WO2001045024A1

WO2001045024A1 - Transaction management systems, apparatus and methods

Info

Publication number: WO2001045024A1
Application number: PCT/US2000/042532
Authority: WO
Inventors: James E. Beecham
Original assignee: Beecham James E
Priority date: 1999-12-03
Filing date: 2000-12-01
Publication date: 2001-06-21
Also published as: AU4515101A; WO2001045024A9

Abstract

A system comprising clients having access to a database (21) of electronic documents (36) that each contain reference biometric data of a customer (11) and apparatus (33) for collecting sample biometric data and for generating electronic reports of collected sample registration data, and a search architecture (46) responsive to inputs at each of the clients (11) for causing a search, wherein each search comprises an accessing of the database (21), a comparison of collected biometric data of an electronic report to the reference biometric data of the electronic documents (36) and at least one of a) a causing of a transaction and b) an authorizing of a customer (11) to commit a transaction if the collected sample biometric data substantially matches the reference biometric data.

Description

TRANSACTION MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS, APPARATUS AND METHODS

TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates to biometrics and, more particularly, to biometric-based systems, apparatus and methods for managing customer transactions.

BACKGROUND ART Before most people can receive non-emergent medical care, pick up a child from day care or pre-school, obtain personal information from certain government or private organizations, and purchase certain goods and services, they must be properly identified. The most common way of providing identification is with a driver license or other suitable form of picture identification. The problem with picture identification and other conventional ways of verifying identity is that it is slow and inefficient, as it always requires the involvement of an attendant, officer or agent to verify the authenticity of the means of identification. Driver licenses and other forms of picture identification can also be forged. Given the slow, cumbersome, inefficient and easily forgeable methods currently employed to identify individuals during various and often daily or regular transactions, what is needed are improved methods and apparatus for identifying individuals for facilitating the quick and efficient execution of customer transactions.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The invention proposes improved and various but related identification systems, apparatus and methods for facilitating and causing customer transactions. In a particular embodiment, a system of the invention is comprised of clients having electronic access to a database of electronic documents. The electronic documents are accessible by the clients over at least one publicly accessible web site, at least one privately accessible web site and/or at least one localized computer network. The electronic documents each contain, among potentially other things, reference biometric data of a customer. The clients each have or are otherwise associated with apparatus for collecting sample biometric data and for generating electronic reports of collected sample biometric data. The system further includes a search architecture responsive to inputs at the each of the clients for causing or initiating a search. The search architecture may comprise a computerized search architecture or a manual search architecture. Each search comprises an accessing of the database, a comparison of collected biometric data of an electronic report to the reference biometric data of the electronic documents and at least one of a) a causing of a transaction and b) an authorizing of a customer to commit a transaction if the collected sample biometric data substantially matches the reference biometric data. The reference biometric data and the sample biometric data each comprise biometric data of the same type. As a matter of providing teachings of exemplary systems, apparatus and methods for collecting biometric data and of identifying individuals with biometric data, incorporated herein by reference are PCT/US99/08120 entitled METHOD, SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR BIOMETRIC IDENTIFICATION, and PCT/US99/13049 entitled AUTHORIZATION AND VERIFICATION OF DOCUMENTS. Consistent with the foregoing, the invention also provides associated transaction methods.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Referring to the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a highly schematic diagram of a networked computer environment;

FIG. 2 is a diagram of a networked client interface; Fig. 2A illustrates a customer providing biometric data at a registration facility;

FIG. 3 illustrates a customer entering biometric data at public library;

FIG. 4 illustrates a customer entering biometric data at a video rental store;

FIG. 5 illustrates a customer entering biometric data at a storage facility;

FIG. 6 illustrates a customer entering biometric data at a grocery store; FIG. 7 illustrates a customer entering biometric data at a dry cleaning facility;

FIGS. 8-10 illustrate a customer entering biometric data at a parking garage or facility;

FIG. 11 illustrates a customer entering biometric data at a theme park;

