U.S. patent application number 11/636436 was filed with the patent office on 2007-07-12 for global origin and departure information system.
Invention is credited to David Weekes.
Application Number | 20070158418 11/636436 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35967913 |
Filed Date | 2007-07-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070158418 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Weekes; David |
July 12, 2007 |
Global origin and departure information system
Abstract
Disclosed is a method for managing traveler information of a
traveler having a country of origin and traveling from a country of
embarkation to a country of destination. The method includes
receiving input data from a graphic user interface containing
traveler information at the country of embarkation, sending the
traveler information to the country of origin, and requesting
confirmation from the country of origin of the accuracy of the
traveler information by comparing the traveler information with
data received from at least one of a police department, customs
department, or immigration department. The method further includes
receiving the confirmed traveler information from the country of
origin and verifying traveler identity at the country of
embarkation.
Inventors: |
Weekes; David; (Maynards,
BB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FINNEGAN, HENDERSON, FARABOW, GARRETT & DUNNER;LLP
901 NEW YORK AVENUE, NW
WASHINGTON
DC
20001-4413
US
|
Family ID: |
35967913 |
Appl. No.: |
11/636436 |
Filed: |
December 11, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11020524 |
Dec 27, 2004 |
7147155 |
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11636436 |
Dec 11, 2006 |
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60578283 |
Jun 10, 2004 |
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60590436 |
Jul 23, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
235/384 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 10/00 20130101;
G06Q 99/00 20130101; G07C 9/257 20200101; G06Q 30/018 20130101;
G06Q 50/26 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
235/384 |
International
Class: |
G07B 15/02 20060101
G07B015/02 |
Claims
1-31. (canceled)
32. A method for managing traveler information of a traveler having
a country of origin and traveling from a country of embarkation to
a country of destination, the method comprising: receiving traveler
information at the country of embarkation; sending the traveler
information to the country of origin, wherein the country of origin
is different than the country of embarkation; confirming the
accuracy of the traveler information by comparing the traveler
information with data received from the country of origin;
receiving confirmation of the traveler information at the country
of embarkation; and verifying traveler identity at the country of
embarkation.
33. The method of claim 32, wherein receiving confirmation of the
traveler information comprises receiving confirmation from the
country of origin.
34. The method of claim 32, wherein the data is related to at least
one of immigration, police, birth/death, or national identification
records of the traveler.
35. The method of claim 32, further comprising synchronizing data
in the database maintained by the country of origin with data from
an electronic travel record associated with a travel document of
the traveler.
36. The method of claim 32, wherein verifying the traveler's
identity at the country of embarkation comprises verifying the
traveler's identity before the traveler is allowed to embark.
37. The method of claim 32, further comprising: sending the
confirmed traveler information from the country of embarkation to
the country of destination; and verifying the traveler's identity
at the country of destination.
38. The method of claim 37, wherein validating the traveler's
identity at the country of destination comprises confirming that
the traveler matches data related to at least one of a national
identification card, passport, fingerprint, facial scan, iris scan,
or DNA sequence associated with the traveler.
39. A computer program product including instructions for execution
by one or more processors to perform a method for managing traveler
information of a traveler having a country of origin and traveling
from a country of embarkation to a country of destination, the
method comprising: receiving traveler information at the country of
embarkation; sending the traveler information to the country of
origin, wherein the country of origin is different than the country
of embarkation; confirming the accuracy of the traveler information
by comparing the traveler information with data received from the
country of origin; receiving confirmation of the traveler
information at the country of embarkation; and verifying traveler
identity at the country of embarkation.
40. The computer program product of claim 39, wherein receiving
confirmation of the traveler information comprises receiving
confirmation from the country of origin.
41. The computer program product of claim 39, wherein the data is
related to at least one of immigration, police, birth/death, or
national identification records of the traveler.
42. The computer program product of claim 39, wherein the method
further comprises synchronizing data in the database maintained by
the country of origin with data from an electronic travel record
associated with a travel document of the traveler.
