CA2417208C - A portable device having biometrics-based authentication capabilities - Google Patents
A portable device having biometrics-based authentication capabilities Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2417208C CA2417208C CA002417208A CA2417208A CA2417208C CA 2417208 C CA2417208 C CA 2417208C CA 002417208 A CA002417208 A CA 002417208A CA 2417208 A CA2417208 A CA 2417208A CA 2417208 C CA2417208 C CA 2417208C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- biometrics
- portable device
- user
- fingerprint
- portable
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F21/00—Security arrangements for protecting computers, components thereof, programs or data against unauthorised activity
- G06F21/70—Protecting specific internal or peripheral components, in which the protection of a component leads to protection of the entire computer
- G06F21/78—Protecting specific internal or peripheral components, in which the protection of a component leads to protection of the entire computer to assure secure storage of data
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F18/00—Pattern recognition
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F21/00—Security arrangements for protecting computers, components thereof, programs or data against unauthorised activity
- G06F21/30—Authentication, i.e. establishing the identity or authorisation of security principals
- G06F21/31—User authentication
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F21/00—Security arrangements for protecting computers, components thereof, programs or data against unauthorised activity
- G06F21/30—Authentication, i.e. establishing the identity or authorisation of security principals
- G06F21/31—User authentication
- G06F21/32—User authentication using biometric data, e.g. fingerprints, iris scans or voiceprints
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
- G06K19/00—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings
- G06K19/06—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
- G06K19/067—Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components
- G06K19/07—Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components with integrated circuit chips
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
- G06K19/00—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings
- G06K19/06—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
- G06K19/067—Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components
- G06K19/07—Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components with integrated circuit chips
- G06K19/077—Constructional details, e.g. mounting of circuits in the carrier
- G06K19/0772—Physical layout of the record carrier
- G06K19/07732—Physical layout of the record carrier the record carrier having a housing or construction similar to well-known portable memory devices, such as SD cards, USB or memory sticks
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L63/00—Network architectures or network communication protocols for network security
- H04L63/08—Network architectures or network communication protocols for network security for authentication of entities
- H04L63/0861—Network architectures or network communication protocols for network security for authentication of entities using biometrical features, e.g. fingerprint, retina-scan
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L9/00—Cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for secret or secure communications; Network security protocols
- H04L9/32—Cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for secret or secure communications; Network security protocols including means for verifying the identity or authority of a user of the system or for message authentication, e.g. authorization, entity authentication, data integrity or data verification, non-repudiation, key authentication or verification of credentials
- H04L9/3226—Cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for secret or secure communications; Network security protocols including means for verifying the identity or authority of a user of the system or for message authentication, e.g. authorization, entity authentication, data integrity or data verification, non-repudiation, key authentication or verification of credentials using a predetermined code, e.g. password, passphrase or PIN
- H04L9/3231—Biological data, e.g. fingerprint, voice or retina
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F2221/00—Indexing scheme relating to security arrangements for protecting computers, components thereof, programs or data against unauthorised activity
- G06F2221/21—Indexing scheme relating to G06F21/00 and subgroups addressing additional information or applications relating to security arrangements for protecting computers, components thereof, programs or data against unauthorised activity
- G06F2221/2105—Dual mode as a secondary aspect
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F2221/00—Indexing scheme relating to security arrangements for protecting computers, components thereof, programs or data against unauthorised activity
- G06F2221/21—Indexing scheme relating to G06F21/00 and subgroups addressing additional information or applications relating to security arrangements for protecting computers, components thereof, programs or data against unauthorised activity
- G06F2221/2113—Multi-level security, e.g. mandatory access control
Abstract
Apparatus and method for implementing biometrics-based authentication. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention is embodied in a portable device . Specifically, in one embodiment, the portable device includes a microprocessor, a non-volatile memory coupled thereto, and a biometrics-base d authentication module controlled by the microprocessor. Preferably, the biometrics technology used is fingerprint authentication technology. The authentication module is capable of registering a fingerprint upon first use of the portable device, storing an encoded version of the fingerprint in the non-volatile memory. Subsequently, the authentication module can read a person's fingerprint and reliably determine whether the fingerprint matches the registered fingerprint stored in the non-volatile memory. If a match is found, access to information in the non-volatile memory is granted to that person; otherwise, access is denied. Embodiments of the present invention th us provide a highly convenient, secured and reliable method and system for user authentication and access control which was not achievable in prior art password-based authentication approaches.
Description
A Portable Device Havingi Biometrics-Based Authentication Capabilities The present invention relates to a portable device, and in particular, a portable data storage and access control device having biometrics-based authentication capabilities.
Portable data storage devices have become a class of indispensable peripherals that are widely utilized in business, educational and home computing.
These devices are generally not permanently fitted to a particular host platform, such as a personal computer (PC). Rather, they can be conveniently removed from and attached to any computer having the appropriate connection port (e.g., a serial bus port like a USB port, an IEEE 1394 ("Firewire") port). Thus, these portable data storage devices enable a user to transfer data among different computers that are not otherwise connected. A popular type of portable storage device utilizes a non-volatile solid-state memory (e.g., flash memory) as the storage medium and so does not require moving parts or a mechanical drive mechanism for accessing the data. The absence of a drive mechanism enables these portable solid-state memory devices to be more compact than surface storage devices such as magnetic disks and CD-ROMs.
As portable storage devices become more widely used in various institutional and personal computing environments, preventing unauthorized users from accessing information stored on a portable or designated storage media is one of the most significant challenges in information technology today. For example, to secure confidential business information, personal information like medical and financial or other types of sensitive data, it is essential to have a reliable security measure that is simple to use, convenient and provides a level of protection appropriate for the type of information to be secured.
To date, most portable storage devices have resorted to user passwords as a security measure for protecting against unauthorized data access. While the use of passwords as an authentication mechanism provides some level of protection against unauthorized access, it is often regarded by users as cumbersome and inconvenient due to the need to remember the password and to key it in every time the user requests access. In many systems, a user is also required to periodically change his/her password as an added level of security.
This further adds to the inconvenience. Moreover, since a typical user generally needs access to several computer systems and/or networks requiring access control, the user may have to memorize numerous different passwords because they are not necessarily identical on the different systems. Thus, it would be advantageous to provide a reliable authentication mechanism for preventing unauthorized access to information stored on a portable or designated storage media that is not cumbersome or inconvenient for the user.
In addition, passwords are not unique among different users and are also subject to hacking by many skilled hackers. Once a password has been compromised, whether by inadvertent disclosure by a bona fide user to an unauthorized party or by malicious hacking, confidential data that is supposed to be password-protected are no longer guarded. Indeed, unauthorized access to such information may go unnoticed for extended periods of time. Ongoing intrusions usually remains undeterred until the victimized user finally realizes that the data has been accessed and/or destroyed, or until the system administrator detects a pattern of suspicious activities. Therefore, it would also be advantageous to provide a secured access control mechanism for protection against unauthorized access to data stored in portable storage media and various computer systems which is not easily compromised by hacking and preferably provides a unique "access key" for each individual user.
Accordingly, the present invention provides a method and system which delivers a highly reliable and user-friendly authentication mechanism for preventing unauthorized access to information stored on a portable or designated storage media. Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention also provide a highly secure access control mechanism for protection against unauthorized access to stored data and computer resources as well as guarding against unauthorized entry to premises. Aspects of the present invention, which utilizes a unique biometrics marker as a basis for identity authentication and as an "access key" for each individual user, are described in detail herein.
Specifically, a preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a portable device which includes a microprocessor, a non-volatile memory coupled thereto, and a biometrics-based authentication module controlled by the microprocessor. Preferably, the lsiorvetrics techilology used is fingerprint authentication technology, and (lash memory is used as the non-volatile memory. In this embodiment, the fingerprint authentication module automatically prompts the user to register his/her fingerprint with the portable device upon its first use.
In a currently preferred embodiment, a compact and encrypted version of the fingerprint is stored in the portable device's'. flash memory when the registration process is completed. Upon a subsequent use, the fingerprint authentication module reads the user's fingerprint, compares it with the registered t~:n~;erprint stored in the flash memory and reliably determines whether there is a match between the two. if a match is identified, authentication of the; user's identi ty is successful, and the authenticated user is granted access to informatian in the flash memory. On the other hand, if a match cannot be found between the user's tingerp~-int and the registea-ed fingerprint, access to the flash memory contents is denied. As such, this embodiment of the present invention delivers a highly convenient, secured and reliable system for user authentication and access control which is superior to pass~x~~crrd-based authentication approaches in prior art. The present invention appreciates that: fingerprints, being unique signatures for an individual, have been legally and universally accepted for verifying identity for over a century, that they cavnot be forgotten by a user, as passwords could, and further that they are almost impossible to alter, duplicate, or crack by hacking. As such, fingerprints and other biometrics-based techniques are well-suited for use as an authentication and/or access control solution, as errrbodied in the present invention.
According to a broad aspect of the present invention there is provided a portable storage device comprising:
a microprocessor;
a non-volatile memory having a storage capacity of at least 8 MB of data and coupled to the microprocessor;
3a a biometrics-based authenticatian module caupled to and controlled by the microprocessor, wherein access to the non-volatile memory is granted to a user provided that the biometrics-based authentication module authenticates the user's identity and wherein access to the non-volatile memory is denied to the user otherwise;
and an integral male connector for connecting the portable storage device directly to a host having a controller and for exchanging data between the host and the non-volatile memory following authentication c~I'the user's identity.
According to a further bread aspect of the present invention there is provided a portable storage device comprisiing:
a bus;
a microprocessor coupled to the bus;
a non-volatile memory having a storage capacity of at least 8 MB of data and coupled to the bus;
a biometrics-based a.uthenticatior~ module coupled to the bus, wherein under the control of the microprocessor the biometrics-based authentication module is configured to (1) capture a ftrst biometrics marker; (?) store the first biometrics marker in the non-volatile memory; (3) capture a second biometrics marker; and (4) determine whether the second biometrics marker can be authenticated against the first biometrics marker; and an integral male connector coupled to the bus for connecting the portable storage device directly to a host having a controller and for exchanging data between the host and the non-volatile memory whc;n a determination is made that the second biometrics marker can be authenticated against the first biometrics marker.
According tc> a still further broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a biometrics-based authentication method implemented using a portable storage device, the method comprising the steps of:
(a) obtaining a first biometrics marker from a user with a biometrics sensor installed on the portable device, the portable storage device having internal storage with a total staragc rapacity of at least 8 MB of data;
3b (b) retrieving a registered biometrics marker from the internal storage of the portable storage device, the registered biometrics marker having been stored therein during a registration process;
(c) comparing the first biome rics marker against the registered biometrics marker;
(d) signaling an ;authentication success provided that a match is identified in said step (c); and (e) providing access to the internal storage of the portable storage device upon receiving the; signaling oi'the authentication success and thereafter exchanging data between the internal storage of the portable storage device and a host having a controller, the ev:change of data passing through a male connector integral with the portable storage device.
Advantages of the invention will be set forth, in part, in the description that follows and, in part, will be understood by those skilled in the art from the description herein.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serves to explain the principles of the invention.
Figure 1A is a block diagram illustrating functional blocks of one embodiment of the portable device of the present invention and an illustrative operational configuration thereof.
Figure 1 B is a block diagram illustrating functional blocks of another embodiment of the portable device of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a front perspective view of a portable device with an integrated fingerprint module in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a rear perspective view of the portable device with an integrated fingerprint module as shown in Figure 2.
Figure 4 is a bottom plan view of the portable device with an integrated fingerprint module as shown in Figure 2.
Figure 5 is a top plan view of the portable device with an integrated fingerprint module as shown in Figure 2.
Figure 6 is a left side elevation view of the portable device with an integrated fingerprint module as shown in Figure 2.
Figure 7 is a right side elevation view of the portable device with an integrated fingerprint module as shown in Figure 2.
Figure 8 is a front elevation view of the portable device with an integrated fingerprint module as shown in Figure 2.
Figure 9 is a rear elevation view of the portable device with an integrated fingerprint module as shown in Figure 2.
Figure 10 is a flow diagram illustrating steps of a user registration/authentication process using a portable device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 11 (a) and 11 (b) are rear perspective views of a second portable device according to an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 12 is a top plan view of the second portable device with an integrated fingerprint module as shown in Figures 11 (a) and 11 (b);
Figure 13 is a bottom plan view of the second portable device with an integrated fingerprint module as shown in Figures 11 (a) and 11 (b);
Figure 14 is a left side view of the second portable device with an integrated fingerprint module as shown in Figures 11 (a) and 11 (b);
Figure 15 is a right side view of the second portable device with an integrated fingerprint module as shown in Figures 11 (a) and 11 (b);
Figure 16 is a front elevation view of the second portable device with an integrated fingerprint module as shown in Figures 11 (a) and 11 (b);
Figure 17 is a rear elevation view of the second portable device with an integrated fingerprint module as shown in Figures 11 (a) and 11 (b).
The present invention now will be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. The present invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the invention to those skilled in the art. Indeed, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents of these embodiments, which will be included within the scope and spirit of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, in the following detailed description of the present invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention.
However, it will be clear to those of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may be practiced without such specific details. In other instances, well known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present invention.
Figure 1A is a block diagram illustrating functional blocks of one embodiment of the portable device of the present invention and an illustrative operational configuration thereof. Figure 1A shows a portable device 70 coupled to a host platform 90. In this embodiment, host platform 90 is coupled to a power supply circuit 80 located in portable device 70. Power supply circuit 80 draws power from host platform 90 and serves as a power source for various components of portable device 70.
Referring still to Figure 1A, portable device 70 further includes an integrated circuit 10, a flash memory 20, a volatile memory 30 and a fingerprint module 50. Integrated circuit 10 can be conveniently implemented as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). In a currently preferred embodiment, flash memory 20 can have a storage capacity between 8 MB and 512 MB, a portion of which can be used to store one or more templates generated in accordance with the present invention as described below. Moreover, in a preferred embodiment, the templates) are stored in a reserved area of flash memory 20 which is specifically designated for this purpose and which is not otherwise accessible to the user. Additionally, as described in detail further below, a template is encrypted before it is stored in flash memory 20 in a currently preferred embodiment, thereby providing added security against hacking. In one embodiment, volatile memory 30 is external to integrated circuit 10 and can comprise either a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) or a static random access memory (SRAM). Among other uses, volatile memory 30 can serve as an initial storage and staging area for a fingerprint image captured in accordance with the present invention.
Integrated circuit 10 comprises a microprocessor 11 which, in one embodiment, is a RISC processor. In a currently preferred embodiment, an authentication engine 12 is included in integrated circuit 10. Authentication engine 12 in turns comprises a template generator 12a and a verification module 12b.
Template generator 12a is used to generate an encoded version of an image of a fingerprint. Within the scope of the present invention, such an encoded fingerprint image is referred to as a template. It should be appreciated that according to current biometrics technology, a fingerprint can be uniquely identified using between 8 and 13 distinct points in the raw image of the fingerprint.
Fingerprint information can thus be conveniently stored in a condensed fashion as data pertaining to the 8 to 13 relevant data points. A preferred embodiment of the present invention advantageously stores a fingerprint in a compact format as a template referred to above. In this embodiment, a template has a size of 512 bytes. Other embodiments can use templates of different sizes. The other component of authentication engine 12, verification module 12b, is used to compare a newly generated template against a stored template to validate the authenticity of a fingerprint provided by someone purporting to be an authorized user. Thus, authentication engine 12 works in conjunction with fingerprint module 50, described in greater detail below, to implement user authentication in accordance with the present invention.
It should be appreciated that authentication engine 12 is well-adapted to numerous implementations within the scope of the present invention. In one embodiment, authentication engine 12 is implemented as firmware stored in a non-volatile memory within portable device 70. In another embodiment, authentication engine 12 is implemented as part of microprocessor 11. In still another embodiment, authentication engine 12 is implemented as a processor separate from microprocessor 11. In yet another embodiment, authentication engine 12 includes the same components and serves the same functions as described herein, but is located in host platform 90 rather than in portable device 70. In other words, within the scope of the present invention, authentication engine 12 is not required to reside in portable device 70. Instead, where authentication engine 12 is to be placed is a design choice, thus affording design flexibility to suit different applications in which the present invention can be utilized.
