Patent Publication Number: US-2017374065-A1

Title: Method and apparatus for performing operations associated with biometric templates

Description:
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure relates generally to biometric recognition and more particularly to processing operations associated to biometric templates. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Biometric systems are becoming a popular integrated feature in many devices. For example, biometric authentication is a feature in mobile devices that offers a convenient means of authenticating a user without the need of inputting a password. Although biometric components and features are ever expanding, their most sought out use has been for security and authentication purposes. As the need for protection and privacy continues to increase, so do the complicated algorithms and combination of biometric authentication required to keep devices secure. 
     Unfortunately, as the development of biometrics increases, so does the possibility of falsing or spoofing. Therefore, the systems that provide the highest amount of security are matched by an enormous price that is infeasible for general public. The convenience and quickness offered by biometric authentication may be implemented in other means that are not a security concern to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of devices. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a device having a biometric sensor and providing an output signal in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram of a second device providing an output signal in response to a first device biometric system in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram of a biometric system in a device having various possible biometric sensors in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  is a flowchart showing a method of operation in a biometric device using a biometric template to provide a control output signal in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  is a flowchart showing a method of operation using in a biometric device using a biometric template to provide a control output signal in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  is a flowchart showing a method of operation using at least one biometric template is generated in order to provide an output signal in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  is a flowchart showing a method of operation using multiple biometric sensors to provide different output signals in accordance with an embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present disclosure provides for a device that can extract biometric data from a biometric sensor. The device is capable of generating a biometric template that can be matched to an enrolled biometric template stored in the memory of the device. Enrolled biometric templates are associated with predetermined operations which the device can perform. In response to the match between the generated biometric template and the enrolled biometric template, the device will provide an output signal corresponding to the predetermined operation associated with the enrolled biometric template. 
     Turning now to the drawings wherein like numerals represent like components,  FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a biometric device  100  that includes a biometric sensor  101  in accordance with the embodiments. The biometric device  100  includes a non-volatile, non-transitory memory  103  that contains one or more enrolled biometric templates  105 . Memory  103  further includes predetermined operations  107  which may be in list form. The biometric sensor  101  and memory  107  are operatively coupled to a processor  109 . The various components and devices that are described herein as being “operatively coupled” refers to such operative coupling as that having, in some embodiments, one or more intermediate or intervening components that may exist between, or along the connection path between two such components such that the components are understood to be operatively coupled in that data, commands or control signals can be sent from one to the other and vice versa. 
     The processor  109  obtains raw sensor data from the biometric sensor  101  and extracts relevant biometric features. The processor  109  is operative to use the extracted biometric features to generate corresponding biometric templates for matching with enrolled biometric templates  105  stored in memory  103 . The memory  103  contains one or more enrolled biometric templates related to one or more predetermined operations of the biometric device  100 . In some embodiments, predetermined operations  107  may be related to operations of an external device (not shown). 
     A biometric template represents a digital reference of a distinct characteristic of an individual that has been extracted from a biometric sample. Biometric characteristics may be measured from various parts of a human body, such as finger tips, facial structure, irises, voice, etc. A processor may then generate a biometric template from the obtained biometric sensor data and match it to an enrolled biometric template. An enrolled biometric template is a biometric template that a user has provided to the biometric system, using a biometric enrollment procedure. The procedure for enrolling a biometric template may include a user selecting and associating an operation that the device can perform to a biometric template generated by a processor. However, it is to be understood that other procedures, such as voice input or input from external devices, may be implemented in order to associate a biometric template with an operation. 
