Office Action 4: Notice of Allowance (2024-09-26)

CLAIMS:
Listing of Claims:

1-19. (cancelled)218

20\. (previously presented) A method comprising:capturing, at a first self-service kiosk, live biometric data of a person, the live biometric data including a facial image of the person;
extracting, at the first self-service kiosk, reference biometric data from a biometric identification document, the reference biometric data including a reference facial image;
comparing the facial image with the reference facial image of the reference biometric data extracted from the biometric identification document to verify an identity of the person;
in response to verification of the identity of the person, storing enrollment data including (i) the facial image used for comparison with the reference facial image, and (ii) additional data corresponding to the person;
subsequent to storing the enrollment data, capturing, at a second self- service kiosk, further live biometric data of the person, the further live biometric data including a further facial image of the person;
in response to capturing the further live biometric data, retrieving the enrollment data;
comparing the further facial image with the facial image of the enrollment data to authenticate the person; and
in response to authenticating the person based on the comparison of the further facial image with the facial image of the enrollment data, granting the person access to a restricted area, at the second self-service kiosk.

21\. (previously presented) The method of claim 20, further comprising, at the first self-service kiosk: extracting a portion of the additional data, comprising a unique identification number, from the biometric identification document.

22\. (previously presented) The method of claim 20, wherein storing the enrollment data includes encrypting the enrollment data with a key generated from at least a portion of the additional data.

23\. (previously presented) The method of claim 20, wherein storing the enrollment data includes storing the enrollment data in a central database.

24\. (previously presented) The method of claim 23, wherein the authentication process further comprises:storing, in the central database a plurality of additional sets of enrollment data corresponding to respective additional persons;
wherein retrieving the enrollment data includes performing a search of the central database, based on the further live biometric data.

25\. (cancelled)

26\. (previously presented) The method of claim 20, further comprising:when an authentication requirement for the person ends, deleting the enrollment data.

27\. (previously presented) A system comprising:a first self-service kiosk configured to:
capture live biometric data of a person, the live biometric data including a facial image of the person;
extracting, at the first self-service kiosk, reference biometric data from a biometric identification document, the reference biometric data including a reference facial image for comparison with the facial image to verify an identity of the person;
a central database configured, in response to verification of the identity of the person, to store enrollment data including (i) the facial image used for

comparison with the reference facial image, and (ii) additional data corresponding to the person;a second self-service kiosk configured, subsequent to storage of the enrollment data, to:
capture further live biometric data of the person, the further live biometric data including a further facial image of the person, for comparison with the facial image of the enrollment data to authenticate the person; and
in response to authentication of the person based on the comparison of the further facial image with the facial image of the enrollment data, grant the person access to a restricted area.

28\. (previously presented) The system of claim 27, wherein the first self-service kiosk is further configured to: extract a portion of the additional data, comprising a unique identification number, from the biometric identification document.

29\. (previously presented) The system of claim 27, wherein the central database is configured to store the enrollment data encrypted with a key generated from at least a portion of the additional data.

30\. (previously presented) The system of claim 27, wherein the central database is further configured to store a plurality of additional sets of enrollment data corresponding to respective additional persons, and wherein the central database is searchable based on the further live biometric data.

31\. (cancelled)

32\. (previously presented) The system of claim 27, wherein the central database is controllable to delete the enrollment data when an authentication requirement for the person ends.

OFFICE ACTION:
DETAILED ACTION
Notice of Pre-AIA  or AIA  Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Reasons for Allowance
Claims 20-24, 26-30 and 32 are allowed.
The following is an examiner’s statement of reasons for allowance:
The primary reason for allowance is that the prior art of record fails to teach or render obvious the following subject matter in combination with other elements of the independent claims as well as Applicant’s arguments of record as to the distinguishing claim features over the applied prior art being persuasive; “in response to verification of the identity of the person, storing enrollment data including (i) the facial image used for comparison with the reference facial image, and (ii) additional data corresponding to the person; subsequent to storing the enrollment data, capturing, at a second self- service kiosk, further live biometric data of the person, the further live biometric data including a further facial image of the person; in response to capturing the further live biometric data, retrieving the enrollment data; comparing the further facial image with the facial image of the enrollment data to authenticate the person; and in response to authenticating the person based on the comparison of the further facial image with the facial image of the enrollment data, granting the person access to a restricted area, at the second self-service kiosk.”
Any comments considered necessary by applicant must be submitted no later than the payment of the issue fee and, to avoid processing delays, should preferably accompany the issue fee.  Such submissions should be clearly labeled “Comments on Statement of Reasons for Allowance.”
Conclusion