FIG. 12 illustrates a customer entering biometric data at a doctor's office; and

FIG. 13 illustrates a customer entering biometric data at a child care facility.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Ensuing embodiments of the invention comprise new and improved identification systems, apparatus and methods for managing, facilitating and causing customer transactions. Ensuing embodiments of the invention utilize a networked computer environment, and the following discussion deals primarily with the Internet and the world-wide-web. However, those conversant in the art will appreciate that the systems and methods set forth in this specification may be implemented in a generalized or local network environment. In accordance with the ensuing disclosure, the invention may be utilized in connection with substantially any business that provides customers with goods and/or services such as, but not limited to, check cashing establishments, insurance providers, department stores, professional service providers, judicial services, educational institutions, public transportation organizations, departments of motor vehicles, gambling institutions, health clubs, credit unions and banks, airlines, hotels, news bureaus, broadcasting organizations, mail and delivery services, ticket sales and ticket delivery for entertainment and sporting events, job employment screening and hiring, etc.

Turning to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a highly schematic diagram of a networked computer environment 10 comprising clients 11 connected together through a network 12. Clients 11 include, among other networked components, displays or things, personal computers that are configured to interact with network 12. Each personal computer normally includes or is otherwise associated with storage, processing apparatus, an appropriate software architecture, a monitor and input apparatus such as a keyboard, mouse or pointing device, a voice response architecture, etc. Network 12 comprises a generalized network or the Internet. Access to network 12 is normally made over telephone lines such as wired and/or wireless commercial information services or other similar communication systems. To ease the ensuing discussion, one of clients 11 bears the reference character 11' and is discussed below m connection therewith.

Regarding FIG. 2, client 11' includes or is otherwise connected to or associated with storage 20, which houses a database 21. Storage 20 comprises resident and/or central storage and contains software such as a commercially available browser application for facilitating network 12 access, and an operating system or platform and preferably one that is multi-tasking and responsive to inputs from client 11' for accessing and interacting with database 21 and with other local or remote networked components. By interacting with network 12, clients 11 can access database 21 by way of a site or portal 22. Server 23 facilitates the interface between clients 11 and database 21 m a conventional manner and perhaps even between client 11' and database 21 m a particular embodiment should storage 20 be totally or at least partially centrally located. Those of ordinary skill will appreciate that the invention may incorporate a potentially vast number of servers for providing client access to site 22. Should network 12 comprise a local or generalized network, clients 11 may access site 22 with a generalized network application format. Should network 12 comprise the Internet, site 22 may be publicly accessible (i.e., a publicly accessible web site) with a HyperText Transfer Protocol request from any client with a commercially available web browser or, perhaps, within an encrypted virtual private network. The invention utilizes biometric data of a portion of the human anatomy or function for biometπcally identifying and tracking criminals, and associated apparatus for collecting biometric data and encoding the biometric data into a code that can be stored as an accessible and searchable electronic document in a computerized database, such as database 21. Biometric data or measurements can include fingerprint or finger imaging, hand geometry, facial recognition, iris patterns or scan, retina patterns, signature verification, vein identification, or other measurement (s ) of an anatomical function such as signature or voice recognition or voice print, etc. Various biometric data or measurements