     Operations that can be associated with an enrolled biometric template may include, but are not limited to, network operations, location operations, information operations, telephonic operations, payment operations, device application operations, storage operations or combinations thereof. An operation, as provided herein, may correspond to performing a process or series of processes on a device that usually requires a physical input using a touchscreen display or a button. A network operation may include any various operation that a user may perform on the device that is associated with connecting to or receiving and transferring data over a wired or wireless network. For example, a network operation may be a data request to a server. A location operation may include coordinating or locating a desired destination using various hardware or software components. For example, a biometric template may be associated with a static location that can automatically be coordinated using a mapping software or GPS hardware. Information operations may include producing information stored in the device such as, but not limited to, music, images, recordings, contacts, settings, etc. For example, an information operation could correspond to retrieving a “favorites” contact list stored in a memory of the device. Telephonic operations may include any telephonic operation a device has such as, but not limited to, making a phone call, sending a text message, listening to voicemail, etc. Payment operations may include associating a biometric template with a payment method. For example, an enrolled biometric template may be associated with information relating to a specific credit card or credentials to access a payment platform (e.g. PayPal®). Device application operations may include opening applications stored on a device, such as a gaming or viewing application (e.g. Netflix®). A storage operation may include any suitable feature for storing desired data on a memory internal or external (i.e. cloud based) to the device. It is to be understood that the operations mentioned above are exemplary and not limiting such that other processes may be performed, such as controlling the operational state (e.g. power down mode), by the biometric device  100 . 
     Once the processor  109  determines that a biometric template matches an enrolled biometric template, the processor  109  will provide an output signal  111  based on the predetermined operation associated with the enrolled biometric template. The output signal may be a command signal corresponding to an operation. If a biometric template does not match one of the enrolled biometric templates  105  stored in memory  103 , the device may provide the user with an option to associate the generated biometric template with an operation. If the processor  109  detects that the generated biometric template is associated with an operation, the processor  109  will store the biometric template in memory  103  with the enrolled biometric templates  105  and the associated operation will be stored with the predetermined operations  107  in memory  103 . The biometric templates  105  and predetermined operations  107  may be stored in a list form, however, other variations and methods of storage may be used. 
     In order for a biometric measurement to be made, the biometric device  100  will utilize a biometric sensor  101  to scan a user&#39;s body part. Biometric sensors can be a ubiquitous technology such as a microphone for voice capture, a fingerprint sensor or a camera for facial or iris recognition. Other specially designed units may be used, such as those that scan vein patterns under the skin. It is to be understood that in various embodiments, other biometrics may be used, such as, but not limited to, body odor detection, body heat signature detection and some other biometrics. 
     The biometric device  100  may be any suitable electronic device having a biometric sensor. For example, the biometric device  100  may be an automobile having a biometric sensor on a steering wheel, such that when a biometric template matches an enrolled biometric template, an output signal is provided by the automobile such that the driver&#39;s seat is electronically moved to a position based on the seat position information associated with the enrolled biometric template. In another example, the biometric device  100  may be a mobile or wearable device such that when a biometric template matches an enrolled biometric template, a signal is provided such that a phone call is placed to another device who&#39;s contact information is associated with the enrolled biometric template. It is to be understood that the methods and operations are not limited to an automobile or mobile device. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates another implementation of a biometric system where a second device provides a command signal in response to a first biometric device. The example biometric system of  FIG. 2  includes a first device  201  having data processing logic  205  and a memory  207 . The first device  201  further includes a transceiver  209  operatively coupled to a controller  211 . The controller  211  is operatively coupled to the data processing logic  205  which is further operatively coupled to a biometric sensor  203 . The data processing logic  205  is operative to obtain raw sensor data from the biometric sensor  203  and generate a biometric template. The data processing logic  205  will match the generated biometric template to an enrolled biometric template stored in memory  207 . The memory  207  will also store predetermined operations for enrolled biometric templates. The controller  211  is operative to communicate with the transceiver  209  in order to pass the predetermined operation information to a second device  221  over a wireless link  213  between the transceiver  209  and the transceiver  223  within the second device  221 . 