43. The computer program product of claim 39, wherein verifying the
traveler's identity at the country of embarkation comprises
verifying the traveler's identity before the traveler is allowed to
embark.
44. The computer program product of claim 39, wherein the method
further comprises: sending the confirmed traveler information from
the country of embarkation to the country of destination; and
verifying the traveler's identity at the country of
destination.
45. The computer program product of claim 44, wherein validating
the traveler's identity at the country of destination comprises
confirming that the traveler matches data related to at least one
of a national identification card, passport, fingerprint, facial
scan, iris scan, or DNA sequence associated with the traveler.
46. A system for managing traveler information of a traveler having
a country of origin and traveling from a country of embarkation to
a country of destination, the system comprising: one or more
processors; and a computer readable medium containing instructions
for configuring the one or more processors to perform a method for
managing traveler information of the traveler, the method
comprising: receiving traveler information at the country of
embarkation; sending the traveler information to the country of
origin, wherein the country of origin is different than the country
of embarkation; confirming the accuracy of the traveler information
by comparing the traveler information with data received from the
country of origin; receiving confirmation of the traveler
information at the country of embarkation; and verifying traveler
identity at the country of embarkation.
47. The system of claim 39, wherein receiving confirmation of the
traveler information comprises receiving confirmation from the
country of origin.
48. The system of claim 39, wherein the data is related to at least
one of immigration, police, birth/death, and/or national
identification records of the traveler.
49. The system of claim 39, wherein the method further comprises
synchronizing data in the database maintained by the country of
origin with data from an electronic travel record associated with a
travel document of the traveler.
50. The system of claim 39, wherein verifying the traveler's
identity at the country of embarkation comprises verifying the
traveler's identity before the traveler is allowed to embark.
51. The system of claim 39, wherein the method further comprises:
sending the confirmed traveler information from the country of
embarkation to the country of destination; and verifying the
traveler's identity at the country of destination.
52. The system of claim 51, wherein validating the traveler's
identity at the country of destination comprises confirming that
the traveler matches data related to at least one of a national
identification card, passport, fingerprint, facial scan, iris scan,
or DNA sequence associated with the traveler.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)
[0001] This application is a continuation of application Ser. No.
11/020,524, filed Dec. 27, 2004 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,147,155),
which claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/578,283, filed on Jun. 10, 2004 and U.S.
Provisional Application No. 60/590,436, filed on Jul. 23, 2004, the
disclosures of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference
in their entirety.
DESCRIPTION
[0002] 1. Technical Field
[0003] The present invention generally relates to the collection of
entry and departure information for multilingual travelers, and,
more particularly, to systems and methods for the management of
cross border traveler information prior to, during, and post
boarding of air, sea, and land vessels of transportation.
[0004] 2. Background
[0005] Governments worldwide have recognized the need to strengthen
the information systems relating to the movement of visitors,
tourists, and citizens through their borders and within their
countries. This has become even more critical in the period since
Sep. 11, 2001 as countries, large and small, grapple with the
varied issues relating to immigration control and homeland
security. Today's immigration control systems profile incoming
travelers after they have arrived at their country of destination
("COD"). Evaluation of the travel-worthiness of the person
traveling is currently based on the COD authority's access to
information regarding the traveler. However, the datasets which
arise from COD's administrative monitoring and passive surveillance
of travelers provide information only for its own citizens and
residents, and from a first interaction of a specific jurisdiction
with the traveler, generally through an immigration officer,
without access to ancillary external country of origin ("COO")
sources. Moreover, even if the traveler is found at the COD to be a
non-desirable visitor, the traveler has already posed a threat to
the COD and other travelers on the respective incoming vessel.
[0006] Therefore, there is a need in the art of travel security to
profile travelers prior to, during, and, after traveler embarkation
on varied transport vessels.
SUMMARY
[0007] Accordingly, embodiments consistent with the present
invention relate to profiling systems and methods that may obviate
one or more of the limitations or disadvantages existing in the
related art.
