Patent Publication Number: US-2006013447-A1

Title: Hand-held personal identification analysis device and methods of use

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
      This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/588,388, filed on Jul. 16, 2004, which is herein incorporated in its entirety by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      1. Field of the Invention  
      The present invention relates to biometrics, and more particularly, to a hand-held personal identification analysis device.  
      2. Background of Invention  
      Biometrics is the science of biological characteristic analysis. A biometric is a measurable, physical characteristic or personal behavioral trait used to recognize or verify the identity of a person. Historically, biometric information was gathered using equipment at a fixed location, such as a police station or an immigration office. Increasingly, law enforcement officers, other security officials and even college administrators seek to gather biometric information for individuals at a wide variety of locations. For example, law enforcement officers seek to collect fingerprints and mug shots for suspects in a wide range of remote locations. Additionally, security personnel at airports can use biometric information gathered from employees circulating throughout an airport to verify employee identification and track employee whereabouts. Existing devices to gather biometric information are often not suited for remote, in-field use. Even when they are useable for remote use, they are cumbersome or lack the ability to efficiently process and compile information in real time.  
      What is needed is a hand-held personal identification analysis device that supports efficient biometric information capture and processing.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention is directed to a hand-held personal identification analysis device. The hand-held personal identification analysis device includes a scanning system for gathering biometric information from individuals, a profiler system for developing profiles of individuals based on biometric information gathered from the scanning system, and a personal data assistant or similar computing device with a screen for providing a user interface and overall system control A scanning system interface couples the scanning system to the computing device.  
      In embodiments, the profiler system includes a profile developer that creates an individual profile by combining a biometric image with supplementary data. As used herein, profile is used broadly to represent any combination or compilation of biometric information with supplementary data related to the individual for which the biometric information pertains and to the environment or situation in which the profile was created.  
      There are numerous benefits associated with the use of a hand-held personal identification analysis device. These include, but are not limited to, providing an efficient way to capture and process biometric information at remote locations, while supporting in-field use.  
      Further embodiments, features, and advantages of the invention, as well as the structure and operation of the various embodiments of the invention are described in detail below with reference to accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES  
      The invention is described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements. The drawing in which an element first appears is indicated by the left-most digit in the corresponding reference number.  
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a hand-held personal identification analysis device, according to an embodiment of the invention.  
       FIG. 2  is a block diagram of a scanning system used within a hand-held personal identification analysis device, according to an embodiment of the invention.  
       FIG. 3  is a block diagram of a profiler system used within a hand-held personal identification analysis device, according to an embodiment of the invention.  
       FIG. 4  is a diagram of a hand-held personal identification analysis device, according to an embodiment of the invention.  
       FIG. 5  is a diagram of a collection of perspective views of a hand-held personal identification analysis device, according to an embodiment of the invention.  
       FIG. 6  is a diagram of a bottom portion of an enclosure for a hand-held personal identification analysis device, according to an embodiment of the invention.  
       FIG. 7  is a diagram of a bottom and top portion of an enclosure for a hand-held personal identification analysis device, according to an embodiment of the invention.  
       FIG. 8  is a flowchart of a method for analyzing personal identity information of an individual using a hand-held personal identification analysis device, according to an embodiment of the invention.  
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
      While the present invention is described herein with reference to illustrative embodiments for particular applications, it should be understood that the invention is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art with access to the teachings provided herein will recognize additional modifications, applications, and embodiments within the scope thereof and additional fields in which the invention would be of significant utility.  
       FIG. 1  provides a block diagram of hand-held personal identification analysis device  100 , according to an embodiment of the invention. Hand-held personal identification analysis device  100  includes personal data assistant  110 , scanning system interface  120 , scanning system  130  and profiler system  140 . Additionally, hand-held personal identification analysis device  100  includes a variety communication and control interfaces. These interfaces include SD Card Interface  150 , PCMCIA interface  160 , function toggle module  170 , wireless transmitter  180 , and docking station interface  190 .  
      Personal data assistant  110  includes a screen for providing a user interface and provides overall system control. Personal data assistant  110  provides computing power for system management and information processing. Personal data assistants (PDAs) that are readily available can be used as personal data assistant  110 .  
      Scanning system interface  120  provides an interface for coupling scanning system  130  to PDA  110 . Scanning system interface  120  provides electrical connectivity (e.g., pin connections) and interface software to support the electrical coupling of scanning system  130  and PDA  110 . The specific pin arrangements and interface software can vary depending on the type of scanning system and PDA.  
      Scanning system  130  gathers biometric and corroborating identity information from individuals. As is discussed with respect to  FIG. 2 , scanning system  130  can gather a wide variety of biometric information, including, but not limited to fingerprint images, two-dimensional mug shots, and three-dimensional mug shots. Scanning system  130  also can collect corroborating identify information, such as passport numbers, credit card information, license information and the like. Scanning system  130  can process requests for biometric and corroborating information from PDA  110  and transmit gather biometric and corroborating identify information to PDA  110 .  