     The transceiver  223 , within the second device  221 , is operatively coupled to a controller  225 . The controller is operative to receive the predetermined operation information from transceiver  209  sent to it from the first device  201 . The controller  225  is operatively coupled to a memory  227 , such that the predetermined operation information sent from the first device  201  may be understood (i.e. decoded) by the second device  221 . The controller  225  of the second device  221 , based on the predetermined operation information, will provide an output signal  229  associated with the enrolled biometric template found in the first device  201 . The output signal  229  may be returned to the first device  201  over the wireless link  213 , may be sent to a third device (not shown), or may process an operation associated with the enrolled biometric template from the first device  201  on the second device  221 . For example, in some embodiments, the output signal  229  establishes a Bluetooth® connection between the first device  201  and the second device  221 . In another example, the first device  201  may be a mobile device and the second device  221  may be a printer or monitor, such that a command output signal  229  from the first device  201  is an input on the second device  221  to print or display the signal in a user understandable format (e.g. readable text). 
     In some embodiments, the first device  201  may be a mobile device or a wearable device due to convenience and accessibility. A mobile device may be a laptop, tablet computer, media player, phone, GPS unit, remote control, personal digital assistant (PDA), and the like, and devices combining some or all of this functionality. On the other hand, a wearable device may have any suitable structure and therefore include a watch, ring, button, bracelet, belt buckle, etc. Wearable devices may also be sewn into an article of clothing, such as a shirt or pants, etc. For example, a user that lost their mobile device may be wearing a ring (i.e. wearable device) having a biometric sensor and an enrolled biometric template corresponding to a sound operation, wherein the ring is capable of generating and matching biometric templates to enrolled biometric templates such that a signal is sent to the mobile device instructing the mobile device to perform an operation which produces an audible sound by the mobile device, thereby allowing the user to locate the mobile device when the ring determines that the enrolled biometric template matches the fingerprint template. 
     In some embodiments, the second device  221  will include a separate data processing logic (not shown) capable of performing the same operations as data processing logic  205 . The second device  221  will receive biometric data from biometric sensor  203  of the first device  201  over wireless link  213 . The data processing logic in the second device  221  will obtain and generate a biometric template using the biometric data received at transceiver  223  from transceiver  209  of the first device  201 . Memory  227  will include enrolled biometric templates and predetermined operations associated with the enrolled biometric templates. The data processing logic will match the generated biometric template to the enrolled biometric template stored in memory  227 . Controller  225  will produce the output signal  229  for the predetermined operation associated with the matched enrolled biometric template stored in memory  227 . As above, the output signal  229  may be returned to the first device  201  over the wireless link  213 , may be sent to a third device (not shown), or may process an operation associated with the enrolled biometric template on the second device  221 . 
     The wireless transceiver  209  of the first device  201  and transceiver  223  of the second device  221 , may utilize any suitable wireless technology such as IEEE 802.11 (also referred to as WiFi®), Bluetooth®, Wireless USB, ZigBee, Bluetooth® Low Energy (also referred to as “Bluetooth® Smart”) or any other suitable wireless technology that may form the wireless link  213  between the first device  201  and the second device  221  to transfer information or output command and control signaling there-between. The first device  201  and the second device may go through a pairing procedure or a connection procedure depending on the wireless technology employed. The second device  221 , may be any suitable electronic device such as a television, remote, automobile, mobile device or similar device. In some embodiments, one of the devices may be at a fixed location and the other device may be a mobile device or wearable. For example, the second device  221  may be a television having network capabilities (“Smart TV”). If the first device  201  is a mobile or wearable device, the first device  201  may send command and control signals (e.g. operational instructions) to the second device  221  after a pairing or authentication procedure is complete. 
     Therefore, the wireless transceivers of the first device  201  and the second device  221  can each receive wireless signals from, and send wireless signals to, the other device wireless transceiver over wireless link  213 . For example, controller  225  within the second device  221  may send a command signal to the data processing logic  205  of the first device  201  to retrieve operational information. 