and methods of collecting the measurements or data are disclosed m Biometric Digest, a publication that is published monthly by Biometric Digest, a division of Rogers and Associates, LLC, P.O. Box 510047, St. Louis, Missouri 63151-0047 USA and in U.S. patent number 5,897,989, filed on 23 July 1996 and entitled "Method, Apparatus and System for Anonymous Verification of Infectious Status of Humans," said patent being incorporated by reference herein. The code of the biometric data, therefore, relates to a measurable function or anatomic aspect of a human subject as a means of identification. Thus, after biometric data is collected as the present invention provides, it is encoded into biometric code and then stored as an electronic document or report m a database of a computer or other storage device. Encoding typically takes place during or substantially contemporaneously with the process of obtaining biometric data. As previously intimated, client 11' includes a computer 30 having an associated monitor 31 and input apparatus 32 among potentially other conventional computerized accessories. Computer 30 is connected to or is otherwise adapted to receive data from and communicate with apparatus 33 for collecting biometric data. The operation of apparatus 33 is controlled, at least m part, by an operator 34 operating and entering commands into computer 30. Looking to Fig. 2A, a customer 35 is positioned opposite operator 34 at registration facility, m accordance with the invention. Customer 35 is to be identified and registered m accordance with the invention, so that he may be later identified for carrying out a transaction at client 11' or elsewhere and, perhaps, at any one of the other clients 11. In accordance with the invention, operator 34 operates computer 30 and activates apparatus 33 and takes biometric data or a biometric reading from customer 35, encodes the biometric data into a biometric code and stores the biometric code into database 21 as an electronic document 36 as shown m FIG. 2. The taking and encoding of the biometric data and the subsequent storing of the biometric code into database 21 as electronic document 36 can be performed m response to manual commands or performed or managed by computer 30 in a series of automated and computerized process steps. In terms of this disclosure, the biometric code of electronic document 36 is considered reference biometric data of that particular customer. By operating computer 30, operator 34 may also either access a previously created and stored customer document of the customer or create a customer document of the customer and then associate the reference biometric data of that customer with electronic document 36. The customer document is intended to provide various information about the customer including, for instance, the customer's name, age, sex, height, weight, hair and eye color, and perhaps other features of the customer' s physical appearance, social security number, a photograph of the customer, the nature of intended business transactions the customer will carry out in the future, and this will be explained more fully later in this specification. The registration process is essentially complete after electronic document 36 is created and stored in database 21. This registration process is repeated for each customer that wishes to participate in the invention, and it is envisioned that database 21 will house a potentially vast number of electronic documents. As the number of electronic documents becomes increasingly large, database 21 may be configured as a plurality of separate, yet related and mutually or individually accessible databases. Site 22 can be arranged to govern database 21 access and search and retrieval functions as will be discussed shortly. It will be understood that a potentially vast number of clients 11 can be located at various facilities such as public libraries, video rental stores, storage facilities, grocery stores, dry cleaners, parking garages, theme parks, medical or doctors' offices, day care centers, pre-schools, etc., and linked to database 21 or to one or more of a potentially vast number of databases for allowing them to identify registered customers for the purpose of carrying out a transaction. In terms of this disclosure, the term "transaction" means 1 ) transferring money into or out of a bank account; 2) purchasing a car, stock, an appliance, groceries or any other product;

