and identification of egress. This marking operation can be carried out by setting a flag in the user's account record in the database 106, or it can maintain and refer a separate line of users who are "in the system" to achieve similar operating results. . Referring now to Figure 9b, the images collected by the biometric scanner located at the exit point can be conveniently compared with a subset of the subglobal data bank of the stored images, which represent people who have entered the transit system but they have not exited, as shown in block 908. This operation is facilitated by the previous storage of the information that indicates who is in the system, as described above. By making the comparison with this eubset of images, while other images of stored users are excluded, the speed of search and response of the system is increased. The level of confidence required for a comparison selection at the exit point can be decreased, compared to the level of confidence required to determine the entry, since it is assumed that a match at the exit point should definitely be found with a person "in the system" at that time. Of course, if a match is not found with a user of the record in the system, control passes to block 910 for error processing. In block 910, the search can be extended to a second phase to encompass all available image registers, the user can be directed to be addressed for an employee to attend, an indicator can be provided, and other processing can be presented of error and signaling. Figure Ib shows the inlet 118 to the turnstile 102 which is provided with a height sensor 120. As shown in Figure Ib, the height sensor 120 may be a series of receiving light tracer and separate light beams closely matched to each other. associated reflectors 130. Four of these pairs are shown as an example, but 8, 12, or more pairs can be provided to obtain a desired increase in height detection to properly align the biometric scanner image scanning chamber 112 with the iris. of the pereona that enters the turnstile. In operation, the system determines the user's height by identifying it with light rays that are interrupted as the person passes through the entrance 118. The height of the individual can be estimated as less than the lowest ray that
Ss-a-a-^ - > fclSa- - is not interrupted, and greater than or equal to the height of the highest ray that is interrupted. In particularly preferred embodiments, the height software 120 may use an infrared or laser tracking mechanism to intelligently measure the height of the client. Figure ib further shows indicators 124 and 126 which may have green and yellow color and visually indicate "PASS" and "WAIT", respectively, under the control of the scan and accounting control computer 104. The WAIT light 126 will illuminate when a person is being scanned for access, indicating to the people coming back that they must wait before going through the height detector 120. When a user has been authorized and the barrier mechanism 122 has been released to allow that person continues through the turnstile, the WAIT 126 light goes out and the light goes on PASS 124 to indicate that the next person on the line should continue. Figure 2 is a flowchart showing a record creation sequence according to the present invention, which can be implemented using the equipment shown in Figures la and ib, and in particular, record item 108. The registration station 108 preferably is an automated ticketing station, but can also be serviced by an operator. Referring now to Figure 2, in the first step (block 202), the station
"Yes" ggi & »register 108 receives a user's or employee's information about the type of purchase desired by the user (for example, a certain number of tickets of a selected class to a particular event, or a credit previously determined for cash passages that will be incurred.) Payment and / or payment information is obtained, either by sweeping a credit or debit card, inserting cash, or providing bank account information for the purposes of The ticket or ticket sale, the transit ticket credit, or the like is recorded in the database 106, (shown in Figure la.) A PIN or other similar security code selected by the user is preferably This code can later be used by the user as a form of identification in case of difficulty with the biometric identification system.The PIN or security code can also be used. Use by the buyer if you wish to authorize another person to use the tickets in your presence, that is, if the tickets are a gift. In this case, the original purchaser will give the PIN number to the intended user, and this intended user will be allowed to re-register the tickets with the assumption that any person who possesses the security code or PIN number chosen at the time of the Purchase is authorized to perform this re-registration.
In the next step, shown in block 204, the user's biometric information is obtained. As noted above, any known desired biometric amount can be used for identification, in the preferred embodiment, an iris structure is obtained through the biometric sensor 112 attached to the registration station 108. Finally, in block 206, the information The biometric scanner is stored in the database 106 in association with the user's record showing the services or access purchased by that user. In this way, biometric information is available to identify the user at a future date when the user wishes tickets or tickets purchased in this way. Preferably, the buyer's biometric data is also stored with information that identifies that person, so that subsequent purchases can be made without the physical presence of the buyer. As soon as your biometric information is in the file, a user can often call an office and order the tickets, so they can be collected based on the biometric data associated with the pre-existing account. Other purchases, such as concessions, gift shop, magazine stand and other purchases within the transit system, stadium, or room, may also be charged to the user's account based on biometric scanning at a station.
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provided for this purpose. In the case of transit use, it may be particularly desirable for the walker to arrange automatic charges to his credit card or bank account whenever he falls below the defined threshold. For example, you can establish an initial account balance of $ 30, and you can apply for an annual fee, payments, ticket fees, concession charges, etc., against this balance. Then, when the ealdo goes down to zero or some previously determined minimum threshold such as $ 5, another charge of $ 30 may be applied to the user's credit card or bank account, to provide a ready balance against which the ueuario can load purchases, pasajee, etcetera. The data bank 106 will store information identifying the account as authorizing these automatic charges and the scan and accounting control computer 104 will process the charges through the financial network 110 as appropriate. The payment of welfare and service which can be obtained at the expense of the user can be done through any desired mechanism, although electronic tranection is preferred in view of the volume of transactions experienced in the typical application of the invention. The method or methods of payment to be used by a particular account are indicated by a code and requirements data (for example, account numbers) stored in the data bank.
