WO2015075490A2

WO2015075490A2 - Device for identification of individuals

Info

Publication number: WO2015075490A2
Application number: PCT/HU2014/000105
Authority: WO
Inventors: Béla HORVÁTH
Original assignee: Horváth Béla
Priority date: 2013-11-19
Filing date: 2014-11-17
Publication date: 2015-05-28
Also published as: HUP1300661A2; WO2015075490A3

Abstract

Device (1) for identification of individuals comprising a fixed device (2) and a mobile device (3). The fixed device (2) comprises a communication unit (6) and an intervening unit (7) connected to a central unit (5) having a central memory (4), and a power-supply unit (8). The mobile device (3) comprises a biometric sensor (12) and a communication module (13) connected to a central module (11) having a memory (10). The power supply (9) of the mobile device (3) comprises induction power supply wherein the power-supply unit (8) of the fixed device (2) has a primary induction loop (14) provided for induction power supply, the mobile device (3) has a secondary induction loop (15). After power supply the communication module (13) of the mobile device (3) connects to the communication unit (6) of the fixed device (2) in a wireless manner.

Description

DEVICE FOR IDENTIFICATION OF INDIVIDUALS

The invention relates to a device applicable for identification of a person. The device comprises a fixed device and a mobile device. The fixed device comprises a communication unit, an intervening unit and a power-supply unit. The communication unit and the intervening unit are connected to a central unit having a central memory. The mobile device comprises a biometric sensor and a communication module connected to a central module having a memory.

A great variety of methods are known for identification of persons. Some of these methods use mobile devices which can be operated by anyone. Other methods use biometric parameters e.g. they scan the fingerprints or eye retina for identification. These are localized systems and can be used for identification of people only on a determined place.

Utility model CN 2583908 teaches a mobile phone with fingerprint key. The device comprises a handset body and a circuit part additionally arranged in the present circuit of the handset body. The circuit part comprises a communication interface circuit and a fingerprint sensor circuit connected to the CPU of the device. The communication interface is an infrared interface circuit or a radio-frequency interface circuit or other interface circuit. The fingerprint sensor circuit is composed of a sensor chip and a peripheral circuit. The infrared interface circuit is mainly composed of an interface chip and a peripheral circuit. The signal data is transferred by the infrared interface circuit and an execution mechanism controlled by a key. The advantage of the utility model is that the security of the handset is enhanced by collecting fingerprint information and identifying fingerprints of users. The utility model can be used for remote opening and closing doors or other instruments, and the function of the remote control key can be started only by the fingerprints of legal users. This system is complicated for mobile application. In addition, it does not make significant headway in the art.

Patent application GB 2357335 describes a user data input device comprising a fingerprint sensor capable of sensing the surface relief of human skin, a movement detector responsive to variation of the output of the sensor to detect motion of skin across the sensor and interface apparatus responsive to the movement detector to alter its state in correspondence to the detected movement. The device may be used to control cursor movement in a menu-based display. The fingerprint sensor may comprise an array of optical, force, temperature or conductivity detectors. The data input device may find use with mobile telephones, cameras, computers, personal organisers, cash dispensers and door entry systems. Basically, this solution uses the fingerprint sensor for moving a cursor.

Patent application KR 10124981 1 describes a house door lock system by means of which the owner of the house is capable of opening and closing the door by remote control when a visitor enters the house using a portable terminal which the house owner previously registered in the house lock system. A fingerprint sensing unit installed on one side of the handle of the house door lock system senses the fingerprint of the visitor. A control unit compares the sensed fingerprint data and the previously registered fingerprint data stored in a memory. In case the visitor is not a registered one, a photographing unit installed on the front surface of the system takes a photograph of the visitor. The image is transmitted in a wireless manner to the portable terminal of the house owner which in case of an authenticated visitor transmits the password of the house door back and the door opening and closing unit releases the lock. This solution is suitable only for operating the door as it is installed at the door lock and the remote control is provided only for the owner.