3) checking out and returning library books; 4) checking out and returning rental videos; 5) placing something into and taking something out of storage, such as a vehicle, boat, personal items, etc.; 6)picking up and dropping off dry cleaning; 7) parking a car at a parking garage or facility and later picking up the parked car;

8) locating a lost child at a theme park; 9) dropping off and picking up children from day care and pre-school facilities, etc. Consistent with this, clients 11 can be located at banks, libraries, video rental stores, storage facilities, grocery stores, dry cleaners, parking garages or facilities, theme and amusement parks, medical or doctors' offices, day care and pre- school facilities, etc. In accordance with the foregoing disclosure of the invention, the ensuing discussions briefly treat a variety of transactions in accordance with the invention. The ensuing embodiments are intended to be considered and understood in connection with the framework of the specific teachings set forth in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2.

In regards to FIG. 3, the invention is demonstrated at a public library, where a customer registers book preferences or other material checked out from the library, such as books or videos or the like, and links these preferences to his reference biometric data, such as his iris code in this specific example. After returning to the library, the customer inputs his iris code, which is compared to the customer's reference biometric data. The computer displays the availability of any requested materials and the location within the library on a map displayed on the computer screen if the collected iris code substantially matches the customer' s reference biometric data.

In accordance with this disclosure, computers of various libraries may be networked together, which allows one library to access a customer' s biometrically linked request from another library. As a result of this arrangement, a customer can visit one installation site or facility of the network and transact certain business, such as requesting a book when it is returned to the library. The customer can visit a second location and offer his biometric code and receive information concerning whether his requested book has become available anywhere within the network. It will be understood that whenever a customer offers his biometric data m accordance with the present embodiment and each and every one of the ensuing embodiments of the invention, a comparison is made between the collected biometric data and the reference biometric data, and that a transaction is facilitated only if the collected biometric data substantially matches the reference biometric data. In terms of a transaction, a customer may also offer to pay overdue fines through the money acceptor slot adjacent to the touch pad screen or with any other suitable form of payment as will readily occur the skilled artisan. In standard operation, customer 101 provides a biometric reading to biometric device 103. The subsequent code is linked to a personal file, which is computer linked to the network computer of the library 105. The system can operate without need for attendant and where the customer has previously requested a book, and that book may be delivered to the customer, such as at slot 107, for pickup. In this embodiment, the station is provided with a touch tone screen 109, which displays information for the customer and allows the customer to input requests and provide instructions or information. Where the system detects overdue library fees, the customer may pay by placing money m the money acceptor 111 or by any other form of payment method. The librarian 113 optionally monitors the system and may provide additional instructions through keyboard 115 and monitor 117 of the networked system. Turning to FIG. 4, the invention is discussed m connection with a video rental store. In this embodiment, a customer 201 visits a video rental store and provides biometric data using biometric device 203 and inputs instructions or information using touch screen 209. In using the system, the customer may receive the video tape 208 he requested through the slot 207, and pay any overdue fees and other fees through the money acceptor 211 or by any other form of payment method. The video store clerk 213 may monitor the activity using monitor 217, which is networked to the video store computer 205 and even to other video stores. In this way, a customer request can be filled from the inventory of another store and the customer may inquire as to the status of his account without the attendant's presence or interaction.

Turning to FIG. 5, the invention is discussed m connection with a storage facility. In this embodiment, a customer a customer 301 provides a biometric reading to a biometric device 303, which is networked to a computer 305. Computer 305 may also be linked to other storage facilities, m accordance with the invention. In this embodiment, the customer 301 has previously registered his biometric data and a computer file has been created that links his biometric data to his storage locker location 306. By comparing the collected and reference biometric data of the customer, the computer 305 prompts the customer when a match is found on display screen 307. The prompt indicates the customer should place his access card 308 in the slot

309 provided. By matching the encoded data on the card to the biometric data the customer inputs, the computer

305 verifies that the customer and card match and then the computer causes the lock of the door to locker 306 to unlock. The computer may be configured with audit functionality, whereby time and date of access is compiled for each transaction. The customer 301 may authorize others to enter his locker 306 by registering their biometric data and by verifying this authorization at the time of registration by inputting his own biometric data. The computer network is preferably but not essentially monitored by an attendant 313. If the customer 301 is delinquent in payment of rental charges, the system attendant is alerted by the computer of the delinquent status and may request payment prior to allowing access.

Looking to FIG. 6, the invention is set forth in connection with a grocery store. In this embodiment, a customer 401 registers her biometric data and designates a time when certain and specific groceries 415 should be collected by a clerk 413 m the shopping cart 417 by inputting this information on keyboard 109 and verifying the data by inputting her biometric data into the biometric device 403. The clerk 413, after collecting groceries 415 from the computer list of customer 401, takes shopping cart 417 to the check-out counter. After the items have been tallied, the customer 401 may review the charges on the monitor screen 419 and accept and authorize payment by inputting her biometric data. In accordance with this embodiment, the invention may embody a network of computers 421 including the computer database of other stores with the biometric data of customers at other stores. Where the shopper 401 provides a check or other payment form to cover grocery expenses, the computer may retain a record of whether the payment authorized or cleared in the case of a check or credit card. This data is linked to the biometric data of the shopper 401 and may be available to the grocery store clerk monitoring the transaction, which essentially provides a credit check when the customer next presents a check and authorization for shopper 401 at any store within the network.

Looking now to FIG. 7, the invention is discussed in connection with a dry cleaning establishment. In this embodiment, a customer 501 registers his biometric data by providing a reading to the biometric device 503, which is networked to the dry cleaning establishment computer 521. The garments 505 to be cleaned have an attached tag 507, which is linked in the computer to the biometric data of the customer. The garments, when returned to the garment rack 509, are automatically sorted by bar code reader 511. When customer 501 returns to pay for the cleaning, the location of garments 505 is identified for the attendant 502 when the customer 501 provides a biometric reading, which the computer matches to the tag 507. With attention directed to FIG. 8, the invention is illustrated in connection with a parking garage or facility 599. In this embodiment, facility is provided with biometric scan devices 600, and certain ones of the devices 600, which are denoted generally by the reference numeral 601, are positioned at entrance/exit points to and from the parking facility 599.

