System and Method for Authentication Across Multiple Platforms Using Biometric Data

A system and method for authenticating a system user across multiple digital systems using a single biometric key employs a scanning device to preclude the use of passwords and login identifiers when signing into secured digital environments. The scanning device performs a primary biometric scanning operation to obtain a primary multipoint digital image for an anatomical feature of the system user. The primary multipoint digital image is then associated with a system password and username for each of a plurality of secured digital systems. By connecting the scanning device to an external computing device and performing a subsequent biometric scanning operation, the scanning device is able to authenticate the system user and retrieve the system password and username for a specific secured digital system from the plurality of secured digital systems. A data vault is provided to back-up data and restore the scanning device when the system user is authenticated.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a biometric scanner based user authentication platform. More specifically the present invention is a system and method which enables an individual to use a single biometric data key in place of a plurality of passwords.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Creating secured digital environments is essential in the modern age. One needs to only turn on the news to hear of data breach scandal after data breach scandal. Everyone, from the average citizen to Fortune 500 companies, has become a target for malevolent individuals seeking to access secure information. To combat the ever increasing frequency of brazen virtual attacks, users are forced to implement authentication protocols of greater and greater complexity. To compound the problem of the increasingly complex data security protocols, users must memorize multiple passwords for multiple digital services.

The problem of passwords can be likened to a curse of dimensionality. That is, as users are required to create multiple passwords to access an ever increasing number of digital systems, the difficulty in maintaining these passwords increases for the user. A common response to this problem is to use a single password for multiple services. This practice, however, is quite flawed and decreases the overall security of a user's personal information. If a malicious individual is able to acquire this password, he will be able to access many of the user's accounts. Therefore, users seem to be in a double bind situation. Biometric authentication has been proposed as a possible means of mitigating this issue. Because biometric data is intrinsically unique, it negates the need to memorize passwords for user authentication. One noticeable failing is the depth of penetration of digital services which accept biometric user authentication. Because of this, the effectiveness of robust biometric authentication systems is significantly reduced. At times users must memorize some passwords, in other instances they are able to biometrically authenticate.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a biometric scanner that can be used for authentication across multiple platforms. The present invention addresses the issue of memorizing multiple passwords by providing a biometric authentication platform which generates, or inserts, valid passwords into various digital systems. This is accomplished by creating a digital user profile for a system user; the digital user profile containing the username and password data required to access a plurality of secured digital systems. Once the digital user profile is created, a scanning software correlates biometric data obtained from an anatomical feature of the system user with the username and password data required to access the plurality of secured digital systems. Using the platform provided by the present invention enables the system user to forego the arduous process of creating and memorizing passwords.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a data vault that can be used to back-up the scanning device and restore data on the scanning device. The scanning device can be docked in the data vault, wherein the data vault is able to determine whether to perform a back-up function or a restore function. The scanning software on the scanning device is used to authenticate the system user before performing either the back-up function or the restore function. In this way, data can be securely maintained on the data vault.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a system and method for authenticating a system user across multiple digital systems using a single biometric key. It is an aim of the present invention to provide a handheld device and an associated software platform which work in concert to function as a physical key enabling user authentication on digital systems. In reference toFIG. 1, the present invention includes a scanning device1that is designed to use biometric information to authenticate the system user in lieu of traditional passwords. Additionally, the present invention utilizes a scanning software in conjunction with the scanning device1, wherein the scanning software is operated on the scanning device1. Furthermore and in reference toFIG. 12-13, the present invention includes a data vault10that is used to back-up and restore the scanning device1.

The scanning device1acquires and stores biometric data, while the scanning software analyzes the biometric data. The biometric data acquired by the scanning device1is used to access a plurality of secured digital systems in place of using traditional passwords. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the scanning software performs the translation and handshaking operations required to use the biometric data of the system user as an access code for the plurality of secured digital systems. The data vault10is used to store a back-up copy of the biometric data and system passwords, wherein the data vault10can be used to restore the scanning device1if the scanning device1is compromised. Furthermore, the latest settings of the scanning device can be copied from the scanning device1to the data vault10in order to synchronize both devices.