[0008] Embodiments consistent with the invention provide a method
for managing traveler information of a traveler having a country of
origin and traveling from a country of embarkation to a country of
destination. The method comprises receiving input data from a
graphic user interface containing traveler information at the
country of embarkation, sending the traveler information to the
country of origin, and requesting confirmation from the country of
origin of the accuracy of the traveler information by comparing the
traveler information with data received from at least one of a
police department, customs department, or immigration department.
The method further comprises receiving the confirmed traveler
information from the country of origin and verifying traveler
identity at the country of embarkation.
[0009] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description are exemplary
and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as
claimed.
[0010] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several
embodiments consistent with the invention and together with the
description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is an exemplary top and side view of a computer
system which facilitates access to the methods consistent with the
principles of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 2 is an exemplary structure of a software program for
the management of cross border traveler information, in accordance
with the systems and methods consistent with the principles of the
present invention.
[0013] FIG. 3 is an exemplary flowchart of a process for the
management of cross border traveler information, in accordance with
the systems and methods consistent with the principles of the
present invention.
DEFINITIONS
[0014] As used in the description herein, COD refers to the country
to which a traveler is traveling. A country of embarkation ("COE")
refers a country in which a traveler is trying to embark on a
vessel of transportation to travel to the COD. Finally, COO refers
to a traveler's place of birth, citizenship, residence, or
domicile.
DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0015] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary
embodiments consistent with the invention, examples of which are
illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the
same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to
refer to the same or like parts.
[0016] The following detailed description refers to the
accompanying drawings. While several exemplary embodiments and
features consistent with the invention are described herein,
modifications, adaptations and other implementations are possible,
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For
example, substitutions, additions or modifications may be made to
the components illustrated in the drawings, and the exemplary
methods described herein may be modified by substituting,
reordering or adding steps to the disclosed methods. Accordingly,
the following detailed description does not limit the
invention.
[0017] Embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems
and methods for the management of cross-border traveler information
prior to, during, and after boarding of air, sea, and land vessels
of transportation. Embodiments of the invention may be implemented
in various environments, including computer-based environments,
such as personal computers, workstations, servers, laptops,
personal digital assistants (PDAs), mobile phones, handheld
devices, and other computing devices, workstation, networked and
other computing-based environments with one or more users. The
present invention, however, is not limited to such examples, and
embodiments of the invention may be implemented with other
platforms and in other environments.
[0018] By way of example, embodiments of the invention may be
implemented using conventional personal computers (PCs), desktops,
hand-held devices, multiprocessor computers, pen computers,
microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics devices,
minicomputers, mainframe computers, personal mobile computing
devices, mobile phones, portable or stationary personal computers,
palmtop computers or the like.
[0019] The storage mediums and referred to herein symbolize
elements that temporarily or permanently store data and
instructions. Although storage functions may be provided as part of
a computer, memory functions can also be implemented in a network,
processors (e.g., cache, register), or elsewhere. Various types of
storage mediums can be used to implemented features of the
invention, such as a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory
(RAM), or a memory with other access options. Further, memory
functions may be physically implemented by computer-readable media,
such as, for example: (a) magnetic media, like a hard disk, a
floppy disk, a magnetic disk, a tape, or a cassette tape; (b)
optical media, like an optical disk (e.g., a CD-ROM), or a digital
versatile disk (DVD); (c) semiconductor media, like DRAM, SRAM,
EPROM, EEPROM, memory stick, and/or by any other media, like
paper.
[0020] Embodiments of the invention may also be embodied in
computer program products that are stored in a computer-readable
medium or transmitted using a carrier, such as an electronic
carrier signal communicated across a network between computers or
other devices. In addition to transmitting carrier signals, network
environments may be provided to link or connect components in the
disclosed systems. Networking environments are commonplace in
offices, enterprise-wide computer networks, intranets and the
Internet (i.e., the World Wide Web). The network can be a wired or
a wireless network. To name a few network implementations, the
network is, for example, a local area network (LAN), a wide area
network (WAN), a public switched telephone network (PSTN), an
Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), an infra-red (IR) link,
a radio link, such as a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System
(UMTS), Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), Code Division
Multiple Access (CDMA), or a satellite link.