Referring still to Figure 1A, in a preferred embodiment, integrated circuit 10 also comprises a bus interface 13 which facilitates communication between integrated circuit 10 and other components, such as volatile memory 30.
Integrated circuit 10 further includes a flash controller 14 for controlling access to flash memory 20. In one embodiment, upon the successful generation of a template during user registration, flash controller 14 communicates with template generator 12a to store the newly generated template into flash memory 20 for use in subsequent user authentication. Moreover, in a currently preferred embodiment, portable device 70 is compatible with the universal serial bus (USB) standard and includes a USB connector (not shown). In this embodiment, integrated circuit 10 also includes a USB device controller 15, which serves to control the communication between portable device 70 and host platform 90, such as a USB-compatible personal computer (PC) having a USB host controller 93 therein.
With reference still to Figure 1A, integrated circuit 10 also includes a volatile memory 16 and a non-volatile memory 17. In a preferred embodiment, volatile memory 16 is a random access memory (RAM) that serves as a working memory for microprocessor 11 during its operation. Non-volatile memory 17 is a read-only memory (ROM) in this embodiment and can be used to store firmware that perform various functions of portable device 70. Additionally, integrated circuit 10 includes an optional error checking (ECC) engine 19 for performing various error checking tasks during the operation of portable device 70. It should be appreciated that ECC engine 19, like authentication engine 12, is well-suited to numerous implementations within the scope of the present invention. For example, ECC engine 19 can be implemented by software (e.g., firmware stored in a non-volatile memory), as part of microprocessor 11, or as a processor unit separate from microprocessor 11.
Referring again to Figure 1A, fingerprint module 50 comprises a sensor 52 which is used to capture the fingerprint image of a finger being placed thereon.
Fingerprint module 50 also comprises a converter 54, which serves to convert a captured fingerprint image into electrical signals representing the image. In a currently preferred embodiment, a fingerprint print image is converted into 64 KB
of data by converter 54 and sent to volatile memory 30 of portable device 70 for temporary storage. In other embodiments, converter 54 can produce image data of different sizes. Fingerprint module 50 further includes an optional control unit 56 which, in a currently preferred embodiment, is controlled via microprocessor 11 in portable device 70 and is used for checking the quality of fingerprint images captured by sensor 52 to determine whether a given image is acceptable or not.
As described in more detail below, if it is determined that the quality of a captured image is unacceptable, the user will be prompted to place his/her finger on sensor 52 again so that a new image can be captured.
Reference is now made to Figure 1 B, which is a block diagram illustrating functional blocks of another embodiment of the portable device of the present invention. In this embodiment, portable device 170 is compatible with the USB
standard and includes a USB plug 118 which, as Figure 1 B shows, is coupled to a USB host controller 193 of a host platform. Optionally, portable device 170 further includes an additional USB port 162 that is coupled to USB plug 118. USB port 162 is provided as a convenient feature that can be used to couple other USB-compatible devices) to the USB via portable device 170. In this embodiment, portable device 170 also includes a USB device controller 115 for controlling the communication between portable device 170 and the host platform via USB host controller 193. In one embodiment, a driver software 177 and an application programming interface (API) 197, which in turn includes monitoring software 199, reside in the host platform and communicate with USB host controller 193 to facilitate the operation of portable device 170.
Portable device 170 further comprises an integrated circuit 110, a flash memory 120 and a volatile memory 130. Integrated circuit 110 can be conveniently implemented as an ASIC. In a preferred embodiment, a reserved area 122 of flash memory 120 is used to store one or more templates generated in accordance with the present invention. Furthermore, in this embodiment, reserved flash memory area 122 includes a status flag 121 which indicates whether or not portable device 170 has been previously registered in accordance with the present invention. Status flag 121 thus enables portable device 170 to automatically invoke a registration process upon its initial use, as described in detail further below. In one embodiment, volatile memory 130 comprises either a DRAM or a SRAM, which serves as an initial storage area for a fingerprint image captured in accordance with the present invention.
Referring still to Figure 1 B, integrated circuit 110 comprises a microprocessor 111 which preferably is a RISC processor. Integrated circuit further includes a flash controller 114 for controlling access to flash memory and a memory controller 133 for controlling access to volatile memory 130.
Integrated circuit 110 also includes a volatile memory 116 and a non-volatile memory 117. Preferably, volatile memory 116 comprises a RAM for use as a working memory for microprocessor 111 during its operation, while non-volatile memory 117 comprises a ROM for storing firmware that perform various functions of portable device 170. Specifically, in one embodiment, ROM 117 stores the following firmware code: firmware 117a for reading fingerprint sensor 152, firmware 117b for processing fingerprint images, firmware 117c for generating templates, firmware 117d for encrypting fingerprint images and/or templates, and firmware 117e for verifying fingerprint authenticity. Nevertheless, it should be appreciated that in an alternative embodiment of the present invention, such firmware can be stored in a non-volatile memory within the host platform rather than in portable device 170.
Additionally, integrated circuit 110 includes an optional error checking (ECC) engine 119 for performing various error checking tasks during the operation of portable device 170. It should be appreciated that ECC engine 119 can be implemented as software (e.g., firmware) or hardware (e.g., processor/processor module) within the scope of the present invention.
Referring still to Figure 1 B, fingerprint module 150 comprises a sensor 152, a converter 154 and an optional controller 156. In this embodiment, sensor 152 is used to capture the fingerprint image of a finger being placed thereon, converter 154 serves to convert a captured fingerprint image into electrical signals representing the image, and optional controller 156 is used to check the quality of fingerprint images captured by sensor 152 to determine whether a given image is acceptable or not. It should be appreciated that such image processing capabilities can be implemented using software (e.g., firmware) or hardware (e.g., processor/processor module) within the scope of the present invention.
In a currently preferred embodiment as illustrated in Figure 1 B, microprocessor 111 controls various components of portable device 170, including flash controller 114, USB device controller 115, RAM 116, ROM 117 (and execution of firmware code stored therein), ECC engine 119, memory controller 133, and controller 156 of fingerprint module 150. In this embodiment, portable device 170 also includes a write-protection switch 140 which, when activated, triggers microprocessor 111 to disable write-access to flash memory 120.
With reference next to Figure 2, a front perspective view of a first form of a portable device with an integrated fingerprint module in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is shown. In Figure 2, portable device 70 is shown with USB connector 13 protruding from its front end. Fingerprint module is shown as being structurally integrated with portable device 70 in a unitary construction, with sensor 52 disposed on the top side of portable device 70. A
light emitting diode (LED) 73 is also shown disposed near the edge of the top side of portable device 70. In one embodiment, LED 73 flashes when data in portable device is being accessed, thus serving as an activity indicator. In another embodiment, LED 73 lights up to indicate that an authentication process is underway.
Referring next to Figure 3, a rear perspective view of the portable device with an integrated fingerprint module as depicted in Figure 2 is shown. Again, portable device 70 is shown with USB connector 18 protruding from its front end, and fingerprint module 50 is shown as being structurally integrated with portable device 70 in a unitary construction, with sensor 52 disposed on the top side thereof. LED 73 is again shown disposed near the edge of the top side of portable device 70. Optional write protection switch 40 is also shown as being located at the rear end of portable device 70.
Reference is now made to Figure 4, which shows a bottom plan view of the portable device with an integrated fingerprint module as illustrated in Figure 2. A
substantially semicircular indentation 77, an optional feature which allows a user to hold portable device 70 firmly while coupling or decoupling portable device to/from host platform 90 (Figure 1A), is shown on the bottom side of portable device 70 in Figure 4. USB connector 18 is also shown.
Referring next to Figure 5, a top plan view of the portable device with an integrated fingerprint module as shown in Figure 2 is depicted. Portable device 70 is shown with USB connector 18 protruding from its front end, and fingerprint module 50 is shown as being structurally integrated with portable device 70 in a unitary construction, with sensor 52 disposed on the top side thereof. LED 73 is again shown disposed near the edge of the top side of portable device 70.
Reference is now made to Figure 6, which is a left side elevation view of the portable device with an integrated fingerprint module as shown in Figure 2.
USB connector 18 is shown protruding from the front of portable device 70, and the periphery of sensor 52 is shown slightly raised from the top side of portable device 70.
Next, Figure 7 is a right side elevation view of the portable device with an integrated fingerprint module as shown in Figure 2. Once again, USB connector 18 is shown protruding from the front of portable device 70, and the periphery of sensor 52 is shown slightly raised from the top side of portable device 70.
Referring next to Figure 8, a front elevation view of the portable device with an integrated fingerprint module as shown in Figure 2 is depicted. The insertion end of USB connector 18 is centrally depicted, and the periphery of sensor 52 is shown slightly raised from the top side of portable device 70.
Reference is now made to Figure 9, which is a rear elevation view of the portable device with an integrated fingerprint module as shown in Figure 2.
The periphery of sensor 52 is shown slightly raised from the top side of portable device 70, and optional indentation 77 on the bottom side of portable device 70 is also visible. Optional write protection switch 40 is also shown as being located at the rear end of portable device 70.
With reference next to Figure 11 (a), a first rear perspective view of a second portable device 370 with an integrated fingerprint module in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is shown. The electronic construction of the device 370 is identical with that of the device 70 (and hence many of the reference numerals used in Fig. 11 (a) are similar to those used in Figure 2 but higher by 300), but, apart from an different external shape, it has two additional features. Firstly, there is a cover 300 which slidably covers a sensor 352. The cover 300 is shown in the closed position in Figure 11 (a), and Figure 11 (b) is a second rear perspective view of the portable device 370 shown in Figure 11 (a), but with the cover 300 in an open configuration. Secondly, the sensor 352 is rotatable during the operation of sensing a fingerprint, so as to make a rolling contact with the finger. The second form of the second portable device 370 is described in more detail as follows.
In Figures 11 (a) and 11 (b), the portable device 370 is shown with USB
connector 318 protruding from its front end. Fingerprint module 350 is shown as being structurally integrated with portable device 370 in a unitary construction, with sensor 352 (shown in Figure 11 (b)) disposed on the top side of portable device 370. A light emitting diode (LED) 373 is also shown disposed on the rear side of portable device 370. In one embodiment, LED 373 flashes when data in portable device is.being accessed, thus serving as an activity indicator. In another embodiment, LED 373 lights up to indicate that an authentication process is underway.
The cover 300 is provided as a plate supported for sliding in the plane of the top surface of the portable device 372 by L-shaped guides 400 projecting from the upper surface of the portable device 370. The cover 300 is provided with finger engagement means (e.g. grooves) 450 so that a user can slide it between a first position (Figure 11 (a)) in which the cover 300 covers and protects the sensor 352, and a second position (Figure 11 (b)) in which it does not.
Optional write protection switch 340 is also shown as being located at the rear end of portable device 370.
Referring next to Figure 12, a top plan view of the portable device with an integrated fingerprint module as shown in Figures 11 (a) and 11 (b) is depicted.
Portable device 370 is shown with USB connector 318 protruding from its front end, and fingerprint module 350 is shown as being structurally integrated with portable device 370 in a unitary construction, with sensor 52 disposed on the top side thereof. The cover 300 is the open configuration of Figure 11 (b).
Reference is now made to Figure 13, which shows a bottom plan view of the portable device with an integrated fingerprint module as illustrated in Figures 11 (a) and11 (b). A substantially semicircular indentation 377, an optional feature which allows a user to hold portable device 370 firmly while coupling or decoupling portable device 370 to/from host platform 90 (Figure 1A), is shown on the bottom side of portable device 370 in Figure 13. USB connector 318 is also shown.
Reference is now made to Figure 14, which is a left side elevation view of the portable device with an integrated fingerprint module as shown in Figures 11(a) and11(b). USB connector 318 is shown protruding from the front of portable device 370, and the cover 300 and guides 400 are shown slightly raised from the top side of portable device 370.
Next, Figure 15 is a right side elevation view of the portable device with an integrated fingerprint module as shown in Figures 11 (a) and 11 (b). Once again, USB connector 318 is shown protruding from the front of portable device 370, and the cover 300 and guides 400 are shown slightly raised from the top side of portable device 370.
Referring next to Figure 16, a front elevation view of the portable device 370 with an integrated fingerprint module as shown in Figures 11 (a) and 11 (b) is depicted. The insertion end of USB connector 318 is centrally depicted, and the cover 300 and guides 400 are shown slightly raised from the top side of portable device 370.
Reference is now made to Figure 17, which is a rear elevation view of the portable device with an integrated fingerprint module as shown in Figures 11 (a) and 11 (b). The cover 300 and guides 400 are shown slightly raised from the top side of portable device 370. ~ptional write protection switch 340 is also shown as being located at the rear end of portable device 370.
As mentioned above, a significant difference between the first form of the portable device 70 and the second form of the portable device 370, is that the sensor 352 of the second form of the portable device 370 is provided as a cylinder having its axis lying parallel to both the top surface and the rear surface of the device 370. In other words, this axis extends through the device 370, sandwiched between its bottom and top surfaces, from left to right.
The sensor 352 is designed to be rotatable around its axis (either fully rotatable, or rotatable within a defined angular range). At times when the cover 300 is open, a portion of the cylindrical surface sensor 352 is uppermost, and is exposed through an opening in the housing of the portable device 370, but this portion varies as the sensor 352 is rotated. When the user comes to use the device, he first opens the cover 300 (thereby exposing a portion of the cylindrical surface of the sensor 352) and then rolls his finger (or thumb) on the cylindrical surface of the sensor 352, causing it to rotate and to bring successively new portions of the cylindrical surface into the exposed region. In this way the user is able to contact the sensor 352 with a larger area of his finger in total than the area of the cylindrical surface which is exposed at any one moment.
An advantage of this feature is that, even though the proportion of the top surface of the portable device 370 which is occupied by the sensor 352 remains approximately as in the device 70 of Figure 2, the sensor 352 is capable (in a single sensing operation) of sensing larger areas on fingers than the sensor 52.
The present inventors have found that this is a useful feature, meaning that a single device can be operated by individuals whose fingerprints are of greatly differing sizes, e.g. individuals of different races.
Referring next to Figure 10, a flow diagram 200 illustrating steps of a user registration/authentication process using either a device 70 of the first form or device 370 of the second form with an integrated fingerprint module in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is shown. In the following description, various modules and components referred to have been described above with reference to Figure 1A using the same reference numerals. In step 210, upon being coupled to a host platform, portable device 70, 370 undergoes an initialization procedure. In a currently preferred embodiment, the initialization procedure involves establishing communication with the host platform and ensuring the host platform is aware that portable device 70, 370 has been coupled thereto.
In step 220, portable device 70, 370 determines whether a user registration is necessary. For example, if portable device 70, 370 is being used for the first time and no template has yet been stored in flash memory 20, portable device 370 will guide the user to complete a registration process (steps 225, 235, and 255 as described below) via a user interface (e.g., pop-up message windows) through the host platform. Thus, upon the first use of portable device 70, 370 (e.g., immediately after purchase), a preferred embodiment automatically initiate the registration process to generate the first ("master") template. This is preferably accomplished by checking a status flag (e.g., flag 121 in flash memory 120 of Figure 1 B). Subsequent registration(s), as described below, can be activated by individual users via software on the host platform.
In one embodiment, portable device 70, 370 supports more than one user.
In another embodiment, the same user may register multiple fingerprints as separate templates. In yet another embodiment, the same user fingerprint may be registered multiple times as different templates. Thus, portable device 70, can facilitate the registration of additional users) and/or additional templates) either by periodically (e.g., upon startup) inquiring whether a new userltemplate needs to be added or upon the user's request in step 220. If an additional user/template is to be registered, the registration process will be invoked.
If it is determined that no new registration is necessary, process 200 proceeds with an authentication process (steps 230, 240 and 260 as described below).
It should be appreciated that within the scope of the present invention, software (e.g., a software driver) may need to be installed on the host platform prior to the first use of portable device 70, 370 to enable its utilization of the host platform's user interface to communicate with the user. It should also be appreciated that if the operating system of the host platform has built-in support for such functionality, no additional software needs to be installed thereon.
Referring still to Figure 10, the registration process is now described. In step 225, the registration process is initiated. In one embodiment, this involves informing the user that a registration process will commence and prompting the user to place his/her finger on sensor 52.