In the preferred method of use, the present invention provides a secured authentication platform which maintains a locally encrypted record of user data. To accomplish this task, the scanning device1comprises a biometric scanner2, a microcontroller3, an onboard memory bank4, and an external device interconnect7[100]. The scanning software runs on the microcontroller3to perform all required password selection, encryption, and generation operations. To begin using the scanning device1as a password manager for the plurality of secured digital systems, the system user creates a digital user profile with the scanning software. The digital user profile contains a list of each of the plurality of secured digital systems with which the system user is affiliated. Additionally, the digital user profile contains a system password for each of the plurality of secured digital systems in order to access each of the plurality of secured digital systems.

In reference toFIG. 1andFIG. 6, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the microcontroller3creates the digital user profile using the scanning software [107], wherein the digital user profile is then stored by the onboard memory bank4[101]. The digital user profile is utilized to associate the system password for each of the plurality of secured digital systems to only one individual, the system user. In reference toFIG. 8, the system user selects the plurality of secured digital systems to be used with the present invention, wherein the microcontroller3then receives the system password for each of the plurality of secured digital systems [109]. The system password for each of the plurality of secured digital systems can be entered manually by the system user or retrieved automatically by the microcontroller3when associating the plurality of secured digital systems with the digital user profile. The information is then passed along by the microcontroller3to the onboard memory bank4, wherein the onboard memory bank4stores the list of the plurality of secured digital systems and the system password for each of the plurality of secured digital systems [111].

After the digital user profile is created, the system user places a finger onto the scanning device1; more specifically, onto the biometric scanner2. In reference toFIG. 6, the biometric scanner2then performs a primary biometric scanning operation in order to obtain a primary multipoint digital image of an anatomical feature of the system user [102]. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the primary biometric scanning operation is a fingerprint scan, wherein the anatomical feature is a fingerprint. In reference toFIG. 9, first the biometric scanner2scans the anatomical feature of the system user in order to obtain the necessary biometric data [112]. The microcontroller3then utilizes the biometric data to generate the primary multipoint digital image of the anatomical feature, wherein the primary multipoint digital image includes unique attributes of the anatomical feature [113].

In reference toFIG. 10andFIG. 7, the primary multipoint digital image and the digital user profile are then encrypted by the microcontroller3[114] [108] and stored on the onboard memory bank4. When storing the primary multipoint digital image, the microcontroller3maps the primary multipoint digital image to the digital user profile within the onboard memory bank4[103], as depicted inFIG. 6. In mapping the primary multipoint digital image to the digital user profile, the scanning software correlates the primary multipoint digital image to the system password of each of the plurality of secured digital systems registered within the digital user profile. With the primary multipoint digital image stored in association with the digital user profile on the onboard memory bank4[115], the primary multipoint digital image is used as a unique password for accessing the digital user profile. The system user is then able to access the plurality of secured digital systems using the biometric data obtained from the anatomical feature, in place of entering the system password for each of the plurality of secured digital systems.

In reference toFIG. 8, it is also possible for the microcontroller3to encrypt the system password of each of the plurality of secured digital systems in order to add an extra layer of security [110]. Upon receiving the system password for each of the plurality of secured digital systems, the microcontroller3would first encrypt the system password and then map the system password within the digital user profile. Once the system password for each of the plurality of secured digital systems has been encrypted and added to the digital user profile, the microcontroller3encrypts the digital user profile, providing a second layer of encryption. Alternatively, only the system password for each of the plurality of secured digital systems could be encrypted instead of encrypting the entirety of the digital user profile, wherein the primary multipoint digital image would be mapped directly to the system password for each of the plurality of secured digital systems.

When the system user desires to access a specific secured digital system from the plurality of secured digital systems, the system user first connects the scanning device1to an external computing device. The term ‘external computing device’ is used herein to refer to any electronic system capable of accessing—or requesting access to—secured digital environments. Examples of external computing devices include, but are not limited to, computers, smartphones, tablets, security systems, and the like. In reference toFIG. 11, once connected to the external computing device, the microcontroller3receives a system selection for the specific secured digital system [116]. The microcontroller3then performs a handshaking operation with the specific secured digital system in order to establish communications between the scanning device1and the specific secured digital system [117].

