Identification and authorization system

An identification and authorization system is provided that utilizes a national ID database and a number of application-specific databases. The national ID database contains unique individual ID numbers linked to unique biometric codes. The application-specific databases contain an applicable portion of the same unique individual ID numbers that are contained in the national ID database. To complete a transaction, a credential such as an ID card is scanned and a biometric scan of the individual is completed. The transaction information and the individual ID number is sent to the appropriate application-specific database. Verification of identity is completed at the national ID database, which compares the biometric code of the biometric scan with the biometric code linked to the unique individual ID number. A response from the application-specific database and a response from the national ID database is sent to the scanning location.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The integrity of individual identification (ID) is required for many critical applications. Applications such as security, immigration, and voting all benefit from the reliable identification of individuals.

Many current identification systems rely on ID credentials, such as ID cards and credit cards, that may be counterfeited or otherwise compromised, either intentionally or by mistake. For example, it is possible for an “identity thief” to replicate or steal ID credentials and pass himself off as another individual. Similarly, lost or improperly disposed-of ID documents may provide opportunities for ID credentials to be misused.

There is a need for a more reliable system of personal identification that cannot be compromised by improper use of ID credentials.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a national ID database is provided that correlates unique individual ID numbers with individuals' biometric code data. Application-specific databases are also provided, containing the unique individual ID numbers that are also contained in the national ID database. When a transaction, such as voting or using a credit card, is initiated, the individual supplies a credential such as a voter ID card or a credit card. Also, a biometric reading, such as a thumbprint of the individual, is scanned at the time of the transaction.

To continue a transaction, the unique individual ID number and information about the transaction are forwarded to an application-specific database, which can approve the transaction contingent upon ID verification.

The national ID database is separately employed to verify the individual's ID. This is accomplished by sending a biometric code, such as a thumbprint code, and the unique individual ID number to the national ID database. Upon receiving the biometric code and the unique individual ID number information, the national ID database can confirm or deny that the biometric code corresponds to the unique individual ID number.

Systems and methods according to the present invention provide integrity of individual ID information, in combination with authorization for many diverse applications including security, immigration, social security, voting, and credit card purchases.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1shows an identification and authorization system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Systems and methods of the present invention are intended to correctly identify individuals, as well as guarantee correct authorization for individuals to carry out a variety of transactions at transaction locations10. The transaction location10in the following example will be a store, such as a department store, but transaction locations according to the present invention may include a number of different locations, such as: immigration offices, social security offices, department of motor vehicle offices, polling places, banks, and the like.

Each transaction location10is provided with a biometric scanner12and a credential reader14. The biometric scanner may be a thumbprint reader, a hand or fingerprint scanner, a retinal scanner, or any other device adapted to gather and transmit biometric information associated with an individual. The biometric scanner is preferably adapted to transform the results of a biometric scan into a biometric code that is indicative of the information gathered during the biometric scan. The credential reader may be an optical or magnetic scanner adapted to gather and transmit information related to a credential such as an identification card or a credit card. A link16is provided between the biometric scanner12and the credential reader14.

In an alternative embodiment, the biometric scanner12and the credential reader14are combined into a combination biometric scanner and credential reader.

A national ID database18is provided. The national ID database18contains correlations between unique individual ID numbers and individuals' biometric codes. Each unique individual ID number is associated with only one individual. Several types of biometric codes may be associated with an individual. For example, there may be a first code for a thumbprint scan, a second code for a hand scan, and a third code for a retinal scan. Each individual, however, will have only one of each type of biometric code associated with his or her individual ID number. Thus, when the national ID database18receives a biometric code for verification, the national ID database18should be able to associate only one unique individual ID number with that specific biometric code.

Several application-specific databases20a-20nare used in systems and methods according to the present invention. The application-specific databases20a-20nare provided in diverse locations for diverse applications. The application-specific databases20a-20nare similar to existing application databases which control diverse applications; however, the application-specific databases20a-20nalso contain the unique individual ID numbers of individuals which are recorded in the national ID database18.

A credential22is provided to every authorized individual. The credential may be application-specific, and it contains the same unique individual ID number and biometric code information which is recorded in the national ID database18in machine-readable form.

An explanation of the system in operation will now be provided, using the example of a purchase in a store. An individual wishing to complete a transaction provides a credential22at the transaction location10. In the present example, the credential22is a credit card, which is scanned by the credential reader14. Information regarding the transaction (for example, the items purchased and the total price) and the unique individual ID number are provided to an application-specific database20bas shown by arrow “A.” If the transaction is approved by the application-specific database20bcontingent upon ID verification, the transaction location10is notified, as shown by arrow “B.” This notification may be provided directly to the credential reader14.

Following scanning of the credential, a biometric scan (such as a thumbprint scan) of the individual is performed, and the unique individual ID number and the biometric code from the scan are transmitted to the national ID database18for verification, as shown by arrow “C.” If the ID is verified by the national ID database18, the transaction location10is notified (as shown by arrow “D”) and the transaction is approved. Notification of the approval may be sent directly to the biometric scanner12. If the ID is not verified, the transaction location10is similarly notified of the failure.

If the ID is not verified, if so coded for the application, the national ID database system will initiate a search in an attempt to determine the identity of the biometric information that was scanned, and the results will be transmitted to the biometric scanner12. This could be utilized for applications such as social security, passports, and driver's licenses.

If the ID is not verified, and if so coded for the application, the biometric scanner12(or combined biometric/credential scanning device) will notify the relevant application-specific database, and the database will handle that information accordingly. For example, if the application were a charge on a credit card, the charge would be denied.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, each individual that wants to be registered in the national ID database must obtain a national ID card. Creation of this card should be similar to the creation of a driver's license. The card would contain the name and other identifying information of the individual and, in machine-readable form, the biometric code information and unique individual ID number which is recorded in the national ID database18. This card would be produced locally and could be created utilizing modified state driver's license facilities. The national ID card would be utilized to issue application-specific cards for each authorized application.

For a governmental entity to implement an identification and authorization system according to the present invention, several types of legislation would be required. This legislation would include:1. A National Technical Standard of unique individual ID numbers, biometric codes, and transmission and storage specifications (including encryption standards).2. Funding to create and sustain a National ID/Biometric database.3. Funding to create and sustain local facilities to create individual ID cards.

The advantages of the present system include:1. It provides integrity to individual ID information.2. It vastly improves productivity.3. It utilizes state-of-the-art technology.4. A screen reply and/or printout can be provided.5. The separate database for each application minimizes the file sizes and allows local control.6. Applications could include:Social Security CardsDriver's LicensesPassportsVoting Registration CardsSecurity ClearanceAccessEntranceCredit

While particular embodiments and applications of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise construction and compositions disclosed herein and that various modifications, changes, and variations may be apparent from the foregoing descriptions without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, while the term “national database” is used herein, it is to be understood that the national database may be replaced with a central database that contains ID numbers and biometric codes organized on a basis other than a nation. For example, a central database may be used for a municipality, a state, a continent, or the world.