4 & at the time of registration. Different payment methods can be used for different types of purchase dollar values, if so. For example, discounts to an internal deposit account can be used for transit ticket purchases, while other types of purchases are processed as direct credit card transactions. Alternatively, amounts under a limit such as $ 5 are charged to a deposit account, while larger amounts are charged to the credit card of the ueuario. The user's and / or the seven's preferences for payment mechanisms are recorded in the database. User preferences are accepted by the system based on a predetermined rule set. The user's preferences are also limited, when applicable, by the user's credit or the willingness of the operating entity to extend the credit to the user. There are various payment mechanisms that are particularly preferred in the context of this invention. All these methods involve creating a discount to an account maintained by the user. This discount can be either to an internal or external account with respect to the system. Also, the account can be a credit account or a deposit type account with a positive balance against which charges are deducted. A particularly preferred method is the deposit account mechanism described above, wherein an initial account balance is established, with the automatically triggered fill of the balance as it is emptied. This method is particularly useful in transit applications where the user can incur regular small charge in daily commutation. Another possible mechanism is an immediate debit of one of the user accounts for each charge made using the system. Due to transaction processing costs, this mechanism may be less desirable applied at small, frequent expense, but may be very desirable for wholesale charges such as air fares or the purchase of items with the team logo in a stadium. Accounts loaded in this way could be a credit card account or a financial institution account that belongs to the user. However, an internal credit account may well be established, billing the user either monthly or at another convenient interval. A hybrid of two methods ee can provide. In the hybrid approach, a credit-type account is created internal to the system and various charges are accumulated for a predetermined period such as per day, per week or per month. The total charge during this interval is then transmitted in a single transaction to the credit card of the payment user in an electronic funds transfer of the account of the financial institution of the ueuario. In this case, if the total charges to the user's internal charge account exceed a predetermined dollar value, or limit of
tfep established credit, H rgos can be paid by charging to a credit card or bank account even if the previously determined period has not yet elapsed. The security problems of privacy is important to implement the present invention. The level of detail provided in account statements or confirmation statements should be carefully selected to provide sufficient information to ensure that the charges made were legitimate, without transmitting information that could be sensitive. For example, it may be advisable to indicate in an account statement the number of transit trips made in a week or mee and the total fare, omitting information such as the date, entry and exit station, and exact times of entry and exit. each trip. The detailed information identifying each transaction and the transaction identification number or code assigned at the time of the transaction is preferably recorded in the billing computer system in the event that a customer inquires about the accuracy of the invoice. . The user's account record may have each relevant transaction identification number or code entered therein so that detailed information may be obtained in lieu of an inquiry or request. However, detailed transaction information is preferably not released to anyone
K & ^ t &^ i i except the parc-cular winery as a response to a specific request. Another particularly important method of payment is the anonymous account. Some individuals may, due to privacy issues, prefer not to identify themselves by providing name, address, etc. to the system. Of course, if the system is going to transfer funds from a user account to a financial institution, or charge credit cards, it requires a proper authorization and this authorization inherently requires personal identification. In this way, an alternative payment mechanism for an anonymous account is necessary. In a preferred embodiment, anonymous accounts are provided as cash deposit accounts. Thus, if a person wishes to have access to a ticketing system using the biometric identification number of the present invention, but does not wish to identify himself directly to this system, the person can register an account anonymously, and make a cash deposit. against the tickets or other goods or services that are going to be charged against the account. The user's biometric data (such as iris scanning) will be recorded, but the account will be identified only with an anonymous account identifier or number instead of the person's name and information about the financial account. To continue using the account, you will be required to make additional cash deposits to maintain a balance
• SíMS? Faith ", positive all the time, since the system will not have identification information with which to institute the collection efforts if the uery owes money. To facilitate the operation of anonymous accounts without service interruptions, the system may have a "low balance" indicator that is activated when the user goes through a tourniquet or makes a purchase if the balance of the remaining account is below of a predetermined threshold, such as $ 10. This indicator will remind the user that the regietro station re-emerges, where the user will identify his / her account (by account identifier, or preferably by biometric scanning of the user) and will provide an additional cash deposit. If the seventh is one in which the charge varies depending on the entry and exit points, and the balance is below another predetermined amount (for example, the minimum passage currently in effect or an arbitrary minimum such as $ 5) the admission may refuse until the balance is increased, to avoid that the ueuario stay stuck in the system without recourse to pay the charge due to the ealida. The user can register an account which can then be used in multiple places such as a plurality of different transit networks and companies, multiple stadiums, arenas and event halls, and other places. In this modality, an intermodal payment is provided