After the scanning device1is connected to the external computing device and the handshaking operation is performed with the specific secured digital system, a subsequent biometric scanning operation can be carried out to authenticate the system user. In reference toFIG. 6, the subsequent biometric scanning operation is performed by the biometric scanner2in order to obtain a subsequent multipoint digital image [104]. The subsequent biometric scanning operation is identical to the primary biometric scanning operation in that the subsequent biometric scanning operation attempts to capture the same type of biometric data that is captured during the primary biometric scanning operation. For example, if the primary biometric scanning operation is a fingerprint scan, then the subsequent biometric scanning operation is also a fingerprint scan.

To perform the subsequent biometric scanning operation, the biometric scanner2first scans the anatomical feature of the system user in order to obtain the necessary biometric data. The microcontroller3then utilizes the biometric data to generate the subsequent multipoint digital image of the anatomical feature, wherein the subsequent multipoint digital image includes unique attributes of the anatomical feature. In reference toFIG. 6, the microcontroller3then compares the subsequent multipoint digital image to the primary multipoint digital image in order to authenticate the system user [105]. If the subsequent multipoint digital image matches the primary multipoint digital image, then access is granted to the digital user profile. Conversely, if the subsequent multipoint digital image does not match the primary multipoint digital image, then access to the digital user profile is denied.

When the system user is successfully authenticated by matching the subsequent multipoint digital image to the primary multipoint digital image, the microcontroller3searches through the list of the plurality of secured digital systems for the specific secured digital system. In reference toFIG. 11, the microcontroller3then retrieves the system password for the specific secured digital system from the onboard memory bank4[118]. Finally, the microcontroller3sends the system password for the specific secured digital system to the specific secured digital system [106], as depicted inFIG. 6, wherein the system user is authenticated on the specific secured digital system. In summary, the scanning software authenticates the system user identity via the anatomical feature, retrieves the system password for the specific secured digital system, and then inserts the system password into the specific secured digital system. In this way, the present invention is able to function as a single key which is capable of accessing each of the plurality of secured digital systems registered within the digital user profile.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the primary biometric scanning operation performed by the biometric scanner2acquires fingerprint data. The system user places a finger on the biometric scanner2, wherein the biometric scanner2scans the finger and the microcontroller3generates the primary multipoint digital image of the finger. To access the plurality of secured digital systems each subsequent time, the system user places the finger on the biometric scanner2, wherein the subsequent multipoint digital image is generated to authenticate the system user. In other embodiments of the present invention, various other types of biometric data may be acquired. For example, the primary biometric scanning operation may be a retinal scan, vocal scan to obtain vocal fingerprints, or a vein map.

In reference toFIG. 15-16, the data vault10can be utilized to both: back-up a recent copy of the digital user profile and the system password for each of the plurality of secured digital systems; and restore the scanning device1using the recent copy of the digital user profile and the system password for each of the plurality of secured digital systems. The scanning device1is plugged into one of two ports of the data vault10, wherein one port is provided for carrying out the restore function and the other port is provided for carrying out the back-up function. When the scanning device1is first plugged into the data vault10, the data vault10determines the port into which the scanning device1is positioned. The microcontroller then performs a handshaking operation with the data vault10in order to establish communications between the scanning device1and the data vault10. Once the system user has been authenticated, the data vault10performs either the restore function or the back-up function.

In reference toFIG. 12-14, the data vault10comprises a vault case11, a logic board12, a vault memory bank16, a first port17, and a second port18. The vault case11provides a secure enclosure for logic board12, the vault memory bank16, the first port17, and the second port18. Preferably, the vault case11is configured to sit on a flat surface. However, in some embodiments, the vault case11may be configured to be mounted or hung from a surface such as a wall, rack, or ceiling. The first port17and the second port18are mounted within the vault case11, wherein the first port17and the second port18are accessible through one face of the vault case11, as depicted inFIG. 12. Both the first port17and the second port18are configured to receive the external device interconnect7of the scanning device11. The logic board12and the vault memory bank16are mounted within the vault case11, such that the logic board12and the vault memory bank16cannot be tampered with.

