BRPI0712433A2 - system and apparatus for transfer and management of biometric and demographic data. - Google Patents

Abstract

BIOMETRIC AND DEMOGRAPHIC DATA TRANSFER AND MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND APPARATUS. Method and apparatus for performing a background check, including collecting, organizing, and transmitting electronic data, including biometric and other demographic data.

Description

"BIOMETRIC AND DEMOGRAPHIC DATA TRANSFER AND MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND APPARATUS"

RELATED ORDERS

It claims the benefit of US Provisional Application No. 60 / 810,588, filed June 2, 2006, entitled "DATA TRANSFER AND MANAGEMENT SYSTEM".

COPYRIGHT NOTIFICATION

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to facsimile reproduction by any of the patent document or patent disclosure as presented in the Patent or Trademark Office file or records, but otherwise reserves any and all copyright.

BACKGROUND

Many contemporary companies require background checks, such as criminal background checks of their future or current employees. Such background checks typically require an employee to provide their fingerprints on fingerprint cards and remit the fingerprints to a state or federal agency such as the Federal Bureu of Investigations ("FBI"). The state or federal agency then performs a criminal background check based on your records and fingerprints. This process is currently painful for the applicant and consumes an irregular amount of time and resources.

The conventional method in which companies perform criminal background checks is by directing an applicant to an authorized entity to capture the applicant's fingerprints and perform the fingerprint-based criminal history checks. This usually involves the applicant going to a police station to pick up a fingerprint card. The police station captures the applicant's fingerprints on the fingerprint card. The fingerprint card is then converted to electronic format or physically posted to the FBI National Criminal Information Center ("NCIC") to the state criminal history repository for review. The results of criminal background checks are eventually sent to the company requiring the search.

This method for performing a criminal background check, e-existent methods for performing criminal history background checks have numerous drawbacks. The primary drawback is that criminal history background checks often take weeks, if not months, to complete. In fact, such surveys often take 16 to 18 weeks to get an answer. Another drawback is that such specialized software is expensive and difficult to use. This also presents problems in quickly transferring fingerprints to agencies for a quick process. Existing systems require specialized software and hardware to be installed locally on the entity that runs the background check computers.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to remedy or ameliorate one or more of the above drawbacks.

In one embodiment of the invention, an apparatus is described for performing an authenticated background check on an applicant. The apparatus includes a first interface, such as a web site or URL, for entering demographic data related to the applicant. Once an applicant provides their demographics, a receipt is generated for the applicant. The receipt provides instructions to the claimant regarding a second location where the claimant can go to have his fingerprints captured and his identity authenticated. The receipt also includes a barcode encoded with the applicant information.

The applicant then goes to the second location to have their biometric data captured. For example, the applicant's fingerprints may be captured. A clerk at the second location may scan the receipt barcode to recall the applicant's incoming demographic information in advance. In addition, the clerk confirms the applicant's identity by verifying the applicant's identification with the demographic data at the clerk's interface. After the applicant's identity is confirmed, the clerk can capture and digitize the applicant's fingerprints. The clerk interface provides a qualitative analysis or "classification" of fingerprints. If the classification meets or exceeds the predetermined standards for biometric data quality, then the applicant's digitized fingerprints are sent to the agency that performs criminal background checks.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood and purposes other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description refers to the flow chart and attached drawings, where:

Figure 1 illustrates a flowchart illustrating a first embodiment of a data transfer and management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 illustrates an exemplary demographic information input interface according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 illustrates an exemplary demographic information accuracy confirmation interface according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 illustrates an exemplary receipt for a fingerprint transaction in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 illustrates an exemplary input interface for a clerk according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 illustrates an exemplary non-fingerprint scan confirmation interface according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 7 illustrates an exemplary fingerprint scan confirmation interface with a plurality of exemplary fingerprints classified according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 8 illustrates a fingerprint scan confirmation verified with the signature of the officer or clerk and the applicant's signature according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 9 illustrates a reporting feature according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 10 illustrates an exemplary reporting feature including applicants processed over an exemplary time period according to one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS AND DRAWINGS

The invention is described with reference to the drawings in which such elements are referred to by such numerals. The relationship and operation of the various elements of this invention are better understood by the following detailed description. However, the embodiments of this invention as described below are by way of example only, and the invention is not limited to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings. It should also be understood that the drawings are not to scale and under certain circumstances details have been omitted, which are not necessary for an understanding of the present invention, such as conventional manufacturing and assembly details.