«(- of traneport and identification scheme, through which a user can easily fly, use mass transit, take trains, bus, boats, taxis, etc. in a variety of cities and even nations, without the need to carry money or Identification The tourniquets and associated scanners can be provided at the entrance and / or exit and / or payment points as appropriate, for each transit system, concession stand, or store in the system Figure 4 shows a network of intermodal computer 400 to implement eeta embodiment of the invention Central accounting computer 402 is connected to financial network 110 and master database 106. Sand 404, retail store 406, fast food small 408, the airline 410, the railroad 402, the vessel 414, and other desired entry points or points of purchase systems are connected to the central accounting computer 402. Eetoe individual systems they incorporate biometric scanning, coincidence analysis, and access control sevenmas as shown in Figure la. Preferably, the individual systems also incorporate regularly updated registration and copy stations of the maeetra 106 database to facilitate identification of the local authority and acquisition or purchase control. The individual systems preferably provide account information that defines the user's transactions to the central accounting computer 402, which processes the transactions in the manner described above with reference to the scanning and accounting control computer 104 (shown in FIG. ). As shown, in intermodal-type applications, a central computer data pool and a billing system can be provided to maintain the user information and process load in a uniform manner through various methods or inelatations. Alternatively, separate user databases and billing systems may be used for several weeks if desired. The data bases can be updated either through a regular program or exchange of information, or after the first use of a new system by a traveler or an event attendant. The first time the user is a customer of a seventh decade of the "domestic" system, the user may be required to go through at least one abbreviated registration process in which the previously recorded biometric data and associated account data are recorded. tranefieran from the domestic seventh. This can be done automatically through a concentric expansion program of search scope to neighboring or interconnection systems, if the user is not recognized in the data base of the local system. The registration process in the first use of the new system can also be done by obtaining identification information from the ueuario and requesting the registration of the domestic system. The registration station can be in a fixed place or it can be mobile. It can also be provided as a stand-alone station that selectively connects to a network 5 to load information from the new registry, or it can be on the network at all times. To the extent that account balances are maintained in the system, these account balances are preferably kept uniformly throughout the system and are updated consistently and in
real time to avoid mistakes. The online operation system to allow access preferably operates as a real-time network of multiple transaction stations, with a central database to maintain information and account balances. The new account registrations can be
add to the online system in real time or in a periodic batch (for example, early in the morning when the state transit system is not operating). In the case of access to a bus or other type of transportation in which you do not have access through the
A station that provides controlled entry and / or exit points, provides an independent identification system and a wireless packet radio system or other suitable wireless communication system that can be used to process traffic. Alternatively, the
bus can carry a charged account balance information
--taa-.and in the morning for the trip '# ¥ > and registered, and may allow the bus ride of any traveler who has access to credit or who has at least one predetermined deposit amount such as $ 5, and it is relatively unlikely that a single traveler will incur more than $ 5 in repayment fees. within the framework of traneito in one turn. Preferably the computers that make up the system are networked either in a private network or using public networks such as the Internet. Ideally, a broadband communication bandwidth is supported to support rapid comparisons between biometric data from a person seeking access, and recorded in the data bank, so that comparisons can be made by a centrally located computer that also keep balance of account. However, in another hybrid mode, the accounts are kept in a central computer, but the biometric data in the account registers are replicated in a computer at each turnstile site, so that comparison and matching can be performed locally, and avoiding the need to transmit data files of biometric eecaneoe on a network in real time operation. Lae dietintae baeee of biometric cooperation data on the site can be updated during periods in which the seventh is not operating or has low load, talee as in early morning hours. In this hybrid approach, the
T ^ p.aüt? computer associated with the turnstile pairs the scanned data of the user with a record. The information that identifies that record and the amount to be discounted is then transmitted to the central computer. Typically, this information could be contained in a single packet in the form of Internet protocol (IP) or in another form of network packet. Thus, the communication bandwidth requirement of this hybrid approach is much less than the bandwidth required to complete the biometric identification on a network. The hybrid pair and the accounting system as described in the preamble can be implemented with any of the hardware modalities shown in the drawings, including the arrangement of Figure 1 and the arrangement of Figure 4. Each user account can be customized. Selectively code for any of the available payment mechanisms, basing on the user's preference and on your credit. The additional information of ueuario and codes of special propóeitoe can also be stored in the database in association with the register of user account established in accordance with this process. A type of special purpose code that can be stored, that is, a special access authorization code for use if an emergency statement is declared. This code may be used to reetring access to controlled areas to particular prosecutions or classifications of persons in the case of a local or national emergency and / or for verification and determination of travel priorities during wartime or other emergencies. Another type of special purpose code that can be stored is a code that indicates a level of discount or an additional level of service that is going to apply to certain purchases of goods, services and / or services. For example, an automatic discount can be provided by membership in an organization, such as the American Association of Retired Persons, or the American Automobile Association. Additional service may be provided if the user is a member of a group of preferred clients such as an airline frequent flyer program. As an example, improved accommodations, a free drink, etc. can be provided automatically when available, basing on the user's coding in the seventh as a member of a group of exclusive clients. The user can be re-assigned by yet another type of special propà © eitoe code to receive frequent traveler points or frequent promocionalee. An account balance for promotional items is kept within the scan and accounting control computer 104 or in a central computer connected to the scan and accounting control computer 104. The reward is for mileage and