In reference toFIG. 14, the vault memory bank16, the first port17, and the second port18are electronically connected to the logic board12, wherein the logic board12carries out the processing functions of the data vault10. The logic board12comprises a controller15, a first indicator13, and a second indicator14. The controller15is programmed to determine the port into which the scanning device1is positioned and in turn determine the appropriate function to perform. In the preferred embodiment, the controller15of the logic board12is configured to transfer data from the scanning device1to the vault memory bank16when the scanning device1is docked within the first port17(i.e. perform the back-up function), as depicted inFIG. 15. Meanwhile, the logic board12is configured to transfer data from the vault memory bank16to the scanning device1when the scanning device1is docked within the second port18(i.e. perform the restore function), as depicted inFIG. 16. The vault memory bank16may be a type of flash memory or other memory type depending on the embodiment.

The first indicator13corresponds to one of the ports, while the second indicator14correspond to the other port. More specifically, the first indicator13corresponds to the first port17, while the second indicator14corresponds to the second port18, as depicted inFIG. 14. In some embodiments, the first indicator13and the second indicator14are both multi-colored light emitting diodes that are used as a status indicator. In such embodiments, the first indicator13and the second indicator14may be illuminated in a first color, such as red, when the scanning device1is not docked into the first port17or the second port18, respectively. The first indicator13and the second indicator14may then switch to a second color, such as green, when the scanning device1is docked into the first port17or the second port18, respectively. The first indicator13and the second indicator14may also utilize a third color to indicate when the controller15is performing the function associated with the port into which the scanning device1is docked. In other embodiments, the first indicator13and the second indicator14may be a different type of light, or a different mechanism for signaling the status of the first port17and the second port18to the system user.

In reference toFIG. 17, when the external device interconnect7of the scanning device1is first engaged with the first port17of the data vault10, the controller15identifies that the first port17is in use and prepares to perform the back-up function [200]. The microcontroller3and the controller15then perform a handshaking operation with each other in order to establish communications. Once communication has been established between the microcontroller3and the controller15, the system user carries out the subsequent biometric scanning operation in order to obtain the subsequent multipoint digital image [201]. The microcontroller3then compares the subsequent multipoint digital image to the primary multipoint digital image in order to authenticate the system user [202]. If the system user is authenticated by matching the subsequent multipoint image to the primary multipoint image, then the microcontroller3instructs the controller15to perform the back-up function [203]. Conversely, if the subsequent multipoint digital image does not match the primary multipoint digital image, then the back-up function is not carried out.

While performing the back-up function, the digital user profile and the system password for each of the plurality of secured digital systems are transferred from the onboard memory bank4to the vault memory bank16. The digital user profile and the system password for each of the plurality of secured digital systems are stored on the vault memory bank16as the recent copy. The next time that the restore function is performed, the recent copy will be loaded onto the scanning device1. In summary, the scanning software authenticates the system user identity via the anatomical feature and then transfers data from the onboard memory bank4to the vault memory bank16if the system user is authenticated. In this way, data can only be transferred to the data vault10in a secured manner and as designated by the system user.

In reference toFIG. 18, when the external device interconnect7of the scanning device1is first engaged with the second port18of the data vault10, the controller15identifies that the second port18is in use and prepares to perform the restore function [200]. The microcontroller3and the controller15then perform a handshaking operation with each other in order to establish communications. Once communication has been established between the microcontroller3and the controller15, the system user carries out the subsequent biometric scanning operation in order to obtain the subsequent multipoint digital image [201]. The microcontroller3then compares the subsequent multipoint digital image to the primary multipoint digital image in order to authenticate the system user [202]. If the system user is authenticated by matching the subsequent multipoint image to the primary multipoint image, then the microcontroller3instructs the controller15to perform the restore function [204]. Conversely, if the subsequent multipoint digital image does not match the primary multipoint digital image, then the restore function is not carried out.

While performing the restore function, the recent copy of the digital user profile and the system password for each of the plurality of secured digital systems is transferred from the vault memory bank16to the onboard memory bank4. The digital user profile and the system password for each of the plurality of secured digital systems from the recent copy are stored on the onboard memory bank4for future use with the other external computing devices. In summary, the scanning software authenticates the system user identity via the anatomical feature and then transfers data from the vault memory bank16to the onboard memory bank4if the system user is authenticated. In this way, only the scanning device1is able to access the recent copy of the digital user profile and the system password for each of the plurality of secured digital systems stored on the vault memory bank16.