[0021] Transmission protocols and data formats are also known, such
as, for example transmission control protocol/internet protocol
(TCP/IP), hyper text transfer protocol (HTTP), secure HTTP,
wireless application protocol, unique resource locator (URL),
unique resource identifier (URI), hyper text markup language
(HTML), extensible markup language (XML), extensible hyper text
markup language (XHTML), wireless application markup language
(WML), Standard Generalized Markup Language (SGML), etc. Such
features may be utilized to implement embodiments of the present
invention, as disclosed herein.
[0022] By way of example, methods consistent with the present
invention may be implemented via the combination of components
included in a system 10 of FIG. 1. As illustrated, system 10 may
comprise an input module 11, which in turn may comprise a camera
110 to capture still or moving images for visual validation of
travelers, a first interface 120 to read data from a smartcard, a
second interface 130 to acquire facial scan, a third interface 140
to facilitate an iris scan, a fourth interface 150 to acquire a
fingerprint image/scan, a port 160 to read identification
information on travel documents for cross-referencing traveler
information, and an input device 170. System 10 may also comprise
an output module 15, which includes an output interface 180 and a
display console 190.
[0023] Camera 110 may be of any type known to one skilled in the
art. For example, in one embodiment, camera 110 may be a digital
ultraviolet camera with auto-focus mechanism to capture digital
ultra-violet photographs for visual validation of travelers.
[0024] First interface 120 may be configured to read smartcards of
any form known to one skilled in the art. For example, in one
embodiment, first interface 120 is configured to read a national
identification card including elements to store information that is
unique to each traveler. An exemplary structure for the national
identification card may contain a variety of types of
authentication to augment the security of embodiments consistent
with the principles of the present invention. For example, the
national identification card may include preformatted ROM data,
security format keys and characteristics, personalization files,
laser-engraved serialization barcodes, and other machine readable
codes, such as OCR-B and 2D barcodes. Furthermore, to enhance the
security of the system, anti-counterfeiting mechanisms may be
included on the national identification card. For example, the
national identification card may include, but is not limited to,
eye-visible anti-counterfeiting features, such as micro-optical
imaging, optical watermarks, an embedded hologram, optical WORM
media, subsurface laser-engraved serialization, and custom
artwork.
[0025] Second interface 130 may be configured to acquire a facial
scan using any known technology used for such a purpose. For
example, in one embodiment, second interface 130 may be used to
acquire a facial scan from a digital video camera and to transmit
the digital image to system 10 to process the acquired data.
[0026] Third interface 140 may be configured to facilitate an iris
scan using any known technology used for such a purpose. For
example, in an embodiment, third interface 140 may be used to
acquire an iris scan from commercially available retina scanning
devices. In an alternate embodiment, third interface 140 may be
used to acquire an iris scan from any commercially available
electronic camera, such as a digital still or video camera
[0027] Fourth interface 150 may be configured to acquire a
fingerprint image using any known technology used for such a
purpose. For example, in one embodiment, fourth interface 150 may
be used to acquire a fingerprint image from a scanner and to
transmit the image to system 10 to process the acquired data.
[0028] Port 160 may be adapted to read data on travel documents
associated with each traveler. For example, in one embodiment, port
160 may be configured to read imprinted 2-D and 3-D barcodes on
travel documents for cross-referencing traveler information. The
term "travel document" refers to any document that may be needed
for travel. For example, the travel document may be a passport, a
ticket, an itinerary printout, etc. In another embodiment, port 130
may be expanded to accommodate optical memory strip reading.