a »-« a »aai other program incentives may be earned by the user based on paeajee, event, and purchase made by the system and / or similar systems associated with the system. A single incentive program may be administered centrally by an intermodal group of transport companies, event organizers, and / or other merchants associated with the seventh, or incentives may be provided by individual system, event organizer, or merchants based on in buying your goods and service through the biometric identification system. A code can also be stored to authorize the dispatch of the use of -effective to the user, upon request, when passing through the turnstile, and to indicate a quantity of cash that is to be dispatched. For example, a user may wish to have the option of pressing a button during the identification process, and following identification verification, receive a ticket or a $ 20 ticket from a dispatcher on a tourniquet. Another user may not wish to have the option to obtain cash. The process of Figure 2 can be executed in a way that facilitates the transfer of previously purchased tickets to another person. To facilitate this transfer, the buyer can accompany the person receiving the tickets and be identified by the biometric sensor 112, or can also provide the buyer with a security code
«Ai« or PIN number (registered at the time of the original purchase) the knowledge of which will allow that person to make use of the tickets. The company preferably makes an additional charge for the use of the tickets by someone other than the original purchaser. The scan and accounting control computer 104 is preferably programmed to establish a monetary charge for this transfer service, to request information on the bank, debit, or debit card of the transferred party, and to charge the transferor and / or transferor (using previously stored information from the transfer) for the ticket registration service, using the financial network 110 to process the charges. The financial network 110 can also be used to provide exchange between different currencies so that purchases can be made in a variety of currencies, particularly in the case of international air travel. Figure 3 is a flow chart illustrating the entry (or exit) authorization procedure in accordance with the present invention using the novel turnstiles 102 shown in FIG. Starting at block 302, the signal "PASS" 124 is activated to allow the next user to enter the turnstile. In block 304, the user's frame is detected using the height senor 120. In block 306, the target of the biometric sensor 112 is adjusted according to the measured height of the individual entering the turnstile, so that the sensor 112 at least approximately it adjusts to the stature of the individual (if necessary, it is possible to control the target of camera adjustment by means of image analysis and * feedback controller in the biometric sensor 112). Also, in some cases the height can be measured inaccurately by the height senor 120 (for example, if the user is wearing a tall object or wearing a tall hat). If the image senor of the biometric unit 112 is unable to fix the image when the height detected is detected, an automatic scanning mode will be introduced and an attempt will be made to acquire the user's iris image at various other heights until success is achieved. or a predetermined time has ended. In block 308 ee obtains the biometric information by scanning the person in the turnstile. In block 310, the information obtained compares with data stored in data bank 106 to determine if there is a match between a programmed level of certainty. If there is not, the control passes to block 314 and the access rejects, and after a waiting state in block 316 to allow the rejected user to exit the turnstile, the turnstile is reset and is ready for the next user as control passes to the next user. block 302. If there is a match with the database, the control goes to block 312 and the user's purchase record is retrieved. In the case of a rate or access fee that is to be decreased, the record is adjusted appropriately. In the case of a ticket in the case of the entrance to a ticket where the ticket is made after the departure, the ticket only registers the entry of the person identified in the controlled area (indicating the ticket's date, or indicating the etation where the transit ueun began its journey). In block 320, access control mechanism 122 is released to allow the defined number of people to enter the controlled area and an indicator is activated so that the user knows that he and his companions, if applicable) can continue to through the turnstile. The modified record is then stored in block 322, with an indication of the use of ticket, entry, and / or entry location if appropriate, and with a diminished account balance is appropriate. The control then returns to block 302 and the turnstile is ready to identify and provide access to the next ueuario. Figure 5 shows a process for providing old and / or audio indications to a ueuario, to indicate when the identification has been validated and the input is feasible, and to adjust the operation of the system under the code of ueuario. The barrier mechanism 122 (shown in Figure 1) preferably has a visual indicator associated therewith for this purpose, such as an indicator
.Asr feAs -.-.,. ».! ,, te3aMaiaas? gBMg £, ', »..« jife. - - '. -.--- .. f «¿& v. ^ illuminated electively. An audio signal can be provided to indicate authorization and / or failure. The audio signal may include a bell, U? | J J § > Z recorded, and / or a digital welcome greeting personalized sfíleetizado such as "Welcome, Mr. López". Visual signals, and / or audio signals, can be provided for each person using the tourniquet. Alternatively, these signals can selectively provide a customized way depending on who is using the tourniquet. More specifically, the operation of the turnstile system and associated indicators can be varied from individual clients after identification, depending on codes stored in the data base register associated with that customer. The user is first identified biometrically in the manner described above, as provided in block 502. Next, the user's record is retrieved and in block 504, it is determined whether an audio indication is provided, if it is ae, what type of audio indication. If it is going to provide audio indication, the control goes to block 506 and the audio signal is provided. For example, if the client's record indicates that the person has poor vision, an audio signal and greeting is activated eelectively for the patient, while this signal is not activated for another person where it is not coded to receive this attention.
