Method and device for verification of identity aboard an aircraft

• US 20060245620A1
• Filed: 03/24/2006
• Published: 11/02/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 03/29/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Airbus
• Original Assignee: Airbus
• Inventors: Pujol, Olivier, Roques, Serge
• Granted Patent: US 7,783,081 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 382/115
• CPC Class Codes: B64D 45/0053 using visual equipment, e.g. cameras
• CPC Class Codes: B64D 45/0056 detecting passenger or crew behavior by sensors, e.g. biometrics
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 40/12 Fingerprints or palmprints
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/257 electronically G07C9/26 takes precedence

Abstract

A method and device for verification of identity aboard an aircraft combines a device for biometric authentication with a surveillance device making it possible to control the conditions under which biometric authentication is performed. According to complementary stages of the method of the invention, a communication device can communicate information relating to the verification of identity and whereby a state of alert is activated if the information signals an unusual situation aboard the aircraft.

Claims

1. Method for verification of identity aboard an aircraft comprising a stage of biometric authentication supplying information on the biometric authentication carried out, wherein a control of the conditions of biometric authentication is carried out with the aid of at least one means of surveillance.

2. Method according to claim 1, comprising a stage of communication of the information supplied by at least one means of surveillance to the exterior of the aircraft.

3. Method according to claim 2, wherein the stage of communication of information comprises the communication of information supplied at the time of the stage of biometric authentication.

4. Method according to claim 1, wherein said means of surveillance and the means making it possible to carry out a biometric authentication are in the cockpit of the aircraft, and comprising a stage during which, with the aid of at least one means of surveillance, the occupants of the cockpit are enumerated.

5. Method according to claim 1, wherein a state of alert is activated according to the information supplied at the time of the stage of biometric authentication and/or the information supplied by the means of surveillance.

6. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein engagement of the method for verification of identity is linked to the detection of a predetermined unusual event.

7. Device for verification of identity aboard an aircraft comprising at least one means of biometric authentication, and at least one means of surveillance that controls the zone in which said means of biometric authentication is located.

8. Device according to claim 7, comprising communication means for transmitting information deriving from at least one means of surveillance to the exterior of the aircraft.

9. Device according to claim 7, comprising communication means for transmitting information deriving from at least one means of biometric authentication.

10. Device according to claim 7, comprising a visual means aboard the aircraft in order to indicate the result of at least one means of biometric authentication.

11. Device according to claim 7, comprising two means of surveillance combined with at least one means of biometric authentication.

12. Device according to claim 7, wherein said means of surveillance has a wide-angle lens.

13. Device according to claim 7, wherein said means of surveillance is a video camera.

14. Device according to claim 7, wherein said means of biometric authentication is a device for authentication by fingerprint recognition.

15. Device according to claim 7, wherein said means of biometric authentication is a device for authentication by iris recognition.

16. Device according to claim 7, wherein said means of biometric authentication is a device for authentication by facial recognition.

17. Device according to claim 7, wherein said means of biometric authentication and at least one means of surveillance combined are arranged in the cockpit of the aircraft.

18. Device according to claim 7, wherein said means of biometric authentication is arranged in front of a back of a seat intended to accommodate an individual to be identified, in the direction of normal movement of the aircraft.

19. Device according to claim 7, wherein said means of biometric authentication is arranged on the aircraft flight controls.

20. Device according to claim 19, wherein the flight controls comprise means specific to the communication of information from at least one means of biometric authentication.

21. Aircraft cockpit, comprising a device according to claim 7.

22. Aircraft, comprising a device according to claim 7.