Patent Publication Number: US-2006018519-A1

Title: Hand-held personal identification device with distributed control system

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
      This application claims the benefit of both U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/588,388, filed Jul. 16, 2004 (Atty. Docket No. 1823.1210000) and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/689,251, filed Jun. 10, 2005 (Atty. Docket No. 1823.1210001), and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/097,124, filed Apr. 4, 2005 (Atty. Docket No. 1823.1210004), each of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention relates to biometrics, and more particularly, to a hand-held personal identification device.  
     BACKGROUND OF THE 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. The role and use of biometrics in many different applications and sectors, however, continues to expand. Collecting biometric data and properly associating it with corresponding demographic or other personal data is increasingly needed. Increasingly, biometric information needs to be gathered from individuals at a wide variety of locations. This has increased the importance of portability and demands placed on portable biometric devices. 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 would like to use biometric information gathered from employees circulating throughout an airport to verify employee identification and track employee whereabouts. Personnel record systems, access control systems, and visitor management systems often require biometric information such as facial images, fingerprints, and other personal data (e.g., name, address, account data, etc.). In practice, it is often desirable to collect this information using a portable device.  
      Existing devices to gather biometric information are often not suited for remote, in-field use. Conventional devices intended to be used in the field are often cumbersome and/or lack the ability to efficiently process and compile information in real time. Many conventional devices are limited to collecting a particular type of data and cannot accommodate fingerprints and facial images and personal data.  
      What is needed is a personal identification device that overcomes the limitations of available devices.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention is directed to a hand-held personal identification device. The hand-held personal identification device includes a sensor system for gathering biometric information from individuals, a profiler system for developing profiles of individuals based on biometric information gathered from the sensor system, and a personal data assistant or similar computing device with a screen for providing a user interface and overall system control. A sensor system interface couples the sensor system to the computing device.  
      In embodiments, the profiler system includes a profile developer that creates an individual profile or profile record 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 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 device according to an embodiment of the invention.  
       FIG. 2  is a block diagram of the sensor system used with the personal identification device of  FIG. 1 .  
       FIG. 3  is a block diagram of the profiler system used with the personal identification device of  FIG. 1 .  
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a hand-held personal identification device according to an embodiment of the invention.  
       FIG. 5A  is a second perspective view of the hand-held personal identification device of  FIG. 4 .  
       FIG. 5B  is an end view of the hand-held personal identification device of  FIG. 4 .  
       FIG. 5C  is a side view of the hand-held personal identification device of  FIG. 4 .  
       FIG. 6  is a schematic diagram depicting selected internal components of the hand-held personal identification device of  FIG. 4 .  
       FIG. 7A  is a perspective view of a bottom portion of an enclosure for the hand-held personal identification device of  FIG. 4 .  
       FIG. 7B  is a second perspective view of a bottom portion of an enclosure for the hand-held personal identification device of  FIG. 4 .  
       FIG. 7C  is a perspective view of a top portion of an enclosure for the hand-held personal identification device of  FIG. 4 .  
       FIG. 8  is a flowchart of a method for capturing and analyzing personal identity information of an individual using a hand-held personal identification device according to an embodiment of the invention.  
       FIG. 9  is a block diagram of a distributed control system for a hand-held personal identification device according to an embodiment of the invention.  
       FIGS. 10 and 11  depict a flow chart that illustrates the steps of a method for obtaining identification data according to an embodiment of the invention.  
       FIGS. 12A and 12B  are photographs that show perspective views of a hand-held personal identification device according to a further embodiment of the invention.  
       FIGS. 13A  and B are photographs that show perspective views from left and right of a hand-held personal identification device with a protective sleeve and multiple toggle buttons according to a further 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.  
      A. Hand-Held Personal Identification Device  
       FIG. 1  provides a block diagram of a hand-held personal identification device  100  according to an embodiment of the invention. Hand-held personal identification device  100  includes personal data assistant (PDA)  110 , sensor system interface  120 , sensor system  130  and profiler system  140 . Additionally, hand-held personal identification device  100  includes a variety of communication and control interfaces. These interfaces include one or more of a secure digital (Smart Data (SD) card or SDIO) Interface  150 , Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) Interface  160 , compact flash interface  165 , function toggle module  170 , wireless transmitter  180 , and docking station interface  190 .  
