Patent Publication Number: US-2022239492-A1

Title: Biometric digital signature generation for identity verification

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is continuation application of, and claims priority to and the benefit of, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/374,517, filed on Apr. 3, 2019, the entire disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to identify verification. In particular, the present disclosure relates to biometric digital signature generation for identity verification and settlements verification for distributed ledgers. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Distributed ledgers, such as blockchain, provide a unique system for recording transactions. In general, distributed ledgers store a log of transactions that may be replicated across a distributed network. Cryptography and digital signatures are often used to determine valid parties and transactions such that all parties agree on the state of the ledger in real-time without having to rely on a trusted third party. In some instances, however, a user may lose their digital signature for the distributed ledger. It can be a burdensome and lengthy process for the user to obtain another valid digital signature. 
     In light of the foregoing, there is a need for an improved system and method for generating a valid digital signature for a user. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure relates to a method, system, and apparatus for biometric digital signature generation for identity verification. In one or more embodiments, a method for identity verification of a user comprises sensing, by at least one sensor, biometric information from the user. The method further comprises generating, by a sensor device, biometric data from the biometric information. Also, the method comprises transmitting, by the sensor device, the biometric data to a user device. Additionally, the method comprises hashing, by the user device, at least a portion of the biometric data to generate a biometric digital signature for the user. In addition, the method comprises transmitting, by the user device, the biometric digital signature to a verification node. Also, the method comprises comparing, by the verification node, the biometric digital signature to a previous biometric digital signature for the user. Further, the method comprises verifying, by the verification node, the user when the verification node determines that the biometric digital signature is identical to the previous biometric digital signature for the user. 
     In one or more embodiments, the method further comprises, when the user is verified, generating and transmitting, by the verification node to the user device, a confirmation verification signal indicating that the user is verified. In at least one embodiment, the method further comprises not verifying, by the verification node, the user when the verification node determines that the biometric digital signature is not identical to the previous biometric digital signature for the user. In some embodiments, method further comprises, when the user is not verified, generating and transmitting, by the verification node to the user device, an abort verification signal indicating that the user is not verified. In one or more embodiments, the verification node determines that the biometric digital signature is identical to the previous biometric digital signature for the user, when the verification node determines that the biometric digital signature is one-hundred (100) percent the same as (i.e. identical to) the previous biometric digital signature for the user. 
     In at least one embodiment, when the user is verified, the method further comprises allowing the user to transfer assignment of a data block from the user to a beneficiary; allowing the user to transfer ownership of property from the user to the beneficiary; allowing the user to obtain medical records for the user; allowing the user to vote on behalf of the user; allowing the user to obtain travel documentation for the user; and/or allowing the user to make banking transactions on behalf of the user. 
     In one or more embodiments, the biometric information comprises at least three fingerprints, at least a portion of a deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequence, at least a portion of at least one facial feature, isotopic information from odor, at least a portion of an eye feature, audio information from a voice, a three-dimensional (3D) surface scan of at least a portion of the user, and/or a two-dimensional (2D) surface scan of at least the portion of the user. 
     In at least one embodiment, the user device utilizes a hash algorithm or a fuzzy hash algorithm to hash at least a portion of the biometric data. In one or more embodiments, the user device utilizes an elliptical curve digital signature algorithm (ECDSA) to hash at least a portion of the biometric data. In some embodiments, the user device utilizes a SHA-256 algorithm, a Merkle-Damgard algorithm, a MD5 algorithm, a SHA-1 algorithm, a SHA-2 algorithm, a RACE Integrity Primitives Evaluation Message Digest-160 (RIPEMD-160) algorithm, a Whirlpool algorithm, or a BLAKE2 algorithm to hash at least a portion of the biometric data. 
     In one or more embodiments, the biometric digital signature is generated by additionally hashing, by the user device, additional identifying information. In some embodiments, the additional identifying information comprises location information, temperature information, humidity information, date information, time information, elevation information, range information, and/or personal information. 
     In at least one embodiment, the biometric digital signature is a private identity key for the user. In one or more embodiments, the user device is a smart phone, a tablet device, a personal computer, a laptop computer, a smart watch, a smart television (TV), a car, or a computing device. In some embodiments, the user device comprises at least one sensor, the sensor device, and/or the verification node. 
     In one or more embodiments, a method for identity verification of at least one user comprises sensing, by at least one sensor, biometric information from the user. The method further comprises generating, by a sensor device, biometric data from the biometric information. Also, the method comprises transmitting, by the sensor device, the biometric data to a user device. In addition, the method comprises hashing, by a user device, at least a portion of the biometric data to generate a biometric digital signature for the user. Additionally, the method comprises storing, by the user device, at least a portion of the biometric digital signature for the user to a host biometric digital signature held by each of at least n (e.g., six (6)) number of persons to generate the host biometric digital signature for each of the n number of persons, such that a combination of the host biometric digital signatures for at least m (e.g., four (4)) number of the n number of persons comprises all of the biometric digital signature for the user, where the m number is a number greater than half of the n number. Also, the method comprises generating, by the user device, a reconstructed biometric digital signature for the user by using the hosted biometric digital signatures for at least m number of the n number of persons. In addition, the method comprises transmitting, by the user device, the reconstructed biometric digital signature to a verification node. Also, the method comprises comparing, by the verification node, the reconstructed biometric digital signature to a previous biometric digital signature for the user. Further, the method comprises verifying, by the verification node, the user when the verification node determines that the reconstructed biometric digital signature is identical to the previous biometric digital signature for the user. 