In step 235, sensor 52 is read to capture an image of the fingerprint of the user's finger that has been placed thereon. In a currently preferred embodiment, step 235 also includes verifying that the captured image is of sufficient quality for further processing (e.g., template generation). This is preferably performed by control unit 56 as directed by microprocessor 11. In one embodiment, step 235 will be repeated if the quality of the captured fingerprint image is unacceptable.
Under such circumstances, the user will be prompted to place his/her finger on sensor 52 again so that a new image can be captured. Preferably, the number of retry is user-configurable.
Once an acceptable fingerprint image has been captured in step 235, process 200 proceeds to step 245, wherein a template is generated based on the captured fingerprint image. As described above, in a preferred embodiment, the captured image is converted into 64 KB of data, which is then used as input to template generator 12a for generating a 512-byte template.
In step 248, the template generated in step 245 is encrypted. ~ In one embodiment, the encryption is performed by firmware (e.g., encryption firmware 117d of Figure 1 B), thereby providing an added level of security against hacking.
In step 255, the encrypted template is stored into flash memory 20. In one embodiment, upon successful generation and encryption of a template, flash controller 14 is prompted by template generator 12a to store the newly generated and encrypted template into flash memory 20 for use in subsequent user authentication. Moreover, as described above, in a preferred embodiment, the template is stored in a reserved area of flash memory 20 which is specifically designated for storing templates) and which is not otherwise accessible to the user.
In step 280, a signal or message indicating the successful completion of the registration process is generated. In an embodiment where portable device 70, 370 is used as a secure storage device, step 280 can also entail enabling portable device, i.e., granting the newly registered user access (e.g., read data therefrom and write data thereto) to portable device 70, 370 and mapping portable device 70, 370 to a valid drive letter on host platform 90.
With reference still to Figure 10, the authentication process using the portable device 70, 370 is now described. In step 230, sensor 52, 352 is read to capture an image ~of the fingerprint of the user's finger that has been placed thereon. In a currently preferred embodiment, step 230 also includes a quality check of the captured image by control unit 56, so that the image capture will be repeated if the quality of the captured fingerprint image is unacceptable for template generation. If a repeat capture is needed, the user will be so prompted.
Preferably, the number of retry is user-configurable. In a currently preferred embodiment, step 230 also includes generating a template based on the captured fingerprint image and storing the resulting template into volatile memory 16.
In step 240, the stored templates) are read from flash memory 20 for use as the basis of authenticating the identity of the user whose fingerprint image has been captured in step 230. In a currently preferred embodiment, microprocessor 11 directs flash controller 14 to retrieve the registered templates) from flash memory 20.
In step 250, the registered templates) read from flash memory 20, which are stored in encrypted form in a preferred embodiment, are decrypted. The decrypted templafie(s) are loaded into volatile memory 16 in one embodiment.
In step 260, it is determined whether the user's fingerprint can be authenticated against the registered fingerprint template on record. In a currently preferred embodiment, verification module 12b compares the template pending verification against the registered template(s). If a match is detected, the user is authenticated; otherwise, authentication fails. In one embodiment, the user is allowed to reattempt the authentication process if an initial attempt fails (e.g., steps 230, 240 and 250 are repeated). Preferably, the number of repeated attempts is user-configurable and can be set once an authorized user has been authenticated and granted access.
In one embodiment, when a user has failed to authenticated his/her identity as an authorized user, access to flash memory 20 will be blocked (e.g., in an embodiment where a software driver resides in host platform 90, the software driver can forbid such access). In another embodiment, microprocessor 11 in portable device 70 will shut down or otherwise disable flash controller 14 upon such authentication failure. These actions serve as added security measures against potential hacking and other forms of unauthorized access to the data stored in flash memory 20 and are triggered by repeated failed authentication attempts.
In one embodiment, optional step 270 is provided. In this embodiment, should verification module 12b malfunction and refuse to authenticate an authorized user whose fingerprint has been previously registered, the user is provided with an option to bypass the fingerprint authentication and provide a password to gain access instead. This embodiment affords the user the ability to avoid a helpless situation where access to contents of flash memory 20 cannot be had unless and until verification module 12b is fixed. If the bypass password is correctly entered, .user authentication is deemed to be successful; otherwise, user authentication remains a failure. It should also be appreciated that if added security is desired, a password requirement can be implemented in addition to the fingerprint authentication even for normal routine authentication within the scope of the present invention.
In step 280., a signal or message indicating the successful authentication is generated. In an embodiment where portable device 70, 370 is used as a secure storage device, step 280 can also entail enabling portable device, i.e., granting the newly registered user access (e.g., read data therefrom and write data thereto) to portable device 70, 370 and mapping portable device 70, 370 to a valid drive letter on host platform 90.
It should be appreciated that in an embodiment where authentication engine 12 is located in host platform 90, appropriate modifications to the authentication process described above are needed. In particular, once a satisfactory fingerprint image has been obtained in step 230, the image data is first encrypted and then transmitted to host platform 90, wherein the steps to be performed by authentication engine 12 will be carried out. Thus, depending on the particular implementation or application, the information being transmitted from portable device 70, 370 to host platform 90 can either be a simple notification of success upon successful authentication, or image data representing a user fingerprint that is pending authentication.
In a currently preferred embodiment, performance of various steps of process 200 are controlled by microprocessor 11 executing firmware code, which is preferably stored in non-volatile memory 17 of portable device 70, 370.
Significantly, it should be appreciated that the present invention not only contemplates using portable device 70, 370 as a secure data storage device but also as an access control device. In particular, within the scope of the present invention, portable device 70, 370 can act as an "access key" to host platform to which portable device 70, 370 is coupled. More specifically, in one embodiment, in order to access any resource on host platform 90 (e.g., data, files, application programs, peripherals) and/or any resource attached thereto (e.g., network access, network printers and storage devices, electronic mail) a user is required to first successfully authenticate his/her identity as an authorized user using portable device 70, 370 with integrated fingerprint module 50. In accordance with this embodiment, such fingerprint authentication is used preferably in lieu of (or alternatively in addition to) conventional password-based authentication. Thus, the user inconvenience and less stringent,security that is inherent in the prior art password-based authentication approach is advantageously eliminated in accordance with the present invention.
Beyond access control to various computer resources, the present invention can also be advantageously utilized in numerous other applications that require security clearance, such as entry into private homes, offices, hotel rooms, bank vaults and security deposit boxes, and so on. The present invention can also be beneficially applied to restrict the operation of machinery, such as factory machines and vehicles, to those who have been properly trained. In one embodiment, access control device 70, 370 can be used as a house key to a private home or room key to a hotel room in place of conventional keys. In the first example, the home owner first registers his/her fingerprint when the biometrics-based lock is installed at the house. In the latter example, a hotel guest first registers his/her fingerprint upon check-in at a hotel.
Thereafter, access to the house or hotel room is securely restricted to the respective key holder (home owner or hotel guest). These and other wide-ranging applications of the biometrics-based access device technology disclosed herein are all intended to be within the scope and spirit of the present invention.
Although embodiments of the present invention have been described herein as using fingerprint authentication technology to implement access control, it should be appreciated that the present invention is not limited thereto but rather encompasses the. use of other biometrics-based authentication techniques. One such technique is iris scan technology. While such other biometrics-based techniques are not expressly described herein, their applicability to access control implementations using a portable device is within the scope and spirit of the present invention disclosed.
Moreover, while preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described herein as using flash memory as a storage media, it should be appreciated that other types of non-volatile memory, such as ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM) or magnetic random access memory (MRAM), can also be used within the scope of the present invention. In addition, while such preferred embodiments have been described herein as being compatible with the USB standard, the portable device of the present invention is not intended to be restricted thereto. Rather, the present invention is intended to encompass portable devices that support other communication protocols and/or bus standards, such as the IEEE 1394 ("Firewire") standard.
While preferred embodiments of the present invention, a method and system for implementing access control using biometrics-based technology, have been described, it is understood that those skilled in the art, both now and in the future; may make various improvements and enhancements which fall within the scope of the claims that follow. These claims should be construed to maintain the proper protection for the invention first disclosed herein.
Portable data storage devices have become a class of indispensable peripherals that are widely utilized in business, educational and home computing.
These devices are generally not permanently fitted to a particular host platform, such as a personal computer (PC). Rather, they can be conveniently removed from and attached to any computer having the appropriate connection port (e.g., a serial bus port like a USB port, an IEEE 1394 ("Firewire") port). Thus, these portable data storage devices enable a user to transfer data among different computers that are not otherwise connected. A popular type of portable storage device utilizes a non-volatile solid-state memory (e.g., flash memory) as the storage medium and so does not require moving parts or a mechanical drive mechanism for accessing the data. The absence of a drive mechanism enables these portable solid-state memory devices to be more compact than surface storage devices such as magnetic disks and CD-ROMs.
As portable storage devices become more widely used in various institutional and personal computing environments, preventing unauthorized users from accessing information stored on a portable or designated storage media is one of the most significant challenges in information technology today. For example, to secure confidential business information, personal information like medical and financial or other types of sensitive data, it is essential to have a reliable security measure that is simple to use, convenient and provides a level of protection appropriate for the type of information to be secured.
To date, most portable storage devices have resorted to user passwords as a security measure for protecting against unauthorized data access. While the use of passwords as an authentication mechanism provides some level of protection against unauthorized access, it is often regarded by users as cumbersome and inconvenient due to the need to remember the password and to key it in every time the user requests access. In many systems, a user is also required to periodically change his/her password as an added level of security.
This further adds to the inconvenience. Moreover, since a typical user generally needs access to several computer systems and/or networks requiring access control, the user may have to memorize numerous different passwords because they are not necessarily identical on the different systems. Thus, it would be advantageous to provide a reliable authentication mechanism for preventing unauthorized access to information stored on a portable or designated storage media that is not cumbersome or inconvenient for the user.
In addition, passwords are not unique among different users and are also subject to hacking by many skilled hackers. Once a password has been compromised, whether by inadvertent disclosure by a bona fide user to an unauthorized party or by malicious hacking, confidential data that is supposed to be password-protected are no longer guarded. Indeed, unauthorized access to such information may go unnoticed for extended periods of time. Ongoing intrusions usually remains undeterred until the victimized user finally realizes that the data has been accessed and/or destroyed, or until the system administrator detects a pattern of suspicious activities. Therefore, it would also be advantageous to provide a secured access control mechanism for protection against unauthorized access to data stored in portable storage media and various computer systems which is not easily compromised by hacking and preferably provides a unique "access key" for each individual user.
Accordingly, the present invention provides a method and system which delivers a highly reliable and user-friendly authentication mechanism for preventing unauthorized access to information stored on a portable or designated storage media. Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention also provide a highly secure access control mechanism for protection against unauthorized access to stored data and computer resources as well as guarding against unauthorized entry to premises. Aspects of the present invention, which utilizes a unique biometrics marker as a basis for identity authentication and as an "access key" for each individual user, are described in detail herein.
Specifically, a preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a portable device which includes a microprocessor, a non-volatile memory coupled thereto, and a biometrics-based authentication module controlled by the microprocessor. Preferably, the lsiorvetrics techilology used is fingerprint authentication technology, and (lash memory is used as the non-volatile memory. In this embodiment, the fingerprint authentication module automatically prompts the user to register his/her fingerprint with the portable device upon its first use.
In a currently preferred embodiment, a compact and encrypted version of the fingerprint is stored in the portable device's'. flash memory when the registration process is completed. Upon a subsequent use, the fingerprint authentication module reads the user's fingerprint, compares it with the registered t~:n~;erprint stored in the flash memory and reliably determines whether there is a match between the two. if a match is identified, authentication of the; user's identi ty is successful, and the authenticated user is granted access to informatian in the flash memory. On the other hand, if a match cannot be found between the user's tingerp~-int and the registea-ed fingerprint, access to the flash memory contents is denied. As such, this embodiment of the present invention delivers a highly convenient, secured and reliable system for user authentication and access control which is superior to pass~x~~crrd-based authentication approaches in prior art. The present invention appreciates that: fingerprints, being unique signatures for an individual, have been legally and universally accepted for verifying identity for over a century, that they cavnot be forgotten by a user, as passwords could, and further that they are almost impossible to alter, duplicate, or crack by hacking. As such, fingerprints and other biometrics-based techniques are well-suited for use as an authentication and/or access control solution, as errrbodied in the present invention.
According to a broad aspect of the present invention there is provided a portable storage device comprising:
a microprocessor;
a non-volatile memory having a storage capacity of at least 8 MB of data and coupled to the microprocessor;
3a a biometrics-based authenticatian module caupled to and controlled by the microprocessor, wherein access to the non-volatile memory is granted to a user provided that the biometrics-based authentication module authenticates the user's identity and wherein access to the non-volatile memory is denied to the user otherwise;
and an integral male connector for connecting the portable storage device directly to a host having a controller and for exchanging data between the host and the non-volatile memory following authentication c~I'the user's identity.
According to a further bread aspect of the present invention there is provided a portable storage device comprisiing:
a bus;
a microprocessor coupled to the bus;
a non-volatile memory having a storage capacity of at least 8 MB of data and coupled to the bus;
a biometrics-based a.uthenticatior~ module coupled to the bus, wherein under the control of the microprocessor the biometrics-based authentication module is configured to (1) capture a ftrst biometrics marker; (?) store the first biometrics marker in the non-volatile memory; (3) capture a second biometrics marker; and (4) determine whether the second biometrics marker can be authenticated against the first biometrics marker; and an integral male connector coupled to the bus for connecting the portable storage device directly to a host having a controller and for exchanging data between the host and the non-volatile memory whc;n a determination is made that the second biometrics marker can be authenticated against the first biometrics marker.
According tc> a still further broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a biometrics-based authentication method implemented using a portable storage device, the method comprising the steps of:
(a) obtaining a first biometrics marker from a user with a biometrics sensor installed on the portable device, the portable storage device having internal storage with a total staragc rapacity of at least 8 MB of data;
3b (b) retrieving a registered biometrics marker from the internal storage of the portable storage device, the registered biometrics marker having been stored therein during a registration process;
(c) comparing the first biome rics marker against the registered biometrics marker;
(d) signaling an ;authentication success provided that a match is identified in said step (c); and (e) providing access to the internal storage of the portable storage device upon receiving the; signaling oi'the authentication success and thereafter exchanging data between the internal storage of the portable storage device and a host having a controller, the ev:change of data passing through a male connector integral with the portable storage device.
Advantages of the invention will be set forth, in part, in the description that follows and, in part, will be understood by those skilled in the art from the description herein.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serves to explain the principles of the invention.
Figure 1A is a block diagram illustrating functional blocks of one embodiment of the portable device of the present invention and an illustrative operational configuration thereof.
Figure 1 B is a block diagram illustrating functional blocks of another embodiment of the portable device of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a front perspective view of a portable device with an integrated fingerprint module in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a rear perspective view of the portable device with an integrated fingerprint module as shown in Figure 2.
Figure 4 is a bottom plan view of the portable device with an integrated fingerprint module as shown in Figure 2.
Figure 5 is a top plan view of the portable device with an integrated fingerprint module as shown in Figure 2.
Figure 6 is a left side elevation view of the portable device with an integrated fingerprint module as shown in Figure 2.
Figure 7 is a right side elevation view of the portable device with an integrated fingerprint module as shown in Figure 2.
Figure 8 is a front elevation view of the portable device with an integrated fingerprint module as shown in Figure 2.
Figure 9 is a rear elevation view of the portable device with an integrated fingerprint module as shown in Figure 2.
Figure 10 is a flow diagram illustrating steps of a user registration/authentication process using a portable device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 11 (a) and 11 (b) are rear perspective views of a second portable device according to an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 12 is a top plan view of the second portable device with an integrated fingerprint module as shown in Figures 11 (a) and 11 (b);
Figure 13 is a bottom plan view of the second portable device with an integrated fingerprint module as shown in Figures 11 (a) and 11 (b);
Figure 14 is a left side view of the second portable device with an integrated fingerprint module as shown in Figures 11 (a) and 11 (b);
Figure 15 is a right side view of the second portable device with an integrated fingerprint module as shown in Figures 11 (a) and 11 (b);
Figure 16 is a front elevation view of the second portable device with an integrated fingerprint module as shown in Figures 11 (a) and 11 (b);
Figure 17 is a rear elevation view of the second portable device with an integrated fingerprint module as shown in Figures 11 (a) and 11 (b).