      Profiler system  140  develops profiles of individuals based on biometric information gathered from scanning system  140 . Additionally, as explained more fully below with respect to  FIG. 4 , profiler system  140  can combine any combination of capture environment data, individual history data, user authentification data and corroborating identity data with the gathered biometric data to create an individual profile. In an embodiment, profiler system  140  is located within PDA  110 . In an alternative embodiment, profiler system  140  can be located within scanning system  130 . Profiler system  140  can be implemented using software, hardware or a combination of these as will be known by individuals skilled in the relevant arts based on the teachings herein.  
      The communications and control interfaces of scanning system  100  provide for flexible use of hand-held personal identification analysis device  100 . SD Card interface  150  and PCMCIA interface  160  are coupled to PDA  110 , and provide alternative means to provide applications for and control of PDA  110 .  
      Function toggle module  170  supports toggle buttons located on the hand-held personal identification analysis device  100 . Function toggle module  170  is coupled to PDA  110 , or can be included within PDA  110 . The toggle buttons allow a user to control the operation of hand-held personal identification analysis device  100  with a single hand. Function toggle module  170  allows an authorized user or administrator to program the toggle buttons for various uses. For example, the buttons can be programmed to allow a user to toggle through the series of steps needed to take a fingerprint image from an individual.  
      Wireless transmitter  180  is coupled to PDA  110  and allows hand-held personal identification analysis device  100  to exchange wireless messages. For example, a user of hand-held personal identification analysis device  100  may desire to compare a fingerprint taken from an individual to fingerprints contained in a database at a main processing center. Wireless transmitter  180  can be used to transmit the taken fingerprint image to the main processing center for analysis. Upon the main processing center completing the analysis, wireless transmitter  180  can be used to receive results transmitted by the main processing center.  
      Docking station interface  190  is coupled to PDA  110  and provides a convenient interface for charging the batteries of hand-held personal identification analysis device  100 . Docking station interface  190  can also be used for data synchronization and desktop utilization.  
       FIG. 2  provides a block diagram of scanning system  130 , according to an embodiment of the invention. Scanning system  130  includes controller  205 , a set of biometric and corroborating information capture devices, a set of memory devices, computer interface  265  and power management system  245 .  
      Controller  205  manages the overall operation of scanning system  120 . In an embodiment controller  205  can be a field programmable gate array (FPGA).  
      In an embodiment the set of biometric and corroborating information capture devices include fingerprint camera  210 , fingerprint illuminator  215 , two-dimensional (2D) mug shot camera  220 , three-dimensional (3D) mug shot camera  225 , mug shot illuminator  230 , magnetic strip reader  235  and bar code scanner  240 .  
      The biometric information capture devices include fingerprint camera  210 , 2D mug shot camera  220 , and 3D mug shot camera  225 . In alternative embodiments, hand-held personal identification analysis device  100  can also include other types of biometric capture devices, such as, for example an iris scan device.  
      Fingerprint camera  210  is coupled to controller  205  and takes print images of fingerprints. Fingerprint illuminator  215  is also coupled to controller  205  and can be used to illuminate a finger for which a print image is being taken. In an embodiment fingerprint illuminator  215  emits short wave length light (e.g., green light) to reduce ambient light interference to enable usage in direct sunlight without a light shield.  
      2D mug shot camera  220  is coupled to controller  205  and can take two-dimensional mug shot photos of individuals. 2D mug shot camera  220  produces an image that is a single frame that is captured and stored on hand-held personal identification analysis device  100 . Mug shot illuminator  230  is also coupled to controller  205  and can be used to illuminate the face of an individual whose mug shot is being taken. In embodiments mug shot illuminator  230  can be an infra-red light source or a flash light source. 3D mug shot camera  225  is also coupled to controller  205 . 3D mug shot camera  225  and 2D mug shot camera  220  can be used together to generate a 3D mug shot image of an individual that allows for superior analysis of facial features.  
      Corroborating information capture devices include magnetic strip reader  235  and bar code scanner  240 . These devices can be used to gather corroborating information regarding an individual. For example, magnetic strip reader  235  can be used to read a magnetic strip on a credit card or personal identification card to gather personal information about an individual. Also, bar code scanner  240  can be used to read the bar code information on a United States passport, for example, to gather information about an individual. In one embodiment, hand-held personal identification analysis device  100  can then transmit the passport information to a main processing center. The main processing center could then transmit identifying information, including a stored fingerprint image, to hand-held personal identification analysis device  100  that could be compared to a fingerprint image taken by hand-held personal identification analysis device  100  to verify the identify of an individual.  