     In at least one embodiment, a system for identity verification of a user comprises at least one sensor to sense biometric information from the user. The system further comprises a sensor device to generate biometric data from the biometric information, and to transmit the biometric data to a user device. Also, the system comprises the user device to hash at least a portion of the biometric data to generate a biometric digital signature for the user, and to transmit the biometric digital signature to a verification node. Further, the system comprises the verification node to compare the biometric digital signature to a previous biometric digital signature for the user, and to verify the user when the verification node determines that the biometric digital signature is identical to the previous biometric digital signature for the user. 
     In one or more embodiments, when the user is verified, the verification node is further to generate and to transmit to the user device, a confirmation verification signal indicating that the user is verified. In at least one embodiment, the verification node is to not verify the user when the verification node determines that the biometric digital signature is not identical to the previous biometric digital signature for the user. In some embodiments, when the user is not verified, the verification node is further to generate and to transmit to the user device, an abort verification signal indicating that the user is not verified. In one or more embodiments, the user device comprises at least one sensor and the sensor device. 
     In at least one embodiment, the user device is to utilize a hash algorithm or a fuzzy hash algorithm to hash at least a portion of the biometric data to generate the biometric digital signature for the user. In one or more embodiments, the user device is to utilize an elliptical curve digital signature algorithm (ECDSA) to hash at least a portion of the biometric data. In some embodiments, the user device utilizes a SHA-256 algorithm, a Merkle-Damgard algorithm, a MD5 algorithm, a SHA-1 algorithm, a SHA-2 algorithm, a RACE Integrity Primitives Evaluation Message Digest-160 (RIPEMD-160) algorithm, a Whirlpool algorithm, or a BLAKE2 algorithm to hash at least a portion of the biometric data. 
     The features, functions, and advantages can be achieved independently in various embodiments of the present disclosure or may be combined in yet other embodiments. 
    
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
       These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where: 
         FIG. 1A  is a diagram showing the disclosed system for biometric digital signature generation for identity verification of a user, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 1B  is a flow chart showing the disclosed method for biometric digital signature generation for identity verification of a user, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a diagram illustrating the process of hashing biometric data obtained from fingerprints of a user to generate a biometric digital signature for the user, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  is a diagram illustrating the process of hashing biometric data obtained from blood of a user to generate a biometric digital signature for the user, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  is a diagram illustrating the process of hashing biometric data obtained from a facial scan of a user to generate a biometric digital signature for the user, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  is a diagram illustrating the process of hashing biometric data obtained from a scent of a user to generate a biometric digital signature for the user, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  is a diagram illustrating the process of hashing biometric data obtained from an eye scan of a user to generate a biometric digital signature for the user, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  is a diagram illustrating the process of hashing biometric data obtained from a voice of a user to generate a biometric digital signature for the user, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 8  is a diagram illustrating the process of utilizing biometric digital signatures for the transfer of a property between an initiator (e.g., a user) and a beneficiary, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 9  is a diagram illustrating the process of verifying a user by validating the biometric digital signature for the user to perform a transaction desired by the user, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 10  is a diagram illustrating the process of hashing location data for a user along with biometric data obtained from a user to generate a biometric digital signature for the user, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 11  is a diagram illustrating the process of verifying the user by validating the satellite (e.g., Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite) signature, which comprises location data, for the user of  FIG. 11  to perform a transaction desired by the user, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 12  is a diagram illustrating the process of storing a portion of a biometric digital signature for a user to host biometric digital signatures held by other people to generate the host biometric digital signatures for each of the other people, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 13  is a diagram illustrating the process of using the host biometric digital signatures from the people of  FIG. 12  to generate a reconstructed biometric digital signature for the user, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 14  is a diagram illustrating the process of verifying the user by validating the reconstructed biometric digital signature for the user of  FIG. 13 , in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 15  is a diagram illustrating various different types of transactions that may occur after the user is verified by validating the biometric digital signature for the user, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 16  is a diagram illustrating various different types of additional identifying information that may be hashed along with biometric data obtained from the user to generate a biometric digital signature for the user, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 17  is a diagram illustrating the process of generating a biometric digital signature for a user by hashing biometric data from the user along with additional identifying information and personal information for the user, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
     The methods and apparatus disclosed herein provide an operative system for biometric digital signature generation for identity verification. In one or more embodiments, the system provides biometric digital signature generation, identity verification, and settlements verification for distributed ledgers. In particular, the system of the present disclosure generates a biometric digital signature for a user by hashing with a fuzzy hash algorithm (or alternatively a hash algorithm (e.g., a non-fuzzy hash algorithm)) biometric data from the user, where the biometric digital signature may be used for identity verification of the user that can be utilized for settlements verification for distributed ledgers. It should be noted that, a cryptographic hash function has certain properties, which make it suitable for use in cryptography. A hash algorithm (i.e. a non-fuzzy hash algorithm) maps data of an arbitrary size to a bit string of a fixed size (i.e. a hash). Conversely, a fuzzy hash algorithm maps data of an arbitrary size to a bit string of a non-fixed size (i.e. a hash). 