APPLICANT REBUTTAL: Remarks/Ar
g
uments:
Claim Rejections Under 35 USC 102 and 103
" Claims 20-21, 23, 27, and 28 stand rejected as being anticipated by
Bouatou (US 2016/0125179)
" Claims 22 and 29 stand rejected as being obvious in view of Bouatou and
Gormley (US 2013/0305059)
" Claims 24 and 30 stand rejected as being obvious in view of Bouatou and
Hoyos (US 2008/0122578)
" Claims 26 and 32 stand rejected as being obvious in view of Bouatou and
Fukuda (US 2009/0226048)
Applicant submits that the claims as amended are patentable. Bouatou does not disclose at least the following limitations of independent claim 20, or the equivalent limitations of independent claim 27:
"in response to verification of the identity of the person, storing enrollment data including (i) the facial image used for comparison with the reference
facial image, and (ii) additional data corresponding to the person"
The "reference image" recited above is, as detailed earlier in claim 1, extracted from a biometric identification document. Bouatou discloses a biometric passport storing a first biometric characteristic such as index and middle fingerprints. To verify a traveler's identity, Bouatou calls for capturing all five fingerprints ("acquisitions" 11.1 through 11.5, see Bouatou, paragraph 0026). Bouatou then handles subsets of the fingerprints
differently,
however. Specifically, the acquisitions 11.2 and 11.3 are compared with the fingerprints extracted from the biometric passport.
When the acquisitions 11.2 and 11.3 match the data from the biometric passport, Bouatou stores a
distinct
second biometric characteristic. As set out in paragraph
0026, Bouatou's server 12 stores the acquisitions 11.1, 11.4, and 11.5, explicitly
omittin
g
the fingerprints used for verification. In other words,
only
the acquisitions 11.2 and 11.3 are used for the initial comparison, and
only
the acquisitions 11.1, 11.4., and 11.5 are stored for later authentication. There is
no overlap
between the data used for comparison with the reference data and the stored enrollment data. Bouatou plainly does not disclose the above claim limitations, which call for storing the
same
data that is compared with the reference data.
The claim rejections fail to account for the distinction set out above. The office action notes, for example:
" at the middle of page 5, that paragraph 0033 of Bouatou states that the
"first biometric characteristic may also match the iris image of an eye"
" near the top of page 6, that paragraph 0033 of Bouatou states that the
"second biometric characteristic may be the peri-ocular venous pattern of
the same eye or the other eye"
The office action, in other words, appears to imply that an iris image can be substituted for the fingerprints for identity verification (in which case a biometric passport contains a reference iris image), and that a peri-ocular venous pattern is
equivalent
to an iris image, such that storing the peri-ocular venous pattern in Bouatou's server 12 would satisfy the claimed storage of the image used for verification. The above equivalence is mistaken, however. A peri-ocular venous pattern is mutually exclusive with an image of an iris. The plain meaning of peri- ocular is surrounding the eye. A pattern of veins surrounding a person's eye is plainly not the same thing as an image of that person's iris, and storing one is not equivalent to storing the other. The mere mention of two loosely related (by virtue of being associated with a person's eye) biometric characteristics in Bouatou does not indicate that Bouatou stores enrollment data including the facial image used for comparison with a reference facial image, as claimed.
Further, as also noted in Applicant's previous response, Bouatou explicitly teaches
ag
ainst
storing the same biometric data as is used for verification for later authentication. See, for example, paragraph 0011 of Bouatou, which states that "the second biometric characteristic is different from the first biometric characteristic stored in the certified data medium and the secondary identifier is different from the primary identifier', and that "the primary identifier
cannot be found using the second biometric characteristic
and the secondary identifier' (emphasis added). See also paragraph 0026 of Bouatou, which states that "It should be noted that the acquisitions 11.2 and 11.3 of the traveller's 1 index and middle
fingerprints are not saved
in the server 12" (emphasis added).
Applicant submits that Gormley, Hoyos, and Fukuda also lack the above claim limitations. The claims are patentable for at least the above reasons. Reconsideration and allowance of all pending claims is respectfully requested.
Conclusion