[0029] Input device 170 may be a keyboard, mouse, microphone, or
any other device for enabling the user to input data into system
10. Output interface 180 may be used to communicate with other
systems located remotely or locally. For example, in one
embodiment, output interface 180 may be used to communicate with
systems located at the COO and the COD if system 10 is located at a
country of embarkation ("COE"). It will be appreciated by one
skilled in the art that system 10 may be located at any location
including the COD and COO. Display 190 may be a CRT monitor, LCD
display, video screen, or any other device for enabling visual
interaction between a user and system 10.
[0030] System 10 may include a processor 12 including a CPU 13 to
execute a program 16 (discussed below in FIGS. 2 and 3) located in
a memory 14, consistent with the principles of the present
invention. Processor 12 in some embodiments, may communicate with
program 16 located remotely using well-known communication means,
such as the internet, a virtual private network, an intranet, or
any other structure for enabling communication between two or more
nodes or locations. Processor 12 may be located in an integrated
structure which also includes input module 11 and output module 15.
Alternatively, processor 12 may be provided at a location remote
from input module 11 and output module 15.
[0031] System 10, consistent with the present invention, may
include components, such as modules of program 16, to implement
methods consistent with embodiments of the present invention. For
example, as shown in FIG. 2, program 16 may include a graphics
module 200, a transmitter module 201, a request module 202, a
receiver module 203, and a verification module 204. Graphics module
200, by way of example, can be used to receive input data from a
graphic user interface at the COE, wherein the input data may
include traveler information (see e.g., FIG. 3, S.10). Transmitter
module 201, by way of example, may be used to send the input data
to from the COE to the COO (see e.g., FIG. 3, S.20). Request module
202 may be used to request confirmation of the accuracy of the
input, for example by comparing the traveler information with data
received from at least one of a police department, customs
department, or immigration department (see e.g., FIG. 3, S.30).
Receiver module 203, by way of example, may be used to receive the
confirmed input data from the country of origin (see e.g., FIG. 3,
S.40). Verification module 205, by way of example, may be used to
verify traveler identity at the COE (see e.g., FIG. 3, S.50).
[0032] Program 16 may also include multilingual middleware modules,
which are part of a suite to facilitate visitor entry and cross
border travel. This is done through the collection and analysis of
origin, entry, and departure Information. Additionally program 16
may include: an identification module, which facilitates the
identification of existing citizens, residents, and visitors
exiting the country and real-time examination of information on
incoming travelers. Program 16 may further include an evaluation
and monitoring module which will provide statistical data,
logistics, ergonomics, reports, and charts regarding the efficiency
of the platform, while seamlessly integrating global border
crossing procedures and management.
[0033] In an alternative embodiment, program 16 is further
subdivided into regional modules that are accessible based on the
region (e.g., hemisphere) where travelers are embarking. For
example, program 16 can contain a regional module that relate to
the Latin Americas and the Caribbean.
[0034] FIG. 3 is an exemplary flowchart of a method managing cross
border traveler information prior to, during, and after boarding of
air, sea, or land vessels of transportation. Although the steps of
the flowchart are described in a particular order, one skilled in
the art will appreciate that these steps may be performed in a
modified or different order. Further, one or more of the steps in
FIG. 3 may be performed concurrently or in parallel.
[0035] First, traveler information is received at the COE (step
S.10). Traveler information can be inputted at any location in the
COE, such as at airports, seaports, train stations, bus stations,
and the traveler's home through the internet.
[0036] After receiving the traveler information, the traveler
information is sent to the traveler's COO to validate the
traveler's identity before the traveler is allowed to embark on the
vessel of transportation (step S.20). Communication between the COE
and the COO to enable back office cross-referencing of traveler
records can be accomplished through secure nodes on any well-known
telecommunications network, such as PSTN, WAN, LAN, satellite, and
wireless networks.
[0037] After sending the traveler information to the COO,
validation of the traveler information is requested (step S.30).