      PDA  110  includes a screen for providing a user interface and provides overall system control. PDA  110  provides computing power for system management and information processing. PDAs that are readily available can be used as PDA  110 .  
      Sensor system interface  120  provides an interface for coupling sensor system  130  to PDA  110 . Sensor system interface  120  provides connectivity (e.g., pin connections or other wired connections) and interface software to support the electrical coupling of sensor system  130  and PDA  110 . The specific pin arrangements and interface software can vary for example, depending on the PDA used for PDA  110 . Alternatively, sensor system interface  120  can be a wireless interface, infra-red link, or other type of wireless or wired interface that directly or indirectly couples PDA  110  and sensor system  130 .  
      Sensor system  130  gathers biometric and corroborating identity information from individuals. As is discussed with respect to  FIG. 2 , sensor system  130  can gather a wide variety of biometric information, including but not limited to fingerprint images, two-dimensional facial images (e.g., mug shots), and three-dimensional facial images. Alternatively or in addition to, an iris pattern can be sensed. Sensor system  130  also can collect corroborating identify information such as passport numbers, credit card information, license information et cetera. Sensor system  130  can process requests for biometric and corroborating information from PDA  110  and transmit gathered biometric and corroborating identify information to PDA  110 .  
      Profiler system  140  develops profiles of individuals (profile records) based on biometric information gathered from sensor system  130 . Additionally, as explained more fully below, profiler system  140  can combine any combination data such as 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 sensor 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 sensor system  100  provide for flexible use of hand-held personal identification device  100 . SD Card interface  150 , PCMCIA interface  160 , and/or Compact Flash interface  165  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 device  100 . Function toggle module  170  is coupled to sensor system  130 , or can be included within sensor system  130 . The toggle buttons allow a user to control the operation of hand-held personal identification 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. In one embodiment, function toggle module  170  is coupled to PDA  110 , or can be included within PDA  110 .  
      Wireless transmitter  180  is coupled to PDA  110  and allows hand-held personal identification device  100  to send and/or receive data using any conventional wireless link. For example, a record containing a profile of information collected by and stored in device  100  can be transmitted. A user of hand-held personal identification device  100  may desire, for example, 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 device  100 . Docking station interface  190  can also be used for data synchronization and utilization by other types of processors including but not limited to a personal computer.  
      1. Sensor System  
       FIG. 2  provides a block diagram of sensor system  130  according to an embodiment of the invention. Sensor system  130  includes controller  205 , a set of biometric and corroborating information capture devices  201 , a set of memory devices  203 , computer interface  265 , and power management system  245 .  
      Controller  205  manages the overall operation of sensor system  130 . 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  201  includes 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 . One or more smart card readers  242  (e.g., contact or contactless types of smart card readers can also be coupled to controller  205 . 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 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 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. These examples are illustrative and not intended to limit the invention. Cameras  220  and  225  can also be used, alone or in combination, to capture any feature (face, head, or other body part), an entire body, or other image (picture of passport, document, etc.).  
      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 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 device  100  that could be compared to a fingerprint image taken by hand-held personal identification device  100  to verify the identify of an individual.  
      In an embodiment, the set of memory devices  203  includes EEPROM  250 , FLASH  255  and SRAM  260 . Each of these memory devices is coupled to controller  205 . Secure digital (SD) memory, RAM, and/or PROM memory can also be used. These types of memory are illustrative and not intended to limit the present invention. The memory devices can be used to store program information and data collected by the set of biometric and corroborating information capture devices  201 , as will be known by individuals skilled in the relevant arts based on the teachings herein. In an embodiment, sensor system  130  stores calibration and operating parameters information for hand-held personal identification device  100  in one or more of its memory device.  
      Computer interface  265  provides an interface to allow sensor system  130  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 sensor system interface  120 . Power management system  245  manages the power needed for sensor 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 .  
      2. Profile System  
       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, for example, internal analysis by hand-held personal identification device  100  or transmittal for external analysis and storage. 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 described herein. The specific approaches to developing a profile will be application specific.  
      In an embodiment, capture environment data includes, for example, date, time, and location information at the location where biometric data is being gathered. Individual history data includes, for example, general information about an individual&#39;s movements, activities, police records, et cetera. The specific data used would be application specific.  