The present invention now will be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. The present invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the invention to those skilled in the art. Indeed, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents of these embodiments, which will be included within the scope and spirit of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, in the following detailed description of the present invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention.
However, it will be clear to those of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may be practiced without such specific details. In other instances, well known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present invention.
Figure 1A is a block diagram illustrating functional blocks of one embodiment of the portable device of the present invention and an illustrative operational configuration thereof. Figure 1A shows a portable device 70 coupled to a host platform 90. In this embodiment, host platform 90 is coupled to a power supply circuit 80 located in portable device 70. Power supply circuit 80 draws power from host platform 90 and serves as a power source for various components of portable device 70.
Referring still to Figure 1A, portable device 70 further includes an integrated circuit 10, a flash memory 20, a volatile memory 30 and a fingerprint module 50. Integrated circuit 10 can be conveniently implemented as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). In a currently preferred embodiment, flash memory 20 can have a storage capacity between 8 MB and 512 MB, a portion of which can be used to store one or more templates generated in accordance with the present invention as described below. Moreover, in a preferred embodiment, the templates) are stored in a reserved area of flash memory 20 which is specifically designated for this purpose and which is not otherwise accessible to the user. Additionally, as described in detail further below, a template is encrypted before it is stored in flash memory 20 in a currently preferred embodiment, thereby providing added security against hacking. In one embodiment, volatile memory 30 is external to integrated circuit 10 and can comprise either a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) or a static random access memory (SRAM). Among other uses, volatile memory 30 can serve as an initial storage and staging area for a fingerprint image captured in accordance with the present invention.
Integrated circuit 10 comprises a microprocessor 11 which, in one embodiment, is a RISC processor. In a currently preferred embodiment, an authentication engine 12 is included in integrated circuit 10. Authentication engine 12 in turns comprises a template generator 12a and a verification module 12b.
Template generator 12a is used to generate an encoded version of an image of a fingerprint. Within the scope of the present invention, such an encoded fingerprint image is referred to as a template. It should be appreciated that according to current biometrics technology, a fingerprint can be uniquely identified using between 8 and 13 distinct points in the raw image of the fingerprint.
Fingerprint information can thus be conveniently stored in a condensed fashion as data pertaining to the 8 to 13 relevant data points. A preferred embodiment of the present invention advantageously stores a fingerprint in a compact format as a template referred to above. In this embodiment, a template has a size of 512 bytes. Other embodiments can use templates of different sizes. The other component of authentication engine 12, verification module 12b, is used to compare a newly generated template against a stored template to validate the authenticity of a fingerprint provided by someone purporting to be an authorized user. Thus, authentication engine 12 works in conjunction with fingerprint module 50, described in greater detail below, to implement user authentication in accordance with the present invention.
It should be appreciated that authentication engine 12 is well-adapted to numerous implementations within the scope of the present invention. In one embodiment, authentication engine 12 is implemented as firmware stored in a non-volatile memory within portable device 70. In another embodiment, authentication engine 12 is implemented as part of microprocessor 11. In still another embodiment, authentication engine 12 is implemented as a processor separate from microprocessor 11. In yet another embodiment, authentication engine 12 includes the same components and serves the same functions as described herein, but is located in host platform 90 rather than in portable device 70. In other words, within the scope of the present invention, authentication engine 12 is not required to reside in portable device 70. Instead, where authentication engine 12 is to be placed is a design choice, thus affording design flexibility to suit different applications in which the present invention can be utilized.
Referring still to Figure 1A, in a preferred embodiment, integrated circuit 10 also comprises a bus interface 13 which facilitates communication between integrated circuit 10 and other components, such as volatile memory 30.
Integrated circuit 10 further includes a flash controller 14 for controlling access to flash memory 20. In one embodiment, upon the successful generation of a template during user registration, flash controller 14 communicates with template generator 12a to store the newly generated template into flash memory 20 for use in subsequent user authentication. Moreover, in a currently preferred embodiment, portable device 70 is compatible with the universal serial bus (USB) standard and includes a USB connector (not shown). In this embodiment, integrated circuit 10 also includes a USB device controller 15, which serves to control the communication between portable device 70 and host platform 90, such as a USB-compatible personal computer (PC) having a USB host controller 93 therein.
With reference still to Figure 1A, integrated circuit 10 also includes a volatile memory 16 and a non-volatile memory 17. In a preferred embodiment, volatile memory 16 is a random access memory (RAM) that serves as a working memory for microprocessor 11 during its operation. Non-volatile memory 17 is a read-only memory (ROM) in this embodiment and can be used to store firmware that perform various functions of portable device 70. Additionally, integrated circuit 10 includes an optional error checking (ECC) engine 19 for performing various error checking tasks during the operation of portable device 70. It should be appreciated that ECC engine 19, like authentication engine 12, is well-suited to numerous implementations within the scope of the present invention. For example, ECC engine 19 can be implemented by software (e.g., firmware stored in a non-volatile memory), as part of microprocessor 11, or as a processor unit separate from microprocessor 11.
Referring again to Figure 1A, fingerprint module 50 comprises a sensor 52 which is used to capture the fingerprint image of a finger being placed thereon.
Fingerprint module 50 also comprises a converter 54, which serves to convert a captured fingerprint image into electrical signals representing the image. In a currently preferred embodiment, a fingerprint print image is converted into 64 KB
of data by converter 54 and sent to volatile memory 30 of portable device 70 for temporary storage. In other embodiments, converter 54 can produce image data of different sizes. Fingerprint module 50 further includes an optional control unit 56 which, in a currently preferred embodiment, is controlled via microprocessor 11 in portable device 70 and is used for checking the quality of fingerprint images captured by sensor 52 to determine whether a given image is acceptable or not.
As described in more detail below, if it is determined that the quality of a captured image is unacceptable, the user will be prompted to place his/her finger on sensor 52 again so that a new image can be captured.
Reference is now made to Figure 1 B, which is a block diagram illustrating functional blocks of another embodiment of the portable device of the present invention. In this embodiment, portable device 170 is compatible with the USB
standard and includes a USB plug 118 which, as Figure 1 B shows, is coupled to a USB host controller 193 of a host platform. Optionally, portable device 170 further includes an additional USB port 162 that is coupled to USB plug 118. USB port 162 is provided as a convenient feature that can be used to couple other USB-compatible devices) to the USB via portable device 170. In this embodiment, portable device 170 also includes a USB device controller 115 for controlling the communication between portable device 170 and the host platform via USB host controller 193. In one embodiment, a driver software 177 and an application programming interface (API) 197, which in turn includes monitoring software 199, reside in the host platform and communicate with USB host controller 193 to facilitate the operation of portable device 170.
Portable device 170 further comprises an integrated circuit 110, a flash memory 120 and a volatile memory 130. Integrated circuit 110 can be conveniently implemented as an ASIC. In a preferred embodiment, a reserved area 122 of flash memory 120 is used to store one or more templates generated in accordance with the present invention. Furthermore, in this embodiment, reserved flash memory area 122 includes a status flag 121 which indicates whether or not portable device 170 has been previously registered in accordance with the present invention. Status flag 121 thus enables portable device 170 to automatically invoke a registration process upon its initial use, as described in detail further below. In one embodiment, volatile memory 130 comprises either a DRAM or a SRAM, which serves as an initial storage area for a fingerprint image captured in accordance with the present invention.
Referring still to Figure 1 B, integrated circuit 110 comprises a microprocessor 111 which preferably is a RISC processor. Integrated circuit further includes a flash controller 114 for controlling access to flash memory and a memory controller 133 for controlling access to volatile memory 130.
Integrated circuit 110 also includes a volatile memory 116 and a non-volatile memory 117. Preferably, volatile memory 116 comprises a RAM for use as a working memory for microprocessor 111 during its operation, while non-volatile memory 117 comprises a ROM for storing firmware that perform various functions of portable device 170. Specifically, in one embodiment, ROM 117 stores the following firmware code: firmware 117a for reading fingerprint sensor 152, firmware 117b for processing fingerprint images, firmware 117c for generating templates, firmware 117d for encrypting fingerprint images and/or templates, and firmware 117e for verifying fingerprint authenticity. Nevertheless, it should be appreciated that in an alternative embodiment of the present invention, such firmware can be stored in a non-volatile memory within the host platform rather than in portable device 170.
Additionally, integrated circuit 110 includes an optional error checking (ECC) engine 119 for performing various error checking tasks during the operation of portable device 170. It should be appreciated that ECC engine 119 can be implemented as software (e.g., firmware) or hardware (e.g., processor/processor module) within the scope of the present invention.
Referring still to Figure 1 B, fingerprint module 150 comprises a sensor 152, a converter 154 and an optional controller 156. In this embodiment, sensor 152 is used to capture the fingerprint image of a finger being placed thereon, converter 154 serves to convert a captured fingerprint image into electrical signals representing the image, and optional controller 156 is used to check the quality of fingerprint images captured by sensor 152 to determine whether a given image is acceptable or not. It should be appreciated that such image processing capabilities can be implemented using software (e.g., firmware) or hardware (e.g., processor/processor module) within the scope of the present invention.
In a currently preferred embodiment as illustrated in Figure 1 B, microprocessor 111 controls various components of portable device 170, including flash controller 114, USB device controller 115, RAM 116, ROM 117 (and execution of firmware code stored therein), ECC engine 119, memory controller 133, and controller 156 of fingerprint module 150. In this embodiment, portable device 170 also includes a write-protection switch 140 which, when activated, triggers microprocessor 111 to disable write-access to flash memory 120.
With reference next to Figure 2, a front perspective view of a first form of a portable device with an integrated fingerprint module in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is shown. In Figure 2, portable device 70 is shown with USB connector 13 protruding from its front end. Fingerprint module is shown as being structurally integrated with portable device 70 in a unitary construction, with sensor 52 disposed on the top side of portable device 70. A
light emitting diode (LED) 73 is also shown disposed near the edge of the top side of portable device 70. In one embodiment, LED 73 flashes when data in portable device is being accessed, thus serving as an activity indicator. In another embodiment, LED 73 lights up to indicate that an authentication process is underway.
Referring next to Figure 3, a rear perspective view of the portable device with an integrated fingerprint module as depicted in Figure 2 is shown. Again, portable device 70 is shown with USB connector 18 protruding from its front end, and fingerprint module 50 is shown as being structurally integrated with portable device 70 in a unitary construction, with sensor 52 disposed on the top side thereof. LED 73 is again shown disposed near the edge of the top side of portable device 70. Optional write protection switch 40 is also shown as being located at the rear end of portable device 70.
Reference is now made to Figure 4, which shows a bottom plan view of the portable device with an integrated fingerprint module as illustrated in Figure 2. A
substantially semicircular indentation 77, an optional feature which allows a user to hold portable device 70 firmly while coupling or decoupling portable device to/from host platform 90 (Figure 1A), is shown on the bottom side of portable device 70 in Figure 4. USB connector 18 is also shown.
Referring next to Figure 5, a top plan view of the portable device with an integrated fingerprint module as shown in Figure 2 is depicted. Portable device 70 is shown with USB connector 18 protruding from its front end, and fingerprint module 50 is shown as being structurally integrated with portable device 70 in a unitary construction, with sensor 52 disposed on the top side thereof. LED 73 is again shown disposed near the edge of the top side of portable device 70.
Reference is now made to Figure 6, which is a left side elevation view of the portable device with an integrated fingerprint module as shown in Figure 2.
USB connector 18 is shown protruding from the front of portable device 70, and the periphery of sensor 52 is shown slightly raised from the top side of portable device 70.
Next, Figure 7 is a right side elevation view of the portable device with an integrated fingerprint module as shown in Figure 2. Once again, USB connector 18 is shown protruding from the front of portable device 70, and the periphery of sensor 52 is shown slightly raised from the top side of portable device 70.
Referring next to Figure 8, a front elevation view of the portable device with an integrated fingerprint module as shown in Figure 2 is depicted. The insertion end of USB connector 18 is centrally depicted, and the periphery of sensor 52 is shown slightly raised from the top side of portable device 70.
Reference is now made to Figure 9, which is a rear elevation view of the portable device with an integrated fingerprint module as shown in Figure 2.
The periphery of sensor 52 is shown slightly raised from the top side of portable device 70, and optional indentation 77 on the bottom side of portable device 70 is also visible. Optional write protection switch 40 is also shown as being located at the rear end of portable device 70.
With reference next to Figure 11 (a), a first rear perspective view of a second portable device 370 with an integrated fingerprint module in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is shown. The electronic construction of the device 370 is identical with that of the device 70 (and hence many of the reference numerals used in Fig. 11 (a) are similar to those used in Figure 2 but higher by 300), but, apart from an different external shape, it has two additional features. Firstly, there is a cover 300 which slidably covers a sensor 352. The cover 300 is shown in the closed position in Figure 11 (a), and Figure 11 (b) is a second rear perspective view of the portable device 370 shown in Figure 11 (a), but with the cover 300 in an open configuration. Secondly, the sensor 352 is rotatable during the operation of sensing a fingerprint, so as to make a rolling contact with the finger. The second form of the second portable device 370 is described in more detail as follows.
In Figures 11 (a) and 11 (b), the portable device 370 is shown with USB
connector 318 protruding from its front end. Fingerprint module 350 is shown as being structurally integrated with portable device 370 in a unitary construction, with sensor 352 (shown in Figure 11 (b)) disposed on the top side of portable device 370. A light emitting diode (LED) 373 is also shown disposed on the rear side of portable device 370. In one embodiment, LED 373 flashes when data in portable device is.being accessed, thus serving as an activity indicator. In another embodiment, LED 373 lights up to indicate that an authentication process is underway.
The cover 300 is provided as a plate supported for sliding in the plane of the top surface of the portable device 372 by L-shaped guides 400 projecting from the upper surface of the portable device 370. The cover 300 is provided with finger engagement means (e.g. grooves) 450 so that a user can slide it between a first position (Figure 11 (a)) in which the cover 300 covers and protects the sensor 352, and a second position (Figure 11 (b)) in which it does not.
Optional write protection switch 340 is also shown as being located at the rear end of portable device 370.
Referring next to Figure 12, a top plan view of the portable device with an integrated fingerprint module as shown in Figures 11 (a) and 11 (b) is depicted.
Portable device 370 is shown with USB connector 318 protruding from its front end, and fingerprint module 350 is shown as being structurally integrated with portable device 370 in a unitary construction, with sensor 52 disposed on the top side thereof. The cover 300 is the open configuration of Figure 11 (b).
Reference is now made to Figure 13, which shows a bottom plan view of the portable device with an integrated fingerprint module as illustrated in Figures 11 (a) and11 (b). A substantially semicircular indentation 377, an optional feature which allows a user to hold portable device 370 firmly while coupling or decoupling portable device 370 to/from host platform 90 (Figure 1A), is shown on the bottom side of portable device 370 in Figure 13. USB connector 318 is also shown.
Reference is now made to Figure 14, which is a left side elevation view of the portable device with an integrated fingerprint module as shown in Figures 11(a) and11(b). USB connector 318 is shown protruding from the front of portable device 370, and the cover 300 and guides 400 are shown slightly raised from the top side of portable device 370.
Next, Figure 15 is a right side elevation view of the portable device with an integrated fingerprint module as shown in Figures 11 (a) and 11 (b). Once again, USB connector 318 is shown protruding from the front of portable device 370, and the cover 300 and guides 400 are shown slightly raised from the top side of portable device 370.
Referring next to Figure 16, a front elevation view of the portable device 370 with an integrated fingerprint module as shown in Figures 11 (a) and 11 (b) is depicted. The insertion end of USB connector 318 is centrally depicted, and the cover 300 and guides 400 are shown slightly raised from the top side of portable device 370.
Reference is now made to Figure 17, which is a rear elevation view of the portable device with an integrated fingerprint module as shown in Figures 11 (a) and 11 (b). The cover 300 and guides 400 are shown slightly raised from the top side of portable device 370. ~ptional write protection switch 340 is also shown as being located at the rear end of portable device 370.
As mentioned above, a significant difference between the first form of the portable device 70 and the second form of the portable device 370, is that the sensor 352 of the second form of the portable device 370 is provided as a cylinder having its axis lying parallel to both the top surface and the rear surface of the device 370. In other words, this axis extends through the device 370, sandwiched between its bottom and top surfaces, from left to right.