"- ** - -. ^ - Following, in block 508, the system determines if the user's record is coded to receive a visual indication or approval * and if so, what specific visual indication should be provided. desired is provided in block 510 and the control then passes to block 512. In block 512, the system determines whether some special codes are associated with the user's account to vary the tourniquet's operation or to provide another aid to handicapped par- ents. If so, in block 514 the operation of the system is adjusted or the help is prepared to suit the user.Thereby, the mechanically or electrically activated operation of the turnstile can be varied based on the customer profile. Client indicates that the patient has limited mobility or a wheelchair, the tourniquet can be activated in a special way allowing additional time for the passage. Also, in the case of users of wheelchairs, the tourniquet opening can be automatically increased after recognition, as a response to a code in the database. This can be accomplished by providing a turnbuckle with a mechanical barrier having a maximum width of openings to accommodate a wheelchair or other equipment, which can be selectively controlled to open at two or more different widths. The barrier is then activated to open
gaéjfefly ^ -artfea faith, completely for pereonae who are coded as users of wheelchairs, but only partially open for other people. Alternatively, special coding may result in automated dispatch of special assistance such as courtesy transportation. The system has particular applicability to air travel and can be provided with customized features when used to control access to the aircraft. In a typical aircraft reservation and boarding process performed in accordance with the present invention, the user calls to make a reservation or re-serve a computer. The computer can be a home computer connected to the Internet, in a kiosk connected to the computer, a travel agency computer, a computer operated by a reservation system by phone, or an enhanced automatic cashier. A preferred process for implementing the seventh in an air travel application is shown in Figure 6. To make a reservation, the user first identifies as a registered customer using an account number or other identifying information, such as name and address, or preferably a biometric scan, as shown in block 602. Next, reservation information is received (block 604) and the reservation information is recorded together with the identification of the relevant user account (block
606). After arriving at the airport, the airport will be scanned in a biometric scanning station (block 608). In block 610, select by comparison the identity of the passenger with the Kiosk account under which the reservations were made. If the match is found, the execution continues to block 612 and the passenger is "documented", ie the seat assignment is confirmed, the baggage is labeled and accepted, and if desired, a boarding pass is issued. If desired, of course, the system can be used in a manner that substantially eliminates the issuance of tickets and boarding passes, based on the scanning and verification of the user's identity at each step of the baggage and recovery documentation, control of acceeo to the area, and proceeo of approach, where traditionally ee uea a board of approach as identification. If the biometry of the user does not coincide with that of re-preservation, a manual error handling process is initiated as shown in block 614. In this process, the identity of the user is verified through additional identification forms, and ee Take a decision on the subject and allow the person to board the aircraft. If the person is allowed to board, he or she first registers in the seventh, and then "is documented as described above." If the user is a first-time user of the system, or there are additional persons traveling with the user or the user's account. , his
«-.-. A ^ »- '-wasaS- a - *' SfcÜíPl biometric information is recorded either at the time of making the reservation, or at the station provided in the vicinity of the airport ticket counter. For security purposes, the database can be scanned internally after the first access of a new user, to identify duplicate records that indicate that the user has previously traveled under a different name, and these duplicates are marked for the investigation before allowing the person board the aircraft. Persons who use the system for the first time may be required to show various forms of identification to ensure that false records are not created. Preferably, in addition to scanning at the time of receiving the boarding pass, the documentation of the baggage, or "the documentation", the user can be scanned again as shown in block 616, to verify the identity on the door during the process of boarding the aircraft. In this way, only those people who have been positively identified and who coincide with a known user registry who made the re-booking will allow them to board the aircraft. Again, if the biometry of a pereona attempting to board the aircraft does not coincide with that verified in the airplane, the control passes to the error handling process in block 614. As another feature of the invention, shown in FIG.
