Abstract:
A smart wallet that can only be exclusively opened by an authorized individual through biometric authentication is disclosed. The smart wallet also has a security system associated therewith to prevent the smart wallet from being lost or stolen. The system comprises a fob key configured to send periodic wireless transmissions to the smart wallet device having the ability for approximate range detection. Various embodiments include audible, visual and vibrational indications for authentication, battery power and range detection.

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
       [0001]    This patent application contains subject matter claiming benefit of the priority date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/972,608 filed on Sep. 14, 2007, accordingly, the entire contents of this provisional patent application is hereby expressly incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention pertains generally to wallets or billfolds with improved security features. More specifically, the present invention pertains to systems and methods for securing wallets while employing electronic features. The present invention is particularly, but not exclusively, useful as a smart wallet system and method with advanced features including biometric authentication and an ability to transmit and receive electronic signals. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Prior Art 
         [0005]    In an age where electronic devices and transactions are prevalent, safe-guarding data has become an important issue, thus giving rise to a myriad of security systems. Two of the common security systems used are password and personal identification (PIN) systems. Password systems require a user to provide the authentication system with a username and a password (both of which are unique to the user). PIN systems on the other hand usually require a user to provide a code, usually referred to as the PIN code, for authentication purposes. Both the password and the PIN system can prove to be a nuisance to users in the event they forget their password or PIN code. Moreover, a user A can easily impersonate another user B if user A happens to get a hold of the password or PIN code (given either voluntarily or exploited through other means) of user B. One way to avoid such breaches of security is to implement a user-based physiological or behavioral characteristic as a means for authentication. This is the general idea behind biometrics. 
         [0006]    Biometrics is the study of measurable biological characteristics. In computer security, biometrics refers to authentication techniques that rely on measurable physiological (e.g. face, fingerprint, hand, iris, or DNA) or behavioral (e.g. keystrokes, signature, or voice) characteristics that can be automatically checked. 
         [0007]    In the above description, authentication is usually accomplished via a biometric device. A general description of the functionality of a biometric device now follows. First, the biometric device captures a profile of the characteristic and next, a comparison of the acquired profile is made with a stored profile or template. Lastly, upon successful matching of the captured and stored profile, the user is interfaced with the application system requesting authentication. 
         [0008]    Authentication based on fingerprint: One of the most common biometric techniques is the fingerprint, wherein users scan in a copy of their fingerprint and a comparison is performed by the authentication device as to whether or not the input fingerprint matches that of a stored fingerprint corresponding to the same person. Some fingerprint authentication devices further provide a step of checking for a pulse to combat problems posed by false-authentication via fingerprints that are not real. 
         [0009]    Authentication based on hand geometry: An authentication querying system captures the physical characteristics of a user&#39;s hand and fingers via a scanner and is matched with a stored template of the same user. Upon successful authentication, an action (like opening a secure door) is performed by the querying system. 
         [0010]    Authentication based on retinal scanning: A scanner scans at close range a user&#39;s retina (the image forming innermost coat of the black part of the eye ball) using a low intensity light, creating an eye signature. The image is further matched to a stored retinal template, and a specific action is performed upon successful authentication. It should however be noted that failure of a user to focus correctly may provide an inaccurate result. 
         [0011]    Authentication based on iris scanning: An iris scanner scans unique random patterns of the iris (the colored part of the eye) and authenticates users based on comparing the consistency of the acquired pattern with that of stored patterns. Unlike retinal scanning, close range interaction is not required. 
         [0012]    Authentication based on facial recognition: A facial recognition system scans (the features of a users face) and captures an image of the user&#39;s face and compares it to a stored static facial image of the same user. Upon successful authentication, a specific action is performed by the facial recognition system. 
         [0013]    Authentication based on signature verification: This authentication technique utilizes a pressure sensitive pen and a tablet to record a user&#39;s signature. The system then compares it against stored samples of signatures corresponding to the same user, and upon authentication, performs a specific action. 
         [0014]    Authentication based on voice recognition: Authentication in this technique is based on recognizing voice and speech characteristics (associated with a user) that are imperceptible and hence not replicable. Voice recognition systems typically require more memory for storing voice templates of users. 
         [0015]    Therefore, biometrics are beginning to play a critical role in authentication and security. Biometrics authenticate the user not based on what he can remember (like passwords, PIN&#39;s, etc.), but rather use the user&#39;s characteristics (or who the user is) to perform authentication. 