According to Patent application KR100741955 a method for opening a door lock through fingerprint authentication by using a mobile communication terminal and a method for registering users are provided to authenticate admission right for a user previously registered in an authentication server by using the mobile communication terminal. If a request key for opening an automated booth door lock is input in a fingerprint authentication terminal, the terminal transmits the data for requesting automated booth information and fingerprint data to a mobile communication terminal. The mobile communication terminal transmits user information and automated booth information to an authentication server. The authentication server verifies whether a user is an authenticated user, and transmits registered fingerprint data to a fingerprint authentication terminal to compare the data. This system can be used with a given apparatus and it needs a very complicated authentication process. Patent application US 2012/01481 15 describes a biometric mobile device capable of interacting with existing cellular, wireless and wired telecommunication and other communication networks to support intelligence gathering, human body identification, special operations and other applications. The method of collecting biometric data at an accident or crime scene my comprise utilizing a camera to photograph the accident scene, collecting key entered data that may not be otherwise obtainable, using a fingerprint scanner to collect, digitize and store fingerprint data, using a lab- on-a-chip DNA profile device for collecting and analysing a DNA specimen, generating identification and DNA profile data for bar code entry and other means for collecting any known form of biometric data e.g. vascular facial structure, dental structure, cornea, iris or other data which may be unique or limiting for identification purposes. The apparatus according to this document is applicable for collecting biometric data and performing biometric measurements. The aim and the applicability of the present invention are entirely different. The device of the related document can be operated anywhere and it does not utilizes predetermined biometric data.

Patent application GB 2 492 050 describes a mobile handset applicable for generating biometric and personal identification data combined with real-time geographical location and current time from a source to form one-time multi-factor biometric representation (OTMFBR). The OTMFBR is used in remote authentication of clients performing transactions via wireless connection. The authentication is based on two independent sources of real-time and current location obtained separately at the client and at the authenticator. The current time is used to stamp the OTMFBR to guarantee a one-time property of authentication message to prevent replay attacks, whilst the location is used to authenticate the physical position of the client. The biometric data may be generated from a facial image obtained from an integrated camera or by using a biometric sensor sensing e.g. iris, fingerprint, voice or handwriting.

The device according to this document can be used for identification of clients through biometric measurements. Operating of the device is not bound to a specific place that is, the scene where the client performs a transaction may be optional.

Patent application US 8,217,621 describes a frequency modulation type wireless power supply and charger system including a power supply base unit consisting of a first microprocessor, a power circuit, a power switch driver circuit, a first resonant circuit, a first coil, a detection module and an input interface and a wireless power supply and charge receiver unit consisting of a secondary coil, a second resonant circuit, a rectifier filter circuit, a detection and protection module, a second microprocessor, a temperature sensor, a charging module and a power output interface. The system is adapted for receiving electrical power from the power supply base unit wirelessly for charging an external electronic device.

The only similarity between the solution of US 8,217,621 and the device of the present invention is that induction power supply is utilized.

None of the above documents provides a device comprising an intervening unit and a power-supply unit for identification of a person.

A solution does not exist in which the person performing a transaction must by all means be at the primary induction element of the power-supply unit constituting a part of the fixed device.

The documents of the related art describe devices for personal identification comprising a fixed device and a mobile device in which the mobile device is a mobile phone. The mobile phone is also provided with a biometric sensor. By providing alphanumeric data it can be used for identification of its user when it is connected to a wired or wireless system comprising encryption, but this solution is entirely different from the present invention. None of the systems provides a solution in which the user is expected to be physically present during identification at a determined place. The arrangement of the intervening unit and the power-supply unit as it is utilized in the present invention is not mentioned in any of the documents. It is not expected that a person skilled in the art can accomplish the device according to the present invention even with the knowledge of the above mentioned documents. It is generally known that an electric device cannot work without power supply, but the power supply according to the invention is solved in an entirely new manner through which the biometric identification can be performed much more safely. That means that the operational unit is only operated by the intervening unit if the identified and authorized person is physically present at a determined place. For example the operational unit is adapted for performing a special task e.g. releasing a door lock or execution of a bank transaction (POS terminal) during which the physical presence of the authorized person at the specified place is essential.