In reference toFIG. 13-14, the data vault10further comprises a vault power supply19that is used to supply power to the logic board12, the vault memory bank16, the first port17, and the second port18. As such, the vault power supply19is electrically connected to the logic board12, the vault memory bank16, the first port17, and the second port18. In the preferred embodiment of the data vault10, the vault power supply19is an alternating current (AC) adapter that allows the data vault10to be plugged into an outlet or other power source. The AC adapter ensures that the other components of the data vault10have a constant source of power. A direct current (DC) converter may be used to regulate current between the AC adapter and the other components of the data vault10. In some embodiments, the vault power supply19may be a DC power source such as a battery.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the scanning device1is a physical scanner capable of storing user data, connecting to external computing devices, and executing password insertion operations. In reference toFIG. 1-3, the scanning device1comprises a housing5, a control circuit6, a slot panel54, and an adjustable scanner mount56, in addition to the biometric scanner2, the microcontroller3, the onboard memory bank4, and an external device interconnect7. It is an aim of the scanning device1to provide an apparatus capable of acquiring multiple points of data to form a detailed digital representation of the unique characteristics intrinsic to the anatomy of the system user. The scanning device1is manufactured to be a self-contained and secured biometric key system. That is, the scanning device1is a physical input device which enables the system user to access various digitally secured systems.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the housing5is an ergonomically designed rigid enclosure containing the electronic components of the scanning device1. In reference toFIG. 3, the housing5comprises an internal compartment50, an interconnect channel55, and an adjustment slot51. It is an aim of the housing5to provide a tamperproof structure which secures the microcontroller3, the onboard memory bank4, and the biometric scanner2in a tamperproof environment. That is, the housing5is constructed from materials which prevent unauthorized access to the internal components stored therein.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the internal compartment50is the main enclosure within the housing5that secures the biometric scanner2, the microcontroller3, the onboard memory bank4, the control circuit6, the adjustable scanner mount56, and the external device interconnect7. It is an aim of the internal compartment50, in conjunction with the adjustable scanner mount56, to provide a structure that enables the system user to transition the biometric scanner2and the external device interconnect7between a retracted position and an extended position, as shown inFIG. 2andFIG. 1, respectively. The adjustable scanner mount56is slidably mounted within the housing5and is used to transition the biometric scanner2and the external device interconnect7between a retracted position when not in use and an extended position that enables the system user to perform scanning operations.

The adjustment slot51is an opening about one face of the housing5. The adjustment slot51is positioned adjacent to the internal compartment50, wherein the adjustment slot traverses into the internal compartment50. The adjustment slot51allows the biometric scanner2to be accessed by the system user to perform scanning operations, when the present invention is configured in the extended position. In some embodiments, the biometric scanner2protrudes through the adjustment slot51while in the extended position, thus increasing the ease of interfacing with the biometric scanner2to obtain a multipoint digital image. In reference toFIG. 3, the internal compartment50comprises an adjustment rail52that allows the adjustable scanner mount56to slide within the housing5. The adjustment rail52may be one or more tracks that extend from one or more of the interior walls of the housing that form the internal compartment50. The adjustable scanner mount56is engaged with the adjustment rail52, such that the adjustment rail52defines a fixed path of movement of the adjustable scanner mount56within the internal compartment50.

The biometric scanner2and the external device interconnect7are mounted onto the adjustable scanner mount56, such that the biometric scanner2, the external device interconnect7, and the adjustable scanner mount56move in tandem. As such, the adjustment rail52defines the path along which the biometric scanner2and the external device interconnect7travel while transitioning between the extended position and the retracted position. In the extended position, the biometric scanner2is positioned adjacent to the adjustment slot51, while the external device interconnect7traverses out of the housing5through the interconnect channel55. Meanwhile, in the retracted position, the biometric scanner is offset from the adjustment slot51, while the external device interconnect7is positioned within the housing5.

In reference toFIG. 3, the internal compartment50may further comprise an adjustment locking mechanism53, wherein the adjustable scanner mount56is selectively engaged with the adjustable locking mechanism53. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the adjustment locking mechanism53retains the biometric scanner2and the external device interconnect7in the extended position while the locking mechanism53is engaged with the adjustable scanner mount56. That is, when the system user slides the biometric scanner2into the extended position, the adjustment locking mechanism53becomes engaged, and prevents the biometric scanner2from being moved into the retracted position until disengaged. The adjustment locking mechanism53may also be used to retain the biometric scanner2and the external device interconnect7in the retracted position, such that the biometric scanner2and the external device interconnect7are not inadvertently exposed.