      In one embodiment, user authentification data is collected and stored by hand-held personal identification device  100 . This data includes, for example, data from the user (e.g., a security officer) to authenticate the use of hand-held personal identification device  100 . User authentification data can include, for example, the name of the user, an identification password for the user, a digital signature of the user, et cetera.  
      In an embodiment, corroborating field identity data can also be collected and stored by hand-held personal identification device  100 . This data includes, for example, identity information gathered about an individual other than through the biometric capture devices of hand-held personal identification device  100 . For example, information taken from a passport bar code is one type of corroborating field identify data. Other types of corroborating field identify data will become apparent to those skilled in the relevant arts given the description herein.  
      There are many uses for hand-held personal identification device  100 . In an embodiment, hand-held personal identification device  100  is used, for example, 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, et cetera. The individual history data can identify where an individual was screened such as, for example, at a baggage check location, 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. This example use is only illustrative and not intended to limit the invention.  
      Feature extraction module  315  extracts features from biometric images so they can be efficiently stored (e.g., in profile records) 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 of biometric images taken by hand-held personal identification device  100  with features of stored images or images received over wireless transmitter  180 .  
      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.  
      Profile database  345  stores profiles that are developed by profile developer  310  or received from another source. Profile database  345  can be used, for example, to store profiles. These profile records can be added, deleted, modified, or updated. The profile records can also be transmitted to another device by wireless transmitter  180 .  
      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.  
      3. Further Embodiments  
       FIG. 4  is a diagram of a hand-held personal identification device  405  according to an embodiment of the invention. As can be seen in  FIG. 4 , hand-held personal identification device  405  includes a PDA  410  with a screen  412 , a fingerprint scanner (print scanner)  420 , a mug shot camera  430 , a magnetic strip reader  435 , a SD card slot  440 , a PCMCIA card slot  450 , and a toggle function button  460 . In embodiments, hand-held personal identification device  405  includes a stylus storage feature (not shown) for efficiently storing a stylus used to write on screen  412  of PDA  410 .  
      In an embodiment, one or more toggle function button(s), such as toggle function button  460 , are located on each side of hand-held personal identification device  405 . Toggle function button  460  is positioned such that a user can hold hand-held personal identification device  405  in one hand, and with the thumb of the same hand, toggle the functions of hand-held personal identification device  405  by pressing toggle function button  460 . Including toggle function buttons on both sides of hand-held personal identification device  405  facilitates both right hand and left hand usage. In an embodiment, adjustable hand straps (not shown) can be used to further simplify use of hand-held personal identification device  405 .  
      To facilitate ease of use, the fingerprint capture surface of fingerprint scanner  420  is positioned at an oblique angle to screen  412  of PDA  410 . Mug shot camera  430  is positioned at an oblique angle to screen  412  of PDA  410  to facilitate usage of screen  412  to monitor the image capture process.  
      In embodiments, fingerprint scanner  420  include features that improve its robustness. In one embodiment, fingerprint scanner  420  includes a silicon pad on a platen surface to provide for enhanced fingerprint images. In some embodiments, hand-held personal identification device  405  supports dark field illumination, bright field illumination, or both. In embodiments, fingerprint scanner  420  also supports platen heating and/or cooling. These features and others described herein enable hand-held personal identification device  405  to be used in a wide variety of environmental conditions.  
       FIGS. 5A-5C  further illustrate hand-held personal identification device  405 .  FIG. 5A  is a second perspective view of hand-held personal identification device  405  that shows a second toggle function button  460 .  FIG. 5B  is an end view of the hand-held personal identification device  405  that shows hand-held personal identification device  405  has a width W.  FIG. 5C  is a side view of the hand-held personal identification device  405  that shows hand-held personal identification device  405  has a length L, a first height H 1 , and a second height H 2 . In one embodiment, hand-held personal identification device  405  has a width W of about 4 inches, a length L of approximately 8.4 inches, a height H 1 , where a user would grasp hand-held personal identification device  405 , of about 2.75 inches, and a height H 2 , where fingerprint scanner  420  and mug shot camera  430  are located, of about 4 inches. However, these dimensions are only example dimensions and not intended to limit the scope of the invention.  
       FIG. 6  is a schematic diagram depicting selected components of hand-held personal identification device  405  enclosed by a housing  600 . The enclosed components include PDA  410 , fingerprint scanner (print scanner)  420 , mug shot camera  430 , magnetic strip reader  435 , a circuit board  620 , and a battery  630 .  