In some known solutions the biometric sensor is a fingerprint scanner installed fixedly at a determined place. In other solutions the fingerprint sensor is built in a remote control and the data of the fingerprint is transmitted to an authentication unit (server). Beside this, in each of the solutions where mobile unit is used, the mobile unit is provided with an energy source (battery) as they all need an independent power supply for operation.

The object of the present invention is to provide a device which can be used for identification of individuals, which cannot be reproduced, can be assigned to a person or persons, does not need an external power source and the communication is realized in a wireless manner without physical connection. Another object is to ensure high level safety in a small-sized mobile device which can be produced easily and can be used for several applications.

It has been realized that if the biometric sensor and identifier are installed in the device, then following the identification any data can be transmitted to the receiver unit. The nearness of the receiver unit is ensured by a wireless, essentially induction current source in the receiver unit or connected to it which supplies the energy of the device. In this manner external current source is not required for the device, it can identify its user, and it works only at places where the wireless current source is provided.

Accordingly, the present invention is a device for identification of individuals comprising a fixed device and a mobile device. The fixed device comprises a communication unit, an intervening unit and a power-supply unit. The communication unit and the intervening unit are connected to a central unit having a central memory. The mobile device comprises a biometric sensor and a communication module connected to a central module having a memory. The power supply of the mobile device is ensured by induction power supply. The power-supply unit of the fixed device has a primary induction loop provided for induction power supply, and the mobile device has a secondary induction loop. The primary induction loop and the secondary induction loop are essentially adjusted to each other. In the memory of the central module of the mobile device or in the central memory of the central unit data relating to characteristic biological features identified by the biometric sensor are stored. After power supply the communication module of the mobile device connects to the communication unit of the fixed device in a wireless manner.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will be defined by the appended claims.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention will be given with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: Figure 1 is a block diagram of the device according to the invention.

Device 1 according to the invention comprises a fixed device 2 and a mobile device 3. Fixed device 2 comprises a communication unit 6 and an intervening unit 7 connected to the central unit 5 realized by a microprocessor and provided with a central memory 4. The intervening unit 7 is coupled to the operational unit 16 through wired or wireless connection. The operational unit 16 may be coupled for example to the control electronics of an electric lock, an authentication unit of a bank, e.g. POS terminal, or to a unit controlling/reading personal data. The fixed device 2 has an independent power-supply unit 8. Mobile device 3 contains central module 1 1 which is provided with memory 10. Memory 10 may be a part of the central module 1 1 or may be independent of it. Biometric sensor 12 may be connected to central module 1 1. In another embodiment central module 11 together with the memory 10 may be a part of biometric sensor 12. In the present example biometric sensor 12 is a fingerprint scanner. However, it may be any other device which uses one of the biological features of the user. Device 1 may be provided with a gyroscope in order to enhance safety. For example it can make mobile device 3 active only in a certain position. If device 3 is adjusted to fixed device 2 in a certain position, biometric sensor 12 may be used as retina scanner. It must be noted that fixed device 2 can provide for wireless power supply 9 of mobile device 3 not only by means of an induction loop, but e.g. via optical connection too. In this case fixed device 2 is provided with a light source while mobile device 3 is provided with photovoltaic means ensuring the power supply 9 of mobile device 3. Detailed description of this solution is not given and shown in the Figures as it is well within the knowledge of one skilled in the art. Communication module 13 is connected to central module 1 1. Power supply 9 of mobile device 3 is an induction power supply provided by the power-supply unit 8 of the fixed device 2. To this a primary induction loop 14 is coupled to the power-supply unit 8 of the fixed device 2. Operation of the mobile device 3 is ensured by power supply 9 through secondary induction loop 15. In order to operate mobile device 3 secondary induction loop 15 ensuring power supply 9 for mobile device 3 is placed suitably near to primary induction loop 14. Data of fingerprints identified by the biometric sensor 12 are stored in the memory 10 of the central module 1 1 of the mobile device 3 and/or in the central memory 4 of the fixed device 2. In both cases the fingerprint identification data are the basic data. When mobile device 3 is connected to fixed device 2 through the induction loops, the operation of communication module 13 is started by the power supply 9 of mobile device 3 and a wireless connection is established between the communication module 13 and the communication unit 6 of the fixed device 2. Then the required data communication between fixed device 2 and mobile device 3 takes place. Then operational unit 16 is started by the intervening unit 7 of the fixed device 2 and it performs the task which device 1 is dedicated to, for example releases a door lock, authorizes a bank transaction, displays personal identification data, etc. In case the required data are stored in fixed device 2 it is enough to store only the data necessary for operational unit 16 ih fixed device 2. In another embodiment of the system the data required for each of the applications are stored in the memory 10 of the mobile device 3 and fixed device 2 interprets only the data needed for operational unit 16. For example for releasing a door lock it is enough to identify the fingerprint. For a bank transaction other data are also required, e.g. PIN code, bank account number, etc. Identity card number, address, driving licence, etc. data may be required for personal identification. The fact that the person initiating the transaction is an authorized one is essential for performing any transactions.