The sensor 352 is designed to be rotatable around its axis (either fully rotatable, or rotatable within a defined angular range). At times when the cover 300 is open, a portion of the cylindrical surface sensor 352 is uppermost, and is exposed through an opening in the housing of the portable device 370, but this portion varies as the sensor 352 is rotated. When the user comes to use the device, he first opens the cover 300 (thereby exposing a portion of the cylindrical surface of the sensor 352) and then rolls his finger (or thumb) on the cylindrical surface of the sensor 352, causing it to rotate and to bring successively new portions of the cylindrical surface into the exposed region. In this way the user is able to contact the sensor 352 with a larger area of his finger in total than the area of the cylindrical surface which is exposed at any one moment.
An advantage of this feature is that, even though the proportion of the top surface of the portable device 370 which is occupied by the sensor 352 remains approximately as in the device 70 of Figure 2, the sensor 352 is capable (in a single sensing operation) of sensing larger areas on fingers than the sensor 52.
The present inventors have found that this is a useful feature, meaning that a single device can be operated by individuals whose fingerprints are of greatly differing sizes, e.g. individuals of different races.
Referring next to Figure 10, a flow diagram 200 illustrating steps of a user registration/authentication process using either a device 70 of the first form or device 370 of the second form with an integrated fingerprint module in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is shown. In the following description, various modules and components referred to have been described above with reference to Figure 1A using the same reference numerals. In step 210, upon being coupled to a host platform, portable device 70, 370 undergoes an initialization procedure. In a currently preferred embodiment, the initialization procedure involves establishing communication with the host platform and ensuring the host platform is aware that portable device 70, 370 has been coupled thereto.
In step 220, portable device 70, 370 determines whether a user registration is necessary. For example, if portable device 70, 370 is being used for the first time and no template has yet been stored in flash memory 20, portable device 370 will guide the user to complete a registration process (steps 225, 235, and 255 as described below) via a user interface (e.g., pop-up message windows) through the host platform. Thus, upon the first use of portable device 70, 370 (e.g., immediately after purchase), a preferred embodiment automatically initiate the registration process to generate the first ("master") template. This is preferably accomplished by checking a status flag (e.g., flag 121 in flash memory 120 of Figure 1 B). Subsequent registration(s), as described below, can be activated by individual users via software on the host platform.
In one embodiment, portable device 70, 370 supports more than one user.
In another embodiment, the same user may register multiple fingerprints as separate templates. In yet another embodiment, the same user fingerprint may be registered multiple times as different templates. Thus, portable device 70, can facilitate the registration of additional users) and/or additional templates) either by periodically (e.g., upon startup) inquiring whether a new userltemplate needs to be added or upon the user's request in step 220. If an additional user/template is to be registered, the registration process will be invoked.
If it is determined that no new registration is necessary, process 200 proceeds with an authentication process (steps 230, 240 and 260 as described below).
It should be appreciated that within the scope of the present invention, software (e.g., a software driver) may need to be installed on the host platform prior to the first use of portable device 70, 370 to enable its utilization of the host platform's user interface to communicate with the user. It should also be appreciated that if the operating system of the host platform has built-in support for such functionality, no additional software needs to be installed thereon.
Referring still to Figure 10, the registration process is now described. In step 225, the registration process is initiated. In one embodiment, this involves informing the user that a registration process will commence and prompting the user to place his/her finger on sensor 52.
In step 235, sensor 52 is read to capture an image of the fingerprint of the user's finger that has been placed thereon. In a currently preferred embodiment, step 235 also includes verifying that the captured image is of sufficient quality for further processing (e.g., template generation). This is preferably performed by control unit 56 as directed by microprocessor 11. In one embodiment, step 235 will be repeated if the quality of the captured fingerprint image is unacceptable.
Under such circumstances, the user will be prompted to place his/her finger on sensor 52 again so that a new image can be captured. Preferably, the number of retry is user-configurable.
Once an acceptable fingerprint image has been captured in step 235, process 200 proceeds to step 245, wherein a template is generated based on the captured fingerprint image. As described above, in a preferred embodiment, the captured image is converted into 64 KB of data, which is then used as input to template generator 12a for generating a 512-byte template.
In step 248, the template generated in step 245 is encrypted. ~ In one embodiment, the encryption is performed by firmware (e.g., encryption firmware 117d of Figure 1 B), thereby providing an added level of security against hacking.
In step 255, the encrypted template is stored into flash memory 20. In one embodiment, upon successful generation and encryption of a template, flash controller 14 is prompted by template generator 12a to store the newly generated and encrypted template into flash memory 20 for use in subsequent user authentication. Moreover, as described above, in a preferred embodiment, the template is stored in a reserved area of flash memory 20 which is specifically designated for storing templates) and which is not otherwise accessible to the user.
In step 280, a signal or message indicating the successful completion of the registration process is generated. In an embodiment where portable device 70, 370 is used as a secure storage device, step 280 can also entail enabling portable device, i.e., granting the newly registered user access (e.g., read data therefrom and write data thereto) to portable device 70, 370 and mapping portable device 70, 370 to a valid drive letter on host platform 90.
With reference still to Figure 10, the authentication process using the portable device 70, 370 is now described. In step 230, sensor 52, 352 is read to capture an image ~of the fingerprint of the user's finger that has been placed thereon. In a currently preferred embodiment, step 230 also includes a quality check of the captured image by control unit 56, so that the image capture will be repeated if the quality of the captured fingerprint image is unacceptable for template generation. If a repeat capture is needed, the user will be so prompted.
Preferably, the number of retry is user-configurable. In a currently preferred embodiment, step 230 also includes generating a template based on the captured fingerprint image and storing the resulting template into volatile memory 16.
In step 240, the stored templates) are read from flash memory 20 for use as the basis of authenticating the identity of the user whose fingerprint image has been captured in step 230. In a currently preferred embodiment, microprocessor 11 directs flash controller 14 to retrieve the registered templates) from flash memory 20.
In step 250, the registered templates) read from flash memory 20, which are stored in encrypted form in a preferred embodiment, are decrypted. The decrypted templafie(s) are loaded into volatile memory 16 in one embodiment.
In step 260, it is determined whether the user's fingerprint can be authenticated against the registered fingerprint template on record. In a currently preferred embodiment, verification module 12b compares the template pending verification against the registered template(s). If a match is detected, the user is authenticated; otherwise, authentication fails. In one embodiment, the user is allowed to reattempt the authentication process if an initial attempt fails (e.g., steps 230, 240 and 250 are repeated). Preferably, the number of repeated attempts is user-configurable and can be set once an authorized user has been authenticated and granted access.
In one embodiment, when a user has failed to authenticated his/her identity as an authorized user, access to flash memory 20 will be blocked (e.g., in an embodiment where a software driver resides in host platform 90, the software driver can forbid such access). In another embodiment, microprocessor 11 in portable device 70 will shut down or otherwise disable flash controller 14 upon such authentication failure. These actions serve as added security measures against potential hacking and other forms of unauthorized access to the data stored in flash memory 20 and are triggered by repeated failed authentication attempts.
In one embodiment, optional step 270 is provided. In this embodiment, should verification module 12b malfunction and refuse to authenticate an authorized user whose fingerprint has been previously registered, the user is provided with an option to bypass the fingerprint authentication and provide a password to gain access instead. This embodiment affords the user the ability to avoid a helpless situation where access to contents of flash memory 20 cannot be had unless and until verification module 12b is fixed. If the bypass password is correctly entered, .user authentication is deemed to be successful; otherwise, user authentication remains a failure. It should also be appreciated that if added security is desired, a password requirement can be implemented in addition to the fingerprint authentication even for normal routine authentication within the scope of the present invention.
In step 280., a signal or message indicating the successful authentication is generated. In an embodiment where portable device 70, 370 is used as a secure storage device, step 280 can also entail enabling portable device, i.e., granting the newly registered user access (e.g., read data therefrom and write data thereto) to portable device 70, 370 and mapping portable device 70, 370 to a valid drive letter on host platform 90.
It should be appreciated that in an embodiment where authentication engine 12 is located in host platform 90, appropriate modifications to the authentication process described above are needed. In particular, once a satisfactory fingerprint image has been obtained in step 230, the image data is first encrypted and then transmitted to host platform 90, wherein the steps to be performed by authentication engine 12 will be carried out. Thus, depending on the particular implementation or application, the information being transmitted from portable device 70, 370 to host platform 90 can either be a simple notification of success upon successful authentication, or image data representing a user fingerprint that is pending authentication.
In a currently preferred embodiment, performance of various steps of process 200 are controlled by microprocessor 11 executing firmware code, which is preferably stored in non-volatile memory 17 of portable device 70, 370.
Significantly, it should be appreciated that the present invention not only contemplates using portable device 70, 370 as a secure data storage device but also as an access control device. In particular, within the scope of the present invention, portable device 70, 370 can act as an "access key" to host platform to which portable device 70, 370 is coupled. More specifically, in one embodiment, in order to access any resource on host platform 90 (e.g., data, files, application programs, peripherals) and/or any resource attached thereto (e.g., network access, network printers and storage devices, electronic mail) a user is required to first successfully authenticate his/her identity as an authorized user using portable device 70, 370 with integrated fingerprint module 50. In accordance with this embodiment, such fingerprint authentication is used preferably in lieu of (or alternatively in addition to) conventional password-based authentication. Thus, the user inconvenience and less stringent,security that is inherent in the prior art password-based authentication approach is advantageously eliminated in accordance with the present invention.
Beyond access control to various computer resources, the present invention can also be advantageously utilized in numerous other applications that require security clearance, such as entry into private homes, offices, hotel rooms, bank vaults and security deposit boxes, and so on. The present invention can also be beneficially applied to restrict the operation of machinery, such as factory machines and vehicles, to those who have been properly trained. In one embodiment, access control device 70, 370 can be used as a house key to a private home or room key to a hotel room in place of conventional keys. In the first example, the home owner first registers his/her fingerprint when the biometrics-based lock is installed at the house. In the latter example, a hotel guest first registers his/her fingerprint upon check-in at a hotel.
Thereafter, access to the house or hotel room is securely restricted to the respective key holder (home owner or hotel guest). These and other wide-ranging applications of the biometrics-based access device technology disclosed herein are all intended to be within the scope and spirit of the present invention.
Although embodiments of the present invention have been described herein as using fingerprint authentication technology to implement access control, it should be appreciated that the present invention is not limited thereto but rather encompasses the. use of other biometrics-based authentication techniques. One such technique is iris scan technology. While such other biometrics-based techniques are not expressly described herein, their applicability to access control implementations using a portable device is within the scope and spirit of the present invention disclosed.
Moreover, while preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described herein as using flash memory as a storage media, it should be appreciated that other types of non-volatile memory, such as ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM) or magnetic random access memory (MRAM), can also be used within the scope of the present invention. In addition, while such preferred embodiments have been described herein as being compatible with the USB standard, the portable device of the present invention is not intended to be restricted thereto. Rather, the present invention is intended to encompass portable devices that support other communication protocols and/or bus standards, such as the IEEE 1394 ("Firewire") standard.
While preferred embodiments of the present invention, a method and system for implementing access control using biometrics-based technology, have been described, it is understood that those skilled in the art, both now and in the future; may make various improvements and enhancements which fall within the scope of the claims that follow. These claims should be construed to maintain the proper protection for the invention first disclosed herein.
Claims (27)
1. ~A portable storage device comprising:
a microprocessor;
a non-volatile memory having a storage capacity of at least 8 MB of data and coupled to the microprocessor;
a biometrics-based authentication module coupled to and controlled by the microprocessor, wherein access to the non-volatile memory is granted to a user provided that the biometrics-based authentication module authenticates the user's identity and wherein access to the non-volatile memory is denied to the user otherwise; and an integral male connector for connecting the portable storage device directly to a host having a controller and for exchanging data between the host and the nonvolatile memory following authentication of the user's identity.
a microprocessor;
a non-volatile memory having a storage capacity of at least 8 MB of data and coupled to the microprocessor;
a biometrics-based authentication module coupled to and controlled by the microprocessor, wherein access to the non-volatile memory is granted to a user provided that the biometrics-based authentication module authenticates the user's identity and wherein access to the non-volatile memory is denied to the user otherwise; and an integral male connector for connecting the portable storage device directly to a host having a controller and for exchanging data between the host and the nonvolatile memory following authentication of the user's identity.
2. ~The portable device according to claim 1, wherein the biometrics-based authentication module is a fingerprint authentication module.
3. ~The portable device according to claim 2, wherein the fingerprint authentication module comprises a fingerprint sensor element.
4. ~The portable device according to claim 3 in which the sensor element is rotatable during a sensing operation, to bring successive portions of a user's finger into rolling contact with the sensor, and thereby sense successive portions of a user's fingerprint.
5. ~The portable device according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the fingerprint authentication module comprises a cover mounted for motion between a first position covering the sensor element and a second position revealing the sensor element.
6. ~The portable device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the male connector is a universal serial bus (USB) A-type male connector for connecting the portable storage device directly to a host having a USB-controller.
7. ~The portable device according to any one of preceding claims, wherein the biometrics-based authentication module comprises a biometrics sensor fitted on one surface of the portable device.
8. ~The portable device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the non-volatile memory comprises flash memory.
9. ~The portable device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the microprocessor is operative to provide a bypass mechanism for authentication upon a determination of authentication failure by the biometrics-based authentication module.
10. ~A portable storage device comprising:
a bus;
a microprocessor coupled to the bus;
a non-volatile memory having a storage capacity of at last 8 MB of data and coupled to the bus;
a biometrics-based authentication module coupled to the bus, wherein under the control of the microprocessor the biometrics-based authentication module is operative to (1) capture a first biometrics marker; (2) store the first biometrics marker in the non-volatile memory; (3) capture a second biometrics marker; and (4) determine whether the second biometrics marker can be authenticated against the first biometrics marker; and an integral male connector coupled to the bus for connecting the portable storage device directly to a host having a controller and for exchanging data between the post and the non-volatile memory when a determination is made that the second biometrics marker can be authenticated against the first biometrics marker.
a bus;
a microprocessor coupled to the bus;
a non-volatile memory having a storage capacity of at last 8 MB of data and coupled to the bus;
a biometrics-based authentication module coupled to the bus, wherein under the control of the microprocessor the biometrics-based authentication module is operative to (1) capture a first biometrics marker; (2) store the first biometrics marker in the non-volatile memory; (3) capture a second biometrics marker; and (4) determine whether the second biometrics marker can be authenticated against the first biometrics marker; and an integral male connector coupled to the bus for connecting the portable storage device directly to a host having a controller and for exchanging data between the post and the non-volatile memory when a determination is made that the second biometrics marker can be authenticated against the first biometrics marker.
11. ~The portable device according to claim 10, wherein the biometrics-based authentication module is a fingerprint authentication module.
12. ~The portable device according to claim 10 or claim 11, further comprising a universal serial bus (USB) device controller coupled to the bus and wherein the integral male connector is an A-type male USB connector coupled to the bus, such that the portable device is capable of communicating with the post platform via the USB connector.
13. ~The portable device according to any one of claims to 12, wherein the biometrics-based authentication module is structurally integrated with the portable device in a unitary construction and comprises a biometrics sensor being disposed on one surface of the portable device.
14. ~The portable device according to claim 13 in which the sensor is a fingerprint sensor and includes an element which is rotatable during a sensing operation, to bring successive portions of a user's finger into rolling contact with the sensor, and thereby sense successive portions of a user's fingerprint.
15. ~The portable device according to claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the biometrics-based authentication module comprises a cover mounted for motion between a first position covering the element and a second position revealing the sensor.
16. ~The portable device according to any one of claims to 15, wherein the non-volatile memory comprises flash memory.
17. ~The portable device according to any one of claims 10 to 16, wherein the biometrics-based authentication module is further operative to encrypt the first biometrics marker before storing the fist biometrics marker in the non-volatile memory.
18. ~The portable device according to any one of claim 10 to 17, wherein the microprocessor is operative to direct the biometrics-based authentication module to capture and store the first biometrics marker provided that no biometrics marker has been stored in the non-volatile memory.
19. ~The portable device according to any one of claims 10 to 18, wherein the microprocessor is operative to enable access to the non-volatile memory upon a determination of authentication success by the biometrics-based authentication module.
