CN1207188A - recognition system - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for remote identification, with which a first party at a first telephone (7) and a second party at a second telephone (8) confirm their identities. The fingerprint of the first person is read and compared with the stored fingerprint pattern. If the stored and detected fingerprints match, the first telephone (7) transmits a signal to the second telephone (8) which controls the display of the image of the first person on the second telephone.

Description

recognition system

The invention relates to an identification system for verifying the identity of a person.

Often it is necessary to confirm that the person notifying the transaction is who they say they are or that they are authorized to complete the particular transaction. Identity cards with a photograph of authorized persons are well known, such as bank cards, which have a four-digit coded magnetic strip containing details which can be compared with the code entered into the card receiver by the cardholder.

A first type of identification card with a photo on its face, the visible photo can be tampered with. For example: a photo can be removed and replaced with another photo. Further, such cards cannot be used for remote identification because they cannot be used to generate an identification signal that can be transmitted away from the cardholder and card. This means that such cards are not suitable for the identification of persons authorized to carry out transactions via eg a telephone set.

A "yes" or "no" signal generated by a magnetic stripe-type ID card. The magnetic strip only stores the code corresponding to the code entered by the authorized card user, and does not generate an identification signal, which can be transmitted to a remote display to generate an easily identifiable display that is characteristic of the cardholder.

The invention is defined in claims 1 or 8, to which reference should be made.

The embodiments of the invention claimed in claims 1 and 8 allow the generation of a signal which can be transmitted to a remote display and by monitoring the display an easily identifiable user-specific display can be generated.

Preferably, the second memory of claim 8 stores a bitmap corresponding to an image of the cardholder's face, which can be transmitted to a remote display to generate an image of the cardholder. The identification signal thus generated is difficult to reproduce by a counterfeiter, but can be easily generated and transmitted by the user of the card.

The best features of the invention are set forth in the claims appended to claims 1 and 8, to which reference should be made.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings:

Figure 1 depicts (not to scale) a remote identification system;

Figure 2 depicts (not to scale) an alternative embodiment of the present system;

Fig. 3 is a block diagram corresponding to the information flow of the system in Fig. 1 or Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of the configuration of a terminal used in the remote identification system of Figs. 1 to 3 .

Figure 5 depicts means for storing signals or data processing cards representing fingerprint patterns and images; and

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an information flow corresponding to a system implemented by the devices of FIGS. 1 or 2 and 5 .

Figure 1 depicts a remote identification system for verifying the identity of a cardholder at a location remote from the operator conducting the transaction. This embodiment is particularly suitable, for example, for verifying the identity of a person conducting a banking, stock, or business transaction via telephone notification.

The card 1 , such as a PCMCIA (ie card approved by the Personal Computer Memory Card International Association) card, has a built-in fingerprint sensor 2 , on-card memory 3 and data processing means 4 . The construction of the card, data processing and fingerprint sensor may be as described in International Patent Application No. WO94/25938, European Patent Application No. WO94/25938 or UK Patent Application No. GB2243235.

A card reader with a card receiving slot 6 is installed in the first telephone 7, for example, for a first person to notify a second person to carry out a transaction. A second telephone 8, in communication with the first telephone 7, eg for conducting transactions, is provided with a display system 9 and/or is connected to an external display system 9a.

When using the first phone 7 to notify the cardholder of the transaction (the phone number No. 1) to identify himself, he inserts the card 1 into the slot 6 and presses his fingertip on the fingerprint sensor 2 superior. As described in more detail below, the detected fingerprint pattern is compared to stored fingerprint patterns of authorized cardholders. This stored pattern remains in the card memory 3.

Fingerprint pattern detection and comparison was as described in EP0459808, GB2243235 and WO94/25938.

If the detected and stored fingerprint patterns match, a facial image representing the authorized cardholder is transmitted to the second telephone 8 via the telephone line 16 connecting the two telephones. The identification display system 9 or 9 a comprises a screen or visual display unit 10 or 10 a and data processing means 11 . The data processing unit 11 receives the transmitted image signal, and causes the authorized cardholder's image represented by the image signal to be displayed on the screen 10 (image No. 1).

Alternative embodiments of the present invention may optionally include transmitting and outputting, respectively, either: images and image signals of the characteristics of the first person or the group to which the first person belongs, or: the first person or the group to which the first person belongs Set of audio signals and noise.

Referring to Fig. 2, the card memory device 3 includes a first memory 12 for storing the signal representing the fingerprint pattern of the authorized cardholder, and a second memory 13 for storing the face image of the authorized cardholder in a digital format as a bitmap. . The card data processing device 4 includes a comparison device 14 for comparing the fingerprint pattern signal generated by the fingerprint sensor 2 and the associated data processing circuit with the stored signal in the first memory 12 . Comparing means 14 generates a coincidence signal when the stored and generated signals agree.