      As noted above, PDA  410  includes screen  412  that is used for communicating with a user via, for example, a graphics user interface (GUI). PDA  410  is coupled to circuit board  620  by interface  120 . Interface  120  enables PDA  410  to be used to operate, for example, fingerprint scanner  420 , mug shot camera  430 , and magnetic strip reader  435 .  
      As shown in  FIG. 6 , fingerprint scanner  420  includes an illumination source  612 , a prism  614 , focal optics  635 , and a camera  640 . Illumination source  612  and camera  640  are coupled to circuit board  620 . In an embodiment, the optical axis of focal optics  635  is parallel to a longitudinal axis L of PDA  410 , as shown in  FIG. 6 , in order to achieve a compact design for hand-held personal identification device  405 .  
      In an embodiment of fingerprint scanner  420 , light from illumination source  612  is injected into prism  614  through an illumination injection surface  610  that is not directly imaged by focal optics  635  and camera  640 . The injected light travels across prism  614  and hits a highly reflective surface  616  of prism  614 . When this light hits highly reflective surface  616 , it is scattered and becomes diffused. Some of the diffused light remains in total internal reflection within prism  614  and is reflected off the inside of platen surface  613  of prism  614 . A print pattern made up of ridges and valleys may be placed on platen surface  613  through an opening in housing  600 . Light incident on platen  613  is then reflected or absorbed depending upon whether the light is incident at a ridge or valley and the angle of incidence. In this way, an image of a print pattern made up of light totally internally reflected at platen  613  passes out of prism  614  along optical axis OA for detection. The diffused light reflected off the inside of platen surface  613  is imaged by focal optics  635  and camera  640 . In other embodiments of hand-held personal identification device  405 , other types of fingerprint scanners using bright-field or dark-field illumination techniques are used.  
      In one embodiment, illumination source  612  emits light at a wavelength (e.g., green) that reduces ambient light interference and enables fingerprint scanner  420  to be used in direct sunlight without a light shield over the fingerprint capture surface or platen surface  613  of prism  614 .  
      Mug shot camera  430  can be any camera appropriately sized to fit within housing  600 . As described herein, mug shot camera  430  can be used to obtain two-dimensional (2D) images and/or three-dimensional (3D) images. Mug shot camera  430  is coupled to circuit board  620  via leads (not shown). As shown in  FIG. 6 , housing  600  includes a recess  618  to accommodate the field-of-view of mug shot camera  430 .  
      In one embodiment, mug shot camera  430  is a monochromatic camera. In another embodiment, mug shot camera  430  is a color camera. In still other embodiments, hand-held personal identification device  405  includes two mug shot cameras  430 .  
      In an embodiment, mug shot camera  430  is a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera having a Bayer pattern filter. Because the pixel sensors in a CCD camera are essentially monochromatic the pixels respond primarily to the intensity of the light falling on them, regardless of the frequency (color) of the light. To make the pixel sensors sensitive to different colors of light, a filter is placed over each pixel sensor during manufacturing. This makes each of the pixel sensors sensitive, for example, to one of the primary colors red, green, or blue. Because a given pixel sensor has only one filter, in a given CCD camera, not all of the pixel sensors are used for each color.  
      As described herein, in embodiments, mug shot camera  430  is used to obtain multiple two-dimensional facial images, from slightly different perspectives, to generate data for a 3D facial recognition algorithm. The 3D facial data is combined with other biometric data, such as fingerprint data, thereby improve the accuracy of identification. In one embodiment, two separate mug shot cameras  430  and lens (not shown) are focused at a person of interest, along different optical axes, to create a difference of perspective. In this embodiment, there may be one monochromatic and one color imaging camera. In another embodiment, a single mug shot camera  430  is used with a reflective element and a mechanism for blocking one image path, so that the same image sensor can be used to collect data from both perspectives. Alternatively, differential optical band pass filtering may be applied to obtain two perspective views.  
      Magnetic strip reader  435  can be any known magnetic strip reader. Magnetic strip reader  435  is located adjacent to a slot  619  in housing  600  to facilitate the reading of cards such as, for example, credit cards and drivers license that include a magnetic strip containing data, which can be used in identifying an individual. Magnetic strip reader  435  is coupled to circuit board  620  by leads (not shown).  