      In an embodiment the set of memory devices include EEPROM  250 , FLASH  255  and SRAM  260 . The set of memory devices are coupled to controller  205 . The set of memory devices can be used to store program information and data collected by the set of biometric and corroborating information capture devices, as will be known by individuals skilled in the relevant arts based on the teachings herein. In an embodiment, scanning system  130  can store calibration and operating parameters of hand-held personal identification analysis device  100  with a memory device.  
      Computer interface  265  provides an interface to allow scanning system  265  to communicate with a PDA, such as PDA  110 . Computer interface  265  is coupled to controller  205 . In the embodiment provided, it would also be coupled to scanning system interface  120 . Power management system  245  manages the power needed for scanning system  130 . Power management system  245  can include a power source control module that determines whether AC or DC power should be used. Additionally, power management system  245  can include a battery, such as a Lithium ion battery, a battery status indicator and a battery charger system. Power management system  245  is coupled to controller  205 .  
       FIG. 3  is a block diagram of profiler system  140 , according to an embodiment of the invention. Profiler system  140  includes profile manager  305 , profile developer  310 , feature extraction module  315 , feature matching module  320 , profile compression module  325 , encryption module  330 , digital signature module  335 , area of interest profile database  340 , profile database  345  and communications interface  350 .  
      Profile manager  305  controls the overall operation of profile system  140 . Profile developer  310  develops profiles for individuals being processed. Profile developer  310  combines biometric information that is taken from an individual with supplementary data to create a profile record for further processing, such as internal analysis by hand-held personal identification analysis device  100  or transmittal for external analysis. Supplementary data can include, but is not limited to, capture environment data, individual history data, user authentification data and corroborating field identity data. A profile record developed by profile developer  310  can include, but is not limited to any combination of the types of data. The specific approaches to developing a profile will be application specific.  
      Capture environment data includes, for example, data, time, and location information at the location where biometric data is being gathered. Individual history data includes general information about individual&#39;s movements, activities, police records, etc. The specific data used would be application specific.  
      For example, in an embodiment, hand-held personal identification analysis device  100  can be used to provide additional airport security through random checks of airport personnel. In this situation, screening may occur at different locations during the course of a day, week, etc. The individual history data can identify where an individual was screened. For example, the individual history data could show that the individual was at baggage check, at a fueling area, or at various terminals. This information could then be used to confirm whether the individual was supposed to be in the particular areas or whether a pattern was developing that suggested the individual was involved in an unauthorized activity.  
      User authentification data includes data from the user (e.g., a security officer) to authenticate the use of hand-held personal identification analysis device  100 . For example, user authentification data can include the name of the user, an identification password for the user, a digital signature of the user, and the like.  
      Corroborating field identity data can include identity information gathered about an individual other than through the biometric capture devices of hand-held personal identification analysis device  100 . For example, information taken from a passport bar code is one type of corroborating field identify data.  
      Feature extraction module  315  extracts features from biometric images so they can be efficiently stored (into profiles) and analyzed. In an embodiment feature extraction module  315  can also include image scaling and correction capabilities to enhance biometric images. Feature matching module  320  compares features to biometric images taken by hand-held personal identification analysis device  100  with features of stored images or images received over wireless transmitter  180 . Both feature extraction module  315  and feature matching module  320  are coupled to profile manager  305 .  
      Profile compression module  325  compresses profiles for efficient storage and transmittal. Encryption module  330  encrypts profiles for storage and transmittal. Digital signature module  335  supports the receipt of digital signatures through a screen on PDA  110  or receipt through another means. All three modules are coupled to profile manager  305 .  
      Profile database  345  stores profiles that are developed by profile developer  310  or received from another source. Profile database  345  allows for a way of storing profiles for later use when a wireless transmitter is unavailable to transmit the profiles, or when it is simply more efficient to provide local storage on hand-held personal identification analysis device  100 . Area of interest profile database  340  can be used to store sets of profiles that are of interest for a particular application. For example, an airport security audit firm may only be interested in comparing airport personnel biometric information collected from individuals with profiles of known terrorists. The profiles of known terrorists could be loaded into area of interest profile database  340  to provide for local analysis without the need to send information to a remote processing center.  
       FIG. 4  is a diagram of hand-held personal identification analysis device  405 , according to an embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective drawing showing a hand-held personal identification analysis, such as hand-held personal identification analysis device  100  enclosed within a hand-held enclosure.  FIG. 4  illustrates an embodiment showing PDA  410  with a screen, fingerprint scanner  420 , mug shot camera  430 , SD card slot  440 , PCMCIA card slot  450  and toggle function button  460 .  