     The system of the present disclosure solves the problem in digital signature creation where the source (i.e. user) able to create and protect their digital signature originating from their own biometric data. In one or more embodiments, the system of the present disclosure employs the use of a fuzzy hash algorithm (or alternatively a hash algorithm (i.e. a non-fuzzy hash algorithm)) to create the digital signature from the biometric data. Using a fuzzy hash algorithm (conversely to a hash algorithm (i.e. a non-fuzzy hash algorithm)), the obtained biometric data from the source does not need to be one-hundred (100) percent accurate, as the fuzzy hash creates a digital signature without requiring 100 percent of the biometric data to be accurate. 
     Fuzzy hash digital signature generation improves privacy and security when multiple transactions are required from the biometric source on a public ledger by allowing the generation of new digital signatures and comparing them to the original digital signature that is stored on the distributed ledgers. 
     In the following description, numerous details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough description of the system. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the disclosed system may be practiced without these specific details. In the other instances, well known features have not been described in detail, so as not to unnecessarily obscure the system. 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure may be described herein in terms of functional and/or logical components and various processing steps. It should be appreciated that such components may be realized by any number of hardware, software, and/or firmware components configured to perform the specified functions. For example, an embodiment of the present disclosure may employ various integrated circuit components (e.g., memory elements, digital signal processing elements, logic elements, look-up tables, or the like), which may carry out a variety of functions under the control of one or more processors, microprocessors, or other control devices. In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced in conjunction with other components, and that the systems described herein are merely example embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     For the sake of brevity, conventional techniques and components related to identity verification, and other functional aspects of the system (and the individual operating components of the systems) may not be described in detail herein. Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in the various figures contained herein are intended to represent example functional relationships and/or physical couplings between the various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may be present in one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
       FIG. 1A  is a diagram showing the disclosed system  100  for biometric digital signature generation for identity verification of a user  105 , in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. In this figure, sensors  110   a - 110   n  are shown to be communicatively connected (via wire and/or wirelessly) to a sensor device  120 . The sensor device  120  comprises a processor(s)  123 , a communications interface  122 , and memory  121 . It should be noted that in other embodiments, the sensor device  120  may comprise more or less number of components than as shown in  FIG. 1A . In one or more embodiments, the sensors  110   a - 110   n  may comprise various different types of sensors including, but not limited to, image scanning devices, chemical detection devices, temperature sensors, humidity sensors, elevation sensors, direction sensors, and/or Global Position System (GPS) signal receivers. In addition, in some embodiments, there may be more or less number of sensors  110   a - 110   n  as is shown in  FIG. 1A . 
     Also, in  FIG. 1A , a user device  130  is shown to comprise a processor(s)  133 , a communications interface  132 , and memory  131 . Similar to the sensor device  120 , in other embodiments, the user device  130  may comprise more or less number of components than as shown in  FIG. 1A . The sensor device  120  is communicatively connected (via wire (e.g., universal serial bus (USB)) and/or wirelessly) to the user device  130 . In one or more embodiments, the user device  130  is a computing device associated with the user  105 . Various different types of computing devices may be employed for the user device  130  of the disclosed system  100  including, but not limited to, a smart phone, a tablet device, a personal computer, a laptop computer, a smart watch, a smart television (TV), a car, or a computing device (e.g., any computing device that is capable of running an operating system, such as Android, OSX, Windows, Unix, or future operating systems). 
     The user device  130  is communicatively connected (via wire and/or wirelessly), for example over the internet  145  (and/or other public and/or private network(s) and/or intranet(s)), to a node (e.g., a verification node)  140 . The node  140  is shown to comprise a processor(s)  143  and a database  144 . In other embodiments, the node  140  may comprise more or less number of components than as shown in  FIG. 1A . In one or more embodiments, the node  140  is a computing device, such as a server. It should be noted that, in one or more embodiments, various different types of computing devices may be employed for the node  140 . In some embodiments, the user device  130  may comprise at least one of the sensors  110   a - 110   n , the sensor device  120 , and/or the node (e.g., verification node)  140 . 
     During operation of the disclosed system  100 , at least one sensor  110   a - 110   n  senses biometric information from the user  105 . Various different types of biometric information may be sensed from the user  105  including, but not limited to, fingerprint information, information from a blood sample (e.g., a deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequence), facial feature information, isotopic information from odor, eye feature information, audio information from voice, a three-dimensional (3D) surface scan of at least a portion of the user  105 , and/or a two-dimensional (2D) surface scan of at least the portion of the user  105 . 