     Another embodiment of a biometric system is illustrated in  FIG. 3 . A biometric device  300  includes audio equipment  301 , camera hardware  305  and a fingerprint scanner  309 . Audio equipment  301  includes at least one microphone and is operatively coupled to a voice recognition engine  303  and data processing logic  313 . The camera hardware  305  includes at least one camera and is operatively coupled to an iris scanner  307  and the data processing logic  313 . Camera hardware  305  can include any suitable device for detecting images based on light and may include multiple cameras at different locations of the device  300  (e.g. a front and a back camera). The fingerprint scanner  309  is also operatively coupled to the data processing logic  313 . The various components of biometric device  300  are operatively coupled to a controller  315 . The controller  315  is operative to issue an output signal  317  to the various components of the biometric device  300 . 
     The audio equipment  301  may include, among other things, at least one microphone, at least one speaker, signal amplification, analog-to-digital conversion/digital audio sampling, echo cancellation, and other audio processing, etc., which may be applied to one or more microphones and/or one or more speakers of the biometric device  300 . The camera hardware  303  may include, among other things, at least one camera, any appropriate image sensor, such as, but not limited to, a charge-coupled device (CCD), CMOS chip, active-pixel sensor (APS), Bayer sensor, etc. The fingerprint scanner  309  may include a flexible substrate with various components for scanning a surface in order to capture an image of a fingerprint or other extremity. 
     The output signal  317  produced by the controller  315  may be to a component of the biometric device  300  or may be to an external system that is physically external from the biometric device  300 . The biometric device  300  various components may include a display  319 , antenna hardware  321 , including a transceiver  323 , other user interfaces  325 , which may include, but is not limited to, a keyboard, touch sensors, mouse, buttons, etc., and other sensors  327 , such as a gyroscope and accelerometer (which may be separate or integrated in a single package). The controller  315  is operatively to the components mentioned above and to a non-volatile, non-transitory memory  330 . 
     The memory  330  includes voice print templates  331 , voice recognition code  333 , iris recognition code  335 , iris templates  337 , fingerprint templates  339  and predetermined operations  341 . The various executable codes and templates in memory  330  correspond to the voice recognition engine  303 , the iris scanner  307  and the fingerprint scanner  309 . The voice print templates  331 , iris templates  337  and fingerprint templates  339  are enrolled biometric template databases that contain biometric templates of at least one user that has been enrolled through a biometric enrollment process. The predetermined operations  341  may be stored in various forms, such as a list associating a predetermined operation with an enrolled biometric template, and correspond to the output signals provided by the controller  315 . 
     The biometric templates generated by the data processing logic  311  are matched by the controller  315  to an enrolled biometric template stored in memory  330 . Based on the biometric sensor used, the controller will compare the generated template to the proper enrolled template in memory  330 . If the controller  315  detects a matching enrolled biometric template to the generated biometric template, the controller  315  will obtain the associated predetermined operation from memory  330  and issue an output signal  317  to the corresponding components of the biometric device  300 . In some embodiments, the controller  315  will use the antenna hardware  321  of the biometric device  300  to output a command signal  317  containing the predetermined operation to a second device. In other embodiments, the controller  315  will use the antenna hardware  321  of the biometric device  300  to transfer biometric data, rather than a biometric template, from one or more sensors to a second device. Antenna hardware  321  includes any known or developed structure for receiving electromagnetic energy in the radio frequency (RF) spectrum. For example, transceiver  323  may encode or decode data using amplitude modulation, frequency modulation, phase modulation or any combination thereof. 
     The biometric process may be initiated in the various embodiments using a variety of approaches. In one approach, a biometric sensor within the biometric device  300  may send out a reflective signal periodically to determine whether a user is present (i.e. whether a fingerprint or iris is nearby and being detected). Because the device  300  may be powered by batteries, in some embodiments, this approach is periodic in order to conserve battery power. For a fixed device where power may be provided from a power source other than a battery, power conservation is less of an issue and therefore the biometric sensors within the biometric device  300  may be constantly scanning and processing data to match an enrolled biometric template. In other embodiments, a sensor, such as a proximity sensor, may be used as a trigger to the biometric device  300  to initiate the processing and matching of biometric templates. Another approach may be a user input to initiate the process or an input to wake a device from a powered down state (i.e. sleep mode). Any other approach to initiate the biometric process may be used in the various embodiments. 