20. ~The portable device according to any one of claims 10 to 19, wherein the microprocessor is operative to disable access to the non-volatile memory upon a determination of authentication failure by the biometrics-based authentication module.
21. ~The portable device according to any one of claims to 20, wherein the microprocessor is operative to provide a bypass mechanism for authentication upon a determination of authentication failure by the biometrics-based authentication module.
22. ~A biometrics-based authentication method implemented using a portable storage device, the method comprising the steps of:
(a) ~obtaining a first biometrics marker from a user with a biometrics sensor installed on the portable device, the portable storage device having internal storage with a total storage capacity of at least 8 MB of data;
(b) ~retrieving a registered biometrics marker from the internal storage of the portable storage device, the registered biometrics marker having been stored therein during a registration process;
(c) ~comparing the first biometrics marker against the registered biometrics marker;
(d) ~signaling an authentication success provided that a match is identified in said step (c); and (e) ~providing access to the internal storage of the portable storage device upon receiving the signaling of the authentication success and thereafter exchanging data between the internal storage of the portable storage device and a host having a controller, the exchange of data passing through a male connector integral with the portable storage device.
(a) ~obtaining a first biometrics marker from a user with a biometrics sensor installed on the portable device, the portable storage device having internal storage with a total storage capacity of at least 8 MB of data;
(b) ~retrieving a registered biometrics marker from the internal storage of the portable storage device, the registered biometrics marker having been stored therein during a registration process;
(c) ~comparing the first biometrics marker against the registered biometrics marker;
(d) ~signaling an authentication success provided that a match is identified in said step (c); and (e) ~providing access to the internal storage of the portable storage device upon receiving the signaling of the authentication success and thereafter exchanging data between the internal storage of the portable storage device and a host having a controller, the exchange of data passing through a male connector integral with the portable storage device.
23. ~The biometrics-based authentication method as recited in claim 22 wherein the registered biometrics marker is a fingerprint.
24. ~The biometrics-based authentication method according to claim 22 or claim 23, wherein the registered biometrics marker is stored in an encrypted format.
25. ~The biometrics-based authentication method according to any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein said step (d) comprises granting the user access to the internal storage.
26. ~The biometrics-based authentication method according to any one of claims 22 to 25, further comprising the step of denying the user access to the internal storage provided that a match is not identified in said step (c).
27. ~The biometrics-based authentication method according to any one of claims 22 to 26, further comprising the step of providing the user with a bypass authentication procedure provided that a match is not identified in said step (c).
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/SG2001/000134 WO2003003278A1 (en) | 2001-06-28 | 2001-06-28 | A portable device having biometrics-based authentication capabilities |
SGPCT/SG01/00134 | 2001-06-28 | ||
PCT/SG2002/000047 WO2003003282A1 (en) | 2001-06-28 | 2002-03-22 | A portable device having biometrics-based authentication capabilities |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
CA2417208A1 CA2417208A1 (en) | 2003-01-09 |
CA2417208C true CA2417208C (en) | 2004-10-05 |
Family
ID=20428961
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
CA002417208A Expired - Fee Related CA2417208C (en) | 2001-06-28 | 2002-03-22 | A portable device having biometrics-based authentication capabilities |
Country Status (25)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US20030005337A1 (en) |
EP (2) | EP2000937A3 (en) |
JP (2) | JP2004519791A (en) |
KR (1) | KR100606393B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN1257479C (en) |
AU (1) | AU2002243185B2 (en) |
BR (1) | BR0201401A (en) |
CA (1) | CA2417208C (en) |
DE (1) | DE60232969D1 (en) |
DK (2) | DK1402459T3 (en) |
EA (1) | EA004262B1 (en) |
EC (1) | ECSP024276A (en) |
ES (1) | ES2328459T3 (en) |
HK (1) | HK1061596A1 (en) |
HU (1) | HUP0301836A3 (en) |
IL (1) | IL149319A (en) |
MX (1) | MXPA02004246A (en) |
MY (1) | MY124212A (en) |
NO (1) | NO20022194D0 (en) |
PT (1) | PT1402459E (en) |
RS (1) | RS49652B (en) |
TW (1) | TWI246028B (en) |
UA (1) | UA75873C2 (en) |
WO (2) | WO2003003278A1 (en) |
ZA (1) | ZA200203091B (en) |
Families Citing this family (126)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE10120067C1 (en) * | 2001-04-24 | 2002-06-13 | Siemens Ag | Mobile communications device has incorporated biometric sensor for fingerprint checking for activation of communications device |
CA2451491C (en) * | 2001-07-18 | 2009-06-02 | Daon Holdings Limited | A distributed network system using biometric authentication access |
FR2829603A1 (en) * | 2001-09-11 | 2003-03-14 | St Microelectronics Sa | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR STORING AND READING DIGITAL DATA ON A PHYSICAL MEDIUM |
US7269737B2 (en) * | 2001-09-21 | 2007-09-11 | Pay By Touch Checking Resources, Inc. | System and method for biometric authorization for financial transactions |
JP3617500B2 (en) * | 2002-03-15 | 2005-02-02 | セイコーエプソン株式会社 | Printing over the network |
SG96688A1 (en) * | 2002-04-25 | 2003-06-16 | Ritronics Components Singapore | A biometrics parameters protected computer serial bus interface portable data |
GB0228434D0 (en) * | 2002-12-05 | 2003-01-08 | Scient Generics Ltd | Error correction |
US6904493B2 (en) * | 2002-07-11 | 2005-06-07 | Animeta Systems, Inc. | Secure flash memory device and method of operation |
GB2391082B (en) * | 2002-07-19 | 2005-08-03 | Ritech Internat Ltd | Portable data storage device with layered memory architecture |
US6665201B1 (en) * | 2002-07-24 | 2003-12-16 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Direct connect solid-state storage device |
KR20040040982A (en) * | 2002-11-08 | 2004-05-13 | 주식회사 네이비 | Usb token system using finger printing cognition |
US7478248B2 (en) * | 2002-11-27 | 2009-01-13 | M-Systems Flash Disk Pioneers, Ltd. | Apparatus and method for securing data on a portable storage device |
JP4158626B2 (en) | 2003-06-30 | 2008-10-01 | ソニー株式会社 | External storage device |
SG113483A1 (en) * | 2003-10-30 | 2005-08-29 | Ritronics Components S Pte Ltd | A biometrics parameters protected usb interface portable data storage device with usb interface accessible biometrics processor |
JP2005149093A (en) * | 2003-11-14 | 2005-06-09 | Toppan Printing Co Ltd | Storage device with access right control function, control program for storage device with access right control function and method for controlling access right |
WO2005050456A1 (en) * | 2003-11-19 | 2005-06-02 | Marc Gerhard Welz | Security arrangement |
US7447911B2 (en) * | 2003-11-28 | 2008-11-04 | Lightuning Tech. Inc. | Electronic identification key with portable application programs and identified by biometrics authentication |
TWI282940B (en) * | 2003-12-02 | 2007-06-21 | Aimgene Technology Co Ltd | Memory storage device with a fingerprint sensor and method for protecting the data therein |
RU2319225C1 (en) * | 2004-01-16 | 2008-03-10 | ТРЕК 2000 Интернейшнл Лтд. | Portable device for recording and reproducing data |
CN1926616B (en) | 2004-01-19 | 2011-09-14 | 特科2000国际有限公司 | Portable data storing device using storage address mapping table |
SE0400425L (en) * | 2004-02-24 | 2004-11-30 | Tagmaster Ab | Authorization procedure |
US7861006B2 (en) | 2004-03-23 | 2010-12-28 | Mcnulty Scott | Apparatus, method and system for a tunneling client access point |
AU2005230645B2 (en) * | 2004-04-07 | 2010-07-15 | Ryan, Phillip J. | Player controls |
US20050228993A1 (en) * | 2004-04-12 | 2005-10-13 | Silvester Kelan C | Method and apparatus for authenticating a user of an electronic system |
US8037309B2 (en) | 2004-04-26 | 2011-10-11 | Trek 2000 International Ltd. | Portable data storage device with encryption system |
TWI307046B (en) * | 2004-04-30 | 2009-03-01 | Aimgene Technology Co Ltd | Portable encrypted storage device with biometric identification and method for protecting the data therein |
CN1333348C (en) * | 2004-05-13 | 2007-08-22 | 瀚群科技股份有限公司 | Method for protecting portable cryptographic storage device of containing biological identification and stored data |
JP4640920B2 (en) * | 2004-06-01 | 2011-03-02 | 大日本印刷株式会社 | Storage device and storage method |
TWI240563B (en) * | 2004-06-02 | 2005-09-21 | Avision Inc | Image-capturing apparatus having an error-detecting function |
TWI236276B (en) * | 2004-06-07 | 2005-07-11 | Avision Inc | Image processing system of scanner |
TWI264672B (en) * | 2004-09-21 | 2006-10-21 | Aimgene Technology Co Ltd | BIOS locking device, computer system with a BIOS locking device and control method thereof |
JP4525286B2 (en) * | 2004-10-14 | 2010-08-18 | 沖電気工業株式会社 | Biometric information authentication apparatus and authentication method |
US20060082808A1 (en) * | 2004-10-14 | 2006-04-20 | Memory Experts International Inc. | Method and system for printing electronic documents |
US20060107067A1 (en) * | 2004-11-15 | 2006-05-18 | Max Safal | Identification card with bio-sensor and user authentication method |
TWI296787B (en) * | 2005-01-19 | 2008-05-11 | Lightuning Tech Inc | Storage device and method for protecting data stored therein |
US20060176146A1 (en) * | 2005-02-09 | 2006-08-10 | Baldev Krishan | Wireless universal serial bus memory key with fingerprint authentication |
US8000502B2 (en) * | 2005-03-09 | 2011-08-16 | Sandisk Technologies Inc. | Portable memory storage device with biometric identification security |
TWI265442B (en) * | 2005-06-03 | 2006-11-01 | Lightuning Tech Inc | Portable storage device capable of automatically running biometrics application programs and methods of automatically running the application programs |
TWI262696B (en) * | 2005-06-17 | 2006-09-21 | Lightuning Tech Inc | Storage device and method for protecting data stored therein |
JP2007048380A (en) * | 2005-08-10 | 2007-02-22 | Oki Electric Ind Co Ltd | Semiconductor memory apparatus |
US7938863B2 (en) * | 2005-08-30 | 2011-05-10 | Hewlett-Packard Development Compnay, L.P. | Method, apparatus, and system for securing data on a removable memory device |
US7664961B2 (en) * | 2005-09-12 | 2010-02-16 | Imation Corp. | Wireless handheld device with local biometric authentication |
US7525411B2 (en) * | 2005-10-11 | 2009-04-28 | Newfrey Llc | Door lock with protected biometric sensor |
TWI296780B (en) * | 2005-10-27 | 2008-05-11 | Lightuning Tech Inc | Hard disk apparatus with a biometrics sensor and method of protecting data therein |
WO2007051583A1 (en) * | 2005-11-02 | 2007-05-10 | Dreyer + Timm Gmbh | Communication and/or telematic unit |
JP2007129488A (en) * | 2005-11-02 | 2007-05-24 | Sharp Corp | Image processor |
US20070118757A1 (en) * | 2005-11-07 | 2007-05-24 | Skinner David N | Method, apparatus, and system for securing data on a removable memory device |
AU2005242135B1 (en) * | 2005-12-07 | 2006-03-16 | Ronald Neville Langford | Verifying the Identity of a User by Authenticating a File |
CN100451999C (en) * | 2005-12-16 | 2009-01-14 | 祥群科技股份有限公司 | Memory and method for protecting storage data |
JP2007172248A (en) * | 2005-12-21 | 2007-07-05 | Li Kuo Chui | Portable storage device with biometric data protection mechanism and its protection method |
US8191120B2 (en) * | 2006-01-05 | 2012-05-29 | Sandisk Il Ltd. | Powerless electronic storage lock |
US8224034B2 (en) * | 2006-02-02 | 2012-07-17 | NL Giken Incorporated | Biometrics system, biologic information storage, and portable device |
CN100452000C (en) * | 2006-03-09 | 2009-01-14 | 祥群科技股份有限公司 | Portable memory devices and method for automatically performing biology identification application program |
US9081946B2 (en) * | 2006-03-29 | 2015-07-14 | Stmicroelectronics, Inc. | Secure mass storage device |
CN101405674B (en) | 2006-03-30 | 2011-07-13 | 富士通株式会社 | Information processing apparatus, management method, management program and electronic device |
CN101405746B (en) | 2006-03-30 | 2012-01-25 | 富士通株式会社 | Electronic device, information processing apparatus |
JP2007299031A (en) * | 2006-04-27 | 2007-11-15 | Toshiba Corp | Information storage device and control method |
US8631494B2 (en) | 2006-07-06 | 2014-01-14 | Imation Corp. | Method and device for scanning data for signatures prior to storage in a storage device |
KR100834205B1 (en) * | 2006-10-10 | 2008-05-30 | 김상훈 | Security system for external data storage apparatus and a control method thereof |
EP2091002A4 (en) * | 2006-12-04 | 2011-04-06 | Eugrid Inc | Information processing device and information management program |
WO2008078333A1 (en) * | 2006-12-22 | 2008-07-03 | Trinity Future-In Private Limited | Intelligent system to protect confidential information from unauthorized duplication |
JP2008250797A (en) * | 2007-03-30 | 2008-10-16 | Intelligent Software:Kk | Storage device with biometrics authentication function |
US8756659B2 (en) * | 2007-04-19 | 2014-06-17 | At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. | Access authorization servers, methods and computer program products employing wireless terminal location |
ES2346607B1 (en) * | 2007-05-28 | 2011-06-03 | Jorge Urios Rodriguez | KEYBANKING |
US8914847B2 (en) * | 2007-06-15 | 2014-12-16 | Microsoft Corporation | Multiple user authentications on a communications device |
WO2009042392A2 (en) | 2007-09-24 | 2009-04-02 | Apple Inc. | Embedded authentication systems in an electronic device |
US8600120B2 (en) | 2008-01-03 | 2013-12-03 | Apple Inc. | Personal computing device control using face detection and recognition |
US8479013B2 (en) * | 2008-01-18 | 2013-07-02 | Photonic Data Security, Llc | Secure portable data transport and storage system |
JP4978487B2 (en) * | 2008-01-30 | 2012-07-18 | セイコーエプソン株式会社 | Image reading apparatus and information processing apparatus |
JP4978486B2 (en) * | 2008-01-30 | 2012-07-18 | セイコーエプソン株式会社 | Image reading apparatus and information processing apparatus |
JP5062687B2 (en) * | 2008-03-31 | 2012-10-31 | Eugrid株式会社 | Information processing device |
US8695087B2 (en) * | 2008-04-04 | 2014-04-08 | Sandisk Il Ltd. | Access control for a memory device |
GB0808341D0 (en) * | 2008-05-08 | 2008-06-18 | Michael John P | External storage security and encryption device |
HK1125258A2 (en) * | 2008-10-10 | 2009-07-31 | Wong Kwok Fong | A storage device with rf fingerprint scanning system |
US20100090801A1 (en) * | 2008-10-10 | 2010-04-15 | Kwok Fong Wong | Serial bus fingerprint scanner with led indicators |
HK1119371A2 (en) * | 2008-10-10 | 2009-02-27 | Wong Kwok Fong | A usb fingerprint device with led indicators |
US8111135B2 (en) * | 2009-01-23 | 2012-02-07 | Shining Union Limited | USB fingerprint scanner with touch sensor |