CITED REFERENCE SUMMARIES: Ref US20130215275A1: Claims:
An enrollment kiosk for collecting personal data, comprising: a main module including a processor and one or more biometric sensing devices coupled to the processor, the one or more biometric sensing devices including: a right fingerprint sensor coupled to the processor and positioned proximate a right end of the main module; and a left fingerprint sensor coupled to the processor and positioned proximate a left end of the main module, the right fingerprint sensor being positioned a predetermined distance apart from the left fingerprint sensor; at least one scene camera, the scene camera being configured to record a video of an area surrounding the enrollment kiosk and to transmit the video to a remote station located remotely from the enrollment kiosk; and at least one modifiable section removably coupled to the main module, the at least one modifiable section including at least one first input device coupled to the processor.
a main module including a processor and one or more biometric sensing devices coupled to the processor, the one or more biometric sensing devices including: a right fingerprint sensor coupled to the processor and positioned proximate a right end of the main module; and a left fingerprint sensor coupled to the processor and positioned proximate a left end of the main module, the right fingerprint sensor being positioned a predetermined distance apart from the left fingerprint sensor; at least one scene camera, the scene camera being configured to record a video of an area surrounding the enrollment kiosk and to transmit the video to a remote station located remotely from the enrollment kiosk; and
a right fingerprint sensor coupled to the processor and positioned proximate a right end of the main module; and
a left fingerprint sensor coupled to the processor and positioned proximate a left end of the main module, the right fingerprint sensor being positioned a predetermined distance apart from the left fingerprint sensor;
at least one scene camera, the scene camera being configured to record a video of an area surrounding the enrollment kiosk and to transmit the video to a remote station located remotely from the enrollment kiosk; and
at least one modifiable section removably coupled to the main module, the at least one modifiable section including at least one first input device coupled to the processor.
The kiosk of claim 1 , further comprising an interactive communication device configured to enable communication between the enrollee and a remote operator located at the remote station.
The kiosk of claim 2 , wherein the communication between the enrollee and the remote operator includes a video of the enrollee being shown to the remote operator, the video being recorded and indexed.
The kiosk of claim 2 , wherein the communication between the enrollee and the remote operator includes at least one of voice guidance, on-screen guidance, or video guidance in the form of live video or animation from the remote operator to the enrollee.
The kiosk of claim 1 , wherein the kiosk comprises an input for language selection, wherein a remote operator located at the remote station is configured to provide instructions to the enrollee in the language selected by the enrollee, and wherein the kiosk is configured to provide on-screen instructions in the language selected by the enrollee.
The kiosk of claim 1 , wherein the processor is configured to send a signal to a remote station, located remotely from the kiosk, to record a video of a remote operator located at the remote station during the process for collection of personal data from the enrollee.
The kiosk of claim 2 , further comprising a scanner configured to scan documents that cannot be authenticated by the processor, the processor being configured to transmit images of the documents that may not be verified by the processor to the remote operator for authentication.
The kiosk of claim 1 , wherein the processor encrypts the collected data via Constructive Key Management (CKM) encryption, XML encryption, or any other suitable encryption technique.
The kiosk of claim 1 , wherein the one or more biometric sensing devices is a face camera for capturing an image of a face of a person, the face camera being coupled to the processor; a dual iris camera for capturing an image of a left iris and a right iris of the person, the dual iris camera being coupled to the processor; a digital signature window for capturing a signature of the person, the digital signature window being coupled to the processor; or any combination thereof, the kiosk further comprising a keyboard positioned between the right fingerprint sensor and the left fingerprint sensor.
The kiosk of claim 1 , wherein the one or more biometric sensing devices includes a dual iris camera coupled to the processor, the dual iris camera including a screen located proximate the dual iris camera to provide guidance to a person being enrolled regarding the person's positioning relative to the dual iris camera, wherein a height of the main module is adjustable to accommodate enrollees of different heights.
The kiosk of claim 1 , further comprising a second modifiable section removably coupled to the main module, the second modifiable section including at least one second input device coupled to the processor, wherein the at least one first input device includes a smartcard reader; a single-side scanner, and a dual-side scanner for scanning identification cards and credit cards and wherein the at least one second input device includes a dual-side scanner for scanning documents.
The kiosk of claim 1 , wherein the main module includes a face camera, a dual iris camera, a signature input device, the right fingerprint sensor, and the left fingerprint sensor, all of which include a lighted guiding indicator associated therewith that illuminates before a person interacts with a respective one of the face camera, the dual-iris camera, the signature input device, the left fingerprint sensor or the right fingerprint sensor, the lighted guiding indicator being configured to provide visual guidance to a person being enrolled.
The kiosk of claim 1 , wherein the at least one first input device includes a smartcard reader, a dual-side document scanner for scanning identification cards and credit cards, a single-side document scanner, and a dual-side document scanner for scanning documents having a width of about 8.5 inches (0.22 m) or less and any length, all of which have a lighted guiding indicator associated therewith that illuminates before a person interacts with a respective one of the smartcard reader, the dual-side document scanner for scanning identification cards and credit cards, the single-side document scanner, or the dual-side document scanner for scanning documents having a width of about 8.5 inches (0.22 m) or less and any length, the lighted guiding indicator being configured to provide visual guidance to a person being enrolled.
The kiosk of claim 1 , being a decentralized system not requiring support or communication from an external server during enrollment.
