Patent ID: 8058972

Claim:
A method for preparing a secure identification document for an individual using a device capable of capturing biometric information, comprising the steps of: collecting biographic information from the individual; generating first, second, third, and fourth random numeric keys and storing the first, second, third, and fourth random numeric keys in a central database; obtaining a facial image from the individual; obtaining additional verification images of biometric information from the individual; merging the first random numeric key with one of the additional verification images of biometric information to create a first encryption key; encrypting the facial image using the first encryption key and storing it in the central database; merging one or more of the additional verification images of biometric information from the individual with a unique code associated with the device to create a biometric watermark image; merging the second random numeric key with one of the additional verification images of biometric information to create a second encryption key; encrypting the biometric watermark image with the second encryption key and storing the encrypted biometric watermark image in the central database; embedding the encrypted biometric watermark image in the facial image of the individual using invisible-robust watermarking and the third random numeric key to create a biometric watermark facial image; watermarking the biometric watermark facial image using invisible-fragile watermarking and the fourth random numeric key to create a final facial image and storing the final facial image on a storage chip associated with the secure identification document; watermarking the facial image of the individual with a selected design using visible-transparent watermarking to create a visible watermarked facial image; storing the first encryption key, second encryption key, biometric watermark facial image, and final facial image in the central database; printing the visible watermarked facial image and the biographical information on the secure identification document; and attaching the storage chip to the secure identification document.