System and method for biometric authorization for age verification

• US 20030177102A1
• Filed: 02/19/2003
• Published: 09/18/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 09/21/2001
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Timothy L. Robinson
• Original Assignee: Timothy L. Robinson
• Inventors: Robinson, Timothy
• Application Number:
  US10/369,235
• Publication Number:
  US 20030177102A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/75
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/04 Payment circuits
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/20 Point-of-sale [POS] network systems
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/401 Transaction verification
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/4014 Identity check for transactions
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/257 electronically G07C9/26 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/27 with central registration
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 9/002 Vending machines being part of a centrally controlled network of vending machines
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 9/026 for alarm, monitoring and auditing in vending machines or means for indication, e.g. when empty

Abstract

The present invention is a system and method of biometric-based age verification for authorizing presenter access of age-restricted good or services between an age presenter and an age verifier. System presenters register at least one biometric identifier, at least one identification number, personal age-verifying data, and personal identity-verifying data. A presenter presents a biometric sample obtained from the presenter'"'"'s person and the presenter'"'"'s system ID number to conduct age verifications for purchase of or access to age-restricted goods or services. This data is used to authenticate the presenter'"'"'s age and authorize access to purchase or obtain age-restricted goods or services by matching the presented transaction biometric with at least one registered biometric template and without the use of a man-made identity token.

Claims

1. A method of using a transaction system to provide approval of an age-restricted transaction between an age presenter and an age verifier, the transaction system having at least one database that has stored therein a biometric record associated with the age presenter via an age presenter identification code, and at least one age verification station configured to access the at least one database, and wherein the at least one database is adapted to apply transaction rules, wherein the method comprises:

receiving, at the age verification station, a biometric sample proffered by the age presenter via a biometric identification device;

receiving, at the age verification station, an identification code proffered by the age presenter;

receiving, at the age verification station, transaction information;

sending the biometric sample proffered by the age presenter from the age verification station to the at least one database;

sending the identification code proffered by the age presenter from the age verification station to the at least one database;

sending transaction information from the age verification station to the at least one database;

comparing, at the at least one database, the proffered identification code to age presenter identification codes stored in the at least one database;

making a first determination, at the at least one database, whether the proffered identification code matches an age presenter code stored in the at least one database;

in the event the proffered identification code matches an age presenter code stored in the at least one database, making a second determination whether the proffered biometric sample matches an age presenter biometric record stored in the at least one database;

in the event the proffered biometric sample matches an age presenter biometric template record in the at least one database, making a third determination whether the age information mapped to said biometric record meets the transaction rules;

in the event the age information mapped to said biometric record meets the transaction rules, approving the transaction at the at least one database; and

receiving, at the age verification station, confirmation of the transaction approval.

2. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the age presenter identification code comprises one or more of:

a unique number, a reasonably unique number, and a non unique number.

3. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the biometric sample comprises one or more of:

a fingerprint scan, an iris scan, a facial scan, a voice scan, a retinal scan, a hand architecture scan, a vein pattern scan, a signature sample, and a DNA sample.

4. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 1, wherein transaction data is encrypted and the communications between the age verification station and the at least one database are encrypted.

5. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the transaction information comprises at least one alphanumeric code indicating in at least one database the transaction rules to apply to the transaction.

6. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 5, wherein transaction information further comprises one or more of:

the terminal identification number associated with an age verification station, the age verification station location, and the time of the transaction.

7. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the age approval station is located at a location selected from the group consisting of:

a verifier, a kiosk, an ATM, a telephone, a self-checkout POS register station, an automated cash register, a computer, a wireless device, and a vending machine.

8. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 1, wherein system user information is stored in more than one database.

9. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 8, wherein transaction information is compared to information stored in more than one database.

10. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the age-restricted transaction comprises a financial transaction.

11. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 10, wherein financial transaction settlement is conducted via a financial transaction system comprising biometric authentication of payors.

12. A method of using a transaction system to provide approval of an age-restricted transaction between an age presenter and an age verifier, the transaction system having a central database that has stored therein a biometric record associated with the age presenter via an age presenter identification code, the central database being adapted to apply transaction rules, and at least one age verification station configured to access the central database, wherein the method comprises:

receiving, at the age verification station, a biometric sample proffered by the age presenter via a biometric identification device;

receiving, at the age verification station, an identification code proffered by the age presenter;

receiving, at the age verification station, transaction information;

sending the biometric sample proffered by the age presenter from the age verification station to the central database;

sending the identification code proffered by the age presenter from the age verification station to the central database;

sending the transaction information from the age verification station to the central database;

comparing, at the central database, the proffered identification code to age presenter identification codes stored in the central database;

making, at the central database, a first determination whether the proffered identification code matches an age presenter code stored in the central database;

in the event the proffered identification code matches an age presenter code stored in the central database, making a second determination whether the proffered biometric sample matches an age presenter biometric record stored in the central database;

in the event the proffered biometric sample matches an age presenter biometric record stored in the central database, making a third determination whether the age information mapped to the biometric record meets transaction rules;

in the event the age information mapped to the biometric record meets transaction rules, approving, at the central database, the transaction; and

receiving, at the age verification station, confirmation of the transaction approval.

13. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 12, wherein the age presenter identification code comprises one or more of:

a unique number, a reasonably unique number, and a non unique number.

14. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 12, wherein the biometric sample comprises one or more:

a fingerprint, an iris scan, a facial scan, a voice scan, a retinal scan, a hand architecture scan, a vein pattern scan, a signature sample, and a DNA sample.

15. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 12, wherein transaction data is encrypted and the communications between the age verification station and the central database are encrypted.

16. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 12, wherein the transaction information comprises at least one alphanumeric code indicating at the central database the transaction rules to apply to the transaction.

17. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 16, wherein transaction information further comprises one or more of:

the terminal identification number associated with an age verification station, the age verification station location, and the time of the transaction.

18. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 12, wherein the age verification station is located at a location selected from the group consisting of:

a verifier, a kiosk, an ATM, a telephone, a self-checkout POS register station, an automated cash register, a computer, a wireless device, and a vending machine.

19. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 12, wherein the age-restricted transaction comprises a financial transaction.

20. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 19, wherein financial transaction settlement is conducted via a financial transaction system comprising biometric authentication of payors.

21. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 12, wherein system user information is stored in more than one database.

22. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 21, wherein transaction information is compared to information stored in more than one database.

23. A method of using a transaction system to provide approval of an age-restricted transaction between an age presenter and an age verifier, the transaction system having a central database that has stored therein a biometric record associated with the age presenter via an age presenter identification code, the central database being configured to apply transaction rules, and at least one age verification station configured to access the central database, wherein the method comprises:

receiving, at the age verification station, a biometric sample proffered by the age presenter via a biometric identification device;

receiving, at the age verification station, an identification code proffered by the age presenter;

receiving, at the age verification station, transaction information;

sending the identification code proffered by the age presenter from the age verification station to the central database;

sending the transaction information from the age verification station to the central database;

comparing, at the central database, the proffered identification code to age presenter identification codes stored in the central database;

making, at the central database, a first determination whether the proffered identification code matches the age presenter code stored in the central database;

in the event the proffered identification code matches the age presenter code stored in the central database, making, at the central database, a second determination whether an age presenter age mapped to the biometric record corresponding to the age presenter code meets transaction rules;

in the event the at least one presenter age meets transaction rules, pre-approving, at the central database, the biometric record as a potential matching biometric record for age verification approval at the age verification station;

receiving, at the age verification station, the potential matching biometric record from the central database;

comparing, at the age verification station, the proffered biometric sample to the potential matching biometric record received from the central database;

making, at the age verification station, a third determination of whether the proffered biometric sample matches the potential matching biometric record;

in the event that the proffered biometric sample matches the at least one potential matching biometric record, making, at the age verification station, a fourth determination of whether the matching biometric record was pre-approved at the central database; and

in the event the matching biometric record was pre-approved at the central database, approving, at the age verification station, the transaction.

24. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 23, wherein the method further comprises:

the age verification station sending to the central database confirmation of completion of the transaction.

25. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 23, wherein the age presenter identification code comprises one or more of:

a unique number, a reasonably unique number, and a non unique number.

26. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 23, wherein the biometric sample comprises one or more of:

a fingerprint, an iris scan, a facial scan, a voice scan, a retinal scan, a hand architecture scan, a vein pattern scan, a signature sample, and a DNA sample.

27. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 23, wherein transaction data is encrypted and the communications between the age verification station and the central database are encrypted.

28. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 23, wherein the transaction information comprises at least one alphanumeric code indicating at the central database the transaction rules to apply to the transaction.

29. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 28, wherein transaction information further comprises one or more of:

a terminal identification number associated with an age verification station, age verification station location, and the time of the transaction.

30. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 23, wherein the age verification station is located at a location selected from the group consisting of:

a verifier, a kiosk, an ATM, a telephone, a self-checkout POS register station, an automated cash register, a computer, a wireless device, and a vending machine.

31. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 23, wherein the age-restricted transaction comprises a financial transaction.

32. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 31, wherein financial transaction settlement is conducted via a financial transaction system comprising biometric authentication of payors.

33. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 23, wherein system user information is stored in more than one database.

34. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 33, wherein the transaction information is compared to information stored in more than one database.

35. A method of using a transaction system to provide approval of an age-restricted transaction between an age presenter and an age verifier, the transaction system having a central database that has stored therein a biometric record associated with the age presenter through an age presenter identification code, the central database being adapted to apply central transaction rules and to apply verifier transaction rules, and at least one age verification station configured to access the central database, wherein the method comprises:

receiving, at the age verification station, a biometric sample proffered by the age presenter via a biometric identification device;

receiving, at the age verification station, an identification code proffered by the age presenter;

receiving, at the age verification station, transaction information;

sending the biometric sample proffered by the age presenter from the age verification station to the central database;

sending the identification code proffered by the age presenter from the age verification station to the central database;

sending the transaction information from the age verification station to the central database;

comparing, at the central database, the proffered identification code to age presenter identification codes stored in the central database;

making, at the central database, a first determination whether the proffered identification code matches an age presenter code stored in the central database;

in the event the proffered identification code matches an age presenter code stored in the central database, making, at the central database, a second determination whether the proffered biometric sample matches an age presenter biometric record stored in the central database;

in the event the proffered biometric sample matches an age presenter biometric record stored in the central database, making, at the central database, a third determination whether an age presenter information record mapped to the matching presenter biometric record meets the verifier transaction rules;

in the event the age presenter information record mapped to the matching presenter biometric record meets the verifier transaction rules, making, at the central database, a fourth determination whether the age information mapped to said biometric record meets the central transaction rules;

in the event the age information mapped to said biometric record meets the central transaction rules, approving, at the database, the transaction; and

receiving at the age verification station confirmation of the transaction approval.

36. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 35, wherein the age presenter identification code comprises one or more of:

a unique number, a reasonably unique number, and a non unique number.

37. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 35, wherein the biometric sample comprises one or more of:

a fingerprint, an iris scan, a facial scan, a voice scan, a retinal scan, a hand architecture scan, a vein pattern scan, a signature sample, and a DNA sample.

38. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 35, wherein the transaction data is encrypted and the communications between the age verification station and the central database are encrypted.

39. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 35, wherein the transaction information comprises at least one alphanumeric code indicating at the central database the transaction rules to apply to the transaction.

40. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 39, wherein transaction information further comprises one or more of:

a terminal identification number associated with an age verification station, the age verification station location, and the time of the transaction.

41. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 35, wherein the age verification station is located at a location selected from the group consisting of:

a verifier, a kiosk, an ATM, a telephone, a self-checkout POS register station, an automated cash register, a computer, a wireless device, and a vending machine.

42. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 35, wherein the age-restricted transaction comprises a financial transaction.

43. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 35, wherein financial transaction settlement is conducted via a financial transaction system comprising biometric authorization of payors.

44. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 35, wherein system user information is stored in more than one database.

45. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 44, wherein the transaction information is compared to information stored in more than one database.

46. A method of using a transaction system to provide approval of an age-restricted transaction between an age presenter and an age verifier, the transaction system having a central database that has stored therein a biometric record associated with the age presenter, the central database being configured to apply transaction rules, and at least one age verification station configured to access the central database, wherein the method comprises:

receiving, at the age verification station, a biometric sample proffered by the age presenter via a biometric identification device;

receiving, at the age verification station, transaction information;

sending the biometric sample proffered by the age presenter from the age verification station to the central database;

sending the transaction information from the age verification station to the central database;

comparing, at the central database, the proffered biometric sample to age presenter biometric records stored in the central database;

making, at the central database, a first determination whether the proffered biometric sample matches any age presenter biometric record stored in the central database;

in the event the proffered biometric sample matches an age presenter biometric record stored in the central database, making a second determination whether the age information mapped to the biometric record meets transaction rules;

in the event the age information mapped to the biometric record meets transaction rules, approving, at the central database, the transaction; and

receiving at the age verification station confirmation of the transaction approval.

47. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 46, wherein the biometric sample comprises one or more of:

a fingerprint scan, an iris scan, a facial scan, a voice scan, a retinal scan, a hand architecture scan, a vein pattern scan, a signature sample, and a DNA sample.

48. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 46, wherein the transaction data is encrypted and the communications between the age verification station and the central database are encrypted.

49. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 46, wherein the transaction information comprises at least one alphanumeric code indicating at the central database the transaction rules to apply to the transaction.

50. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 46, wherein the age approval station is located at a location selected from the group consisting of:

a verifier, a kiosk, an ATM, a telephone, a self-checkout POS register station, an automated cash register, a computer, a wireless device, and a vending machine.

51. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 46, wherein system user information is stored in more than one database.

52. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 51, wherein the transaction information is compared to information stored in more than one database.

53. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 46, wherein the age-restricted transaction comprises a financial transaction.

54. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 53, wherein financial transaction settlement is conducted via a financial transaction system comprising biometric authorization of payors.

55. A method of using a transaction system to provide approval of an age-restricted transaction between an age presenter and an age verifier, the transaction system having a central database that has stored therein a biometric record associated with the age presenter via an age presenter identification code, and at least one age verification station configured to access the central database, the age verification station being configured to apply transaction rules, wherein the method comprises:

receiving, at the age verification station, a biometric sample proffered by the age presenter via a biometric identification device;

receiving, at the age verification station, an identification code proffered by the age presenter;

receiving, at the age verification station, transaction information;

sending the identification code proffered by the age presenter from the age verification station to the central database;

sending the transaction information from the age verification station to the central database;

comparing, at the central database, the proffered identification code to one or more age presenter identification codes stored in the central database;

making, at the central database, a first determination whether the proffered identification code matches any age presenter identification codes stored in the central database;

in the event the proffered identification code matches at least one age presenter code stored in the central database, sending to the age verification station as one or more potential matching biometric records the one or more biometric records corresponding to any matched age presenter codes;

sending to the age verification station one or more presenter ages that correspond to the one or more potential matching biometric records;

receiving, at the age verification station, the one or more potential matching biometric records sent from the central database;

receiving, at the age verification station, the one or more presenter ages mapped to the one or more potential matching biometric records sent from the central database;

making, at the age verification station, a second determination of whether the proffered biometric sample matches any of the one or more potential matching biometric records;

in the event that the proffered biometric sample matches any of the one or more potential matching biometric records, making, at the age verification station, a third determination whether a presenter age mapped to a matched biometric record meets the transaction rules; and

in the event the presenter age mapped to the matched biometric record meets transaction rules, providing, at the age verification station, approval of the age-restricted transaction.

56. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 55, wherein the age presenter identification code comprises one or more of:

a unique number, a reasonably unique number, and a non unique number.

57. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 55, wherein the biometric sample comprises one of:

a fingerprint scan, an iris scan, a facial scan, a voice scan, a retinal scan, a hand architecture scan, a vein pattern scan, a signature sample, and a DNA sample.

58. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 55, wherein the transaction data is encrypted and the communications between the age verification station and the at least one database are encrypted.

59. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 55, wherein the age station is located at a location selected from the group consisting of:

a verifier, a kiosk, an ATM, a telephone, a self-checkout POS register station, an automated cash register, a computer, a wireless device, and a vending machine.

60. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 55, wherein system user information is stored in more than one database.

61. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 55, wherein transaction information is compared to information stored in more than one database.

62. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 55, wherein the age-restricted transaction comprises a financial transaction.

63. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 62, wherein financial transaction settlement is conducted via a financial transaction system comprising biometric authorization of payors.

64. A method for authorizing a system user to use a transaction system, the transaction system having at least one database that receives and stores therein enrollment data associated with authorized system users through a system identification code, the method comprising:

prompting a prospective system user to proffer enrollment data comprising age information, personal information, a system identification code, and one or more biometric samples;

prompting a system operator to proffer verification of the enrollment data the prospective system user proffers;

transmitting to at least one database the proffered enrollment data;

transmitting to at least one database the proffered verifier verification of the proffered enrollment data; and

storing in the at least one database the proffered enrollment data and proffered verifier verification.

65. The method for authorizing a system user to use a transaction system according to claim 64, wherein the age information comprises one or more of:

driver'"'"'s license data, passport data, birth certificate data, and credit data.

66. The method for authorizing a system user to use a transaction system according to claim 64, wherein the personal information comprises one or more of:

driver'"'"'s license data, social security number, address, and phone number.

67. The method for authorizing a system user to use a transaction system according to claim 64, wherein the personal information is acquired via a process selected from the group consisting of:

swiping, scanning, and hand-keying.

68. The method for authorizing a system user to use a transaction system according to claim 64, wherein the proffered biometric sample is entered via a biometric scanner.

69. The method for authorizing a system user to use a transaction system according to claim 64, wherein the prospective user proffers enrollment data at a location selected from the group consisting of:

a verifier'"'"'s station, a merchant'"'"'s store, a kiosk, a self-checkout POS register station, and at a government office.