         [0016]    Wallets heretofore, have also been known. Some examples include U.S. Pat. No. 5,653,276, entitled COMBINATION WALLET AND BILLFOLD, to Niernberger; and U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2006/0273129, entitled WALLET SECURITY, to Horn. 
         [0017]    Also recently, improvements in electronic tracking and inventory systems have been proposed that take advantage of the latest short range, low power technologies such as Bluetooth and ZigBee. However, no similar proposals have been made that specifically address a person&#39;s wallet providing biometric authentication and electronic tracking. 
         [0018]    In light of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide a Smart Wallet, or an iWallet, that proposes a biometric based authentication module to prevent a non-owner from accessing the device. It is further an object of the present invention to provide a secure wallet that is tamper resistant and water resistant. It is still further an object of the present invention to provide a smart wallet with electronic transmission and receiving capability to provide, for example indication when a secure wallet and a corresponding fob key are taken out of a preselected range. It is yet still further an object of the present invention to provide either a fob key device configured to fit onto or into a cellular telephone device, or alternatively configured to a key chain. It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a secure wallet with a USB port so that data can be retrieved, stored and programmed to the device via a personal or laptop computer. It is still another object of the present invention to provide a Smart Wallet system and method that is simple to use, yet easy to implement and comparatively cost effective. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0019]    The present invention specifically addresses and alleviates the above mentioned deficiencies, more specifically, the present invention is directed to a smart wallet comprising: an open position; a secure position; and a biometric reader wherein the biometric reader provides biometric authentication allowing the wallet to transition from the secure position to the open position. 
         [0020]    The smart wallet, in a first aspect, is further characterized as having a left-hand side; and a right-hand side, the left and right-hand sides connected by hinges. A preferred embodiment also has an LED indicating a relative battery strength. Additionally, the smart wallet comprises a plastic support clip on an interior of the wallet, the plastic support clip configured to receive personal business cards. 
         [0021]    The smart wallet is also a part of a smart wallet tracking system. For this, the smart wallet comprises a first RF unit; and the tracking system further includes a fob comprising a separate a second RF unit, the first and second RF units configured to send and receive electronic transmissions from each of said units, the fob providing audible indication when the fob and smart wallet are separated by a predetermined range. 
         [0022]    Yet another physical feature of the smart wallet is that an interior portion of the wallet includes a base relief to facilitate extraction of bills and credit cards. Also, the interior portion includes a card holder for storage of business cards or credit cards and the card holder includes an angular offset to facilitate extraction of said cards. It is further contemplated that the smart wallet comprises polycarbonate-ABS blend; and styrene-acrylonitrile material. 
         [0023]    In a second aspect, the present invention is a method of securing a wallet, the method comprising: providing a wallet having electronic transmitting and receiving capability; providing a fob key transmitting and receiving electronic signals from the wallet; determining whether the wallet is within a predetermined distance from the fob key using the transmitting and receiving electronic signals; and indicating audibly if the fob key and the wallet are detected as being beyond the predetermined distance. 
         [0024]    The method herein additionally comprises latching the wallet in a closed position; controlling the latching electronically via control signals; and authenticating the controlling the latching biometrically. 
         [0025]    In a third aspect, the present invention is a system for securing a wallet comprising: a fob key maintained separately from the wallet, wherein the wallet and fob key are able to transmit and receive electronic signals with one another and wherein an approximate distance can be determined between the wallet and the fob key; and audible indication to alert a user when the approximate distance exceeds a predetermined distance. 
         [0026]    The system of the present invention additionally characterized in that the wallet further comprises an open position; a secure position; and a biometric reader wherein the biometric reader provides biometric authentication allowing the wallet to transition from the secure position to the open position. 
         [0027]    The fob key of the present invention comprises a battery compartment, the battery compartment including a screw type lid. Additionally, self-adhesive is provided for affixing the fob to a cellular phone. As an alternative, all hardware components of a fob key of the present invention are incorporated into a cellular phone design. In yet another alternative, the fob further comprises a loop for attaching to a key chain. 