Electronically linked display bulletin boards 602 are provided at the entrance/exit points to and from the parking facility and parking spaces 603 are provided at facility 599, with a vehicle 604 of user A shown as it would appear parked in one of the spaces. At reference numeral 605, user A is located at the nearest biometric scan device of the system, with his right forefinger 606 positioned on the scan device in a registration procedure. A light display 607 is provided, which signals user A that the data has been successfully captured from the scan of his fingerprint. The scan device may be coin operated as denoted by coin insertion slot 608, and the scan device may be provided with a protective cover 609 that his movable between a closed position and an open position as shown. A keypad 610 facilitates customer interaction with the scan device, and a printer 611 is provided for printing biometric code labels that list parking spaced data, such as label 612. User A is provided with a key chain 613, a parking attendant 614 is located at his monitoring station, and a monitor 615 at the station is linked to a central computer, and a storage rack 616 is provided for storing the keys of parked vehicles.

Looking to FIG. 9, user A returns at 235 to parking facility 599, enters through an entrance and stops at a biometric scan device 237. User A places his right forefinger 239 on the scan area of device 237, and a lighted map 241 is present on a wall adjacent user A. Map 241 is provided with an alphanumeric display 243 and reference numeral 245 denotes map 241 being linked to the system.

In terms of a valet parking scenario as shown m

FIG. 10, a remote biometric scan device 37 is linked to a system of the invention. In this regard, a user 349 places his finger 351 on the fingerprint scan area of the remote scan device 37. Also shown is an attendant duty station 454 having a monitor 355 linked to the system and to scan device 37 and a key rack 357. Area 359 is the valet parking area and a label printer 361 is linked to an arrival scan device of the system, and reference numeral 363 is the label attached to the key chain.

In FIG. 11, the invention is illustrated m the environment of a theme park. In accordance with this embodiment, a mother 701 has lost child 703. The entire family had been registered m accordance with the invention upon entrance to the theme park linking the mothers biometric to the biometric of each child. Subsequently it may happen that child 703 wondered off and was found by theme park attendant 705, who takes child 703 to the biometric device 707. By entering the lost child's iris code, the computer 709 is able to link to the pre-registered mother's iris code 701. A speaker 711 may be then signaled by the computer broadcast signal 713 which is audible to the parent 701 such as, "Mrs. Jones, your daughter has been found." The parent 701, upon entering her biometric code at another biometric scan device 715 networked to computer 709, receives instructions on the visual display 717 regarding the location of the lost child m custody of the them park official. Figure 12 shows use of the instant invention when a patient 801 enters a doctor's office, where she provides a biometric reading to the biometric device 803. The biometric device 803 is networked to a computer at the doctor's office 805 and the office worker 807 is alerted to the presence of patient 801 m the office. Where the doctor has determined that answers to certain medical questions may be needed from this patient, then the computer 805 may be configured to actuate printer 809 to print the questions on a form 811, which the patient may read while waiting and then answer. Similarly, instructions for medication, referral, office return visit and instructions specific for patient 801 may be printed on form 811. In FIG. 13, the invention is illustrated the environment of a day care center, where a parent 901 of a child 903 has previously registered his biometric code and linked it to the biometric code of child 903. Upon returning to the child care to pick up child 903, parent 901 reenters his iris code into camera 905 which is networked to computer 907. Optionally, the computer, after matching the iris code of parent and child to verify authority of parent to retrieve the child, may broadcast over speaker 909 an audible message 911 such as, "Suzie Jones, your father is here." Activities of the system are monitored by attendant 913 who authorizes release of child to parent.