In general, the present system provides a system for capturing, transferring, and managing data, and in particular demographic and biometric data. As illustrated in Figure 1, the present system includes two main data capture and management segments or interfaces, each segment having several steps. The first segment generally involves step 14 of accessing a predetermined network site and step 18 of providing demographic information of the service provider about the applicant. The first segment is performed by the applicant. The second segment generally involves step 22 of obtaining the applicant's fingerprints, step 26 of capturing the applicant's fingerprint images, and step 30 of associating the images with the demographic information provided in the first segment. The second segment is held at the location of the fingerprint capture company. Once the first two segments are completed, that is, fingerprint images are associated with demographic information, the combined registration (s) are / are sent to the appropriate federal or state agency as like the FBI, for fingerprint and criminal background analysis.

As illustrated in Figure 1, the first step involves associating the applicant. To enroll the applicant, the entity that needs a particular applicant's background or fingerprint analysis provides the applicant with an enrollment website address URL. The applicant then goes to the website or URL to record their demographics and get a "barcode" receipt. Upon entering the website, the applicant has to confirm the transaction by entering the randomly generated characters in a graphic box. This system confirms that the transaction is real.

At the predetermined network site, the applicant subscribes by providing their demographic data. The applicant's demographics may include a wide variety of information required for background checks or other reasons. As illustrated in Figures 2-3, exemplary demographic data include the applicant's name, date of birth, social security number, identification number, physical address, gender, weight, height, eye color, and / or hair color. Typically, three of these specific pieces of information are used in the later steps to start the fingerprint software, as described in more detail below.

At the registration website, the required fields are indicated in red and optional fields are indicated in black. Once the applicant completes the required fields, the field changes from red to black to indicate that a field is complete. In addition, as the applicant moves from field to field, the subscription web site provides a help box at the top of the screen that gives the applicant an explanation of the field, including how the data should be formatted.

After the Applicant has completed the Demographic Data Entry Interface screen, the Applicant is given an opportunity to review / edit the data prior to programming the fingerprint service. To complete the review, the Applicant has to check the certification box located in the bottom left corner of the screen as shown in Figure 3. By checking the certification box, the Applicant certifies that the data is accurate and valid.

Referring to Figure 4, once an applicant has successfully registered, a barcode receipt is provided to the applicant. The barcode receipt provides the applicant with detailed targeting instructions for the nearest and / or most convenient fingerprint capture location. The barcode receipt can also tell the applicant if an interview is required for fingerprint capture, and if so, how to make an appointment. For confirmation, a copy of the barcode receipt is released to the applicant's email account. The applicant can then print the receipt that is generated on the screen (or received by e-mail) and bring it with the registered ID (Driver's License, Passport, etc.) to the representative office for fingerprint capture.

After an applicant has registered and received a barcode receipt, the applicant is ready to be fingerprinted at the predetermined fingerprint capture location. At the fingerprint capture location, the applicant provides an agent with the applicant's photographic identification (for example, a driver's license) and the bar code receipt.

Referring to Figure 5, the agent or clerk then enters a predetermined snapshot network site by entering the URL provided in the web browser. As shown in Figure 5, an input window will appear. When the login window appears, the agent enters your license key, username and password. The agent then enters the applicant's identifying information, for example, bar code, the unique government-issued photo ID number registered by the applicant (for example, a driver's license number), and / or the last name of the applicant. In the event that the data is entered incorrectly, the system prompts the agent to reintroduce the data. When the data is entered correctly, the system will move to the fingerprint capture screen shown in Figure 6. The first time the system is used, the agent must install Active-x components required to operate the scanner. Such Active-x components are required to submit fingerprints directly to the fingerprint web site.

Once the agent is registered, the network-based application will retrieve the applicant's data and link it to the incoming fingerprint transaction. When the applicant is identified, the applicant's demographic information is automatically downloaded from the fingerprint capture website and automatically populated in the relevant fields on an electronic form - DF-258 fingerprint card. Demographic information is preferably encrypted to preserve the privacy of the applicant. That is, by entering demographic information on the registration website, the applicant will not have to disclose sensitive information to the agent on the fingerprint card. This ensures the privacy of the applicant.

