U.S. patent application number 14/460616 was filed with the patent office on 2014-12-04 for dynamic information radio-frequency identification (rfid) card with biometric capabilities.
The applicant listed for this patent is Moon J. Kim. Invention is credited to Moon J. Kim.
Application Number | 20140353389 14/460616 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46718588 |
Filed Date | 2014-12-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140353389 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kim; Moon J. |
December 4, 2014 |
DYNAMIC INFORMATION RADIO-FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION (RFID) CARD WITH
BIOMETRIC CAPABILITIES
Abstract
Embodiments of the present invention implement dynamic elements
within a RFID card. Specifically, the embodiments update card
information dynamically, using a biometric image scanner (e.g., for
scanning a fingerprint passively). The scanner is activated only
when a user intends to use it with a designated reader by bringing
the RFID card within the reader RF field range, thus preventing
unauthorized reader's RFID scan. Even if an unauthorized reader
comes into contact with the RFID card, the reader cannot read the
user's biometric information, unless the user holds the card for
use by the reader. Thus, unauthorized biometric information
scanning is effectively prevented. The medium owned and controlled
by the user collects a biometric fingerprint image for safety and
security. When a card is swiped by the user, the biometric imaging
array sensor captures user fingerprints and transfers the
corresponding image data to a verification system to match and
track user biometric information with a predefine accuracy, and
track changes of repeated uses.
Inventors: |
Kim; Moon J.; (Wappingers
Falls, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Kim; Moon J. |
Wappingers Falls |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
46718588 |
Appl. No.: |
14/460616 |
Filed: |
August 15, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13033946 |
Feb 24, 2011 |
8816819 |
|
|
14460616 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
235/492 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06K 19/0718 20130101;
G06F 21/35 20130101; G06K 19/07354 20130101; G06F 21/32 20130101;
G06K 19/0725 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
235/492 |
International
Class: |
G06K 19/07 20060101
G06K019/07; G06K 19/073 20060101 G06K019/073 |
Claims
1. A dynamic information radio-frequency identification (RFID)
card, comprising: a RFID card medium; and a biometric scanner
positioned on the card medium for receiving a biometric reading
from a user, and for authenticating the user based on the biometric
reading.
2. The dynamic information RFID card of claim 1, further comprising
a RFID chip positioned in the RFID card medium for enabling
RFID-based authentication of the user.
3. The dynamic information RFID card of claim 2, further comprising
a smart chip positioned in the RFID card medium for enabling
further authentication of the user based on data stored in the
smart chip.
4. The dynamic information RFID card of claim 1, the biometric
scanner comprising: a sensor array for capturing analog biometric
image data; a controller for processing the analog biometric image
data into digital biometric image data; and an RF block and an
antenna for communicating the digital biometric image data for
authentication.
5. The dynamic information RFID card of claim 4, the sensor array
comprising a series of addressable sensor elements in a column-row
format.
6. The dynamic information RFID card of claim 5, the sensor array
being coupled to a set of decoders for decoding the biometric
reading.
7. The dynamic information RFID card of claim 1, the RFID card
medium comprising a credit card.
8. The dynamic information RFID card of claim 1, the biometric
reading comprising a fingerprint.
9. A dynamic information radio-frequency identification (RFID)
card, comprising: a RFID card medium; a RFID chip positioned in the
RFID card medium for enabling RFID-based authentication of a user;
and a biometric scanner positioned on the card medium for receiving
a biometric reading from the user, and for authenticating the user
based on the biometric reading, the biometric scanner comprising a
sensor array for capturing analog biometric image data;
10. The dynamic information RFID card of claim 9, further
comprising a smart chip positioned in the RFID card medium for
enabling further authentication of the user based on data stored in
the smart chip.
11. The dynamic information RFID card of claim 9, the biometric
scanner further comprising: a controller for processing the analog
biometric image data into digital biometric image data; and an RF
block and an antenna for communicating the digital biometric image
data for authentication.
12. The dynamic information RFID card of claim 9, the sensor array
comprising a series of addressable sensor elements in a column-row
format.
13. The dynamic information RFID card of claim 9, the sensor array
being coupled to a set of decoders for decoding the biometric
reading.
14. The dynamic information RFID card of claim 9, the RFID card
medium comprising a credit card.
15. The dynamic information RFID card of claim 9, the biometric
reading comprising a fingerprint.
