Test authorization system

• US 20060075257A1
• Filed: 10/21/2004
• Published: 04/06/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 10/06/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Ablecare Medical, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Martis Ip Holdings, LLC
• Inventors: Oehler, Frederick M., Martis, Dinesh J., Biggins, Edward S.
• Granted Patent: US 7,609,145 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 713/186
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 3/005 Constructional features of the display
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0002 Remote monitoring of patients using telemetry, e.g. transmission of vital signals via a communication network A61B5/07 takes precedence; transmission systems for measured values G08C; transmission H04B; transmission of digital information H04L; wireless communication networks H04W
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/02438 with portable devices, e.g. worn by the patient
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1172 using fingerprinting
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14552 Details of sensors specially adapted therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6816 Ear lobe
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6826 Finger
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6838 Clamps or clips
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/63 for local operation

Abstract

A method of identifying a test-taker is disclosed. The method includes the step of sampling a biometric characteristic of the test-taker, and may include the step of sampling a second biometric characteristic of the test-taker. The method may include the step of identifying the test administrator by sampling a biometric characteristic of the test administrator. A method of authorizing the administration of a test is also disclosed.

Claims

1. A method of identifying a test-taker, the method comprising the steps of:

sampling a biometric characteristic of a test-taker;

storing the sampled biometric characteristic for identification of the test-taker;

administering the test to the test-taker;

sampling a second biometric characteristic of the test-taker; and

storing the second biometric characteristic for additional identification of the test-taker.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the biometric characteristic sampling step samples a biometric characteristic selected from the group consisting of a retinal scan, voice recognition, facial recognition, pulse oximetry, heart rate, and a fingerprint.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of generating a random number for display during the test.

4. The method of claim 3, further comprising the step of photographing the randomly generated number on the display.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of sampling a biometric characteristic of the test administrator.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the biometric characteristic sample of the test administrator is taken prior to the administration of the test.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of the biometric characteristic samples is taken proximal to the test-taker'"'"'s fingertip.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of the biometric characteristic samples is taken proximal to the test-taker'"'"'s ear.

9. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of communicating with a central repository to transmit at least some of the data.

10. A method of administering a medical test on a test-taker, the method comprising the steps of:

identifying a test administrator;

determining whether the test administrator is authorized to administer the test;

sampling a biometric characteristic of the test-taker;

storing the sampled biometric characteristic for identification of the test-taker;

administering the test to the test-taker;

sampling a second biometric characteristic of the test-taker; and

storing the second biometric characteristic for additional identification of the test-taker.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising the step of transmitting the stored characteristics and test results to a central repository.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the transmitting step is performed over at least one selected from the group consisting of a modem, broadband, wireless, VPN, Extranet, and Intranet.

13. The method of claim 10, further comprising the step of generating a random number for display during the test.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of photographing the randomly generated number on the display.

15. The method of claim 10, wherein the test administrator identifying step includes sampling a biometric characteristic of the test administrator.

16. The method of claim 10, wherein the test administrator identifying step includes taking a photograph of the test administrator.

17. The method of claim 10, wherein the determining step comprises consulting a central repository with the information relating to the identity of the test administrator and receiving data from the central repository that indicates whether the administrator is authorized to perform the test.

18. A method of authorizing the administration of a test, the method comprising the steps of:

identifying a test administrator; and

determining whether the test administrator is authorized to administer the test;

wherein the identifying step comprises at least one step selected from the group consisting of taking a photograph and sampling a biometric characteristic of the test administrator.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising the step of communicating the identity of the test administrator to a central repository and determining from the communicated identity whether the test administrator is authorized to administer the test.

20. The method of claim 18, further comprising the step of storing the identity of the test administrator.

21. The method of claim 18, further comprising the step of downloading information into a portable test unit for use by the test administrator during the administration of the test.

22. The method of claim 18, further comprising the step of administering the test to a test-taker.

23. The method of claim 18, further comprising the step of repeating the identifying and determining steps for each time the test is administrated.