'< fr * a. -t s. : e.¿-fc í. < A < ~ g block 618, shortly before the deepegue of the aircraft, the system can automatically generate a litter of paeajeroe that checked baggage but -that did not actually enter the aircraft, dropping in biometric scan records on the door. Any "unaccompanied baggage" can be removed from the cargo location as a safety measure. The system can also be provided with particular improvements for use in sports arenas or in similar applications related to events. A schematic block diagram of a particularly useful system design in a sports arena is shown in Figure 7. The hardware components of Figure 7 differ from those shown in Figure 1 in two main aspects. First, a portable point-of-purchase scanning computer 702 can be provided, preferably in portable form, by incorporating a biometric scanner with an associated portable database for pattern matching analysis. This portable point-of-purchase computer 702 can be used by concessionaires to register concession charges. Loe regietroe can be communicated to the scan and accounting control computer 104 via a wireless data link such as tranemieor-radio receiver in package 706, or it can be stored in the memory and then copied to the control and accounting control computer 104 (also shown in Figure la). The OOmpra point units, either fixed or portable, will similarly be provided in souvenir stalls, location concession stands, parking entry points and others where money is collected or access control is provided. For example, the identification system can be carried out in the manner described above, to control access to the stadium or hall, and another identification and access control function can be performed by means of a scanner located at the entrance to a special seating section. , such as boxes or a club level. Another feature particularly useful in event management where seat reservation is provided is the addition of a 704 receipt on each entry point turnstile, which automatically prints the user's seat assignment (and optionally points to the seat) for the convenience of both users and organizers, as the user enters the arena. As an additional feature, the system preferably provides special codes in the data bank to record that a user has paid for access to a particular event, such as a concert or movie, or on a particular date, in the case of access to a theme park or another place where a single daily fee is paid for the right to come and go at will during that period. In this way, the practice of hand-stamping or re-examining the tickets of those who have left the area and wish to return can be eliminated. The re-entry will automatically be provided to the employer based on the previous payment record during the defined time period for non-limited access. Special codes can also be provided for those who have ticket tickets, for example, who have purchased an unlimited annual admission to a theme park or museum so that access is allowed without further charge, after the user's identification by the seventh . It must be recognized that the purchase of tickets for events and reservation of associated seats can be made in advance by telephone or computer in the manner previously stated and / or in the manner previously prescribed for airline reservations. Alternatively, the system can be used to allow entry to museums, thematic parks, etc. for which there is an admission charge but no re-booking or seating assignments are required. Another preferred embodiment of a biometric scanning tourniquet according to the invention is shown in FIGS. 8a and 8b. In this embodiment, referring first to Figure 8a, the turnstile is provided with an array of electronic imaging cameras 801, each arranged along a vertical line and separated by a uniform distance along the line . A white 802 lamp has polarizing lenses that make the lamp
- 'l, ¿s? tt > ¡£?? __. Í is visible only to S? long angogo field of vision directly ahead of the lamp. The user will be prevented from placing his right (or left eye, depending on which eye is in the database) so that he can see the 802 lamp in full brightness with that eye . The positioning directs the objective eye directly before the camera arrangement. The camera array is then activated and the iris image of one of the cameras in the array is selected for processing. The camera that provides the best image will vary depending on the user's frame and will typically be the camera closest to the eye level. The camera to be used can be selected by electronically analyzing the image to determine if there is an iris image present. Alternatively, the camera can be selected only by trying to match the pattern with all the camera images and ignoring the image that does not give rise to a matching of the recognition pattern of irie. As another option, the camera at the correct height can be selected using the height sensor mechanisms and methods described above with reference to Figure ib. In another embodiment, instead of providing a camera array, the direction to the lamp 802 target can be paralyzed in both horizontal and vertical direction. In
-.-"- .tap, "-- - . , -, x j! Má? > £ fo¡3L ** ziüi vt- a &mme-í-r ». In this modality, the user places the objective eye so that it can see the lamp 802 in all its brilliance, and this action inherently places the eye in a position of predetermined height and laterality in the jlrSl a single camera 801 can be direct to collect the necessary iris image. The one or more cameras 801 may be provided with lenses having a higher depth of field within the range of probable distances from the camera to the objective iris. In this case, it may not be necessary to provide the lens with a focusing mechanism. Eeta modality is preferred since removing part of the mobile device can increase the reliability of the turnstile equipment. Alternatively, the camera can be provided with autofocus lenses to provide a more accurate image of the objective iris. The cameras 801 are shown in FIGS. 8a and 8b in a vertically oriented array, but it is also possible to provide an array that extends both horizontally and vertically for ease of capturing a rendered image without requiring the user to be in a lateral position. precise. The turnstile can also be provided with sensors to detect the presence of a user to start the scanning process. For example, the pressure sensor 804 or the infrared motion detector 803 can be used to detect the presence of a user.