16. A dynamic information radio-frequency identification (RFID)
card, comprising: a RFID card medium; a RFID chip positioned in the
RFID card medium for enabling RFID-based authentication of a user;
a smart chip positioned in the RFID card medium for enabling
further authentication of the user based on data stored in the
smart chip; and a biometric scanner positioned on the card medium
for receiving a biometric reading from the user, and for
authenticating the user based on the biometric reading, wherein the
biometric scanner comprises a sensor array for capturing analog
biometric image data, and wherein the sensor array comprises a
series of sensor elements arranged in a column-row format.
17. The dynamic information RFID card of claim 16, the biometric
scanner further comprising: a controller for processing the analog
biometric image data into digital biometric image data; and an RF
block and an antenna for communicating the digital biometric image
data for authentication.
18. The dynamic information RFID card of claim 17, the sensor array
being coupled to a set of decoders for decoding the biometric
reading.
19. The dynamic information RFID card of claim 16, the RFID card
medium comprising a credit card.
20. The dynamic information RFID card of claim 16, the biometric
reading comprising a fingerprint.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present patent document is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/033,946, filed Feb. 24, 2011 entitled
"DYNAMIC INFORMATION RADIO-FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION (RFID) CARD
WITH BIOMETRIC CAPABILITIES", the disclosure of which is
incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In general, the present invention relates to radio-frequency
identification (RFID). Specifically, the present invention relates
to a RFID card having a biometric scanner for additional user
authentication.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Over recent years, RFID has become an increasing function of
providing wireless communications. For example, RFID is commonly
implemented in security devices (e.g., swipers and/or card readers)
for businesses as well as in many other areas. Unfortunately, RFID
is typically passive and has its range limited by distance and
physical obstacles. Moreover, RFID reader power is limited by
regulation, which causes range issues since RFID operational range
is constrained by the available power. As such, RFID reliability,
responsiveness, and functionality are commonly compromised in
practical environments.
[0004] In most cases, the credit and identification card
authentication relies on the static information stored in a
magnetic stripe, embossed letter, signature, security code,
holographic image, and photo of the card. While a smart card
contains a smart chip, it is still static in nature. Current credit
card implementation relies on the identification card medium which
is subject to loss. All the static information stored in the credit
card (and other types of cards) is vulnerable to manipulation and
duplication. In its current implementation, the card cannot
actively identify the card holder as the legitimate owner
efficiently, since the card does not have any intelligence.
[0005] The related art has failed to provide such functionality,
including those references listed below:
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,467,403 depicts a fingerprint scanning
apparatus that is neither portable nor integrated with smaller
devices.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 6,212,290 ('290) provides non-minutiae
automatic fingerprint identification system and methods.
Unfortunately, the teachings of '290 require a separate fingerprint
scanner.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 6,938,823 ('823) discloses a portable
apparatus for scientific identification of an individual. However,
'823 requires a separate laptop computer for making the
identification.
[0009] U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,628,813 and 6,178,255 disclose
individualized fingerprint scanners. However, both fail to teach
integration within a RFID card and require bulky parts for
mechanical movement.
[0010] In view of the foregoing, none of the related art teaches an
integrated biometric reader/scanner within a RFID card for dynamic
(as well as static) authentication of a user.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] Embodiments of the present invention implement dynamic
elements within a RFID card. Specifically, the embodiments update
card information dynamically, using a biometric image scanner
(e.g., for scanning a fingerprint passively). The scanner is
activated only when a user intends to use it with a designated
reader by bringing the RFID card within the reader RF field range,
thus preventing unauthorized reader's RFID scan. Even if an
unauthorized reader comes into contact with the RFID card, the
reader cannot read the user's biometric information, unless the
user holds the card for use by the reader. Thus, unauthorized
biometric information scanning is effectively prevented. The medium
owned and controlled by the user collects a biometric fingerprint
image for safety and security.
[0012] Under these embodiments, the owner of the medium can be
actively identified by adding biometric fingerprint information
during the verification process. When a card is swiped by the user,
the biometric imaging array sensor captures user fingerprints and
transfers the corresponding image data to a verification system to
match and track user biometric information with a predefine
accuracy, and track changes of repeated uses. The fingerprint image
is taken through the image sensor and integrated into the card's
customary user holding area
[0013] A first aspect of the present invention provides a dynamic
information radio-frequency identification (RFID) card, comprising:
a RFID card medium; and a biometric scanner positioned on the card
medium for receiving a biometric reading from a user, and for
authenticating the user based on the biometric reading.