US8111136B2 (en) * | 2009-01-23 | 2012-02-07 | Shining Union Limited | USB fingerprint scanner with touch sensor |
EP2416275A1 (en) * | 2009-03-30 | 2012-02-08 | Fujitsu Limited | Biometric authentication device, biometric authentication method, and storage medium |
DE102009045818B4 (en) * | 2009-10-19 | 2014-12-11 | Dresearch Digital Media Systems Gmbh | Recording device for receiving a data memory, data storage system and method for removing a data memory from the receiving device |
CN201656998U (en) * | 2009-12-03 | 2010-11-24 | 华为终端有限公司 | Fingerprint identification data card and electronic equipment |
CN102103683A (en) * | 2009-12-17 | 2011-06-22 | 中兴通讯股份有限公司 | Method and device for realizing card simulation application of NFC mobile terminal |
EP2336939A1 (en) | 2009-12-18 | 2011-06-22 | Uwe Peter Braun | External device with at least one storage device |
FR2954546B1 (en) * | 2009-12-22 | 2012-09-21 | Mereal Biometrics | "MULTI-APPLICATION CHIP CARD WITH BIOMETRIC VALIDATION." |
US20110246790A1 (en) * | 2010-03-31 | 2011-10-06 | Gainteam Holdings Limited | Secured removable storage device |
CN102738676A (en) * | 2011-04-02 | 2012-10-17 | 上海徕木电子股份有限公司 | Rotation-type universal serial bus (USB) connector |
WO2012144105A1 (en) * | 2011-04-19 | 2012-10-26 | 株式会社日立製作所 | Biometric authentication system |
JP2012238186A (en) * | 2011-05-12 | 2012-12-06 | Dainippon Printing Co Ltd | Portable storage device |
US9002322B2 (en) | 2011-09-29 | 2015-04-07 | Apple Inc. | Authentication with secondary approver |
US8769624B2 (en) | 2011-09-29 | 2014-07-01 | Apple Inc. | Access control utilizing indirect authentication |
US9471919B2 (en) | 2012-04-10 | 2016-10-18 | Hoyos Labs Ip Ltd. | Systems and methods for biometric authentication of transactions |
US9208492B2 (en) | 2013-05-13 | 2015-12-08 | Hoyos Labs Corp. | Systems and methods for biometric authentication of transactions |
CN102708321B (en) * | 2012-05-07 | 2016-07-06 | 成都国腾实业集团有限公司 | cloud terminal security key |
KR101231216B1 (en) * | 2012-07-13 | 2013-02-07 | 주식회사 베프스 | Removable storage device with fingerprint recognition and control method thereof |
US9003196B2 (en) | 2013-05-13 | 2015-04-07 | Hoyos Labs Corp. | System and method for authorizing access to access-controlled environments |
US11210380B2 (en) | 2013-05-13 | 2021-12-28 | Veridium Ip Limited | System and method for authorizing access to access-controlled environments |
US9230082B2 (en) * | 2013-05-14 | 2016-01-05 | Dell Products, L.P. | Apparatus and method for enabling fingerprint-based secure access to a user-authenticated operational state of an information handling system |
US9898642B2 (en) | 2013-09-09 | 2018-02-20 | Apple Inc. | Device, method, and graphical user interface for manipulating user interfaces based on fingerprint sensor inputs |
CN106063219B (en) | 2013-12-31 | 2019-10-08 | 威力迪姆Ip有限公司 | System and method for bio-identification consensus standard |
US9838388B2 (en) | 2014-08-26 | 2017-12-05 | Veridium Ip Limited | System and method for biometric protocol standards |
US9355236B1 (en) * | 2014-04-03 | 2016-05-31 | Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. | System and method for biometric user authentication using 3D in-air hand gestures |
US9213819B2 (en) * | 2014-04-10 | 2015-12-15 | Bank Of America Corporation | Rhythm-based user authentication |
US10482461B2 (en) | 2014-05-29 | 2019-11-19 | Apple Inc. | User interface for payments |
KR101853266B1 (en) * | 2015-02-15 | 2018-05-02 | 에코스솔루션(주) | Portable secure authentication apparatus using fingerprint |
KR101853270B1 (en) * | 2015-02-16 | 2018-05-02 | 에코스솔루션(주) | Authentication method for portable secure authentication apparatus using fingerprint |
CN106355407A (en) * | 2015-07-20 | 2017-01-25 | 联想移动通信软件(武汉)有限公司 | Method and device for fingerprint payment, safety chip and electronic device |
US11329980B2 (en) | 2015-08-21 | 2022-05-10 | Veridium Ip Limited | System and method for biometric protocol standards |
US10382312B2 (en) | 2016-03-02 | 2019-08-13 | Fisher-Rosemount Systems, Inc. | Detecting and locating process control communication line faults from a handheld maintenance tool |
DK179186B1 (en) | 2016-05-19 | 2018-01-15 | Apple Inc | REMOTE AUTHORIZATION TO CONTINUE WITH AN ACTION |
US10554644B2 (en) | 2016-07-20 | 2020-02-04 | Fisher-Rosemount Systems, Inc. | Two-factor authentication for user interface devices in a process plant |
US11605037B2 (en) | 2016-07-20 | 2023-03-14 | Fisher-Rosemount Systems, Inc. | Fleet management system for portable maintenance tools |
US10270853B2 (en) | 2016-07-22 | 2019-04-23 | Fisher-Rosemount Systems, Inc. | Process control communication between a portable field maintenance tool and an asset management system |
US10585422B2 (en) * | 2016-07-22 | 2020-03-10 | Fisher-Rosemount Systems, Inc. | Portable field maintenance tool system having interchangeable functional modules |
US10599134B2 (en) | 2016-07-22 | 2020-03-24 | Fisher-Rosemount Systems, Inc. | Portable field maintenance tool configured for multiple process control communication protocols |
US10375162B2 (en) | 2016-07-22 | 2019-08-06 | Fisher-Rosemount Systems, Inc. | Process control communication architecture |
US10374873B2 (en) | 2016-07-22 | 2019-08-06 | Fisher-Rosemount Systems, Inc. | Process control communication between a portable field maintenance tool and a process control instrument |
US10505585B2 (en) | 2016-07-25 | 2019-12-10 | Fisher-Rosemount Systems, Inc. | Portable field maintenance tool with a bus for powering and communicating with a field device |
US10481627B2 (en) | 2016-07-25 | 2019-11-19 | Fisher-Rosemount Systems, Inc. | Connection check in field maintenance tool |
US10764083B2 (en) | 2016-07-25 | 2020-09-01 | Fisher-Rosemount Systems, Inc. | Portable field maintenance tool with resistor network for intrinsically safe operation |
KR102389678B1 (en) | 2017-09-09 | 2022-04-21 | 애플 인크. | Implementation of biometric authentication |
KR102185854B1 (en) | 2017-09-09 | 2020-12-02 | 애플 인크. | Implementation of biometric authentication |
US11170085B2 (en) | 2018-06-03 | 2021-11-09 | Apple Inc. | Implementation of biometric authentication |
US11100349B2 (en) | 2018-09-28 | 2021-08-24 | Apple Inc. | Audio assisted enrollment |
US10860096B2 (en) | 2018-09-28 | 2020-12-08 | Apple Inc. | Device control using gaze information |
US11507248B2 (en) | 2019-12-16 | 2022-11-22 | Element Inc. | Methods, systems, and media for anti-spoofing using eye-tracking |
CN115048062B (en) * | 2022-07-25 | 2023-01-06 | 北京珞安科技有限责任公司 | Mobile storage device management system based on hierarchical management and control |
Family Cites Families (149)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE3706466C2 (en) * | 1987-02-27 | 1993-09-30 | Siemens Ag | Portable control unit for chip cards |
US4853523A (en) * | 1987-10-05 | 1989-08-01 | Pitney Bowes Inc. | Vault cartridge having capacitive coupling |
FR2632102B1 (en) * | 1988-05-31 | 1992-07-17 | Tripeau Jean Pierre | CONTROL SYSTEM, IN PARTICULAR FOR PRIVATE PLACE ACCESS CONTROL |
JP2831660B2 (en) * | 1988-08-26 | 1998-12-02 | 株式会社東芝 | Portable electronic devices |
US4946276A (en) * | 1988-09-23 | 1990-08-07 | Fingermatrix, Inc. | Full roll fingerprint apparatus |
AU617006B2 (en) * | 1988-09-29 | 1991-11-14 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Data processing system and apparatus |
US5146221A (en) * | 1989-01-13 | 1992-09-08 | Stac, Inc. | Data compression apparatus and method |
EP0392895B1 (en) * | 1989-04-13 | 1995-12-13 | Sundisk Corporation | Flash EEprom system |
US4993068A (en) * | 1989-11-27 | 1991-02-12 | Motorola, Inc. | Unforgeable personal identification system |
US5663901A (en) * | 1991-04-11 | 1997-09-02 | Sandisk Corporation | Computer memory cards using flash EEPROM integrated circuit chips and memory-controller systems |
US5485519A (en) * | 1991-06-07 | 1996-01-16 | Security Dynamics Technologies, Inc. | Enhanced security for a secure token code |
US5229764A (en) * | 1991-06-20 | 1993-07-20 | Matchett Noel D | Continuous biometric authentication matrix |
US5287305A (en) * | 1991-06-28 | 1994-02-15 | Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha | Memory device including two-valued/n-valued conversion unit |
US5291584A (en) * | 1991-07-23 | 1994-03-01 | Nexcom Technology, Inc. | Methods and apparatus for hard disk emulation |
US5379171A (en) * | 1991-09-25 | 1995-01-03 | Integral Peripherals | Microminiature hard disk drive |
US5778418A (en) * | 1991-09-27 | 1998-07-07 | Sandisk Corporation | Mass computer storage system having both solid state and rotating disk types of memory |
TW261687B (en) * | 1991-11-26 | 1995-11-01 | Hitachi Seisakusyo Kk | |
US5267218A (en) * | 1992-03-31 | 1993-11-30 | Intel Corporation | Nonvolatile memory card with a single power supply input |
JPH064351A (en) * | 1992-06-24 | 1994-01-14 | Toshiba Corp | Visual simulator |
US5282247A (en) * | 1992-11-12 | 1994-01-25 | Maxtor Corporation | Apparatus and method for providing data security in a computer system having removable memory |
US5459850A (en) * | 1993-02-19 | 1995-10-17 | Conner Peripherals, Inc. | Flash solid state drive that emulates a disk drive and stores variable length and fixed lenth data blocks |
JPH06274397A (en) * | 1993-03-24 | 1994-09-30 | Toshiba Corp | File control system |
JP3099926B2 (en) * | 1993-04-30 | 2000-10-16 | 株式会社東芝 | Nonvolatile semiconductor memory device |
US5442704A (en) * | 1994-01-14 | 1995-08-15 | Bull Nh Information Systems Inc. | Secure memory card with programmed controlled security access control |
US5623552A (en) * | 1994-01-21 | 1997-04-22 | Cardguard International, Inc. | Self-authenticating identification card with fingerprint identification |
JP3893480B2 (en) * | 1994-09-28 | 2007-03-14 | 株式会社リコー | Digital electronic camera |
US5655077A (en) * | 1994-12-13 | 1997-08-05 | Microsoft Corporation | Method and system for authenticating access to heterogeneous computing services |
US5659705A (en) * | 1994-12-29 | 1997-08-19 | Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc. | Serial access memory cartridge for programmable logic controller |
US6111604A (en) * | 1995-02-21 | 2000-08-29 | Ricoh Company, Ltd. | Digital camera which detects a connection to an external device |
JPH08263631A (en) | 1995-03-23 | 1996-10-11 | Nippon Telegr & Teleph Corp <Ntt> | Fingerprint input device |
US5621798A (en) * | 1995-04-18 | 1997-04-15 | Intel Corporation | Method and apparatus for cooperative messaging |
US5666159A (en) * | 1995-04-24 | 1997-09-09 | Eastman Kodak Company | Electronic camera system with programmable transmission capability |
JPH08305814A (en) * | 1995-04-27 | 1996-11-22 | Mitsubishi Electric Corp | Pc card |
US5737448A (en) * | 1995-06-15 | 1998-04-07 | Intel Corporation | Method and apparatus for low bit rate image compression |
CA2156236C (en) * | 1995-08-16 | 1999-07-20 | Stephen J. Borza | Biometrically secured control system for preventing the unauthorized use of a vehicle |
US5815252A (en) * | 1995-09-05 | 1998-09-29 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Biometric identification process and system utilizing multiple parameters scans for reduction of false negatives |
US5787169A (en) * | 1995-12-28 | 1998-07-28 | International Business Machines Corp. | Method and apparatus for controlling access to encrypted data files in a computer system |
US5956415A (en) * | 1996-01-26 | 1999-09-21 | Harris Corporation | Enhanced security fingerprint sensor package and related methods |
US6628325B1 (en) * | 1998-06-26 | 2003-09-30 | Fotonation Holdings, Llc | Camera network communication device |
GB2312040A (en) * | 1996-04-13 | 1997-10-15 | Xerox Corp | A computer mouse |
FR2748135B1 (en) * | 1996-04-25 | 1998-06-19 | Aerospatiale | COMPUTING EQUIPMENT WITH REMOVABLE MEMORY FOR AIRCRAFT |
US5890016A (en) * | 1996-05-07 | 1999-03-30 | Intel Corporation | Hybrid computer add in device for selectively coupling to personal computer or solely to another add in device for proper functioning |
US5938750A (en) * | 1996-06-28 | 1999-08-17 | Intel Corporation | Method and apparatus for a memory card bus design |
DE69706991T2 (en) * | 1996-07-19 | 2002-04-25 | Tokyo Electron Device Ltd | FLASH MEMORY CARD |
US5815426A (en) * | 1996-08-13 | 1998-09-29 | Nexcom Technology, Inc. | Adapter for interfacing an insertable/removable digital memory apparatus to a host data part |
US5969750A (en) * | 1996-09-04 | 1999-10-19 | Winbcnd Electronics Corporation | Moving picture camera with universal serial bus interface |
US6038320A (en) * | 1996-10-11 | 2000-03-14 | Intel Corporation | Computer security key |
US6047376A (en) * | 1996-10-18 | 2000-04-04 | Toshiba Information Systems (Japan) Corporation | Client-server system, server access authentication method, memory medium stores server-access authentication programs, and issuance device which issues the memory medium contents |
US5844497A (en) * | 1996-11-07 | 1998-12-01 | Litronic, Inc. | Apparatus and method for providing an authentication system |
DE19645937B4 (en) * | 1996-11-07 | 2007-10-04 | Deutsche Telekom Ag | Method and system for person-dependent control of a telecommunications terminal |
US6131141A (en) * | 1996-11-15 | 2000-10-10 | Intelligent Computer Solutions, Inc. | Method of and portable apparatus for determining and utilizing timing parameters for direct duplication of hard disk drives |
KR100223484B1 (en) * | 1996-11-25 | 1999-10-15 | 윤종용 | A computer system having password recovery function and a recovery method of that |
US5949882A (en) * | 1996-12-13 | 1999-09-07 | Compaq Computer Corporation | Method and apparatus for allowing access to secured computer resources by utilzing a password and an external encryption algorithm |
US5935244A (en) * | 1997-01-21 | 1999-08-10 | Dell Usa, L.P. | Detachable I/O device for computer data security |
DE19712053A1 (en) * | 1997-03-23 | 1998-09-24 | Rene Baltus | Portable communication device with biometric user identification |
US6125192A (en) * | 1997-04-21 | 2000-09-26 | Digital Persona, Inc. | Fingerprint recognition system |
JP3104646B2 (en) * | 1997-06-04 | 2000-10-30 | ソニー株式会社 | External storage device |
US6786417B1 (en) * | 1997-06-04 | 2004-09-07 | Sony Corporation | Memory card with write protection switch |
US6088802A (en) * | 1997-06-04 | 2000-07-11 | Spyrus, Inc. | Peripheral device with integrated security functionality |
JP3173438B2 (en) * | 1997-06-04 | 2001-06-04 | ソニー株式会社 | Memory card and mounting device |
US6012103A (en) * | 1997-07-02 | 2000-01-04 | Cypress Semiconductor Corp. | Bus interface system and method |
JP3565686B2 (en) * | 1997-08-01 | 2004-09-15 | 東京エレクトロンデバイス株式会社 | Computer storage device and conversion system |
US6016476A (en) * | 1997-08-11 | 2000-01-18 | International Business Machines Corporation | Portable information and transaction processing system and method utilizing biometric authorization and digital certificate security |
US6016553A (en) * | 1997-09-05 | 2000-01-18 | Wild File, Inc. | Method, software and apparatus for saving, using and recovering data |
US6061799A (en) * | 1997-10-31 | 2000-05-09 | International Business Machines Corp. | Removable media for password based authentication in a distributed system |
US5931791A (en) * | 1997-11-05 | 1999-08-03 | Instromedix, Inc. | Medical patient vital signs-monitoring apparatus |