The agent can then help the applicant capture the applicant's fingerprints using a standard ink pad and FD-258 fingerprint card. Once the applicant has their fingerprints captured, both the agent and the applicant sign the fingerprint card. The card is then scanned using a flatbed scanner. The flatbed scanner is typically pre-approved by the federal or state agency for use in fingerprint scanning. An exemplary scanner is the Epson 3170 Scanner. To initiate fingerprint capture, the agent must click the fingerprint button. By clicking the button, a dialog box will open allowing the user to link the applicant's demographic data to the fingerprint images.

After Active-X components are installed and the fingerprint card is completed, the agent can scan the fingerprint images. To initiate the scan, the agent places the applicant's FD-258 fingerprint card face down in the upper right corner of the Epson 3170 Scanner. If the card is placed in the wrong position, the quality of the capture will be impaired. Once the card is placed face down on the scanner, the agent initiates the scan by clicking the scan button 108 on the fingerprint network site as illustrated in Figure 6. When the agent successfully initiates the scan, a check box appears. The pop-up dialog will show the progress of the scanning process.

Referring to Figure 7, the fingerprint web site rates the quality of prints after images have been scanned. The rating is based on a 20 point scale. 13 and above are fingerprints judged sufficient to submit, see for example impressions 116 in Figure 7. Impressions sorting 13 and above will display a "Green" sorting box, see for example impressions 112 in Figure 7. Impressions sorting 12 and below will display a "Red" rating box. Impressions rated above 13 are marked in green, meaning they are of sufficient quality to be submitted to the FBI. Impressions ranking below 13 are marked in red, meaning they are of insufficient quality to be submitted to the FBI. Red impressions must be replaced with sufficient quality impressions before the system will allow an operator or agent to submit the impressions.

To update poor quality fingerprints, the agent should roll the new prints on a new applicant's FD-258 fingerprint card. We should put the face of the new card down on the Epson 3170 Scanner and click scan 108 again. It should be noted that for prints that are rated "Insufficient Quality", the agent does not have to re-roll the entire card. Otherwise, the agent simply needs to roll the poor quality fingerprints on a separate card, making sure to place the fingerprint (s) in the appropriate fingerprint box (s). . The second card can then be placed on the scanner and scanned as described above.

The fingerprint web site gives the agent the option of "Maintain Best Rated Impressions" or "Replace Impressions". "Maintaining Top Rated Impressions" will save previous images and combine them with new, higher quality images and create an electronic submission with sufficient impressions. Selecting "Overwrite Impressions" will delete the previous card and update the images with the images on the second card. Finally, when sufficient quality images are captured, the images are uploaded to the web site.

Another feature of the present invention is the ability to annotate various aspects of an application. To enter a note, the agent would select the note button 122, as shown in Figure 7. For example, the agent might select the following note options: (i) Amputation; or (ii) Unable to print. The agent can then select the appropriate note and then click "ok". The fingerprint web site then updates the fingerprint image with the selected annotation. This should be repeated for all required fingerprints.

Referring to Figure 8, the fingerprint network site may also be configured to capture signatures off an FBI FD-258 certified document fingerprint card. To capture signatures, click the scan signature button 126 (Figure 7). The flatbed scanner will scan the fingerprint card again and collect the signatures. After the scanner has completed scanning of signatures, they will be captured and displayed at 130, 132. The agent must make sure that he / she is using the FBI FD-258 pre-qualified or other appropriate fingerprint cards. by scanning the signatures. The agent should also make sure that both the agent and the applicant sign the card in the appropriate spaces on the FD-258 fingerprint card.

As illustrated in Figure 7, when the fingerprint images and signatures are captured and scanned, the "SUBMIT" button 138 becomes active, indicating that that agent can transmit the fingerprint images.