[0014] A second aspect of the present invention provides a dynamic
information radio-frequency identification (RFID) card, comprising:
a RFID card medium; a RFID chip positioned in the RFID card medium
for enabling RFID-based authentication of a user; and a biometric
scanner positioned on the card medium for receiving a biometric
reading from the user, and for authenticating the user based on the
biometric reading, the biometric scanner comprising a sensor array
for capturing analog biometric image data.
[0015] A third aspect of the present invention provides a dynamic
information radio-frequency identification (RFID) card: a RFID card
medium; a RFID chip positioned in the RFID card medium for enabling
RFID-based authentication of a user; a smart chip positioned in the
RFID card medium for enabling further authentication of the user
based on data stored in the smart chip; and a biometric scanner
positioned on the card medium for receiving a biometric reading
from the user, and for authenticating the user based on the
biometric reading, wherein the biometric scanner comprises a sensor
array for capturing analog biometric image data, and wherein the
sensor array comprises a series of sensor elements arranged in a
column-row format.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] These and other features of this invention will be more
readily understood from the following detailed description of the
various aspects of the invention taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings in which:
[0017] FIG. 1 depicts a RFID card having biometric capabilities
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 2 depicts a RFID communication diagram according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 3 depicts fingerprint RFID use with RF access according
to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 4 depicts biometric RFID use with a smart IC/chip
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 5 depicts an imaging sensor array according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 6 depicts an imaging sensor array addressing scheme
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 7 depicts an imaging sensor array readout block diagram
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] FIGS. 8A-B depict operational flow charts according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 9 depicts fingerprint sensor array mechanisms according
to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] FIGS. 10A-C depict a set of input flows according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0027] FIGS. 11A-C depict a set of user flows according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 12 depicts a set of object flows according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 13 depicts a set of user flows according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0030] FIGS. 14A-B depict a set of object flows according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0031] FIGS. 15 A-C depict a set of object flows according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0032] FIGS. 16A-C depict a set of user flows according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 17 depicts physical isolation based on a dynamic medium
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 18 depicts physical isolation based on a static medium
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0035] FIGS. 19A-C depict a set of object flows according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0036] FIGS. 20A-B depict a set of user flows according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0037] FIG. 21 depicts a source validation flow according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0038] FIG. 22 depicts a source request flow according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0039] The drawings are not necessarily to scale. The drawings are
merely schematic representations, not intended to portray specific
parameters of the invention. The drawings are intended to depict
only typical embodiments of the invention, and therefore should not
be considered as limiting the scope of the invention. In the
drawings, like numbering represents like elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0040] For convenience, the Detailed Description of the Invention
has the following sections:
[0041] I. General Description of the Invention
[0042] II. Illustrative Embodiments
I. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0043] Illustrative embodiments will now be described more fully
herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which
exemplary embodiments are shown. This disclosure may, however, be
embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as
limited to the exemplary embodiments set forth herein. Rather,
these exemplary embodiments are provided so that this disclosure
will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of
this disclosure to those skilled in the art. In the description,
details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to
avoid unnecessarily obscuring the presented embodiments.
[0044] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of
this disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and
"the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, the use of the
terms "a", "an", etc., do not denote a limitation of quantity, but
rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items.
It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or
"comprising", or "includes" and/or "including", when used in this
specification, specify the presence of stated features, regions,
integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do
not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other
features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements,
components, and/or groups thereof.
[0045] In general, RFID is a technology that incorporates the use
of electromagnetic or electrostatic coupling in the radio frequency
(RF) portion of the electromagnetic spectrum to uniquely identify
an object, animal, or person. RFID is coming into increasing use in
the industry as an alternative to the bar code. The advantage of
RFID is that it does not require direct contact or line-of-sight
scanning. A RFID system consists of three components: an antenna
and transceiver (often combined into one reader) and a transponder
(the tag). The antenna uses radio frequency waves to transmit a
signal that activates the transponder. When activated, the tag
transmits data back to the antenna. The data is used to notify a
programmable logic controller that an action should occur. The
action could be as simple as raising an access gate or as
complicated as interfacing with a database to carry out a monetary
transaction. Low-frequency RFID systems (e.g., 30 KHz to 500 KHz)
have short transmission ranges (generally less than six feet).