     After at least one sensor  110   a - 110   n  has sensed biometric information from the user  105 , at least one sensor  110   a - 110   n  transmits (via wire and/or wirelessly) the biometric information to the sensor device  120 . After the sensor device  120  receives the biometric information of the user  105 , at least one processor  123  converts the biometric information (e.g., in an analog data format) to biometric data (e.g., in a digital data format, such as a binary number and/or hexadecimal number). In one or more embodiments, the sensor device  120  may store the biometric data in memory  121 . After the sensor device  120  as converted the biometric information into biometric data, a communications interface  122  (e.g., which may contain a transmitter and/or receiver) of the sensor device  120  transmits (via wire and/or wirelessly) (e.g., via USB) the biometric data for the user  105  to the user device  130 . 
     After the communications interface  133  (e.g., which may contain a transmitter and/or receiver) of the user device  130  receives the biometric data for the user  105 , at least one processor  133  of the user device  130  utilizes a fuzzy hash algorithm (or alternatively a hash algorithm) to hash at least a portion of the biometric data to generate a biometric digital signature for the user  105 . In one or more embodiments, the user device  130  utilizes an elliptical curve digital signature algorithm (ECDSA) to hash at least a portion of the biometric data to generate a biometric digital signature for the user  105 . It should be noted that various different types algorithms (e.g., hash algorithms and fuzzy hash algorithms) may be employed by the user device  130  of the disclosed system  100  to hash including, but not limited to, a SHA-256 algorithm, a Merkle-Damgard algorithm, a MD5 algorithm, a SHA-1 algorithm, a SHA-2 algorithm, a RACE Integrity Primitives Evaluation Message Digest-160 (RIPEMD-160) algorithm, a Whirlpool algorithm, and a BLAKE2 algorithm. 
     In addition, it should be noted that, in one or more embodiments, in addition to biometric data from the user, at least a portion of additional identifying information for the user  105  may be hashed (along with at least a portion of the biometric data) by at least one processor  133  utilizing a fuzzy hash algorithm or a hash algorithm to generate the biometric digital signature for the user  105 . Various different types of additional identifying information for the user  105  that may be used include, but are not limited to, location information, temperature information, humidity information, date information, time information, elevation information, range information, and/or personal information (e.g., date of birth and/or at least a portion of a social security number). 
     In one or more embodiments, the biometric digital signature for the user  105  may be utilized as a private identity key for user  105 . The user  105  may use this private identity key to be able to conduct transactions, access data, and/or participate in activities. In at least one embodiment, the user device  130  stores the biometric digital signature in memory  131 . 
     In one or more embodiments, when a user  105  desires to conduct a transaction (e.g., make a banking transaction, transfer assignment of a data block of a blockchain from the user  105  to a beneficiary and/or allow the user  105  to transfer ownership of property from the user  105  to a beneficiary), access data (e.g., obtain medical records for the user  105  and/or obtain travel documentation for the user), and/or participate in activities (e.g., vote on behalf of the user  105 ); the user  105  may be verified by having the biometric digital signature validated. For the user  105  to be verified using this process, the communications interface  132  of the user device  130  first transmits (via wire and/or wirelessly), for example over the internet  145  (and/or other public and/or private network(s) and/or intranet(s)), the biometric digital signature of the user  105  to the node (e.g., a verification node)  140 . At least one processor  143  of the verification node  140  compares the biometric digital signature for the user  105  to a previous biometric digital signature for the user  105 . The previous biometric digital signature for the user  105  is a biometric digital signature that was previously generated and validated for the user  105  in the past. 
     In one or more embodiments, the database  144  comprises at least one database. In one or more embodiments, at least one of the databases of database  144  of the node  140  comprises the previous biometric digital signature for the user  105 . In at least one embodiment, at least one of the databases of database  144  comprises biometric digital signatures for a plurality of different users (including the user  105 ). In at least one embodiment, at least one of the databases of the database  144  is a distributed ledger (e.g., which comprises a blockchain). 
     After at least one processor  143  has compared the biometric digital signature for the user  105  to the previous biometric digital signature for the user  105 , if at least one processor  143  determines that the biometric digital signature for the user  105  is identical to the previous biometric digital signature for the user  105 , at least one processor  143  then validates the biometric digital signature, which verifies the user  105 . In one or more embodiments, at least one processor  143  determines that the biometric digital signature for the user  105  is identical to the previous biometric digital signature for the user  105 , when at least one processor  143  determines that the biometric digital signature for the user  105  is one-hundred (100) percent the same as (i.e. identical to) the previous biometric digital signature for the user  105 . 
     After at least one processor  143  determines that the biometric digital signature for the user  105  is identical to the previous biometric digital signature for the user  105 , at least one processor  143  generates a confirmation verification signal  141 , which indicates that the biometric digital signature has been validated. The node  140  then transmits (via wire and/or wirelessly), for example via the internet  145 , the confirmation verification signal  141  to the communications interface  132  of the user device  130  to notify the user  105  that the biometric digital signature has been validated and, thus, that the user  105  has been verified. After the user  105  has been verified, the user  105  is able to conduct the transaction (e.g., transfer assignment of a block in a blockchain), access the data, and/or participate in the activity. 