As ee 8b, indicator lamps 805 (pass) 806 (wait) and 807 (low ealdo) provide indication of the user statement of operation. The loudspeaker 808 provides audio signals, feedback, and instructions sectically. A special illumination light or lights 809 can also be provided in predetermined orientations, to enhance the imaging of the cameras 801. The 809 lights can be oriented to produce shadow through characteristic facialee.
particulars for image processing purposes
(Feature recognition) or ee can provide for general lighting. The lights 809 may be of an ultraviolet wavelength of the light, such as infrared, and the selected cameras may respond
particularly at the wave lengths of the lights 809. The turnstile may also include a cash request button 812 and a cash dispenser 813. If the user presses the cash request button 812 during the identification process, the account of the uerary
is properly coded, cash can be sent to the user. The amount of cash deposited will be discounted against the user's account in one of the ways previously described, including, for example, electronic access to an external financial network to create a charge to a credit account.
credit or a deduction from a checking account or other
b ¿^. ". J. -" > -. "-f ^ M? fi, 57 bank. # e ~ A wide-angle camera 816 can also be provided to obtain a video frame of the user's face during each identification process.This 5-video box can be stored in a diepoeitive of mass storage along with data associating the table with the specific transaction, for security, verification, and purposes of authorization of evidence in the case that a user needs to debit a debit 10 In a preferred embodiment, the light 809 ee orientates to illuminate the right eye socket 810 and to mold a precise naeal shade 812 through the left cheek of the ueum, as shown in Figure 8c, the nasal shadow 811 can be located by image processing for
identify a dark region in this part of the image, and the portion of the image to the left and slightly above the naeal shadow, corresponding to the expected position of the right iris in the eye socket 810 becomes the focus of the process of pairing patterns. In a modality the tourniquet system which is particularly suited for additions to cinemas or other applications in reserved seats, but for which they must limit admissions, the identification station on the turnstile may be provided with a set of buttons.
or a keyboard, allowing the user to select which cinema
you want to add (for multiple screens). For example, the buttons can be selected for "room l", "room 2", "room 3", etc. and the titles of the movies that are displayed in those rooms are provided in cards and close to 5 of the buttons. Preferably "exhausted" indicators are provided near the selection buttons for rooms that no longer have tickets available for the next function. They can also provide e-mail for different exhibition hours, if necessary. A set of 0 numbered buttons or a numeric keypad can also be provided to select the number of pereonae that you are going to admit. In this way, the ueuario can obtain admission to a room for him and / or one or more guests by submitting a biometric identification, selecting the room, and 5 electing the guest number. The tourniquet barrier will activate to allow the selected number of pereonae to enter. The user's account will be charged for the number of tickets obtained in this way. The scan and accounting control computer 104 will maintain an updated record 0 of the number of tickets sold for each eala and activate the "exhausted" indicator and do not remain aeientoe for a function. Here, the methods and methods have been established to provide substantial solutions to the problems experienced in the prior art with ticketing, passages, and
other access control systems that depend on artifacts or which confirm the identity between an individual who buys a service or access and an individual who performs service or access. The present invention provides a controlled, rapid and accurate access to a controlled area or event without requiring the customer to carry an artifact. The system according to the present invention improves the flow of traffic, is more convenient for the paeajero or spectator, and lowers the operating costs for the traffic authorities. In the case of air travel, in particular, the seventh improves safety by assuring that the person who purchased the ticket who is known and identified at that time is the same person who boards the aircraft. The present invention also makes it possible to have a national or regional regietro that allows a reg- ulated ueo to make unlimited travel within the area., coneietente with the credit of the pereona. The registered airport, for example, can travel intermodal and sewing trips involving different transport authorities, take a bus to a block from eu caea, go underground, take the metro to the train station, take a train between cities to another city, and fly to caea in the afternoon, all ein show no ticket and carry a credit card, a checkbook, etc., since the payments will be automatically charged to the user's accounts regietradas.
For sporting events, the present invention allows for a national registry that would allow the registration or euscription to league passes, allowing the attendance of the games of any team in the league.
t. ^ J¡ wsm »? sm2kA > - - .. asfc. , Í £, ..¿fe "-" ¿a
Claims (18)
1. A system < & Automated biometric identification and billing to collect the fee after a user enters a fee-for-access area, which comprises: a member's account storage element to store a plurality of user account regietroe, including each record at least (a) sufficient biometric data to identify the user and (b) the designation of a collection method that will be used to collect usage fees incurred by the user; a biometric identification element connected to the account registration storage element, to scan at least one biometric feature of a person seeking entrance to the controlled access area to obtain information of biometric characteristics, to compare the biometric characterization information with the regietroe of user accounts to match that person who seeks to enter with a user account registration, and generate a signal that identifies the user's account record; an account charge element connected to the biometric identification element and the account registration storage element, to receive the signal identifying the record 1 & ^ user account, indicating a tic- financial transaction that makes a charge to the user identified by the user fee, and generates an access permission signal indicating jM? e the financial transaction has been processed, - and a tourniquet element connected to the charge-to-account element to receive the access permission signal and, as a re-echee to the access permit signal, allow the uae to pass through an access point to the access fee area.