High-frequency RFID systems (850 MHz to 950 MHz and 2.4 GHz to 2.5
GHz) offer longer transmission ranges (more than 90 feet). RFID is
sometimes called dedicated short-range communication (DSRC).
[0046] RFID tags and labels (collectively referred to herein as
"devices" or "transponders") are widely used to associate an object
with an identification code or other information. RFID devices
generally have a combination of antennas and analog and/or digital
electronics, which may include, for example, communications
electronics, data memory, and control logic. For example, RFID tags
are used in conjunction with security locks in cars, for access
control to buildings, and for tracking inventory and parcels. As
noted above, RFID devices are generally categorized as labels or
tags. RFID labels are RFID devices that are adhesive or otherwise
have a surface attached directly to objects. RFID tags, in
contrast, are secured to objects by other means (for example, by
use of a plastic fastener, string, or other fastening means).
[0047] RFID devices include: (1) active tags and labels, which
include a power source for broadcasting signals; and (2) passive
tags and labels, which do not. In the case of passive devices, in
order to retrieve the information from the chip, a "base station"
or "reader" sends an excitation signal to the RFID tag or label.
The excitation signal energizes the tag or label, and the RFID
circuitry transmits the stored information back to the reader. The
RFID reader receives and decodes the information from the RFID tag.
In general, RFID tags can retain and communicate enough information
to uniquely identify individuals, packages, inventory, and the
like. RFID tags and labels also can be characterized as those to
which information is written only once (although the information
may be read repeatedly), and those to which information may be
written repeatedly during use. For example, RFID tags may store
environmental data (that may be detected by an associated sensor),
logistical histories, state data, etc.
[0048] Along these lines, RFID devices can be further characterized
as passive, semi-passive, and active. Passive RFID devices have no
internal power supply. Power for operation of passive RFID devices
is provided by the energy in an incoming radio frequency signal
received by the device. Most passive RFID devices signal by
backscattering the carrier wave from an RF reader. Passive RFID
devices have the advantage of simplicity and long life, although
performance of them may be limited.
[0049] As indicated above, embodiments of the present invention
implement dynamic elements within a RFID card. Specifically, the
embodiments update card information dynamically, using a biometric
image scanner (e.g., for scanning a fingerprint passively). The
scanner is activated only when a user intends to use it with a
designated reader by bringing the RFID card within the reader RF
field range, thus preventing unauthorized reader's RFID scan. Even
if an unauthorized reader comes into contact with the RFID card,
the reader cannot read the user's biometric information, unless the
user holds the card for use by the reader. Thus, unauthorized
biometric information scanning is effectively prevented. The medium
owned and controlled by the user collects a biometric fingerprint
image for safety and security.
[0050] Among other things, these embodiments provide the following
advantages: [0051] In most cases, the credit card authentication
can only be verified by the information that is stored in the
magnetic strip of the smart IC card. This allows unauthorized
others to use the card. When a credit card is lost, then the user
calls the credit service center to deactivate the card. As a user
holds on average 10 credit cards, this becomes a real problem. With
the biometric fingerprint dynamic RFID proposed, the cards are not
usable when the user is not present. [0052] The passive biometric
image identification adds a higher level security on the current
credit card implementation. Other biometric authentication such as
voice was used. This can be very inconvenient for the user.
Moreover, it requires bulkier authentication devices, which is one
of the inhibitors of biometric authentication. [0053] The
embodiments of the invention can be applied to many other
applications such as an ATM where more secure authentication is
offered. [0054] The embodiments of the invention provide a higher
level security of the identification without adding a more
complicated authentication process or further card-user action.
[0055] Referring to FIG. 1, a RFID card 10 having biometric
capabilities according to an embodiment of the present invention is
shown. As depicted, card 10 includes a RFID device and/or smart
chip/IC 14 as well as a biometric scanner 12. It is understood that
the RF device/component, smart chip, and biometric scanner 12 can
be incorporated into a single unit, or two or more separate units.
It is understood that scanning area 12 is not necessarily limited
and/or constrained in size, shape, position, and/or configuration
as shown in FIG. 1. For example, scanner 12 can cover any portion
of the front or back of card 10. In any event, using these
capabilities, card 10 implements a conventional static solution
with fingerprint (or other biometric-based) imaging authentication.