      In an embodiment, a toggle function button, such as toggle function button  460 , is located on each side of hand-held personal identification analysis device  405 . Toggle function button  460  is positioned such that a user can hold hand-held personal identification analysis device  405  in one hand, and with the thumb of the same hand toggle the functions of hand-held personal identification analysis device  405  by pressing toggle function button  460 . Toggle function buttons can be located on both sides to facilitate right hand and left hand usage.  
      In an additional embodiment, adjustable hand straps can be used to further simplify use of hand-held personal identification analysis device  405 . In another embodiment, hand-held personal identification analysis device  405  includes a stylus storage feature for efficiently storing a stylus used to write on the screen of PDA  405 .  
      Additionally, to facilitate ease of use, a fingerprint capture surface of fingerprint scanner  420  is positioned at an oblique angle to the screen of PDA  410 . Futhermore, a fingerprint camera of fingerprint scanner  420  is positioned at an oblique angle to the screen of PDA  410 . Likewise, mug shot camera  430  is positioned at an oblique angle to the screen of the PDA to facilitate usage of the screen to monitor the image capture process.  
      Fingerprint scanner  420  can also include a number of features that improve its robustness. In an embodiment, fingerprint scanner  420  can include a silicon pad to provide for enhanced fingerprint images. Additionally, in an embodiment, hand-held personal identification analysis device  405  can support dark field illumination, bright field illumination or both. In another embodiment fingerprint scanner  420  can support platen heating and cooling. In general hand-held personal identification analysis device  405  supports rugged operation in a wide variety of environmental conditions.  
       FIG. 5  is a diagram of a collection of perspective views of a hand-held personal identification analysis device, according to an embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 5  provides a front, side and angled perspective view of an embodiment of hand-held personal identification analysis device  405 . In one embodiment, hand-held personal identification analysis device  405  can have a length of approximately 8.4 inches, a front height, where fingerprint scanner  420  and mug shot camera  430  are located of about  4  inches and a rear height, where a user would grasp hand-held personal identification analysis device  405  of about 2.75 inches. These dimensions are example dimensions, and not intended to limit the scope of the invention.  
       FIG. 6  is a diagram of a bottom portion of an enclosure for a hand-held personal identification analysis device  405 , according to an embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 6  illustrates the internal location of 2D mug shot camera  610 , magnetic strip reader  620  and lithium ion battery  630 .  
       FIG. 7  is a diagram of a bottom and top portion of an enclosure for hand-held personal identification analysis device  405 , according to an embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 7  illustrates a bottom and top portion of an enclosure highlighting the internal location of fingerprint scanner  710  and function toggle buttons  720 .  
       FIG. 8  is a flowchart of a method  800  for processing personal identity information of an individual using a hand-held personal identification analysis device, according to an embodiment of the invention.  
      Method  800  begins in step  805 . In step  805  a control screen is presented to a user. For example, a control screen could be presented on a user interface on a screen of PDA  110 . In step  810 , control instructions are received. For example, hand-held personal identification analysis device  100  could receive control instructions from a user entering a choice presented on the user interface. Or in another case, a user could use a function toggle button, such as function toggle button  460  to provide an instruction to hand-held personal identification analysis device  405 .  
      In step  815 , a fingerprint image is captured by a hand-held personal identification analysis device, such as hand-held personal identification analysis device  100 . In step  820 , the captured fingerprint image is stored. For example, in an embodiment the fingerprint can be stored in FLASH memory  255  or in temporary memory within profiler system  140 .  
      In step  825  a mug shot image is captured. For example, mug shot camera  430  can be used to capture an image of an individual. In step  830 , the mug shot image is stored. For example, in an embodiment the mug shot can be stored in FLASH memory  255  or in temporary memory with profiler system  140 .  
      In step  835  bar code information is captured. In step  840  the barcode information can be stored. In an alternative embodiment, for example, a magnetic strip on a credit card can be read to gather information.  
      In step  845  individual information is received or gathered. This information can include supplementary information, as described above, or information based on the bar code information.  
      In step  850  an individual profile is generated. For example, profile developer  310  can combine the captured biometric data with supplementary data. In step  855  the profile is analyzed. For example, feature matching module  320  can be used to compare the profile to profiles stored in area of interest profile database  340 . Alternatively, a profile can be requested over wireless transmitter  180 . The received profile can then be analyzed. In step  860 , in an embodiment the profile is transmitted to a main processing center for further processing. In many cases, step  860  may not be needed. That is, the profile can be stored in a profile database, such as profile database  345  for later analysis or analysis done in step  855  will be sufficient. In step  865 , method  800  ends.  
      Conclusion  
      Exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been presented.  
      The invention is not limited to these examples. These examples are presented herein for purposes of illustration, and not limitation. Alternatives (including equivalents, extensions, variations, deviations, etc., of those described herein) will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) based on the teachings contained herein. Such alternatives fall within the scope and spirit of the invention.