2. The seventh of claim 1 further comprising elements and indicators connected to the charge element to the account for receiving the access permission signal and providing an indication to the user that the access is approved.
3. The system of claim 2 wherein the indicating element further includes an element for receiving the signal identifying the user account record and providing an output identifying the account of the user to which the charge has been made by the user. rate of use.
The seventh of claim 1 wherein the account register storage element stores, for each account, an iris pattern of the associated user and the biometric identification element incorporates an irie scanner. "* -. *,
5. The system of claim 1 wherein for at least a plurality of these records, the collection method includes storing an account balance for the user, and deducting the billing fees from the account balance as incurred.
The system of claim 1 wherein the account charge element ee connects to a financial data transmission network and selectively initiates an electronic financial transaction using the network to obtain the user's payment.
7. The system of claim 6 wherein the electronic financial transaction is a charge to a credit account.
8. The seventh of claim 6 wherein the electronic financial transaction is a debit transaction of bank account.
9. The system of claim 6 wherein the electronic financial tracing is for an amount greater than the incurred usage rate and selectively initiated only when the account balance previously charged by the user falls within a predetermined limit.
10. The system of claim 6 wherein the account debiting element maintains a charge backlog incurred during a predetermined period and initiates a single electronic financial transaction to collect this charge. j 3¡? Sa? w > . - - yesmm z- -, * - A Í.Í - .. incurred during the period after the period has elapsed.
11. The seventh of claim 1 wherein the account debit element incorporates means to maintain anonymous account registration., the anonymous account records do not contain information that personally identifies the user, and identify the collection method as a charge against an ealdo in cash paid in advance by the anonymous user.
The system of claim 1 further comprising: a cash request entry element for receiving an application of the user's cash policy; a cash request processing element connected to the cash request entry element and associated with the debit element in account, to receive the cash dispatch request initiating a financial transaction that charges the identified amount for an amount required cash and generate a cash activation signal; and a cash item connected to the cash request processing element to dispatch the required amount of cash at the request of the signal activating the cash flow.
13. The system of claim 1 wherein the storage element or register of the account! includes an operation code storage element adapted to the client for storing at least one code specifying a functional operation of the system that is applied to user 5 associated with a record that does not contain said code, but not all ueuarios, and which also comprises operation control elements adapted to the client associated with at least one of the items of charge in account and biometric identification elements, to vary the operation of the item 10 according to the code stored in the code storage element.
14. The system of claim 13 which further comprises: cash request entry element 15 to receive a request for cash dispensing from the user; a cash request proceeding element connected to the cash request entry element and associated with the debit item in account, to receive the cash dispatch request, initiating a 20 financial transaction making a charge to the user identified by a requested amount of cash and generating a cash activation activation signal; and an item to dispatch cash connected to the cash request processing element for 25 dispatch the requested amount of cash upon request to the »* S» k & , - j3fejgfe = &SaS activation signal of the cash fpepacho; wherein the code storage element stores a code to allow cash requests and the cash-handling element is operated only for account that includes said code to allow cash requests.
15. The seventh of claim 13 wherein the code indicates an operative accommodation of the system for a diecapacity.
16. eistema of claim 1 further comprising a registration station to create registroe account NewE ueuarioe including eetación of regietro: biometric scanning elements for scanning at least one biometric feature of a registrant to obtain biometric data for suficientee identify a user; building elements regietroe of conectadoe has the element biometric eecaneo to create a regietro account ueuapo, each regietro at least (a) sufficient biometric data to identify the user and (b) designating a method of charging for be used to collect the user fees incurred by the user; and data transfer elements associated with the account registration creation element, to add Á ^ Sm?. ^ - * ».? GSiB¡. new user account regions created by the account record creation element for the customer record storage element.
17. The seventh of claim 16 wherein the registration station ademáe comprises elements to modify and update existing user account regietroe. The system of claim 16 wherein the registration station further comprises code entry elements for receiving operation codes adapted to the client that specify a functional operation of the system that is applied to the user account registration, but not to all are registered, and to store said code in the register of the user's account. N An access control and integrated scanning system (100) scanning a stable biometric feature when the user passes through a checkpoint (102), which may include a physical tourniquet barrier (122). A related account is then owed to a user for the charge of a ticket, right of use, rate, or other appropriate charge for the site or transportation accessed through the system (100). In different preferred embodiments, the system (100) is connected to a financial network (110) to process the charges, and they provide point-of-purchase (lll) stations within the controlled area, so that the users can charge welfare and eService. to your accounts without carrying cash or other artifices. * * * * * ^^^^^ j ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^;? fc-_ Ü »'G ^^ M
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US60/054,339 | 1997-07-31 | ||
| US60/070,566 | 1998-01-06 | ||
| US09053216 | 1998-04-01 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| MXPA00001075A true MXPA00001075A (en) | 2001-11-21 |
Family
ID=
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