     Various selectable buttons and/or selectable features of display  319  may be selected in various ways in accordance with the embodiments, such as, but not limited to, mouse cursor point-and-click, touch screen, scrolling a cursor to the selectable item and hitting an “enter” key, using hot keys corresponding to the selectable feature, voice commands, etc., or any other suitable way of selecting a selectable feature. 
       FIG. 4  is a flowchart showing a method of operation using a biometric template to provide a control output signal, in accordance with an embodiment. The method of operation begins and in operation block  401 , the processor of the biometric device obtains biometric data using a biometric scanner. In operation block  403 , the processor extracts biometric features from the biometric data. In operation block  405 , the processor generates a biometric template using the extracted biometric features. In decision block  407 , the processor determines whether the generated biometric template matches an enrolled biometric template that is stored in memory. If there is no match, the method of operation ends. If at decision block  407 , the processor determines that there is a match between the generated biometric template and the enrolled biometric template, in operation block  409 , the processor obtains a predetermined operation that is associated with the matching enrolled biometric template. In operation block  411 , the processor provides an output signal corresponding to the predetermined operation. 
       FIG. 5  is a flowchart illustrating a method of operation in a biometric device, in accordance with an embodiment. The operation begins and in operation block  501 , the biometric device monitors for biometric data using a biometric sensor. In operation block  503  data processing logic in the biometric device obtains biometric data using the biometric sensor. In operation block  505 , the data processing logic extracts biometric features from the biometric data. In operation block  507 , the data processing logic generates a biometric template. In decision block  509 , a controller determines whether the generated biometric template matches an enrolled biometric template stored in memory. If not, in sub-process block  511 , the controller may associate the biometric template with an operation. The controller may detect an input on the biometric device that is to be associated with the biometric template. For example, the controller c may detect a selection associated with opening an application on the mobile device. In operation block  513 , the controller may store the biometric template with the associated operation (i.e. opening application) in memory of the biometric device and the method of operation reverts back to operation block  501 . Therefore, if the data processing logic were to generate the same biometric template at a later time, the controller would match it to the enrolled biometric template associated with opening the application. 
     If at decision block  509 , the controller determines that the generated biometric template matches an enrolled biometric template, in decision block  515 , the controller determined whether the enrolled biometric template is associated with more than one predetermined operations. If the enrolled biometric template is associated with only one predetermined operation, in operation block  517 , the controller determines the predetermined operation and in operation block  519 , the controller within the biometric device provides an output signal associated with the first (i.e. only) predetermined operation. If at decision block  515 , the matching enrolled template is associated with two predetermined operations, in decision block  521 , the controller determines whether pressure data from a pressure sensor is above a designated threshold. If not, the method of operation continues to operation block  517  and operation block  519 , where the controller provides an output signal associated with the first predetermined operation. If at decision block  521 , the controller obtains that the pressure data from the pressure sensor is above a desired threshold, in operation block  523 , the controller obtains a second predetermined operation for the enrolled biometric template. In operation block  519 , the controller provides an output signal associated with the second predetermined operation. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a method of operation within a biometric device using at least one enrolled biometric template to provide an output signal. The operation begins and in operation block  601 , the biometric device, having a biometric scanner, monitors for biometric data. In operation block  603 , the data processing logic within the biometric device obtains biometric data from the biometric scanner. In operation block  605 , the data processing logic extracts biometric features from the obtained biometric data. In decision block  607 , the data processing logic determines whether more than one template can be generated. In some embodiments, more than one biometric template may be generated when a biometric sensor is capable of attaining several biometric features. For example, if the biometric device detects two or more fingerprints on a fingerprint sensor, the data processing logic may generate two biometric templates from the biometric data of each biometric sensor. Enrolled biometric templates stored in memory of the biometric device may be combined and associated with a distinct operation as compared to the operation associated with the enrolled biometric templates individually. 