      In an embodiment, a bar code scanner (not shown) is included at a surface  617  of housing  600 . The bar code scanner can be used to read bar code information, for example, on a United States passport to gather information about an individual. The bar code scanner, when present, is coupled to circuit board  620 . In another embodiment, a mug shot illuminator (not shown) is included at surface  617  of housing  600 . The mug shot illuminator illuminates an individual, for example, with a flash or infrared illumination source when using mug shot camera  430 . The mug shot illuminator, when present, is coupled to circuit board  620 . Both the bar code reader and/or the mug shot illuminator, however, can be located at different locations without departing from the invention.  
      A battery  630  is coupled to circuit board  620  to provide power for hand-held personal identification device  405 . In an embodiment, battery  630  is a rechargeable battery. Battery  630  can be recharged using a conventional power adapter (not shown) that plugs into hand-held personal identification device  405 .  
      As shown in  FIG. 6 , hand-held personal identification device  405  includes at least one toggle function button  460  coupled to circuit board  620 . Toggle function button  460  is positioned such that a user can hold hand-held personal identification device  405  in one hand, and with the thumb of the same hand, toggle the functions of hand-held personal identification device  405  by pressing toggle function button  460 .  
       FIGS. 7A-7C  are diagrams that further illustrate a bottom portion  700  of housing  600  of hand-held personal identification device  405  according to an embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 7A  illustrates the location of mug shot camera  430 , magnetic strip reader  435 , and battery  630  for hand-held personal identification device  405 .  FIG. 7B  illustrated the location of prism  614  and focal optics  635  of hand-held personal identification device  405 .  FIG. 7C  illustrates the location of circuit board  620  and the two toggle function button  460  for hand-held personal identification device  405 .  
      B. Method  
       FIG. 8  is a flowchart of a method  800  for capturing and analyzing personal identity information of an individual using a hand-held personal identification device according to an embodiment of the invention. As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , method  800  includes twelve steps. Method  800  begins with step  805 .  
      In step  805 , a control screen is presented to a user. In an embodiment, this is performed using a graphical user interface running on a processor of a PDA.  
      In step  810 , control instructions are received. The hand-held personal identification device can receive control instructions from a user entering a choice presented to the user via a graphical user interface. Control instruction also can be received via a function toggle button of the hand-held personal identification device.  
      In step  815 , a fingerprint image is captured by the hand-held personal identification device.  
      In step  820 , the captured fingerprint image is stored. In an embodiment, the fingerprint is stored in a memory associated with the sensor system of the hand-held personal identification device. The fingerprint also can be stored in a memory associated with the PDA of the hand-held personal identification device.  
      In step  825 , a mug shot image is captured. The mug shot is captured using one or more mug shot cameras of the hand-held personal identification device. The mug shot can be a 2D image, multiple 2D images, or a 3D image. Several images can be captured and stored like a Best Shot Selector (BSS) mode in digital cameras.  
      In step  830 , the mug shot image is stored. In an embodiment, the mug shot image is stored in a memory associated with the sensor system of the hand-held personal identification device. The mug shot image also can be stored in a memory associated with the PDA of the hand-held personal identification device.  
      In step  835 , bar code information is captured. The bar code information is captured using a bar code scanner of the hand-held personal identification device.  
      In step  840 , the barcode information is stored. In an embodiment, the bar code is stored in a memory associated with the sensor system of the hand-held personal identification device. The bar code also can be stored in a memory associated with the PDA of the hand-held personal identification device. In an alternative embodiment, a magnetic strip, for example, on a credit card or license is read by a magnetic strip reader to gather information.  
      In step  845 , application information is received. This information can include any desired supplementary information such as, for example, the time and date fingerprint and/or mug shot were captured, the name of the individual capturing the fingerprint and/or mug shot, the location when the fingerprint and/or mug shot were captured, et cetera.  
      In step  850 , an individual profile is generated. In an embodiment, a profile developer of the hand-held personal identification device combines the captured biometric data with the application information to form the individual profile (record).  
      In step  855 , the individual profile is analyzed. In an embodiment, a feature matching module of the hand-held personal identification device compares the individual profile to profiles stored in area of interest profile database. Alternatively, the individual profile might be compared to profiles at a central or main processing center.  
      In step  860 , the individual profile is transmitted, for example, to a central or main processing center for processing for analysis and/or long-term storage. In an embodiment, a record containing a profile is transmitted. Such a profile record can be encrypted, sent over a secure link, or otherwise made secure when transmitting the profile record.  