In at least one embodiment, user fingerprints are captured when the
user holds the card for: swiping (magnetic+RFID card reader);
holding (RFID reader); and/or inserting (smart IC reader).
[0056] Referring now to FIG. 2, a RFID communication diagram
according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. As
depicted, FIG. 2 includes a dynamic biometric imaging card 10 that
communicates with a RFID reader 16 via RF waves. In a typical
embodiment, RFID reader 16 will search for RFID devices such as
card 10, which will respond in kind. Communication occurs between
the two points, and, once terminated, card 10 will so
acknowledge.
[0057] Referring now to FIG. 3, interaction of card 10 with RFID
reader 16 is shown in greater detail. In general, a user will swipe
or place his/her finger over biometric scanner 12. Then, using a
swiping or waving motion, biometric image data will be communicated
to RFID reader 16 using RFID communication techniques.
Specifically, static information such as RFID and/or smart chip
information will be communicated along with dynamic information
such as biometric image data to reader 16 where it will be used to
authenticate the user. A similar embodiment is shown in FIG. 4,
only with a smart chip/IC reader 20. A user will swipe or place
his/her finger over biometric scanner 12. Upon swiping card 10 in
reader 20, the static RFID and smart chip/IC information as well as
dynamic biometric image data will be transmitted to reader 20 for
validation. As shown, validation is performed by comparing the
static and dynamic information against a database of known
information to verify the user.
[0058] In general, FIGS. 5-9 depict the configuration and function
of biometric scanner 12 (also referred to herein as imaging
sensor). As first shown, FIG. 5 depicts an imaging sensor array
organizational diagram according to an embodiment of the present
invention. Specifically, a series/array of sensor elements 30A-N is
arranged in a column 32A-N-row 34A-N format. Other elements such as
switches 36 interconnect sensor elements 30A-N. The format depicted
allows a complete and accurate biometric image to be taken (e.g.,
of a user's fingerprint) for authentication. FIG. 6 depicts an
imaging sensor array addressing scheme diagram according to an
embodiment of the present invention. As shown, sensor array 40
(comprising sensor elements 30A-N) is coupled to a set of decoders
42A-N, which themselves are coupled to row address latch 44A and
column address latch 44N, respectively. As will be further
described below, image data (e.g., of a fingerprint) will be
captured in analog format and then converted to a digital format
for transmission to the RFID reader and authentication against a
database of known fingerprint-users.
[0059] Referring now to FIG. 7, an imaging sensor array readout
block diagram according to an embodiment of the present invention
is shown. As shown, the diagram depicts sensor array 40 coupled to
a controller 50, which is coupled to RF block 52 and antenna 54. In
general, biometric image data is captured by sensor array 40 (e.g.,
in analog format), processed (e.g., converted to a digital format),
and transmitted through RF block 52 and antenna 54 to a RFID
reader. Specifically, the multi-dimensional sensor array 40 is
scanned for fingerprint imaging when a user holds a RFID card near
a RFID reader. A row is then selected and set up for readout.
Column(s) are read through readout circuit(s), which can produce
single or parallel readout. As mentioned above, the readout
undergoes an analog-to-digital conversion.
[0060] FIGS. 8A-B depict operational flow charts according to an
embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 8A shows
card operation in the RFID environment according to an embodiment
of the present invention. As depicted, in step R1, the RFID reader
powers on and waits for RFID response from the RFID card. In step
R2, the RFID card approaches/is placed in close proximity to the
RFID reader. In step R3, the RFID card powers on, and verifies and
replies to the RFID reader. In step R4, a fingerprint scan is made
and the image data is processed and encoded with account
information (e.g., from the RFID chip and/or the smart chip/IC).
Then, in step R5, the RF block of the image scanner transmits the
collective data (e.g., RFID and smart chip/IC) and dynamic (e.g.,
biometric) information to the RFID reader and confirms
acknowledgement. FIG. 8B shows an image array scanning flow chart
with "K" rows and "N" columns according to an embodiment of the
present invention. As shown, in step S1, K=1, which causes row "k"
to be activated in step S2. In step S3, column "n" is connected to
the controller/ADC for digitizing the image data (from analog
format). In step S4, it is determined whether "n>N". If not, "n"
is set to "n+1", and the process returns to step S3. If so, the
process proceeds to step S5 where it is determined whether
"k>K". If not, "k" is set to "k+1" and "n" is set to "1". Once
"k>K", the process can end.