In a first embodiment, the adjustment locking mechanism53is positioned along the adjustment rail52, wherein the adjustment locking mechanism53is a ridge of material protruding from the adjustment rail52. As the system user slides the biometric scanner2into the extended position, the adjustable scanner mount56passes over the ridge. Once the adjustable scanner mount56passes over the adjustment locking mechanism53, the adjustable scanner mount56becomes wedged between the adjustment locking mechanism53and an interior wall of the housing5. In this position, the external device interconnect7is protruding from the interconnect channel55and able to establish a physical connection with an external computing device. To disengage the adjustment locking mechanism53in the first embodiment, the system user must apply force in one direction to dislodge the adjustable scanner mount56.

In a second embodiment the adjustment locking mechanism53is a button slider, which retains the biometric scanner2in the extended position when engaged. To disengage the adjustment locking mechanism53in the second embodiment, the system user moves the button slider into the unlocked position. In other embodiments, the adjustable locking mechanism53may include other components such as a spring mechanism or other moveable locking parts that are used to re-position the adjustable scanner mount56within the housing5when the adjustable locking mechanism53is actuated by the system user.

In reference toFIG. 2, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the slot panel54is a protective covering that is slidably mounted to the housing5, about the adjustment slot51. The slot panel54slides into place, sealing the adjustment slot51as the biometric scanner2is moved into the retracted position. While the biometric scanner2is in the retracted position, the slot panel54is in a closed position, wherein the slot panel54is positioned adjacent to the adjustment slot51to prevent access into the internal compartment50. The slot panel54prevents unauthorized users from accessing the biometric scanner2while in the closed position. The slot panel54is retracted from the adjustment slot51, into an opened position, as the biometric scanner2is transitioned into the extended position. In the opened position, the slot panel54is offset from the adjustment slot51, such that the biometric scanner2may be accessed by the system user through the adjustment slot51.

The interconnect channel55is a hole extending from the internal compartment50out of the exterior of the housing5. That is, the interconnect channel55is positioned adjacent to the internal compartment50and forms an opening into the internal compartment50, similar to the adjustment slot51. The interconnect channel55forms the pathway through which the external device interconnect7travels while being transitioned between the retracted position and the extended position. In the retracted position, the external device interconnect7is at least partially stored within the interconnect channel55. While transitioning from the retracted position to the extended position, the external device interconnect7passes through the interconnect channel55, wherein the external device interconnect7protrudes from the housing5while in the extended position. In this way, the external device interconnect7may interface with an external computing device while in the extended position.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the microcontroller3is adjacently connected to the adjustable scanner mount56, while the biometric scanner2is mounted onto the microcontroller3, such that the microcontroller3is positioned in between the adjustable scanner mount56and the biometric scanner2. As such, the adjustable scanner mount56forms the intermediary connector between the housing5and both the microcontroller3and the biometric scanner2. The biometric scanner2is oriented towards the adjustment slot, such that the biometric scanner2can be accessed by the system user when the adjustable scanner mount56is slid along the adjustment rail52into the extended position. Furthermore, the external device interconnect7is connected to the microcontroller3, such that the external device interconnect7is oriented towards the interconnect channel55. In this way, the external device interconnect7may traverse through the interconnect channel55when the adjustable scanner mount56is displaced within the housing5.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention the biometric scanner2is a device used to create digital representations of unique body characteristics of the system user. The biometric scanner2is slidably attached to the housing5via the connection formed between the adjustable scanner mount56and the adjustment rail52. It is an aim of the biometric scanner2to provide a sensory unit which is manipulated by the system user to move from a hidden position (i.e. the retracted position) into an exposed position (i.e. the extended position). In reference toFIG. 1, in the extended position the system user is able to access the scanning element of the biometric scanner2. In the extended position the system users is able to place fingers to be scanned onto the biometric scanner2. The external device interconnect7is a universally accepted electrical connector which forms a physical connection between the scanning device1and an external computing device. Embodiments of the scanning device1are designed using industry standard data transfer protocols such as universal serial bus protocol, high-definition multimedia interface protocol, Ethernet protocol, and the like.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the microcontroller3functions as the central processing unit which coordinates communication between the scanning device1and the external computing devices, correlates acquired biometric data to the system password of each of the plurality of secured digital systems, and encrypts all data stored on the onboard memory bank4. The external device interconnect7, the biometric scanner2, and the onboard memory bank4are electronically connected to the microcontroller3. The microcontroller3is maintained in electrical communication with the biometric scanner2, the external device interconnect7, and the onboard memory bank4via the control circuit6, as depicted inFIG. 4. Data and electrical power is transferred between these devices via the control circuit6. The onboard memory bank4is used as storage for any scanned biometric data and the system password of each of the plurality of secured digital systems.