         [0028]    While the apparatus and method has or will be described for the sake of grammatical fluidity with functional explanations, it is to be expressly understood that the claims, unless expressly formulated under 35 USC 112, or similar applicable law, are not to be construed as necessarily limited in any way by the construction of “means” or “steps” limitations, but are to be accorded the full scope of the meaning and equivalents of the definition provided by the claims under the judicial doctrine of equivalents, and in the case where the claims are expressly formulated under 35 USC 112 are to be accorded full statutory equivalents under 35 USC 112, or similar applicable law. The invention can be better visualized by turning now to the following drawings wherein like elements are referenced by like numerals. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0029]    The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself, both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which: 
           [0030]      FIG. 1  is a schematical illustration of a system for securing a wallet of the present invention; 
           [0031]      FIG. 2A  illustrates a block diagram for hardware components for a smart wallet of the present invention; 
           [0032]      FIG. 2B  illustrates a block diagram for hardware components for a fob key of the present invention; 
           [0033]      FIG. 2C  illustrates a block diagram for software components for a smart wallet of the present invention; 
           [0034]      FIG. 2D  illustrates a block diagram for software components for a smart wallet of the present invention; 
           [0035]      FIG. 3A  is a perspective illustration of a first smart wallet embodiment, also known as an iWallet, of the present invention; 
           [0036]      FIG. 3B  is a perspective illustration of the first smart wallet embodiment in an open position; 
           [0037]      FIG. 3C  is a perspective illustration of the first smart wallet embodiment having an interior leather compartment in an unfolded position; 
           [0038]      FIG. 3D  is a top plan view of the first smart wallet embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0039]      FIG. 4A  is a perspective illustration of a second smart wallet embodiment in a closed (secure) position; 
           [0040]      FIG. 4B  is a perspective view of the second smart wallet embodiment in an open position; 
           [0041]      FIG. 5A  is a perspective illustration of a third smart wallet embodiment of the present invention in a closed position; 
           [0042]      FIG. 5B  is a perspective illustration of the third smart wallet embodiment of the present invention in an open position; 
           [0043]      FIG. 5C  is a cross-sectional illustration of the third smart wallet embodiment along sectional line  5 C- 5 C in  FIG. 5A ; 
           [0044]      FIG. 6A  is a perspective illustration of a first fob key embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0045]      FIG. 6B  is a side view of the first fob key embodiment affixed to a cellular phone according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0046]      FIG. 7A  is a perspective illustration of a second fob key embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0047]      FIG. 7B  is a side view of the second fob key embodiment affixed to a cellular phone according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0048]      FIG. 7C  is a perspective view of the second fob key embodiment from underneath the device illustrating the self-adhesive of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0049]    Referring initially to  FIG. 1 , a smart wallet tracking system  100  is illustrated. First, a smart wallet  111  is provided having relatively low power, relatively short range, wireless transmission  115  capability. Second, an electronic fob  112  is provided also having wireless transmission capability configured to transmit and receive signals from the smart wallet  111 . As an example, the fob key can be mated to a key chain  114  via loop  113 , or alternatively, the fob key  112  could also be configured into or onto a cell phone  690  as illustrated in  FIGS. 6A through 7C , for example. 
         [0050]    System  100  is still further configured so that when wallet  111  and fob  112  are separated by a predetermined distance, for example ten (10) feet, the system  100  will provide audio and/or vibrational indication to both the wallet  111  and the fob  112 . The audio indication could be provided, for example, by a sound generator  201 ,  211 , such as a buzzer or a speaker. Further, the vibrational indication could be provided by, for example, a miniature motor configured with a weight imbalance to cause vibration. The audio indication principle purpose is to alert an owner when the wallet  111  has been stolen, and further, the direction the wallet relative to the owner in the moments after a suspected theft. 
         [0051]    As another alternative, fob  112  is configured with wireless transmission ability while the wallet itself includes only passive RFID; and therefore only the fob key  112  would alert a user when the wallet  111  goes out of range. In a preferred embodiment, the wallet  111  and fob key  112  range determination is achieved approximately by a relative signal strength detected by a receiver from either or both of the fob key  112  and the wallet  111 . 
         [0052]    Referring to  FIG. 2A , a block diagram  200  of exemplary hardware components is shown. In a preferred embodiment, a biometric reader is realized as fingerprint module  203 . Microprocessor  204  controls the actions of the range detection, for example with sound generator  201  and vibrator  202 , and also with authentication of the user via the fingerprint module  203 . A Security Parameter Index (SPI) is associated with a wallet owner&#39;s biometric signature. Microprocessor  204  communicates to wireless module  205  via a General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO), for example, and includes antenna  206 . It is preferred that both processor  204  and wireless module  205  are low power consuming and concurrent with the latest advancements in such electronics. Further, wireless module  205  is configured, according to for example, short range low power protocols as defined by either Bluetooth, ZigBee (IEEE 802.15.4), Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), or Ultra-Wideband (UWB). 