      C. Distributed Control  
      1. System  
       FIG. 9  is a block diagram of a distributed control system  900  for a hand-held personal identification device according to an embodiment of the invention. As shown in  FIG. 9 , distributed control system  900  includes features that reside in both PDA  110  and sensor system  130 . The features of distributed control system  900  residing within PDA  110  include software  905 , input/output (I/O) devices  932 , and memory  940 . The features of distributed control system  900  residing within sensor system  130  include controller  205 , function toggle module  170 , fingerprint camera  210 , 2D mug shot camera  210 , 3D mug shot camera, magnetic strip reader  235 , and bar code reader  240 .  
      In an embodiment, software  905  includes application software  910 , hardware interface software  920 , and operating system (OS) software  930 . The hardware interface software includes, for example, software development kit (SDK) software  922 , one or more software drivers  924 , and/or hardware abstraction layer (HAL) software  926 . Software  905  interfaces with I/O devices  932 , memory  940 , and controller  205 . I/ 0  device  932  include, for example, a display  934 , a wireless interface  936  and/or other interfaces  938  (e.g., a stylus used with display  934  or buttons on the face of PDA  110 ).  
      Controller  205  is a combination of hardware, firmware and/or software that is responsive to inputs/commands from PDA  110  and function toggle module  170 . These inputs/commands determine, for example, which sensor of sensor system  130  is actively collecting data and what data is passed to PDA  110  via interface  120 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , the sensors of sensor system  130  include fingerprint camera  210 , 2D mug shot camera  210 , 3D mug shot camera, magnetic strip reader  235 , and bar code reader  240 . Other embodiments may include fewer sensors than this or more sensors than this.  
      In an embodiment, function toggle module  170  includes a function toggle button (see, e.g., function toggle button  460  in  FIG. 4 ), which when depressed causes controller  205  to cycle through the various sensors of sensor system  130 , thereby determining which sensor is actively collecting data. Depressing the function toggle button a selected number of times in a predetermined period of time, or holding-in the function toggle button for a predetermined period of time, can then be used to trigger controller  205  to capture data with the active sensor. Similar commands can be given to controller  205  from PDA  110 , for example, by having application software  910  prompt a user for an input command and then sending an appropriate command to controller  205  based on the user&#39;s input.  
      Memory  260  is coupled to controller  205  and is used to store data/information obtain by one or more of the sensors of sensor system  130 .  
      2. Method  
      The operation of distributed control system  900  is further illustrated by the steps of the method shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 .  
       FIGS. 10 and 11  depict a flow chart that illustrates the steps of a method  1000  for obtaining identification data according to an embodiment of the invention. Method  1000  is directed particularly to capturing and storing image data such as, for example, fingerprint images using a fingerprint camera and/or mug shot images using a mug shot camera. Steps similar to those of method  1000  can be used to obtain other types of data such as, for example, data from a magnetic strip using a magnetic strip reader or data from a bar code using a bar code scanner.  
      Method  1000  starts with step  1010 . In step  1010 , a sensor is selected. As shown in  FIG. 10 , the sensor selection command can be generated by software or hardware. This step is performed, for example, using distributed control system  900  when a selection command is provided to controller  205  by either PDA  110  or the function toggle button of function toggle module  170 .  
      In step  1020 , raw image data is received from the sensor selected in step  1010 . This step is performed, for example, using distributed control system  900  when raw image data is received at controller  205  from one of the sensors such as, for example, fingerprint camera  210  or mug shot camera  220 .  
      In step  1030 , the raw image data received in step  1020  is stored in memory. This step is performed using distributed control system  900  when raw image data is received at controller  205  is stored in memory  260  of sensor system  130 . For example, controller  205  may simply provide a write instruction and a memory address such that raw image data captured at the selected sensor is written to a desired location in memory  260 .  
      In step  1040 , a decision is made whether a read event (command) has occurred. If a read event or command has occurred, control is passed to step  1102  (see  FIG. 11 ). If a read event or command has not occurred, control is passed to step  1050 . As with the sensor selection command in step  1010 , the read event or command can be generated by software or hardware.  