The coincidence signal is then used to address the second memory 13 and the image signal is transmitted by the image signal generating means 15 to the second telephone 8 via the telephone connection 16 (wireless or wired). The second telephone set 8 is connected to the data processing circuit 11, which converts the image signal provided by the card memory and the relevant data processing circuit to the first telephone set, and to the second telephone set 8, which is stored in the second telephone set 8. The bitmap in the second memory 13 is transformed into, for example, the facial image of the authorized cardholder, which is visually displayed on the screen 10 (see FIG. 6).

As shown in Figure 1, the two telephones 7 and 8 may have a similar structure so that each party to the telephone conversation can verify the identity of the other.

Referring to Figure 4, the telephone 7,8 includes a microprocessor board 25 which communicates with the telephone 8,7 via the telephone line.

The microprocessor 25 comprises a first interface element 21 through which the image signal generated by the card 1 is supplied to the microprocessor 25 and to the remote telephone.

The microprocessor 25 also includes a second interface element 22 through which the image signals received by the telephone from the remote telephone are supplied to a display driver 26 . Display driver 26 controls liquid crystal display 10 to display images represented by image signals received from a remote telephone in communication with microprocessor 25 .

The remote identification or verification system allows for remote identification using standard communication devices such as telephones. The system includes a portable data processing device, such as a PCMCIA or PC (Personal Computer) card, containing a built-in fingerprint sensor, data processing capabilities, and memory to generate an identifiable human-identifiable characteristic signature ( feature) to respond to the detection of predefined fingerprint patterns.

A PCMCIA, PC card, or similar card (i.e., having a large memory, e.g., greater than 5 Mbytes, and data processing capabilities) can detect fingerprints and perform all the data processing required to produce a signal representing, say, an image, in a Available in form suitable for transmission by a standard telephone or modem.

Data processing cards with built-in sensors (eg of the type described in WO94/25938) are relatively cheap to manufacture. This, plus the small amount of modification required to allow a first phone to receive the signal generated by the card and a second phone to generate an output from this signal, means that the remote authentication system is inexpensive. Thus the system can be securely authenticated remotely without the need for expensive equipment. This is especially the case when data processing cards include, for example, personal information such as driver's licenses, passports, social security or banking information and are normally circulated. In this case, a data processing card already operating as an identity card can be programmed cheaply to include the information and software required to implement the authentication system described above.

The above-mentioned comparison of the stored fingerprint pattern with the detected fingerprint pattern may be supplemented by an additional biometric check. Biometrics here are used to describe a large number of stable characteristics of a person, which can be automatically measured and characterized for comparison. Suitable biometrics to supplement the fingerprint pattern include palm prints, retinal patterns, and facial, behavioral or verbal characteristics. Behavioral features can include the way a person signs their signatures, while linguistic features can include speech patterns.

Supplementary biometrics may be picked up by additional data acquisition means (eg, by telephone if voice) and compared to data stored on the output processing card. The use of a second supplemental biometric or other supplementary authentication (eg a password) can increase the security of the system.

The means for acquiring fingerprint patterns and images for storage on the card 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 as used in the method and apparatus described above.

Referring to Figures 5 and 6, the camera 31 is used to capture and record a facial image 32 of, for example, a person for whom the card 1 is set up. The image recorded by the camera 1 is digitized (ie converted into a bitmap signal). The manipulation of digitized optical images is common, and known techniques and suitable systems are applicable, as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill.

The card 1 with the built-in sensor 2 is inserted into the slot 33 of a personal computer 35, for example. This slot includes connectors that allow data to be transferred between the card memory, the data processing unit and the personal computer 35 . A personal computer is also connected to the camera 31, allowing digitized image signals generated by the camera 31 to be supplied to the personal computer 35. In an alternative embodiment, the camera produces an analog signal which is then digitized by the personal computer 35 .

The personal computer 35 includes a setup program which receives the image signal provided by the camera and stores it in a protected memory area in the card memory (the second memory 13) for subsequent access and processing, as identified above or as described in Authentication Methods.

5 and 6, the personal computer 35, the card 1 and the fingerprint sensor 2 are used to set the card 1 so that the fingerprint pattern of the person to whom the card is issued is stored in the first memory area 12 in the fuse protected memory area. The process of setting up a card is described in WO94/25938 and essentially involves acquiring and storing the fingerprint pattern detected by a newly issued card.

In an alternative embodiment of the present system, the card 1 is programmed so that it contains the software necessary to cause the first detected fingerprint pattern to be stored in the card after the card is issued. In alternative embodiments, the personal computer 35 or off-card data processing need not be provided with the card with the stored fingerprint pattern. Setting up such a card is like setting up a newly issued credit card; after receiving a card without a stored fingerprint pattern, the user presses his/or her fingerprint on the sensor 2 of the card. A signal representing this pattern is then stored in the card preprocessing memory area during card data processing.