         [0053]      FIG. 2B  illustrates a fob key hardware block diagram  210  wherein a microprocessor  215  is integrated with a wireless module. Similarly, the integrated processor and wireless module  215  control sound generator  211  and vibrator  212 , and is electronically connected to antenna  216 . 
         [0054]      FIG. 2C  shows software block diagram  230  for the smart wallet  111  of the present invention. It  230  comprises applications including registration, login, authentication, range detection  231 , wireless stack  233 , security library  232 , biometric middleware  234 , operating system  235 , and device drivers  236 . The operating system  235  includes all the services such as interprocess communications, memory management, clock, and file system. Device drivers  236  include wireless, flash, I/O ports, timers, fingerprint reader, and others. Sitting on top of the OS  235  are the wireless communication stack  233 , biometric library (middleware)  234 , and security library  232 . The application layer  231  includes applications such as sync, user registration, user authentication, and range detection, for example. 
         [0055]      FIG. 2D  illustrates software block diagram  240  for the fob key  112  of the present invention. It  240  comprises applications including pairing and range detection  241 , communications stack  242 , system services and device drivers  243 . Software on the electronic fob key  112  is simpler than software on the smart wallet  111 . According, no full featured operating system is provided but instead a simple round-robin loop, where each software module  241   242 ,  243  is given a time slice of a CPU. 
         [0056]    Another embodiment  300  of a smart wallet is illustrated in  FIG. 3A  in a closed or secure position. As shown, biometric reader  310  is configured to scan a fingerprint of a person attempting to access the wallet  300 . LED  320  is designed to emit green when processor  204  recognizes the fingerprint as the owner of smart wallet  300 . Also, a chime is emitted from sound generator  201 when a successful authentication is received. Additionally, LED  320  is designed to emit red light, and sound generator  201  will emit a warning buzzer, when the biometric reader  310  scans a fingerprint other than what the processor  204  recognizes as the owner. Still further, LED  32  is designed to emit amber light when battery power for the wallet  300  is below a threshold level and also sound generator  201  will emit an intermittent beeping sound. In a preferred embodiment, recharging of wallet battery power can be achieved via mini USB port  330  to a charger that plugs into an AC power supply. Alternatively, a separate port for an AC adapter can be provided as a design choice. 
         [0057]    Wallet  300  may be described as similar a cigarette case that is tamper resistant and opens up only biometrically, for example by fingerprint. Wallet  300  can only be opened by the owner himself; and therefore, children, a spouse, roommates, etc. are denied access to contents thereof while the owner of the wallet is for instance sleeping, or in the bathroom. 
         [0058]      FIG. 3A  also shows antenna  340  and mini USB port  330 .  FIGS. 3B through 3D  further illustrate wallet  300  in various views. Wallet  300  in an open position is shown in  FIG. 3B . An interior of the smart wallet  300  presents on its left side a plastic support clip  360  where one can put for instance, personal business cards  361 . On an opposing right side, a leather compartment is provided with inner  351  and outer sections  353 . Inner section  351  is designed to receive paper money  352  as shown in  FIG. 3C . Outer section  353  is designed to receive credit cards, or similar items as shown in  FIGS. 3B and 3D . Also illustrated is a latch  370  used to secure wallet  300 . In a preferred embodiment, latch  370  is controlled by a motor actuator; however other type actuators may be employed. Whatever choice of actuator, it is designed to de-energize shut, therefore, smart wallet  300  locking mechanism defaults into locked state when power is lost or in standby mode. In a preferred embodiment, battery power is minimized because latch control power is only applied to unlatch. 
         [0059]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  further illustrate a smart wallet embodiment  111  as originally shown in  FIG. 1 . Here, an alternative latch  470  embodiment has been illustrated. Also, this embodiment  111  differs from the smart wallet  300  shown in  FIG. 3A  in that two LEDs  415 ,  420  are provided. A first LED  420  can be dedicated to battery power indication and a second LED  415  provides indication of biometric access. Other physical features to note are antenna  440  and USB port  430 . Also to note, card holder  469  for receiving cards  461  and plastic clip  460  for retaining paper money  452 . Importantly, this embodiment  111  includes base relief  455  to assist in extraction of bills  452 ; as well as base relief  456  to assist in the extraction of cards at an interior portion of wallet  111 . Further, the interior of the wallet  111  is exposed about hinges  480 . 