     If at decision block  607 , only one biometric template can be generated, in operation block  609 , the data processing logic generates a biometric template. In decision block  611 , a controller determines whether the generated biometric template matches an enrolled biometric template stored in memory of the biometric device. If not the operation reverts back to operation block  601 . If in decision block  611 , the generated biometric template matches the enrolled biometric template, in operation block  613 , the controller obtains an operation associated with the enrolled biometric template. In operation block  615 , the controller provides an output signal based on the associated predetermined operation of the matching enrolled template. 
     If more than one template can be generated at decision block  607 , in operation block  617 , the data processing logic generates two or more templates. In decision block  619 , the controller determines whether all the generated biometric templates match at least one enrolled biometric template. If not, the method of operation reverts back to operation block  601 . If in decision block  619 , the controller determines that all generated biometric templates match at least one enrolled biometric template, in decision block  621 , the controller determines whether a predetermined operation exists for the combination of matching biometric templates. If no predetermined operation exists for the combination of matching templates, in operation block  613 , the controller obtains a separate predetermined operation associated with each matched enrolled biometric template. In operation block  615 , the controller provides an output signal based on the associated predetermined operation of each matching enrolled biometric template. For example, a command signal is output to display an image on a display of the biometric device. If in decision block  621 , the data processing logic determines that a single predetermined operation exists for the combination of matching biometric templates, in operation block  623 , the controller determines the associated predetermined operation for the combination of matched enrolled biometric templates. The operation continues, as before, to operation block  615 , where the controller provides an output signal based on the associated predetermined operation for the combination of matching enrolled biometric templates. 
       FIG. 7  is a flowchart showing another implementation of the biometric device generating multiple biometric templates from multiple biometric sensors to provide different output signals in accordance with an embodiment. The operation begins and in operation block  701 , the biometric device monitors biometric data from a plurality of biometric sensors. In operation block  703 , data processing logic within the biometric device obtains biometric data from a first biometric sensor. In operation block  705 , the data processing logic extracts the biometric features from the biometric data from the first biometric sensor. In operation block  707 , the data processing logic generates a first biometric template using the biometric data of the first biometric sensor. In decision block  709 , a controller determines whether the first generated biometric template matches a first enrolled biometric template. In operation block  711 , the data processing logic obtains biometric data using a second biometric sensor. In operation block  713 , the data processing logic extracts the biometric features from the biometric data and in operation block  715 , the data processing logic generates a second biometric template. In decision block  717 , the controller determines whether the generated second biometric template matches a second enrolled biometric template. If either first generated biometric template at decision block  709  or second biometric template in decision block  717  match an enrolled biometric template, the method of operation continues to decision block  719 . If both generated templates fail to match an enrolled biometric template, the method of operation reverts back to operation block  701 . 
     In decision block  719 , the controller determines whether the first generated biometric template matches the first biometric enrolled template and the second generated biometric template matches the second enrolled biometric template. If both the first and second generated biometric templates do not match the first and second enrolled biometric templates, respectively, at decision block  719 , the operation continues to operation block  721  and operation block  723 . In operation block  721 , the controller provides an output signal for a predetermined operation associated with the first enrolled biometric template if the first generated biometric template matches the first enrolled biometric template. In operation block  723 , the controller provides an output signal for a predetermined operation associated with the second enrolled biometric template if the second generated biometric template matches the second enrolled biometric template. 
     If in decision block  719 , all generated templates match all enrolled templates, the method of operation continues to decision block  725 , the controller determines whether a predetermined operation exists for the combination of matched enrolled biometric templates. If no predetermined operation is associated with the combination of matching biometric templates in decision block  725 , in operation block  721 , the controller provides an output signal for a predetermined operation associated with the first enrolled biometric template and in operation block  723 , the controller provides an output signal for a predetermined operation associated with the second enrolled biometric template. If at decision block  723 , a predetermined operation exists for the combination of enrolled biometric templates which match the generated biometric templates, in operation block  727 , the controller outputs a signal associated with the predetermined operation associated with the combination of matched enrolled biometric templates. 