     However, if at least one processor  143  determines that the biometric digital signature for the user  105  is not identical to the previous biometric digital signature for the user  105 , at least one processor  143  generates an abort verification signal  142 , which indicates that the biometric digital signature has not been validated. The node  140  then transmits (via wire and/or wirelessly), for example via the internet  145 , the abort verification signal  142  to the communications interface  132  of the user device  130  to notify the user  105  that the biometric digital signature has not been validated and, thus, that the user  105  has not been verified. Since the user  105  has not been verified, the user  105  is unable to conduct the transaction, access the data, and/or participate in the activity. As previously mentioned above, it should be noted that in some embodiments, the user device  130  comprises the node  140 . 
       FIG. 1B  is a flow chart showing the disclosed method  150  for biometric digital signature generation for identity verification of a user, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. At the start  155  of the method  150 , at least one sensor senses biometric information from the user  160 . Then, a sensor device generates biometric data from the biometric information  165 . The sensor device then transmits the biometric data to a user device  170 . The user device  170  then hashes at least a portion of the biometric data to generate a biometric digital signature for the user  175 . Then, the user device transmits the biometric digital signature to a verification node  180 . The verification node then compares the biometric digital signature to a previous biometric digital signature for the user  185 . Then, the verification node verifies the user when the verification node determines that the biometric digital signature is identical to the previous biometric digital signature for the user  190 . Then, the method  150  ends  195 . 
       FIG. 2  is a diagram illustrating the process  200  of hashing biometric data  240  obtained from fingerprints  220  of a user  105  to generate a biometric digital signature  250  for the user  105 , in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. In this figure, a fingerprint sample  210  comprising images of fingerprints  220  (e.g., at least three fingerprints) (i.e. biometric information) is first obtained (e.g., sensed and/or imaged) from the fingers of the user  105 . The images of the fingerprints  220  (i.e. biometric information, e.g., in an analog data format) is converted to biometric data (e.g., digital data, such as a binary number  230  and/or a hexadecimal number  240 ). At least a portion of the biometric data (e.g., a binary number  230  or a hexadecimal number  240 ) is hashed utilizing a fuzzy hash algorithm (or alternatively a hash algorithm) to generate a biometric digital signature  250  for the user  105 . 
       FIG. 3  is a diagram illustrating the process  300  of hashing biometric data  340  obtained from blood  311  of a user  105  to generate a biometric digital signature  350  for the user  105 , in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. In this figure, a blood sample  310  is first obtained by extracting blood  311  from a finger of the user  105 . At least one chemical detector device (e.g., sensor) determines at least a portion of the DNA sequence  320  (e.g., biometric information, e.g., comprising nucleotides) of the blood  311 . The DNA sequence  320  (e.g., biometric information, e.g., comprising nucleotides) is converted to biometric data (e.g., digital data, such as a binary number  330  and/or a hexadecimal number  340 ). At least a portion of the biometric data (e.g., a binary number  330  or a hexadecimal number  340 ) is hashed utilizing a fuzzy hash algorithm (or alternatively a hash algorithm) to generate a biometric digital signature  350  for the user  105 . 
       FIG. 4  is a diagram illustrating the process  400  of hashing biometric data  340  obtained from a facial scan  410  of a user  105  to generate a biometric digital signature  350  for the user  105 , in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. In this figure, a facial scan  413  (e.g., an image generated from a three-dimensional object based on biometrics 410) (i.e. biometric information) is first obtained (e.g., sensed and/or imaged) by scanning, with an image scanner  412 , at least a portion of a face  411  of the user  105 . The facial scan  413  (i.e. biometric information) is converted to biometric data (e.g., digital data, such as a binary number  420  and/or a hexadecimal number  430 ). At least a portion of the biometric data (e.g., a binary number  420  or a hexadecimal number  430 ) is hashed utilizing a fuzzy hash algorithm (or alternatively a hash algorithm to generate a biometric digital signature  440  for the user  105 . 
       FIG. 5  is a diagram illustrating the process  500  of hashing biometric data  530  obtained from a scent  511  of a user  105  to generate a biometric digital signature  540  for the user  105 , in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. In this figure, an odor (e.g., scent, pheromone) sample  511  is first sensed from the user  105 . At least one chemical detector device (e.g., sensor) determines a chemical composition (e.g., biometric information, e.g., comprising isotopic data  510 )  512  of the odor sample  511 . The chemical composition (e.g., biometric information, e.g., comprising isotopic data  510 )  512  is converted to biometric data (e.g., digital data, such as a binary number  520  and/or a hexadecimal number  530 ). At least a portion of the biometric data (e.g., a binary number  520  or a hexadecimal number  530 ) is hashed utilizing a fuzzy hash algorithm (or alternatively a hash algorithm) to generate a biometric digital signature  540  for the user  105 . 
       FIG. 6  is a diagram illustrating the process  600  of hashing biometric data  630  obtained from an eye scan (e.g., iris scan and/or retina scan)  610  of a user  105  to generate a biometric digital signature  640  for the user  105 , in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. In this figure, an eye  611  of the user  105  is scanned with a scanner (e.g., an imager, a sensor) to obtain an iris scan (i.e. biometric information)  610  of at least a portion of the iris  612  of the user  105 . The iris scan  610  (i.e. biometric information) is converted to biometric data (e.g., digital data, such as a binary number  620  and/or a hexadecimal number  630 ). At least a portion of the biometric data (e.g., a binary number  620  or a hexadecimal number  630 ) is hashed utilizing a fuzzy hash algorithm (or alternatively a hash algorithm) to generate a biometric digital signature  640  for the user  105 . 