A preferred embodiment of device 1 is operated as follows. First the fingerprints of the persons authorized to start operation of the fixed device 2 are registered in a suitable manner.

In each case teaching and maintenance of the fingerprints are done via the communication module 13 of the mobile device 3. Naturally, it must be ensured that power supply 9 of mobile device 3 is in operation through secondary induction loop 15. To this for example a separate wireless 125 kHz transmitter current source can be used. In this case the required controlling radio connection can be provided e.g. by means of an ISM radio module connected to a computer, then maintenance of the fingerprints is done by a program running on the computer. When teaching or erasing the fingerprints must be performed near the fixed device 2 use of an external mobile apparatus is required. This apparatus is comprised of an interface applicable for identification, e.g. numeric buttons; a current source, e.g. penlight battery; an ISM radio module; a central unit (CPU) module and a feedback interface, e.g. LEDs. During teaching the fingerprints the external mobile apparatus - by means of its radio - communicates with the mobile device 3 through communication module 13. During this process an optional security code is entered in the external mobile apparatus which verifies that the person is ah authorized one. After that the external mobile apparatus by means of its radio establishes connection with the mobile device 3 through communication module 13. Then an instruction is given to central module 1 1 to record the data of the fingerprint scanned succeedingly, and to store them as data of a valid fingerprint. Invalidation and cancellation of a previously stored valid fingerprint can be performed in the same manner. Advantageously, during maintenance of the fingerprints especially in case of an overall maintenance an external apparatus for example a computer can be used. It must be noted that this external apparatus can be used for operating e.g. a door lock in case mobile device 3 is out of order or lost.

As far as the data of the authorized, person(s) are stored in mobile device 3 as valid fingerprints, the authorized person(s) can start the operating unit 16 connected to the fixed device 2. During continuous operation of the fixed device 2 a 125 kHz magnetic field corresponding to a frequency of a standard RFID (radio-frequency identification) is established by means of the power-supply unit 8 and the primary induction loop 14. When biometric sensor 12 senses a fingerprint and the secondary induction loop 15 as well as the power supply 9 of mobile device 3 get in the magnetic field of the primary induction loop 14, the power supply 9 of the mobile device 3 starts operating. This will start central module 1 1 which is basically a central processor (CPU). Central module 1 1 executes the program stored in it or in memory 10. During execution the data featuring the fingerprint is sensed and read by biometric sensor 12. If these data are present in the memory 10 then communication module 13 transmits a "valid fingerprint" digital radio packet by means of ISM band radio. This packet is transmitted till valid fingerprint is read by biometric sensor 12. Naturally, for repeating this process it is essential for secondary induction loop 15 to be in the magnetic field induced by primary induction loop 14, that is, power supply of mobile device 3 must be ensured. The "valid fingerprint" packet is transmitted to central unit 5 through communication unit 6. Then operational unit 16 starts operating via intervening unit 7, e.g. opens the door, or identification, display of (personal) data take place. This procedure is carried out when communication unit 6 receives "valid fingerprint" packets repeatedly.