[0061] Referring now to FIG. 9, biometric (e.g., fingerprint)
sensor array mechanisms according to an embodiment of the present
invention are shown. As depicted, scanner 12 can include multiple
types of sensors. Examples shown include photo sensor 60A
(semiconductor photo detectors sensitive to visual and IR
spectrum), electrical sensor 60B (active and passive capacitive
coupling sensor, RF-based sensor), and/or mechanical sensor 60N
(pressure using piezo-electronic material, ultrasound transmission
and reflection sensor). Each sensor 60A-N measures/detects/scans
ridge 62 and valley 64 in fingerprints or the like.
[0062] In general, sensor array 40 is implemented on semiconductor
substrate and transferred to a plastic card surface 10 (FIG. 1).
Along these lines, sensory array 40 can be implemented on thin
elastic material and can be embedded on the card surface.
Alternatively, sensory array 40 can be integrated on the plastic
card 10 itself using conventional multi-layer printed circuit board
manufacturing. Regardless, sensory array 40 is a flexible substrate
and capable of electronics printing.
[0063] Biometric/fingerprint image data is processed using multiple
steps. Specifically, the biometric readout from scanner 12 (FIG. 1)
is converted to digital data via the aforementioned
analog-to-digital converter. Thereafter, image processing can be
applied for noise reduction and better contrast. Several
fingerprint features can be extracted by the controller to evaluate
the image quality. In addition the card 10 (FIG. 1) can request
re-sampling to the reader 16 or 20 (FIG. 3 or FIG. 4, respectively)
for re-swapping. Processed data can then be compressed by either
conventional compression scheme or fingerprint feature extraction
methodology and data can be further encrypted for security. Before
RF transmission, error-correction bits can be added using channel
coding and data transmission success will be evaluated and checked
by RFID reader 16 or 20 (FIG. 3 or FIG. 4, respectively). Still
yet, card 10 (FIG. 1) exchanges verification data with RFID reader
16 or 20 (FIG. 3 or FIG. 4, respectively).
[0064] In one example, biometric/fingerprint data will be
transmitted from card 10 (FIG. 1) to RFID reader 16 or 20 (FIG. 3
or FIG. 4, respectively). Specifically, before security encoding
the data/information, the following will occur: key exchange
information; static card information (RFID and/or smart chip/IC)
encoding; and dynamic information (e.g., biometric/fingerprint
information) encoding. Then, after security coding, channel coding
and error correction data is applied.
II. ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0065] FIGS. 10A-C depict a set of input flows according to an
embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, in FIGS. 10A-C,
passive medium 70 by itself lacks dynamic information when it is
not powered by a reader 16. Along these lines, the passive medium
will update dynamic information (e.g., biometric/fingerprint data)
corresponding to its input. As shown, when there is an input 72 A,
medium 70A updates its dynamic information, uniquely corresponding
to the properties of input 72A. Similarly, when there is an input
72B, medium 70B updates its dynamic information, uniquely
corresponding to the properties of input 72B.
[0066] In FIGS. 11A-C, the communication of static information with
dynamic information is shown. As depicted, two different users
72A-B will produce two different biometric readings that will be
combined with static information 80A-B and communicated to RFID
reader 16.
[0067] FIG. 12 depicts a set of object flows according to an
embodiment of the present invention. A medium changes information
within the object's custom use of a conventional medium. In FIG.
12, the medium 92A acts and is used in a similar manner as
previously employed. Therefore the user will not suffer from
additional requirements when the invented dynamic medium 92B is
used. As shown, object 90 feeds media 92A-B, which are communicated
to reader 16 to access resource 94.
[0068] FIG. 13 depicts a set of user flows according to another
embodiment of the present invention. Similar to FIG. 12, in FIG.
13, a user 90 feeds both static medium 92A and static information
and biometric information 92C, which are communicated to RFID
reader 16 to access resource 94.
[0069] Based on these concepts, it can be seen that a medium
changes information using object's active biometric information.
Specifically, FIGS. 14A-B depict another set of object flows
according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIGS.
14A-B, the dynamic medium 102A-B captures user's unique biometric
information 100A-B, such as fingerprint, dynamically and passively,
whether it is an authorized user or not. This information is
communicated to reader 16.
