Apparatus and method for effecting secure physical and commercial transactions in a contactless manner using biometric identity validation

• US 20030226041A1
• Filed: 03/27/2003
• Published: 12/04/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 03/28/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Innovation Connection Corporation
• Original Assignee: Innovation Connection Corporation
• Inventors: Doughty, Ralph O., Antaki, Patrick R., Palmer, Glennard D.
• Granted Patent: US 7,337,326 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 713/202
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/327 Short range or proximity payments by means of M-devices
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/341 Active cards, i.e. cards including their own processing means, e.g. including an IC or chip
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/3821 Electronic credentials
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/4014 Identity check for transactions
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/40145 Biometric identity checks
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/257 electronically G07C9/26 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/26 using a biometric sensor integrated in the pass
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 7/1008 Active credit-cards provided with means to personalise their use, e.g. with PIN-introduction/comparison system

Abstract

Provided is an apparatus and method for effecting secure transactions in a contactless manner using biometric identity validation. The apparatus may include, for example, a biometric sensor that is operable to detect biometric information associated with a user of the apparatus. A processor that is accessible to the biometric sensor may be used to process the biometric information to verify the identity of the user. One or more antennae may also form part of the apparatus and may perform multiple functions. For example, the antennae may provide contactless communication with an external device and may also provide receive power from an external power source to power the device.

Claims

1. An apparatus for effecting secure transactions in a contactless manner, the apparatus comprising:

a biometric sensor operable to detect biometric information associated with a user of the apparatus;

a processor accessible to the biometric sensor, wherein the processor is operable to process the biometric information to verify that the user is authorized to use the apparatus; and

at least one communications component accessible to the processor for providing contactless communication with an external device, wherein the communication requires verification that the user is authorized.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the communications component is operable to receive power in a contactless manner, wherein the received power is for powering at least a portion of the apparatus.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 further comprising a power circuit accessible to the communications component and the processor, wherein the power circuit includes:

a battery management unit for managing a battery;

a converter operable to convert power received by the communications component into power usable by the apparatus; and

a power multiplexer operable to determine whether to draw power from the battery management unit, from the converter, or from both.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the communications component includes an antenna operable to receive and transmit radio frequency signals.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the antenna is operable to receive power in a contactless manner, wherein the received power is for powering at least a portion of the apparatus.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a memory accessible to the processor, wherein a biometric analog of the user is stored in the memory and used by the processor in verifying that the user is authorized to use the apparatus.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 further comprising a plurality of instructions for processing by the processor, the instructions for:

comparing the detected biometric information to the stored biometric analog device; and

verifying that the user is authorized to use the apparatus if the detected biometric information matches the stored biometric analog.

8. A device for validating a user'"'"'s identification in a contactless manner, the device comprising:

a biometric sensor for sensing biometric information of the user;

a memory for storing a biometric analog associated with the user;

a processor accessible to the biometric sensor and memory, wherein the processor is operable to compare the sensed biometric information to the stored biometric analog to verify the identity of the user; and

a component accessible to the processor for providing at least one of;

a contactless communication route for the processor or a supply of power to the device.

9. The device of claim 8 wherein the biometric information is a fingerprint and wherein the biometric sensor comprises a matrix of points operable to detect high and low points corresponding to ridges and valleys of the fingerprint.

10. The device of claim 9 wherein the biometric sensor includes an emitter and a detector, wherein light projected by the emitter is reflected from the user'"'"'s finger onto the detector.

11. The device of claim 8 further comprising a display for providing information to the user.

12. The device of claim 11 wherein the biometric sensor, the display, and the component share a common layer and are created on a single substrate.

13. The method of claim 12 wherein the device has a credit card form factor.

14. The device of claim 8 further comprising a power circuit, wherein the power circuit includes:

a battery management unit for managing a battery;

a converter operable to convert power received by the component into power usable by the device; and

a power multiplexer operable to determine whether to draw power from the battery management unit, from the converter, or from both.

15. The device of claim 8 wherein at least a portion of the device can be manipulated by the user, wherein the manipulation enables the user to interact with the device.

16. The device of claim 8 further comprising a dynamic magnetic portion, wherein the processor is operable to selectively alter the magnetic portion.

17. A method for effecting a transaction using a device capable of biometrically verifying a user'"'"'s identity, the method comprising:

providing power to the device from an external power source in a contactless manner;

actuating a biometric sensor on the device to detect biometric information associated with the user;

comparing the detected biometric information to biometric information stored in the device; and

validating the user'"'"'s identification if the detected biometric information matches the stored biometric information.

18. The method of claim 17 further comprising continuing the transaction only if the detected biometric information matches the stored biometric information.

19. The method of claim 17 further comprising converting the power received from the external power source into power compatible with the device.

20. The method of claim 17 further comprising:

prompting the user to approve or deny the transaction using the device; and

approving or denying the transaction based on the user'"'"'s response.