The kiosk of claim 1 , wherein the scene camera is configured to record and transmit to the remote station, a video of a process for collection of the personal data from the enrollee, the scene camera being further configured to enter into a surveillance mode when the kiosk is not in the process of collecting personal data from enrollees.
A method of collecting personal data with an enrollment station, comprising: continuously monitoring and recording, by a scene camera, an area surrounding the enrollment station to prevent fraud; initiating, by a person, a biometric enrollment session; acquiring, by a at least one fingerprint sensor coupled to the processor, at least one fingerprint from the person; acquiring, by the processor via at least one first input device coupled to the processor, images of at least one identifying document; encrypting, by the processor, all the collected personal data; and transmitting, by the processor to a remote station located remotely from the enrollment station, a video recorded by the scene camera of the area surrounding the enrollment station.
continuously monitoring and recording, by a scene camera, an area surrounding the enrollment station to prevent fraud;
initiating, by a person, a biometric enrollment session;
acquiring, by a at least one fingerprint sensor coupled to the processor, at least one fingerprint from the person;
acquiring, by the processor via at least one first input device coupled to the processor, images of at least one identifying document;
encrypting, by the processor, all the collected personal data; and
transmitting, by the processor to a remote station located remotely from the enrollment station, a video recorded by the scene camera of the area surrounding the enrollment station.
The method of claim 16 , further comprising selecting, by the person, a language for conducting the method of collecting personal data, wherein the kiosk is configured to provide on-screen, video, and/or audio instructions in the selected language.
The method of claim 16 , further comprising interacting, by the person with a remote operator located at the remote station during the biometric enrollment session in a language selected by the enrollee.
The method of claim 16 , wherein the person receives on-screen, voice, and/or video guidance from the enrollment station and/or a remote operator located at the remote station.
The method of claim 16 , further comprising providing to the person an interactive live or recorded video on a main screen of the enrollment station, the interactive video being configured to guide the person through the process of collecting personal data.
The method of claim 16 , further comprising: acquiring a right iris image and a left iris image of the person by an iris camera coupled to the main body; providing audio and/or on-screen feedback to the person regarding the person's position relative to the dual iris camera; acquiring, with a face camera coupled to the processor, an image of a face of the person; sending, by the processor, the encrypted collected personal data to a remote server; and receiving, by the processor, a confirmation that the encrypted collected personal data has been received by the remote server.
acquiring a right iris image and a left iris image of the person by an iris camera coupled to the main body;
providing audio and/or on-screen feedback to the person regarding the person's position relative to the dual iris camera;
acquiring, with a face camera coupled to the processor, an image of a face of the person;
sending, by the processor, the encrypted collected personal data to a remote server; and
receiving, by the processor, a confirmation that the encrypted collected personal data has been received by the remote server.
The method of claim 16 , further comprising acquiring, via a signature capture device coupled to the processor, a signature from the person attesting to truthfulness of the collected personal data.
The method of claim 16 , wherein the at least one first input device is a single-side scanner, a dual-side scanner for scanning identification cards and credit cards, a dual-side scanner for scanning documents, and any combination thereof and wherein the at least one identifying document is an identification card, a credit card, a social security card, a passport, a birth certificate, an electric bill, or any combination thereof.
The method of claim 16 , further comprising automatically adjusting, by a processor, an axial position of a main module of the enrollment station, such that a dual iris camera coupled to the main module is at eye level of the person.
An enrollment kiosk for collecting personal data, comprising: a main module including an embedded web service component and one or more biometric sensing devices coupled to the web service component, the one or more biometric sensing devices including: a right fingerprint sensor coupled to the web service component and positioned proximate a right end of the main module; and a left fingerprint sensor coupled to the web service component and positioned proximate a left end of the main module, the right fingerprint sensor being positioned a predetermined distance apart from the left fingerprint sensor; a scene camera coupled to the web service component, the scene camera being configured to record an area surrounding the enrollment kiosk and to transmit the video to a remote processing station located remotely from the enrollment kiosk; and at least one modifiable section removably coupled to the main module, the at least one modifiable section including at least one first input device coupled to the web service component.
a main module including an embedded web service component and one or more biometric sensing devices coupled to the web service component, the one or more biometric sensing devices including:
a right fingerprint sensor coupled to the web service component and positioned proximate a right end of the main module; and
a left fingerprint sensor coupled to the web service component and positioned proximate a left end of the main module, the right fingerprint sensor being positioned a predetermined distance apart from the left fingerprint sensor;
a scene camera coupled to the web service component, the scene camera being configured to record an area surrounding the enrollment kiosk and to transmit the video to a remote processing station located remotely from the enrollment kiosk; and
at least one modifiable section removably coupled to the main module, the at least one modifiable section including at least one first input device coupled to the web service component.
The kiosk of claim 25 , being an integrated device, wherein the web service is configured to translate any requests to and from the one or more biometric sensing devices and to and from the at least one first input device.
The kiosk of claim 25 , wherein the scene camera is configured to record an entire process of collecting personal data from an enrollee, the scene camera being further configured to enter into a surveillance mode when personal data is not being collected.