[0070] Under the embodiments of the present invention, a medium
activates only when object intends to use. This concept is shown in
FIG. 15 A-C, which depict a set of object flows according to
another embodiment of the present invention. In these figures, the
proposed dynamic biometric medium 114 is activated to collect
biometric information 112 such as from fingerprints 110 only when:
a user uses the card with a designated reader 16; and the user
holds the card with his/her fingers. A similar concept is shown in
FIGS. 16A-C that demonstrates that a card 10 (FIG. 1) is activated
only when a user 120 uses card 10 and he/she approaches reader 16.
As further shown in FIGS. 16A-B, static information 124 is combined
with user 120's biometric information and communicated to reader 16
upon activation of the medium.
[0071] FIG. 17 depicts physical isolation based on a dynamic medium
according to an embodiment of the present invention. In general, a
medium physically isolates an object from medium access. In FIG.
17, the user biometric information 132 (yielded from object 130) is
physically isolated from the RFID reader 16. This implementation is
safe from contagious diseases and unintended biometric information
capture.
[0072] FIG. 18 depicts physical isolation based on a static medium
according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, a
medium (having static and dynamic/biometric information 142
thereon) physically isolates the user 140 from uncontrolled
environments such as a shared RFID reader 16 by scanning biometric
information passively.
[0073] FIGS. 19A-C depict a set of object flows according to an
embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, FIGS. 19A-C
demonstrate that a medium identifies objects exclusively. FIGS.
19A-B demonstrate that dynamic biometric media 150A-B can contain
different aspects of user biometric information (derived from
objects 152A-B) to authorize access to a given resource 154 via
reader 16. FIG. 19C shows that unauthorized user biometric
information contained on medium 150N (as derived from object 152N)
prevents access to resource 154.
[0074] FIGS. 20A-B depict a set of user flows according to an
embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, FIGS. 20A-B show
that a card-based approval system such as that described herein
identifies a user exclusively by using biometric fingerprints. As
shown (and as mentioned above), each user 162A-B will produce
unique biometric data that is combined with static information
160A-B and communicated to RFID reader 16 to access resource
164.
[0075] FIG. 21 depicts a source validation flow according to an
embodiment of the present invention. As shown, object 170 produces
biometric information that is recorded to dynamic medium 172 and
communicated to reader 16 for accessing resource 174. Under this
embodiment, the dynamic biometric card 172 evaluates source
validation information received from the reader and resource 174 to
continue or terminate the further communication. Along these lines,
a RFID internal non-volatile memory can be used to keep track of
source validation.
[0076] FIG. 22 depicts a source request flow according to an
embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, similar to FIG.
21, FIG. 22 shows object 170 yielding biometric information that is
recorded on dynamic medium/card 172 that is communicated to reader
16 to access resource 174. Along these lines, a source requests
specific biometric information to be acquired by the dynamic medium
172, rather than the whole image. Based on this request, dynamic
medium 172 extracts requested biometric feature(s) from the
fingerprints/objects 170
[0077] Based on the foregoing, these collective embodiments can
provide one or more of the following features: (1) fingerprint
feature extraction: specific aspects of fingerprints can be
extracted randomly or with a pre-determined method; (2) image
compression: fingerprint images can be compressed to reduce data
size; and/or (3) biometric data security: fingerprints and
communications can be encrypted for security
[0078] In addition, the teachings recited herein enable one or more
of the following concepts/features: [0079] A method of fingerprint
biometric authentication (e.g., a credit card transaction); [0080]
A passive sensor array to capture user biometric information using
external power source; [0081] A passive sensor array embedded in
the conventional form factor; [0082] A credit card medium changes
information dynamically; [0083] A medium changes information within
object's custom use of conventional medium; [0084] A medium changes
information using object's active information [0085] A medium
activates only when object intends to use the medium; [0086] A
medium physically isolates the object from the medium access;
[0087] A medium identifies object(s) exclusively; [0088] A medium
authorizes an authorized user's access to the resource; [0089] A
medium that verifies and validates the reader and resource; [0090]
A medium that selectively captures and extracts fingerprint
information; [0091] A medium that uses resource request to process
fingerprints; and/or [0092] A passive medium that compresses and
encrypts fingerprints.
[0093] The foregoing description of various aspects of the
invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and
description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the
invention to the precise form disclosed and, obviously, many
modifications and variations are possible. Such modifications and
variations that may be apparent to a person skilled in the art are
intended to be included within the scope of the invention as
defined by the accompanying claims.
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