      In step  1050 , steps  1020 ,  1030 , and  1040  are repeated in a loop. In this way, raw image data captured in a selected sensor is written to and stored in memory  260 . Depending upon the size of memory  260 , more recent captured image data can be written over older data so that memory  260  keeps the most recent image captured by a selected sensor. Alternatively, for larger memory sizes, different memory regions or locations can be used to store multiple captured images.  
      According to a further feature, distributed control system  900  provides two different modes of image data transfer (auto-update and capture) across interface  120  between sensor system  130  and PDA  110 . Auto-update mode allows samples of raw data to be stored in sensor system memory and repeatedly output across interface  120  for storage in PDA  110 . In this way, a low resolution image (also called decimated image) can be displayed quickly on PDA  110 . Capture mode allows scan lines of raw image data to be stored in sensor system memory and later output across interface  120  so that a complete high resolution image data file can be stored in PDA  110 .  
      Referring now to  FIG. 11 , as noted above, when a read event or command has occurred, control is passed from step  1040  to step  1102 . In step  1102 , a decision is made whether method  1000  should perform steps associated with an auto-update mode  1104  or steps associated with a capture mode  1106 . If steps associated with auto-update mode  1104  are to be performed, control is passed from step  1102  to step  1110 . If steps associated with capture mode  1106  are to be performed, control is passed from step  1102  to step  1160 .  
      When using distributed control system  900 , the auto-update mode and the capture mode are selected, for example, using either the I/O devices of PDA  110  or the function toggle button of function toggle module  170 . In the auto-update mode, a low resolution image is displayed on display  934  to allow a user to assess whether the image is acceptable (e.g., properly centered, desired profile, et cetera). Using a low resolution image (e.g., an image consisting of less than all of the available image pixels) improves the display refresh rate and allows an approximation of a complete image to be viewed. In the capture mode, a high resolution image (e.g., the entire image captured by a sensor of sensor system  130 ) is stored in the memory of PDA  110  for subsequent processing and/or transmission to a central processing center as part of an individual identification record.  
      As shown in  FIG. 11 , the steps associated with auto-update mode  1104  include steps  1110 ,  1120 ,  1130 ,  1140 , and  1150 . In step  1110 , a sample of the raw image data stored in sensor system memory in step  1030  is accessed (read from memory). In step  1120 , the sample of the raw image data accessed in step  1110  is delivered (sent) to a PDA. In step  1130 , the sample of the raw image data delivered to the PDA in step  1120  is stored in PDA memory. In step  1140 , a determination is made whether the sampling is complete (e.g., whether the low resolution image, or any portion of it, is ready to be displayed on the PDA&#39;s screen). Once the image, or a selected portion of the image, is ready to be displayed, it is displayed on the PDA screen in step  1150 .  
      The steps associated with capture mode  1106  include steps  1160 ,  1170 , and  1180 . In step  1160 , the raw image data (complete image) stored in sensor system memory in step  1030  is accessed (read from memory). In step  1170 , the raw image data accessed in step  1110  is delivered (sent) to a PDA. In step  1180 , the raw image data delivered to the PDA in step  1170  is stored in PDA memory.  
      The steps associated with auto-update mode  1104  and capture mode  1106  of method  1000  are performed, for example, using a combination of the features of distributed control system  900 . For example, SDK  922  acts as an interface between application  910  and HAL  926  and driver  924 . Driver  924  controls read and write operations to and from PDA memory  940 . HAL  926  acts as an interface between SDK  922 , driver  924  and controller  205 . Based on the description herein, persons skilled in the relevant arts will understand how distributed control system  900  implements each of the steps associated with auto-update mode  1104  and capture mode  1106 .  
       FIGS. 12A and 12B  show perspective views of a hand-held personal identification device according to a further embodiment of the invention. In  FIG. 12A , a user holds the hand-held personal identification device while a fingerprint of another person is being captured. In  FIG. 12B , the captured fingerprint is then displayed on a PDA screen.  
       FIGS. 13A and 13B  are perspective views from left and right of a hand-held personal identification device with a protective sleeve and multiple toggle buttons (e.g., 2 on both left and right sides) according to a further embodiment of the invention.  
      Several example environments in which the invention can be used have been described herein. These example environments are only illustrative and not intended to limit the invention. As will become apparent to persons skilled in the relevant arts, the invention can be used in a wide variety of environments including, for example, law enforcement, personnel security, access control, document control, personnel management, et cetera. Thus, the description of the invention herein should not be used to limit the invention to any specific environment(s).  
     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.