       FIG. 7  is a diagram illustrating the process  700  of hashing biometric data  730  obtained from a voice  711  of a user  105  to generate a biometric digital signature  740  for the user  105 , in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. In this figure, a voice sample  710  is obtained by sensing a voice  711  from the user  105 . At least one audio receiver device (e.g., sensor, microphone) senses (e.g., records) the voice  711  (e.g., biometric information, e.g., comprising audio information  712 ) from the user  105 . The biometric information (e.g., comprising audio information  712 ) of the voice  711  is converted to biometric data (e.g., digital data, such as a binary number  720  and/or a hexadecimal number  730 ). At least a portion of the biometric data (e.g., a binary number  720  or a hexadecimal number  730 ) is hashed utilizing a fuzzy hash algorithm (or alternatively a hash algorithm) to generate a biometric digital signature  740  for the user  105 . 
       FIG. 8  is a diagram illustrating the process  800  of utilizing biometric digital signatures  831 ,  833  for the transfer of a property  832  between an initiator (e.g., a user) and a beneficiary, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. In this figure, a user (e.g., initiator)  105  desires to transfer a data block  832 , which is assigned to the user (e.g., initiator)  105 , on a blockchain distributed ledger  842  to a beneficiary. A biometric digital signature  831  is first generated  810  for the user (e.g., initiator)  105 . For the generation of a biometric digital signature  831 , biometric information (e.g., a three-dimensional (3D) body scan)  811  is obtained from the user (e.g., an initiator)  105 . An electronic device (e.g., a user device)  130  associated with the user (e.g., an initiator)  105  hashes, utilizing a fuzzy hash algorithm (or alternatively a hash algorithm), biometric data from the biometric information  811  to generate a biometric digital signature  831  for the user (e.g., initiator)  105 . Also, a biometric digital signature  833  for the beneficiary is generated and provided by an electronic device (e.g., user device)  841  associated with the beneficiary. 
     After the biometric digital signature  831  is validated and the user (e.g., initiator)  105  is verified (refer to  FIG. 9  for that process), the data block  832  is transferred on the blockchain  842  from the user (e.g., initiator)  105  to the beneficiary, and the transaction on the distributed ledger is confirmed  840 . For the transfer of the data block  832 , the biometric digital signature  831  for the user (e.g., initiator)  105  will no longer be assigned to the data block  832 , and instead the biometric digital signature  833  for the beneficiary will be assigned to that data block  832 . 
       FIG. 9  is a diagram illustrating the process  900  of verifying a user (e.g., initiator)  105  by validating the biometric digital signature  920  for the user  105  to perform a transaction desired by the user  105 , in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. During the verification process  930 , the generated biometric digital signature  920  for the user (e.g., initiator)  105  is compared  932  to a previous biometric digital signature  931  for the user (e.g., initiator)  105 . If the generated biometric digital signature  920  for the user (e.g., initiator)  105  is found to be identical to the previous biometric digital signature  931  for the user (e.g., initiator)  105 , the generated biometric digital signature  920  is confirmed  934 , and the distributed ledger is updated  950  by transferring a data block  951  of a blockchain  953  from the user (e.g., initiator)  105  to a beneficiary. For the transfer of the data block  951 , the biometric digital signature  920  for the user (e.g., initiator)  105  will no longer be assigned to the data block  951 , and instead the biometric digital signature  940  for the beneficiary will be assigned to that data block  951 . 
     However, if the generated biometric digital signature  920  for the user (e.g., initiator)  105  is not found to be identical to the previous biometric digital signature  931  for the user (e.g., initiator)  105 , the generated biometric digital signature  920  is aborted  933 , and the user  105  will not be able to conduct the transaction. 
       FIG. 10  is a diagram illustrating the process  1000  of hashing location data (e.g., latitude, longitude)  1051  for a user  105  along with biometric data  1052  obtained from a user  105  to generate a biometric digital signature  1050  for the user  105 , in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. In this figure, a user device  130  of the user  105  obtains location information (e.g., latitude and longitude) for the user  105 , for example via Global Positioning System (GPS) signal detection  1020  by receiving a GPS signal  1023  radiating from a GPS satellite  1021  onto Earth  1022 . The location information (e.g., latitude and longitude) is converted into a binary number  1030  (e.g., the GPS data is encoded into binary data  1030 ) and/or a hexadecimal number  1040  (e.g., the GPS data is hexadecimal  1040 ). It should be noted that, in other embodiments, the user device  130  may obtain location information (e.g., latitude and longitude) for the user  105  by utilizing various different positioning systems other than GPS including, but not limited to, Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS), Galileo, Compass (BeiDou), or Quazi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS). 