As illustrated in Figure 7, to view submitted transactions, the agent can click the submitted button located in the main navigation pane on the left side. When the submitted button is clicked the agent is given several search options, as shown in Figure 9. When the search report parameters appear, enter the desired search. Users can search for each parameter individually or can use multiple fields to narrow a search. For example, to find John Smith, users could enter his name in the search field (name only), or in a specific date range. In addition, the user can enter data in all of these fields to restrict the search to a specific set of parameters. Click the "Restart" button to clear the search parameter field or click the "Submit" button to begin the specified search.

Referring to Figure 10, search results are displayed in three columns: (i) First Name, (ii) Last Name, and (iii) Date posted to the server. To reorder the Search Results Report, click at the top of the column heading and the data will reorder in descending or ascending order. The agent can download the reports by clicking the "Download" button. By clicking the download button, the fingerprint web site will download the report into an Excel® formatted table. A representative profile section may also be provided. The "My Profile Section" allows the agent to update their name, password, and email address.

Therefore, it is intended that the foregoing detailed description be considered illustrative rather than limiting, and that it is understood that it is the following claims, including all equivalents, that are intended to define the spirit and scope of this invention.

Claims (20)

1. Apparatus for performing an authenticated background check on an applicant, characterized in that it comprises: a first interface means for entering demographic data relating to the applicant, the first interface means for entering demographic data being situated in a first location; a second interface means for authenticating demographic data entry, the second interface means for authenticating demographic data being located at a second location; an applicant-related biometric entry scanner, the biometric entry scanner being located at the second location; a processing medium for associating demographic and biometric data related to the applicant; a network comprising the first location and the second location, whereby the first and second interface means, the scanning means, and the processing medium are operatively connected. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the second interface means comprises a means for correlating the applicant's identity with the entry of demographic data at the first location. Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the means for correlating is a barcode reader operatively connected to the applicant's second interface means. Apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that it further comprises a fingerprint card, wherein the scanner comprises a pre-qualified flatbed scanner for receiving the fingerprint card. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the scanner is a biometric information capture device. Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the biometric information capture device is a fingerprint scanner. Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the biometric information capture device is a retinal scanner. 8. [Claim missing on original document] Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the demographic data comprises identifying information related to the applicant. 10. Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that demographic data are selected from the group consisting of: name, social security number, address, gender, age, driver's license number, passport number postage, and credit card number. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the first interface means comprises a first network site and the second interface means comprises a second network site. Apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that the second interface means comprises a user input section. A method of conducting a criminal background investigation, characterized by the fact that it comprises the steps of: a) providing the apparatus according to claim 1; b) providing access to the first interface means; c) receiving demographic data related to the applicant on the first interface means at the first location; d) generating a receipt at the first location, the receipt comprising identifying information relating to the applicant and contact information relating to the second location; e) receive the receipt at the second location; f) confirm the identity of the applicant at the second location; g) scan biometric data related to the applicant; and h) releasing the biometric data to a third location. A method according to claim 13, characterized in that the scanning step further comprises the steps of: capturing an applicant's fingerprints on a fingerprint card, wherein the fingerprint includes biometric data; and scan the fingerprint card, thereby digitizing the biometric data. A method according to claim 14, characterized in that it further comprises the steps of: classifying biometric data based on qualitative standards; and select biometric data based on the type of biometric data. A method according to claim 13, characterized in that the scanning step further comprises the step of: scanning an applicant's retina. A method according to claim 13, characterized in that the receipt includes a bar code comprising identification information relating to the applicant, further comprising the step of reading the bar code at the second location. 18. Apparatus for performing an authenticated background check on an applicant, characterized in that it comprises: a first network site comprising a plurality of data entry fields for applicant-related demographic data entry, the first network site being situated in a first location; a second authentication-related demographic data entry network site, the second authentication demographic data-entry network site being located at a second location; an applicant-related biometric entry scanner, the biometric entry scanner being located at the second location; a processor for associating demographic and biometric data related to the applicant; and a network comprising the first and second locations, whereby the first and second network sites, the scanning medium, and the processing medium are operatively connected. Apparatus according to claim 18, characterized in that the second web site comprises a means for correlating the applicant's identity with the entry of demographic data at the first location. Apparatus according to claim 19, characterized in that the means for inputting authentication demographic data comprises a barcode reader operably connected to the second interface means; and further comprises a fingerprint card, wherein the scanner comprises a pre-qualified flatbed scanner for receiving the fingerprint card.