     In the various embodiments where there is more than one biometric sensor, the data processing logic of the biometric device may dynamically perform the initial operations of obtaining, extracting and generating for each biometric sensor. For example, the data processing logic will obtain biometric data from the first biometric sensor and from the second biometric sensor at the same time, and a first biometric template will be generated at the same time a second biometric template is generated so as to allow the controller to determine whether the combination of matching biometric templates is associated with a single predetermined operation. 
     It is to be understood that the block diagrams provided herein show at least those components necessary to describe the features and advantages of the various embodiments to those of ordinary skill, but that various other components, circuitry, logic, etc. may be present in order to implement various functions and features of the devices such as the example wearable and other mobile devices and that those various other components, circuitry, devices, etc., are understood to be present in the various embodiments by those of ordinary skill. 
     It is to be understood that information and commands such as, but not limited to, raw biometric sensor data, biometric templates and/or an output signal, sent over the wireless links described herein may be encrypted using any of various suitable data encryption techniques for sending data and/or for communication over wireless links in order to enhance security. 
     The various components shown and described in the figures corresponding to biometric devices and systems may be implemented independently as software and/or firmware executing on one or more programmable processors, and may also include, or may be implemented independently, using ASICs, DSPs, hardwired circuitry (logic circuitry), or combinations thereof. That is, any of the various described controllers, data processing logic, voice recognition engine, and/or data collection and processing logic components, may be implemented using an ASIC, DSP, executable code executing on a processor, logic circuitry, or combinations thereof. 
     Each of the various described database components are implemented in the various embodiments via non-volatile, non-transitory computer readable memory. The memory, which is also non-volatile, non-transitory computer readable memory, contains executable instructions or executable code for execution by at least one processor, that when executed, cause the at least one processor to operate in accordance with the functionality and methods of operation herein described. The computer readable memory may be any suitable non-volatile, non-transitory, memory such as, but not limited to, programmable chips such as EEPROMS, flash ROM (thumb drives), compact discs (CDs) digital video disks (DVDs), etc., that may be used to load executable instructions or program code to other processing devices such as mobile devices, including wearable devices, or other devices such as those that may benefit from the features of the herein described embodiments. 
     Various applications exist for the biometric system disclosed herein and there are various operations that are contemplated by the present disclosure. One such application is to send output signals to find previously hidden data, such as an image stored within several layers of memory. An enrolled biometric template may be associated with a predetermined operation such that a command signal is sent in order to retrieve the hidden data. Alternatively, an enrolled biometric template may be associated with a predetermined operation, such as a locating operation, so that a user can easily find a misplaced item. For example, the misplaced item, having communication capabilities with a biometric device, would exhibit a vibration or sound in response to a signal sent from the biometric device when the enrolled biometric template is matched with to a generated biometric template on the biometric device. The user would have previously gone through the necessary enrolling process in order to associate such operations with the desired biometric characteristic. 
     An enrolling process may include using a biometric sensor within a biometric device to generate a biometric template. Once a template is generated, a user is prompted, on the biometric device, to select an operation to be associated with the template. After receiving an input corresponding to the selection made by a user, the biometric template associated with the operation and stored in a memory of the biometric device. The stored biometric templated that is associated with the operation is an enrolled biometric template. A user can erase or configure an enrolled biometric template. In other words, an enrolled biometric template can be associated with a different operation without having to generate a new biometric template. 
     Another application is to combine the output command signal for the predetermined operation sent from the biometric device to an internal or external component with a biometric authentication system. For example, an enrolled biometric template may be associated with the necessary security authentication needed to access a secure room and combining the authentication with a predetermined operation, such as turning on the lights in the secure room, thereby simultaneously sending an authentication signal and a command output signal. Other ways of using and/or combining biometric systems to provide output signals will occur to those of ordinary skill in light of the present disclosure. 
     While various embodiments have been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that the invention is not so limited. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions and equivalents will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.