Validation at each traveler's respective COO occurs by uploading
from the COO individual sets of traveler information, including
traveler identification. The sets of traveler information can be
enhanced by integrating existing traveler information and
information gathered on a real time basis from, but not limited to:
(a) immigration, (b) police, (c) customs (d), registrar of births
and deaths; (e) and national identification authorities, such as
electoral departments
[0038] This intermingling of information in one embodiment may be
facilitated by using a "demilitarized information zone" where all
due diligence and ID validation is effected. Systems consistent
with embodiments of the present invention require an accurate
compilation of each COO's master dataset. To ensure this,
preliminary compilation may be constructed around a common
methodology to ensure the accuracy and self-policing of this
information.
[0039] The primary benefit of this process is access to ancillary
external COO sources. In contrast, current procedures are
predominantly based on internal profiling in the country of
destination/disembarkation, an isolated process which, since it is
achieved in an information vacuum, does not benefit from ancillary
external COO sources.
[0040] Returning to FIG. 3, next the identity of the traveler is
validated at the COO and the result is transmitted back to the COE
(step S.40). Subsequently, in response to the validation results
transmitted from the COO, the traveler identity is verified at the
COE (step S.50). Verification of traveler identity may occur though
any mechanism chosen by the COE. For example, the COE may decide to
prohibit entry of a traveler that is on a terrorist watch list
maintained by the traveler's COO. On the other hand, the COE may
deny entry to a traveler that is a known criminal in the traveler's
COO. For the travelers that are allowed entry onto the vessel of
transportation, the information is disseminated from the COE to the
COD using any appropriate telecommunications means after requesting
the COO to validate the identity of each potential passenger
effecting cross border travel (step S.60).
[0041] Finally, after the traveler arrives at the COD, visual
validation of the identity is requested (step S.70). In one
embodiment, visual validation of travelers at the COD is
complimented by machine-augmented procedures, such as fingerprint
scanning, facial scanning, iris scanning, or DNA sequence matching,
and further refined by access to information from external security
agencies or the use of a national identification card as described
above. Identification units located in the COD may utilize any
well-known technology to authenticate the traveler, such as machine
readable passports and using magnetic imaging character
recognition, polycarbonate ID passports with laser serialization,
biometric activation circuitry, and corresponding fingerprint
intake units and other technology. For example, periodic remote
synchronization of a roaming electronic travel record (ETR)
imprinted in augmented passports may be used. Each passport may
have the ETR which was first collected prior to embarkation at the
COE, validated at the COO, and corroborated at the COD for each
traveler. At the COD, authorized staff at linked security points
may have limited access to the visual validation component of the
ETR. These visual validation procedures may require a visual
affirmation in conjunction with an automatic authentication to
effect both visual verification of the identity of the traveler and
validation of traveler domicile information while in the COD.
[0042] Furthermore, consistent with embodiments of the present
invention, data that is compiled by cross border management may
include demographics data which provides market intelligence
critical for tourism sectors in tourism dependent economies. To
enable this, a tourism management module 205 may be provided in
program 16 that has global modules which operate in synchronization
with other modules of program 16 and produce real time dynamically
inter-linked databases. Such databases may provide:
[0043] a) real-time time data entry of arrivals and departures
[0044] b) tracking of visitor spending and tourists' experiences in
the island;
[0045] c) a regulatory function of tracking visitor overstays and
short stay patterns, as well as movement of visitors and frequency
of visits;
[0046] d) a pro-active marketing system
[0047] e) a truly integrated visitor incentive program;
[0048] f) an efficient real-time survey collection package; and
[0049] g) information for the conduct of marketing research and
planning of marketing strategies.
[0050] In another embodiment, methods and systems consistent with
the present invention include a HOTCIS (Heart of the Caribbean
Information System) middleware module 206 which produces modified
content in accordance with the systems and methods consistent with
embodiments of the present invent. The HOTCIS middleware module 206
is described more completely in the aforementioned U.S. Provisional
Applications Nos. 60/578,283 and 60/590,436.
[0051] Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those
skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and
practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the
specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a
true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the
following claims.
* * * * *