         [0060]    Yet further, another embodiment  500  of a smart wallet according to the present invention is shown in  FIGS. 5A through 5C . Similarly, it  500  comprises LED  520 , USB port  530  and antenna  540  joining biometric reader  510 . Also similarly, an interior portion of wallet  500  includes clip  560  for securing paper money  552  having base relief  555  to facilitate extraction thereof. The interior portions are formed about hinges  580 . However, this embodiment  500  is unique in that card holder  569  retains cards  561  at a slight tilt as illustrated in  FIGS. 5B and 5C . 
         [0061]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  illustrate yet another embodiment  600  for a fob key of the present invention, however, this solution pairs the fob  600  to a cellular telephone  690  via a suitable adhesive  787  ( FIG. 7C ). Fob  600 , has a speaker  616 , an LED  620  and also contains a battery compartment  686  and battery compartment cover  685 . As stated herein, system  100  provides that when fob  600  and a smart wallet  111 ,  300 ,  500  of the present invention are outside approximately a predetermined range, fob  600  will provide audible indication via speaker  616 , as well as visual indication  620 . 
         [0062]    Still further, another fob key embodiment  700  is realized in  FIGS. 7A through 7C . As shown, fob  700  comprises sound generator  716 , LED  720 , as well as battery compartment  786  with cover  785 .  FIG. 7B  illustrates fob  700  affixed to a cellular phone  790  according to the present invention.  FIG. 7C  shows a perspective view of fob  700  from a vantage point that is underneath the fob  700 . Also according to a preferred embodiment, a first side of self-adhesive  787  that mates with fob  700  comprises a relatively high strength bonding material; and a second side of self-adhesive  787  comprises a relatively low strength bonding material. It is yet still further contemplated that the fob key applicable hardware components could be incorporated into existing cellular phones wherein only required software is needed to instruct the fob key to work as such according to the present invention. 
         [0063]    As stated, smart wallet  111 ,  300 ,  500  is an electronic personal vault that can communicate wirelessly  115  to another small key chain fob device  112  or cellular phone fob  600 ,  700  to monitor their co-location and alert a user when the two are separated. In a preferred embodiment, electronic fob key  600 ,  700  has a small sleek design where it can be attached to a cellular handset  690 ,  790 . Further in a preferred embodiment, smart wallet  111 ,  300 ,  500  is water-resistant and could be further improved to be a water-tight device. Still further in a preferred embodiment, sensors associated with the biometric input can determine if wallet  111 ,  300 ,  500  is forced to an open position without biometric authentication. Therefore, if the wallet is pried open with a screwdriver an alarm will sound via sound generator  201 . 
         [0064]    Construction materials contemplated by the present invention include titanium for the wallet  111 ,  300 ,  500 . Further, covers  585 ,  685 ,  785  for battery compartments  686 ,  786  may be comprised of polycarbonate-ABS blend. Also in a preferred embodiment, LEDs  320 ,  420 ,  520 ,  620 ,  720  are contain of translucent plastic (SAN) styrene-acrylonitrile material for covers thereof. 
         [0065]    Additional aspects of the present invention considered herein include a bypass function comprising a pin, for example, to allow access to the wallet  111 ,  300 ,  500  if battery power is no longer available. Also, USB port  330  and  430  can be used to set up, program and monitor the system  100  of the invention when coupled to a computer device; and also in this way the system can provide a log of biometric attempts to access the wallet  111 ,  300 ,  500 . 
         [0066]    Many alterations and modifications may be made by those having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it must be understood that the illustrated embodiments have been set forth only for the purposes of example and that it should not be taken as limiting the invention as defined by the following claims. For example, notwithstanding the fact that the elements of a claim are set forth below in a certain combination, it must be expressly understood that the invention includes other combinations of fewer, more or different elements, which are disclosed above even when not initially claimed in such combinations. 
         [0067]    While the particular Smart Wallet as herein shown and disclosed in detail is fully capable of obtaining the objects and providing the advantages herein before stated, it is to be understood that it is merely illustrative of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention and that no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown other than as described in the appended claims. 
         [0068]    Insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalently within the scope of the claims. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of the defined elements.