The invention has been described above with reference to one or more preferred embodiments. However, those skilled m the art will recognize that changes and modifications may be made in the described embodiments without departing from the nature and scope of the invention. For instance, the invention is envisioned for use in connection with the purchase of any goods and services other than those specified herein, and further in connection with any transaction in which identification is required. Also, the invention may utilize one or more databases containing the registered biometric data of a potentially vast number of users. Business may purchase leases to one or more of these databases or otherwise subscribe to obtain access to one or more of these databases, which eliminates the need for users to repeatedly register for each and every type of business that wishes to utilize the invention. In other words, the invention contemplates disparate businesses having access to one or more databases containing the reference biometric data of a potentially vast number of customers, which the businesses may access in order for comparing collected customer biometric data to customer reference biometric data in accordance with the invention. The one or more databases may be managed by a central management facility, and business may pay fixed or variable hourly, daily, weekly, monthly or yearly rates in order to gain access to the one or more databases, or perhaps pay the management facility a percentage of profits realized from customer purchases or transactions. Businesses can also be charged by the management facility based on the number of times the business accesses the one or more databases or perhaps by the amount of time spent interacting with the one or more databases. Consistent with the foregoing, the invention contemplates a customer transaction method comprising steps of creating at least one database housing electronic documents each containing reference biometric data of a customer, and providing businesses with access to the at least one database for allowing each of the businesses to compare collected sample biometric data to any of the reference biometric data.

To the extent that these and other modifications and variations do not depart from the spirit of the invention, they are intended to be included within the scope thereof, which is assessed only by a fair interpretation of the following claims.

Claims

1. A system comprising: an electronic document of reference biometric data of a customer; a client for accessing the electronic document and having apparatus for collecting sample biometric data and for generating an electronic report of collected sample biometric data; and a search architecture responsive to inputs at the client for accessing the electronic document, comparing the collected biometric data of the electronic report to the reference biometric data and for at least one of a) causing a transaction and b) authorizing the customer to commit a transaction if the collected sample biometric data substantially matches the reference biometric data.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the electronic document is accessible by the client over at least one publicly accessible web site.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the electronic document is accessible by the client over at least one privately accessible web site.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the electronic document is accessible by the client over at least one localized computer network.

5. A system comprising: clients having access to a database of electronic documents that each contain reference biometric data of a customer, the clients each having apparatus for collecting sample biometric data and for generating electronic reports of collected sample registration data; a search architecture responsive to inputs at each of the clients for causing a search, wherein each search comprises an accessing of the database, a comparison of collected biometric data of an electronic report to the reference biometric data of the electronic documents and at least one of a) a causing of a transaction and b) an authorizing of a customer to commit a transaction if the collected sample biometric data substantially matches the reference biometric data.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the electronic documents are accessible by the clients over at least one publicly accessible web site.

7. The system of claim 5, wherein the electronic documents are accessible by the clients over at least one privately accessible web site.

8. The system of claim 5, wherein the electronic documents are accessible by the clients over at least one localized computer network.

9. A system comprising: networked clients having access to a database of electronic documents that each contain reference biometric data of a customer, the clients each having apparatus for collecting sample biometric data and for generating electronic reports of collected sample biometric data; and means responsive to inputs at each of the networked clients for accessing the database, comparing the collected sample biometric data to the reference biometric data and for every collected sample biometric data that substantially matches the reference biometric data of one of the electronic documents, for at least one of a) a causing of a transaction and b) an authorizing of a customer to commit a transaction.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the electronic documents are accessible by the networked clients over at least one publicly accessible web site.

11. The system of claim 9, wherein the electronic documents are accessible by the networked clients over at least one privately accessible web site.

12. The system of claim 9, wherein the electronic documents are accessible by the networked clients over at least one localized computer network.

13. The system of claim 9, wherein the means comprises an automated computerized search architecture.

14. The system of claim 9, wherein the means comprises an manual search architecture.

15. A transaction method comprising steps of: creating an electronic document containing reference biometric data of a customer; collecting sample biometric data of the customer; accessing the electronic document; comparing the collected sample biometric data to the reference biometric data; and if the collected sample biometric data substantially matches the reference biometric data, at least one of a) causing a transaction and b) authorizing the customer to commit a transaction.

16. A customer transaction method comprising steps of: creating at least one database housing electronic documents each containing reference biometric data of a customer; and providing businesses with access to the at least one database for allowing each of the businesses to compare collected sample biometric data to any of the reference biometric data.