The radio transmission between communication module 13 and communication unit 6 is encrypted. A solution is feasible in which fixed device 2 generates the 125 kHz magnetic field needed for power supply 9 of mobile device 3 only if it senses the secondary induction loop 15 connected to primary induction loop 14, i.e. the presence of mobile device 3 by means of a proximity switch. This will reduce the energy consumption of the fixed device 2, though the energy consumption of the fixed device 2 even in case of continuous operation is well below the standard 1W. A solution is also feasible in which the magnetic field is generated only at certain periods and it remains continuous if the presence of mobile device 3 can be sensed through communication module 13 and/or communication unit 6.

The device according to the invention can be accomplished by using known electronic components. For example, for power supply 9 a rectifier/voltage doubler circuit NMLU 1210 can be used. The ISM digital radio element of the communication unit 6 and communication module 13 can be e.g. an RFM22B circuit, central unit 5 and central module 1 1 can be a PIC24EP256MC202-I/SS microcontroller and biometric sensor may be e.g. a GT-51 1 C3 circuit.

The advantage of the present invention is that it is operated by means of induction loop instead of independent power supply. It can be used anywhere where a wireless induction energy source is installed which supplies energy for the fingerprint scanner. It can be used not only for opening and closing doors but everywhere where personal identification is needed, e.g. in banks, offices, etc. It can be used for bank card transactions since identification of the fingerprint is realized in the mobile device according to the invention. Then it can transmit optional data to a respective receiver unit. That is, after identification of the fingerprint the communication module in the mobile device on the basis of the pre-set applications transmits all the data to the central unit of the fixed device through the communication unit of the fixed device. Each application interprets only the data set needed for the particular application and in case of proper data the required transaction is enabled. This can be for example opening a gate, a bank transaction, personal identification during official administration, licence control, etc. The mobile device can be used only at places where a receiver unit provided with an induction loop for ensuring the energy for its operation is installed. Unauthorized persons are not able to use it as the data stored in it are assigned to the data generated by the fingerprint scanner.

Claims

1 . Device (1 ) for identification of a person comprising a fixed device (2) and a mobile device (3), said fixed device (2) comprises a communication unit (6), an intervening unit (7) and a power-supply unit (8), said communication unit (6) and said intervening unit (7) are connected to a central unit (5) having a central memory (4), said mobile device (3) comprises a biometric sensor (12) and a communication module (13) connected to a central module (1 1 ) having a memory (10), characterized in that the power supply (9) of said mobile device (3) is ensured by induction power supply, said power-supply unit (8) of said fixed device (2) has a primary induction loop (14) ensuring induction power supply, said mobile device (3) has a secondary induction loop (15), said primary induction loop (14) and said secondary induction loop (15) are adjusted to each other for generating induction power for operating said mobile device (3), in said memory (10) of said central module (1 1 ) of said mobile device (3) or in said central memory (4) of said fixed device (2) data relating to characteristic biological features identified by said biometric sensor (12) are stored, further, subsequent to supplying power to said communication module (13) of said mobile device (3), that is, after said mobile device (3) is adjusted to fixed device (2) said communication unit (6) of said fixed device (2) is connected to said communication module (13) of said mobile device (3).

2. Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the connection between said communication module (13) and said communication unit (6) is a wireless radio- frequency connection.

3. Device according to claims 1 or 2 characterized in that said intervening unit (7) is connected to an operational unit (16) in wired or wireless manner.

4. Device according to claims 1 or 2 characterized in that said operational unit (16) is the control electronics of an electric lock.

5. Device according to claims 1 or 2 characterized in that said operational unit (16) is connected to an authentication unit of a bank, advantageously to a POS terminal.

6. Device according to claims 1 or 2 characterized in that said operational unit (16) is connected to a data reader unit for checking validation of a person.

7. Device according to any of claims 1-6 characterized in that said biometric sensor (12) is a fingerprint scanner.

8. Device according to any of claims 1 -6 characterized in that said biometric sensor ( 2) is a retina scanner.

9. Device according to any of claims 1-8 characterized in that the data relating to characteristic biological features identified by said biometric sensor (12) are entered to said memory (10) of said central module (1 1 ) of said mobile device (3) through communication module (13).