     The GPS data (e.g., comprising a binary number  1030  and/or a hexadecimal number  1040 ) is hashed utilizing a hash algorithm or alternatively a fuzzy hash algorithm to generate a GPS signature  1051  for the user  105 . In addition, biometric data for the user  105  is hashed utilizing a fuzzy hash algorithm (or alternatively a hash algorithm) to generate a biometric digital signature  1052  for the user  105 . The GPS signature  1051  and the biometric digital signature  1052  together form the complete biometric digital signature (e.g., a GPS secure biometric digital signature)  1050  for the user  105 . 
       FIG. 11  is a diagram illustrating the process  1100  of verifying the user  105  by validating the satellite (e.g., GPS satellite) signature, which comprises location data (e.g., latitude and longitude), for the user  105  of  FIG. 11  to perform a transaction desired by the user  105 , in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. In this figure, the user  105  wishes to transfer assignment of a data block (e.g., access protected data  1110 , such as a data block in a blockchain  1112 ) to a beneficiary. In order to complete this transaction, the user  105  needs to be verified. For this embodiment, the user  105  is verified by validating the biometric digital signature of the user  105  and validating the location of the user  105 . In the embodiment of this figure, the biometric digital signature of the user  105  has already been validated. 
     In order to validate the location of the user  105 , the user device  1111  of the user  105  obtains location information (e.g., latitude and longitude) for the user  105 , for example via Global Positioning System (GPS) by receiving a GPS signal  1123  radiating from a GPS satellite  1121  onto Earth  1122  (e.g. locating a GPS signal  1120 ). The location information (e.g., latitude and longitude) is converted into a binary number (e.g., the GPS data is encoded into binary data) and/or a hexadecimal number (e.g., the GPS data is hexadecimal). The GPS data (e.g., comprising a binary number and/or a hexadecimal number) is hashed utilizing a hash algorithm (or alternatively a fuzzy hash algorithm) to generate a GPS signature  1131  for the user  105 . 
     During the verification process  1130 , the generated GPS signature  1131  for the user (e.g., initiator)  105  is compared  1132  to a previous GPS signature  1051  (refer to  FIG. 10 ) for the user (e.g., initiator)  105 . If the generated GPS signature  1131  for the user (e.g., initiator)  105  is found to be identical to the previous GPS signature  1051  for the user (e.g., initiator)  105 , the generated GPS signature  1131  is confirmed  1134 , and the transaction is initiated (e.g., blockchain confirmation  1140 ) by the distributed ledger being updated by transferring a data block of a blockchain  1142  from the user (e.g., initiator)  105  to a beneficiary. 
     However, if the generated GPS signature  1131  for the user (e.g., initiator)  105  is not found to be identical to the previous GPS signature  1051  for the user (e.g., initiator)  105 , the generated GPS signature  1131  is aborted  1133 , and the user  105  will not be able to conduct the transaction. 
       FIG. 12  is a diagram illustrating the process  1200  of storing a portion of a biometric digital signature  1230  for a user (“You”)  105  to host biometric digital signatures  1251 - 1256  held by other people  1241 - 1246  to generate the host biometric digital signatures  1251 - 1256  for each of the other people  1241 - 1246 , in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. For this embodiment, people  1241 - 1246 , who are related and/or associated with the user  105 , may each have a host biometric digital signature  1251 - 1256  that comprises a portion of the biometric digital signature  1230  for the user  105  so that the user  105  may use their host biometric digital signatures  1251 - 1256  to reconstruct the complete biometric digital signature  1230  for the user  105 . 
     In this figure, user data (e.g., source data  1220 , such as GPS data  1221 , biometric data  1222 , and/or personal data  1223 ) is first obtained  1210  from the user  105 . The user data (e.g., source data  1220 ) is hashed using a fuzzy hash algorithm (or alternatively a hash algorithm) to generate a biometric digital signature  1230  for the user  105 . 
     A portion of the biometric digital signature  1230  of the user  105  is stored for each host biometric digital signature  1251 - 1256  for each of the persons  1241 - 1246  (e.g., n number of people, e.g., six (6)) to generate a host biometric digital signature  1251 - 1256  for each of the people  1241 - 1246 , such that a combination of the host biometric digital signatures  1251 - 1256  for at least a portion of the people (e.g., m number of the people, e.g., four (4))  1241 - 1244  comprises all of the biometric digital signature  1230  for the user  105 , where m number is a number greater than half of n number. 
     For example, in one embodiment, the biometric digital signature  1230  of the user  105  comprises 64 characters, and each of the host biometric digital signatures  1251 - 1256  for the people  1241 - 1246  comprise a portion of the total number of characters (e.g., 32 characters). As such, for example, each host biometric digital signature  1251 - 1256  for the people  1241 - 1246  comprises a total of 32 characters. It should be noted that in other embodiments, the host biometric digital signature  1251 - 1256  for the people  1241 - 1246  may each comprise more or less than a total of 32 characters, and/or may each comprise a different number of characters to each other (e.g., half of the host biometric digital signatures  1251 - 1253  may comprise a total of 30 characters, and the other half of the host biometric digital signatures  1254 - 1256  may comprise a total of 34 characters). 