70. The method for authorizing a system user to use a transaction system according to claim 64, wherein the age presenter identification code comprises one of:

a unique number, a reasonably unique number, and a non unique number.

71. The method of using a transaction system as claimed in claim 64, wherein the biometric sample comprises one of:

a fingerprint, an iris scan, a facial scan, a voice scan, a retinal scan, and a hand architecture scan.

72. The method for authorizing a system user to use a transaction system according to claim 64, wherein saving the proffered enrollment data in at least one database comprises:

converting a biometric sample into a biometric template; and

saving the biometric template to at least one database in association with the system identification code.

73. The method for authorizing a system user to use a transaction system according to claim 72, wherein proffered enrollment data further comprises a record maintenance password.

74. The method for authorizing a system user to use a transaction system according to claim 73, wherein said a record maintenance password allows a system user to access a system user record to change system user information.

75. The method for authorizing a system user to use a transaction system according to claim 64, wherein the method further comprises:

in the event the proffered system identification code matches a system identification stored in at least one database, sending to the prospective system user one or more suggested system identification codes; and

receiving from the prospective system user a system identification code selected from the one or more suggested system identification codes.

76. The method for authorizing a system user to use a transaction system according to claim 64, wherein the method further comprises:

in the event the proffered system identification code matches a system identification stored in at least one database, assigning the prospective user an alternate system identification code.

77. The method for authorizing a system user to use a transaction system according to claim 64, wherein the proffered enrollment data further comprises a digital image of the biometric sample.

78. The method for authorizing a system user to use a transaction system according to claim 64, wherein the proffered enrollment data further comprises a digital image of the at least one document presented for system user identification or system user age verification.

79. The method for authorizing a system user to use a transaction system according to claim 64, wherein the proffered enrollment data further comprises financial account information.

80. The method for authorizing a system user to use a transaction system according to claim 64, wherein system user information is stored in more than one database.

81. A method for authorizing a system user to use a transaction system, the transaction system having at least one database that receives and stores therein enrollment data associated with authorized system users through a system user biometric record, the method comprising:

prompting a prospective system user to proffer enrollment data comprising age information, personal information, and one or more biometric sample;

prompting a system operator to proffer verification of the enrollment data the prospective system user proffers;

transmitting to at least one database the proffered enrollment data;

transmitting to at least one database the proffered verifier verification of the proffered enrollment data; and

storing in at least one database the proffered enrollment data and proffered verifier verification.

82. The method for authorizing a system user to use a transaction system according to claim 81, wherein the age information comprises one or more of:

driver'"'"'s license data, passport data, birth certificate data, and credit data.

83. The method for authorizing a system user to use a transaction system according to claim 81, wherein the personal information comprises one or more of:

driver'"'"'s license data, social security number, address, and phone number.

84. The method for authorizing a system user to use a transaction system according to claim 81, wherein the personal information is acquired via a process selected from the group consisting of:

swiping, scanning, and hand-keying.

85. The method for authorizing a system user to use a transaction system according to claim 81, wherein the proffered biometric sample is entered via a biometric scanner.

86. The method for authorizing a system user to use a transaction system according to claim 81, wherein the prospective user proffers enrollment data at a location selected from the group consisting of:

a verifier'"'"'s station, a merchant'"'"'s store, a kiosk, a self-checkout POS register station, and at a government office.

87. The method for authorizing a system user to use a transaction system according to claim 81, wherein the biometric sample is selected from the group consisting of:

a fingerprint, an iris scan, a facial scan, a voice scan, a retinal scan, and a hand architecture scan.

88. The method for authorizing a system user to use a transaction system according to claim 81, wherein saving the proffered enrollment data in at least one database comprises:

converting a biometric sample into a biometric template; and

saving the biometric template to at least one database in association with the system identification code.

89. The method for authorizing a system user to use a transaction system according to claim 81, wherein the proffered enrollment data further comprises an account maintenance password.

90. The method for authorizing a system user to use a transaction system according to claim 81, wherein the proffered enrollment data further comprises a digital image of the biometric sample.

91. The method for authorizing a system user to use a transaction system according to claim 81, wherein the proffered enrollment data further comprises a digital image of the at least one document presented for system user identification or system user age verification.

92. The method for authorizing a system user to use a transaction system according to claim 81, wherein the proffered enrollment data further comprises financial account information.

93. The method for authorizing a system user to use a transaction system according to claim 81, wherein system user information is stored in more than one database.