As can be seen in the setting operation of the above-mentioned card 1 programming, and using the verification method of the programming card with the fingerprint pattern and the image of the authorized user of the card, the embodiment of the present invention can obtain: both safe identification or verification can be produced card, and a simple and inexpensive system that reads (ie uses) the card.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will include a data processing element in the telephone 7, 8 which is able to record any attempt (whether successful or not) to authorize the transaction, as well as the details of the person requesting the transaction. The details can be stored in card memory and transmitted over the telephone connection, which can be behind, at the same time or ahead of the video signal. Recorded details may include images stored on the card. This is obviously useful for tracking, recording or identifying those attempting to notify or make unauthorized transactions.

Although not described in detail, those of ordinary skill will appreciate that the systems and methods of the present invention can be readily implemented with existing or known hardware and software. In the preferred embodiment described the data processing element and the personal computer comprise the data processing element and the associated memory element storing the operating programs and application programs for carrying out the method steps described above. Further, one or more of the method steps (eg, setup and data acquisition operations) may be implemented by gate array logic elements or software.

It can be appreciated that although the foregoing embodiments of the present invention use small portable data processing devices, such as PCMCIA cards, the system can be implemented using any form of portable data processing devices, such as computers on laptops, palms or desktops, or connected or Practically any data processing device (ie not portable) that is accompanied by a fingerprint sensor and has sufficient memory and data processing power to perform the necessary operations.

Claims (16)

1. An identification method comprising the steps of: generating a signal corresponding to a fingerprint pattern, comparing the generated signal with a stored fingerprint signal, generating a matching signal when the stored fingerprint signal coincides with the generated fingerprint signal, and using the matching signal to store the addressing a memory representing a signature characteristic of a predetermined individual or group of persons, transmitting the signature remote from the detection of the fingerprint, and producing an output representative of the stored signature remote from the signature. 2. The method according to claim 1, comprising the steps of: providing a portable data processing device comprising a fingerprint sensor for generating a signal corresponding to the detected fingerprint pattern, providing a first communication terminal having connection means connected to the data processing device , to allow signal transmission from the data processing device to the first terminal, and provide a second communication terminal connectable to the first terminal to allow signal transmission between the two terminals, the second communication terminal has an output for outputting The characteristic represented by the characteristic signal provided to the second communication terminal. 3. A method according to claim 2, wherein the portable data processing device is a card such as a PCMCIA, PC or smart card with data processing capabilities and on-card memory. 4. The method according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the data processing device comprises: a first memory containing a stored fingerprint pattern, a second memory containing a stored characteristic signal, and comparing generated and stored signals to generate a coincident signal, And provide the characteristic signal to the data processing device of the first communication terminal. 5. A method according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the first and second communication terminals are telephones. 6. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the characteristic represented by the stored characteristic signal is audio or visual. 7. A method according to claim 6, wherein the characteristic is at least a partial image of a predetermined person whose fingerprint pattern is stored in the first memory means. 8. An identification or verification system, comprising: a fingerprint sensing device for detecting a fingerprint pattern, a data processing device for generating a signal representing a detected fingerprint pattern, a first memory for storing a signal representing a fingerprint pattern selected by a predetermined person, A signal comparison device, which is used to compare the signal generated by the data processing device and the stored fingerprint pattern according to the detected fingerprint pattern, and generates a coincident signal when the two match, and a second memory device, which is used to store a predetermined person or include A characteristic signal of a set of human characteristic characteristics of the predetermined person, addressing means, which retrieves the characteristic signal from a second memory when the comparison means generates a coincident signal, and display means, connected to and remote from the fingerprint sensor means for converting the characteristic signal into an output of a stored characteristic characteristic. 9. The system according to claim 8, comprising: a portable data processing device comprising a fingerprint sensor for generating a signal corresponding to the detected fingerprint pattern, a first communication terminal having connection means connected to the data processing device to allow Signals are transmitted from the data processing device to the first terminal, and a second communication terminal connectable to the first terminal to allow transmission of signals between the two terminals, the second communication terminal having an output for output supplied to the second terminal 2. The characteristic represented by the characteristic signal of the communication terminal. 10. A system according to claim 9, wherein the portable data processing device is a card such as a PCMCIA, PC or smart card with data processing capabilities and on-card memory. 11. The system according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the data processing device comprises: a first memory containing a stored fingerprint pattern, a second memory containing a stored characteristic signal, and comparing generated and stored signals to generate a coincident signal, And provide the characteristic signal to the data processing device of the first communication terminal. 12. A system according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the first and second communication terminals are telephones. 13. A system according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the characteristic represented by the stored characteristic signal is audio or visual. 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the feature is an image. 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the second memory means stores at least a partial image of a predetermined person whose fingerprint pattern is stored in the first memory means. 16. The identification device according to claim 15, wherein the second memory stores the image signal in digital form.

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