In reference toFIG. 5, in some embodiments, the scanning device1further comprises a transceiver8and a power supply9; the transceiver8being electronically connected to the microcontroller3via the control circuit6. Using the transceiver8, the scanning device1is able to wirelessly connect to, and communicate with, external computing devices using wireless communication protocols such as WI-FI, near field communication, Bluetooth, and the like. The power supply9is electrically connected to the biometric scanner2, the microcontroller3, the onboard memory bank4, and the transceiver8, wherein the power supply9provides current to the other electrical components of the scanning device1. The power supply9may also be electrically connected to the external device interconnect7in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the transceiver8may be used without the power supply9and vice versa.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the scanning device1is integrated into a credit card. In this embodiment, the anatomical feature (e.g. a finger) of the system user functions as an electrical contact switch in conjunction with the biometric scanner2. When the credit card is inserted into a merchant terminal, the system user places the finger on the biometric scanner2, wherein the finger completes an electrical circuit formed by the credit card and the merchant terminal. With the finger completing the circuit between the credit card and the merchant terminal, current is passed through the credit card in order to power the scanning device1.

The alternative embodiment, the external device interconnect7comprises a first terminal and a second terminal, and the control circuit6is a digital circuitry. The first terminal and the second terminal are positioned opposite the biometric scanner2, along the credit card body (i.e. the housing5), wherein the first terminal and the second terminal provide electrical contacts that engage the merchant terminal. Meanwhile, the digital circuitry is integrated throughout the credit card and electrically connects the first terminal and the second terminal to the biometric scanner2. When the credit card is inserted into the merchant terminal and the system user places the finger on the biometric scanner2, current is drawn from the merchant terminal to power the scanning device1. Once current is supplied to the scanning device1, the biometric scanner2reads twenty-four points of biometric information to generate the subsequent multipoint digital image and validate the identity of the system user using the primary multipoint digital image. The present invention then allows and authorizes the transaction to go through.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the scanning software is a program tasked with acquiring biometric data and communicating the biometric data between the scanning device1and the external computing devices. The scanning software comprises a profile engine, a scanning engine, an application programming interface (API) engine, a password engine, and an encryption engine. It is an aim of the scanning software to provide a program which works in concert with the scanning device1to create a system that uses a single device to access multiple digital systems. The term engine is used herein to refer to collections of programs which are grouped based upon function.

The profile engine is tasked with storing personal user data of the system user, the list of the plurality of secured digital systems, and the system password associated with each of the plurality of secured digital systems. Meanwhile, the API engine is tasked with performing all of the handshaking operations required to communicate with the external digital system and send the system password for the specific secured digital system to the specific secured digital system. That is, the API engine communicates with the specific secured digital system, and is used to insert the appropriate password into the specific secured digital system.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the scanning engine controls the operation of the biometric scanner2. The scanning engine is tasked with forming the primary multipoint digital image of the anatomical feature of the system user. The primary multipoint digital image uses multiple points of data which correspond to the unique physical features of the anatomical feature. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the primary multipoint digital image generated by the scanning engine contains at least twenty-four unique data points of a fingerprint.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the password engine is used to create unique passwords for the plurality of secured digital systems which do not currently exist within, and need be added to, the digital user profile. The profile engine enables the system user to create unique passwords for any secured digital system by connecting the scanning device1to an external computing device and performing a scanning operation. More specifically, the primary multipoint digital image is used as each of the unique passwords. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the encryption engine secures any data created by the scanning software. More particularly, the encryption engine encrypts the system password for each of the plurality of secured digital systems, the personal user data, and biometric data used by the present invention.