       FIG. 13  is a diagram illustrating the process  1300  of using the host biometric digital signatures  1251 - 1256  from the people  1241 - 1246  of  FIG. 12  to generate a reconstructed biometric digital signature  1320  for the user  105 , in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. In this figure, host biometric digital signatures  1252 ,  1253 ,  1255 ,  1256  from m (e.g., four (4)) number of then (e.g., six (6)) number of the people  1242 ,  1243 ,  1245 ,  1246  are used to reconstruct the biometric digital signature  1320  for the user  105 . Then, the reconstructed biometric digital signature  1320  for the user  105  can then be validated  1330  for the user  105  to be verified  1340 . 
       FIG. 14  is a diagram illustrating the process  1400  of verifying the user  105  by validating the reconstructed biometric digital signature  1320  for the user  105  of  FIG. 13 , in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. In this figure, GPS data  1221 , biometric data  1222 , and/or personal data  1223  from the user  105  is hashed using a fuzzy hash algorithm (or alternatively a hash algorithm) to generate a biometric digital signature  1230  for the user  105 . Host biometric digital signatures  1252 ,  1253 ,  1255 ,  1256  from m (e.g., four (4)) number of the n (e.g., six (6)) number of the people  1242 ,  1243 ,  1245 ,  1246  are used to reconstruct the biometric digital signature  1320  for the user  105 . The reconstructed the biometric digital signature  1320  is compared  1420  to the biometric digital signature  1230  for the user  105 . If the reconstructed the biometric digital signature  1320  for the user  105  is found to be identical to the biometric digital signature  1230  for the user  105 , the reconstructed the biometric digital signature  1320  is validated  1430 . 
       FIG. 15  is a diagram illustrating various different types of transactions that may occur after the user  105  is verified by validating the biometric digital signature for the user  105 , in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in this figure, the various different types of transactions that may occur include, but are not limited to, the transferring the assignment of data blocks on a blockchain using biometric digital signatures  1510 , identification of assignment of data blocks on a blockchain using biometric digital signatures  1520 , identification of a user  105  for casting a vote during a voting process  1530 , identification of a user  105  for obtaining medical records  1540 , identification of user  105  for obtaining travel documentation  1550 , and identification of ownership of bank accounts for conducting bank transactions using biometric digital signatures  1560 . 
       FIG. 16  is a diagram illustrating various different types of additional identifying information that may be hashed along with biometric data obtained from the user  105  to generate a biometric digital signature for the user  105 , in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in this figure, the various different types of additional identifying information that may be utilized include, but are not limited to, temperature of the environment  1610 , humidity of the environment  1620 , a calendar date range  1630 , a time range  1640 , an elevation range  1650 , and a cardinal direction range  1660 . 
       FIG. 17  is a diagram illustrating the process  1700  of generating a biometric digital signature  1760  for a user  105  by hashing biometric data  1701 ,  1702 ,  1703  from the user  105  along with additional identifying information  1710 ,  1720  and personal information  1730 ,  1740  for the user  105 , in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. In this figure, biometric information, in the form of fingerprints  1701 ,  1702 ,  1703 , is obtained from the user  105 . Biometric data (in the form of hexadecimal numbers  1705 ) is generated from the biometric information of the fingerprints  1701 ,  1702 ,  1703 . 
     Also, additional identifying information is obtained for the user  105 . The additional identifying information comprises GPS location information (e.g., latitude and longitude)  1710  and cardinal direction information  1720 . Digital numbers (e.g., hexadecimal numbers  1705 ) are generated from the additional identifying information. 
     In addition, personal information is obtained from the user  105 . The personal information comprises the birth date  1730  of the user  105  and the last four digits of the user&#39;s  105  social security number. Digital numbers (e.g., hexadecimal numbers  1705 ) are generated from the personal information. 
     The digital numbers  1750  (e.g., all of the hexadecimal numbers  1705 ) for the biometric information (e.g., fingerprints  1701 ,  1702 ,  1703 ), the additional identifying information (e.g., GPS location information  1710  and cardinal direction information  1720 ), and the personal information (e.g., birth date  1730  and last four digits of the social security number  1740 ) are hashed using a fuzzy hash algorithm (or alternatively a hash algorithm) to generate the biometric digital signature  1760  for the user  105 . 
     Although particular embodiments have been shown and described, it should be understood that the above discussion is not intended to limit the scope of these embodiments. While embodiments and variations of the many aspects of the invention have been disclosed and described herein, such disclosure is provided for purposes of explanation and illustration only. Thus, various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claims. 
     Where methods described above indicate certain events occurring in certain order, those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure would recognize that the ordering may be modified and that such modifications are in accordance with the variations of the present disclosure. Additionally, parts of methods may be performed concurrently in a parallel process when possible, as well as performed sequentially. In addition, more steps or less steps of the methods may be performed. 
     Accordingly, embodiments are intended to exemplify alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that may fall within the scope of the claims. 
     Although certain illustrative embodiments and methods have been disclosed herein, it can be apparent from the foregoing disclosure to those skilled in the art that variations and modifications of such embodiments and methods can be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of this disclosure. Many other examples exist, each differing from others in matters of detail only. Accordingly, it is intended that this disclosure be limited only to the extent required by the appended claims and the rules and principles of applicable law.