US6034621A (en) * | 1997-11-18 | 2000-03-07 | Lucent Technologies, Inc. | Wireless remote synchronization of data between PC and PDA |
US5928347A (en) * | 1997-11-18 | 1999-07-27 | Shuttle Technology Group Ltd. | Universal memory card interface apparatus |
US6577337B1 (en) * | 1997-12-01 | 2003-06-10 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Display apparatus for visual communication |
US6041410A (en) * | 1997-12-22 | 2000-03-21 | Trw Inc. | Personal identification fob |
US6105130A (en) * | 1997-12-23 | 2000-08-15 | Adaptec, Inc. | Method for selectively booting from a desired peripheral device |
US6370603B1 (en) * | 1997-12-31 | 2002-04-09 | Kawasaki Microelectronics, Inc. | Configurable universal serial bus (USB) controller implemented on a single integrated circuit (IC) chip with media access control (MAC) |
JPH11259605A (en) * | 1998-01-08 | 1999-09-24 | Tdk Corp | Pc card |
US6058441A (en) * | 1998-02-19 | 2000-05-02 | Shu; Han | USB multi-function connecting device |
US6182162B1 (en) * | 1998-03-02 | 2001-01-30 | Lexar Media, Inc. | Externally coupled compact flash memory card that configures itself one of a plurality of appropriate operating protocol modes of a host computer |
US6044428A (en) * | 1998-03-17 | 2000-03-28 | Fairchild Semiconductor Corporation | Configurable universal serial bus node |
US6618806B1 (en) * | 1998-04-01 | 2003-09-09 | Saflink Corporation | System and method for authenticating users in a computer network |
JP3611964B2 (en) * | 1998-04-16 | 2005-01-19 | 富士通株式会社 | Storage device, storage control method, and storage medium |
US6324310B1 (en) * | 1998-06-02 | 2001-11-27 | Digital Persona, Inc. | Method and apparatus for scanning a fingerprint using a linear sensor |
US6219439B1 (en) * | 1998-07-09 | 2001-04-17 | Paul M. Burger | Biometric authentication system |
JP2000048177A (en) * | 1998-07-30 | 2000-02-18 | Fujitsu Takamisawa Component Ltd | Card with fingerprint scanner |
US6457099B1 (en) * | 1998-08-27 | 2002-09-24 | David A. Gilbert | Programmable dedicated application card |
US6987927B1 (en) * | 1998-09-09 | 2006-01-17 | Smartdisk Corporation | Enhanced digital data collector for removable memory modules |
JP2000100055A (en) * | 1998-09-24 | 2000-04-07 | Mitsumi Electric Co Ltd | Floppy disk drive controller |
CN1262485A (en) * | 1998-11-10 | 2000-08-09 | 阿拉丁知识系统有限公司 | User-computer interactive method for group capable of flexible connecting of computer system |
US6748541B1 (en) * | 1999-10-05 | 2004-06-08 | Aladdin Knowledge Systems, Ltd. | User-computer interaction method for use by a population of flexibly connectable computer systems |
JP2000184264A (en) * | 1998-12-14 | 2000-06-30 | Olympus Optical Co Ltd | Camera |
TW420796B (en) * | 1999-01-13 | 2001-02-01 | Primax Electronics Ltd | Computer system equipped with portable electronic key |
US6848045B2 (en) * | 1999-01-15 | 2005-01-25 | Rainbow Technologies, Inc. | Integrated USB connector for personal token |
US7111324B2 (en) * | 1999-01-15 | 2006-09-19 | Safenet, Inc. | USB hub keypad |
US7272723B1 (en) * | 1999-01-15 | 2007-09-18 | Safenet, Inc. | USB-compliant personal key with integral input and output devices |
US6671808B1 (en) * | 1999-01-15 | 2003-12-30 | Rainbow Technologies, Inc. | USB-compliant personal key |
JP4135049B2 (en) * | 1999-03-25 | 2008-08-20 | ソニー株式会社 | Non-volatile memory |
JP4505870B2 (en) * | 1999-03-31 | 2010-07-21 | ソニー株式会社 | Recording / playback device |
US6148354A (en) * | 1999-04-05 | 2000-11-14 | M-Systems Flash Disk Pioneers Ltd. | Architecture for a universal serial bus-based PC flash disk |
US6371376B1 (en) * | 1999-04-16 | 2002-04-16 | Ho J. Dan | PCMCIA card with secure smart card reader |
US7036738B1 (en) * | 1999-05-03 | 2006-05-02 | Microsoft Corporation | PCMCIA-compliant smart card secured memory assembly for porting user profiles and documents |
US6116006A (en) * | 1999-05-27 | 2000-09-12 | Deere & Company | Hydraulic system for a detachable implement |
JP4519963B2 (en) * | 1999-06-21 | 2010-08-04 | 富士通株式会社 | Biometric information encryption / decryption method and apparatus, and personal authentication system using biometric information |
US6351810B2 (en) * | 1999-06-30 | 2002-02-26 | Sun Microsystems, Inc. | Self-contained and secured access to remote servers |
WO2001008055A1 (en) * | 1999-07-23 | 2001-02-01 | Grosvenor Leisure Incorporated | Secure transaction and terminal therefor |
WO2001009845A1 (en) * | 1999-08-03 | 2001-02-08 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Biometric recognition method |
JP2001069390A (en) * | 1999-08-31 | 2001-03-16 | Fujitsu Ltd | Image pickup device which can be attached to electronic appliance |
AU6354400A (en) * | 1999-09-17 | 2001-04-24 | Gerald R. Black | Identity authentication system and method |
CN1377481A (en) * | 1999-09-30 | 2002-10-30 | M-系统闪光盘先锋有限公司 | Removable active, personal storage device, system and method |
KR100505103B1 (en) * | 1999-10-11 | 2005-07-29 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Memory stick for universal serial bus |
WO2001031577A1 (en) * | 1999-10-28 | 2001-05-03 | A-Tronic Mgm Ag | Data carrier and method for reading out information |
CN1088218C (en) * | 1999-11-14 | 2002-07-24 | 邓国顺 | Electronic flash storage method and device for data processing system |
EP1102172B1 (en) * | 1999-11-22 | 2007-03-14 | A-DATA Technology Co., Ltd. | Dual interface memory card and adapter module for the same |
US6725382B1 (en) * | 1999-12-06 | 2004-04-20 | Avaya Technology Corp. | Device security mechanism based on registered passwords |
EP1247167A4 (en) * | 1999-12-07 | 2006-08-02 | Actioneer Inc | A method and apparatus for receiving information in response to a request from an email client |
JP3356144B2 (en) * | 1999-12-08 | 2002-12-09 | 日本電気株式会社 | User authentication device using biometrics and user authentication method used therefor |
JP4165990B2 (en) * | 1999-12-20 | 2008-10-15 | Tdk株式会社 | MEMORY CONTROLLER, FLASH MEMORY SYSTEM PROVIDED WITH MEMORY CONTROLLER, AND METHOD FOR WRITEING DATA TO FLASH MEMORY |
US6742076B2 (en) * | 2000-01-03 | 2004-05-25 | Transdimension, Inc. | USB host controller for systems employing batched data transfer |
KR100314044B1 (en) * | 2000-01-21 | 2001-11-16 | 구자홍 | Personal computer camera with various application |
JP4135287B2 (en) * | 2000-02-01 | 2008-08-20 | ソニー株式会社 | RECORDING / REPRODUCING DEVICE, PORTABLE DEVICE, DATA TRANSFER SYSTEM, DATA TRANSFER METHOD, DATA REPRODUCING METHOD, DATA TRANSFER AND REPRODUCING METHOD |
KR200189514Y1 (en) * | 2000-02-07 | 2000-07-15 | 주식회사인터넷시큐리티 | Non-power electric signature apparatus based on fingerprint |
US20010029583A1 (en) * | 2000-02-17 | 2001-10-11 | Dennis Palatov | Video content distribution system including an interactive kiosk, a portable content storage device, and a set-top box |
US6247947B1 (en) * | 2000-02-18 | 2001-06-19 | Thomas & Betts International, Inc. | Memory card connector |
CN100495420C (en) * | 2000-02-21 | 2009-06-03 | 特科2000国际有限公司 | Portable date storing device |
US6766456B1 (en) * | 2000-02-23 | 2004-07-20 | Micron Technology, Inc. | Method and system for authenticating a user of a computer system |
JP2001236324A (en) * | 2000-02-24 | 2001-08-31 | Fujitsu Ltd | Portable electronic device with individual authenticating function by biometric information |
CN1129867C (en) * | 2000-03-17 | 2003-12-03 | 杭州中正生物认证技术有限公司 | Finger print hard disc |
KR100356897B1 (en) * | 2000-03-30 | 2002-10-19 | 주식회사 텔레게이트 | Potable Data Storage Apparatus |
US6799275B1 (en) * | 2000-03-30 | 2004-09-28 | Digital Persona, Inc. | Method and apparatus for securing a secure processor |
US20030063196A1 (en) * | 2000-05-08 | 2003-04-03 | Dennis Palatov | Handheld portable interactive data storage device |
MY134895A (en) * | 2000-06-29 | 2007-12-31 | Multimedia Glory Sdn Bhd | Biometric verification for electronic transactions over the web |
JP4380032B2 (en) * | 2000-07-19 | 2009-12-09 | ソニー株式会社 | Information processing system, information processing method, and storage medium |
US20020029343A1 (en) * | 2000-09-05 | 2002-03-07 | Fujitsu Limited | Smart card access management system, sharing method, and storage medium |
US20020065083A1 (en) * | 2000-09-07 | 2002-05-30 | Rajendra Patel | Method and system for high speed wireless data transmission and reception |
US20020162009A1 (en) * | 2000-10-27 | 2002-10-31 | Shimon Shmueli | Privacy assurance for portable computing |
US6986030B2 (en) * | 2000-10-27 | 2006-01-10 | M-Systems Flash Disk Pioneers Ltd. | Portable memory device includes software program for interacting with host computing device to provide a customized configuration for the program |
AT4892U1 (en) * | 2000-11-03 | 2001-12-27 | Wolfram Peter | DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING FUNCTIONS VIA BIOMETRIC DATA |
US6976075B2 (en) * | 2000-12-08 | 2005-12-13 | Clarinet Systems, Inc. | System uses communication interface for configuring a simplified single header packet received from a PDA into multiple headers packet before transmitting to destination device |
US20020073340A1 (en) * | 2000-12-12 | 2002-06-13 | Sreenath Mambakkam | Secure mass storage device with embedded biometri record that blocks access by disabling plug-and-play configuration |
SE519936C2 (en) * | 2001-01-24 | 2003-04-29 | Ericsson Telefon Ab L M | Device and procedure related to session management in a portal structure |
US6732278B2 (en) * | 2001-02-12 | 2004-05-04 | Baird, Iii Leemon C. | Apparatus and method for authenticating access to a network resource |
US6435409B1 (en) * | 2001-03-23 | 2002-08-20 | Kuang-Hua Hu | Card reader structure with an axial-rotate joint |
US20020145507A1 (en) * | 2001-04-04 | 2002-10-10 | Foster Ronald R. | Integrated biometric security system |
US20020147882A1 (en) * | 2001-04-10 | 2002-10-10 | Pua Khein Seng | Universal serial bus flash memory storage device |
US20020163421A1 (en) * | 2001-05-07 | 2002-11-07 | Po-Tong Wang | Personal fingerprint authentication method of bank card and credit card |
US6754725B1 (en) * | 2001-05-07 | 2004-06-22 | Cypress Semiconductor Corp. | USB peripheral containing its own device driver |
WO2003003295A1 (en) * | 2001-06-28 | 2003-01-09 | Trek 2000 International Ltd. | A portable device having biometrics-based authentication capabilities |
US6612853B2 (en) * | 2001-12-05 | 2003-09-02 | Speed Tech Corp. | Extensible/retractable and storable portable memory device |
US20030115415A1 (en) * | 2001-12-18 | 2003-06-19 | Roy Want | Portable memory device |
US7307636B2 (en) * | 2001-12-26 | 2007-12-11 | Eastman Kodak Company | Image format including affective information |
US20030157959A1 (en) * | 2002-01-11 | 2003-08-21 | Jakke Makela | Method, system, apparatus and computer program product for portable networking of multi-user applications |
TW588243B (en) * | 2002-07-31 | 2004-05-21 | Trek 2000 Int Ltd | System and method for authentication |
US6970518B2 (en) * | 2003-03-11 | 2005-11-29 | Motorola, Inc. | Method and apparatus for electronic item identification in a communication system using known source parameters |
-
2001
- 2001-06-28 TW TW090116077A patent/TWI246028B/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2001-06-28 WO PCT/SG2001/000134 patent/WO2003003278A1/en active Application Filing
- 2001-07-03 US US09/898,365 patent/US20030005337A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2002
- 2002-03-22 EP EP08017097A patent/EP2000937A3/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2002-03-22 UA UA2002043627A patent/UA75873C2/en unknown
- 2002-03-22 DE DE60232969T patent/DE60232969D1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2002-03-22 BR BR0201401-7A patent/BR0201401A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2002-03-22 AU AU2002243185A patent/AU2002243185B2/en not_active Ceased
- 2002-03-22 CA CA002417208A patent/CA2417208C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2002-03-22 RS YUP-317/02A patent/RS49652B/en unknown
- 2002-03-22 IL IL14931902A patent/IL149319A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2002-03-22 KR KR1020027008899A patent/KR100606393B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2002-03-22 PT PT02708930T patent/PT1402459E/en unknown
- 2002-03-22 WO PCT/SG2002/000047 patent/WO2003003282A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2002-03-22 ES ES02708930T patent/ES2328459T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2002-03-22 HU HU0301836A patent/HUP0301836A3/en unknown
- 2002-03-22 JP JP2002578698A patent/JP2004519791A/en active Pending
- 2002-03-22 EP EP02708930A patent/EP1402459B8/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2002-03-22 DK DK02708930T patent/DK1402459T3/en active
- 2002-03-22 CN CNB028000234A patent/CN1257479C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2002-03-22 EA EA200200465A patent/EA004262B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2002-03-22 MX MXPA02004246A patent/MXPA02004246A/en active IP Right Grant
- 2002-04-02 MY MYPI20021188A patent/MY124212A/en unknown
- 2002-04-18 ZA ZA200203091A patent/ZA200203091B/en unknown
- 2002-04-27 DK DK200200630A patent/DK200200630A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2002-05-07 NO NO20022194A patent/NO20022194D0/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2002-06-28 EC EC2002004276A patent/ECSP024276A/en unknown
-
2004
- 2004-06-16 HK HK04104405A patent/HK1061596A1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2004-07-12 JP JP2004204469A patent/JP2005050328A/en active Pending
-
2007
- 2007-10-30 US US11/928,052 patent/US20080049984A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
CA2417208C (en) | A portable device having biometrics-based authentication capabilities | |
US7549161B2 (en) | Portable device having biometrics-based authentication capabilities | |
JP4054052B2 (en) | Biometric parameter protection USB interface portable data storage device with USB interface accessible biometric processor | |
US5991408A (en) | Identification and security using biometric measurements | |
JPH1139483A (en) | Fingerprint authentication card, memory card, authentication system, authentication device and portable equipment | |
GB2377525A (en) | A portable device having biometrics based authentication capabilities | |
KR101052936B1 (en) | A network-based biometric authentication system using a biometric authentication medium having a biometric information storage unit and a method for preventing forgery of biometric information | |
JP4984838B2 (en) | IC card, IC card control program | |
GB2377526A (en) | A portable data storage device having biometrics based authentication capabilities | |
AU2002239214A1 (en) | A portable device having biometrics-based authentication capabilities | |
KR20050034506A (en) | Stand alone usb storage device using finger printing cognition | |
SA02230119B1 (en) | A portable device with authentication capabilities based on vital statistics | |
JP3641382B2 (en) | Security system and security method | |
KR20230077711A (en) | Usb secure data storage device, system to authenticate the same and authenticating method of the same | |
TH54510A (en) | Portable devices with biometric authentication capabilities are essential. | |
TH19030B (en) | Portable devices with biometric authentication capabilities are essential. | |
JP2007249485A (en) | Memory card |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
EEER | Examination request | ||
MKLA | Lapsed |
Effective date: 20140324 |