Patents Assigned to Activcard Ireland Limited
  • Patent number: 7400749
    Abstract: A method for matching biometric data on an authentication server is disclosed. An authentication server is provided having biometric template data stored thereon. A plurality of workstation processors in communication with the authentication server is also provided. A sensed biometric image is provided to a processor out of the plurality of workstation processors from an individual. From the authentication server to the processor, co-ordinate data relating to a plurality of non-contiguous features of the template data are provided. Characteristic data is extracted from the biometric image, the characteristic data for correlation with the provided coordinate data allowing for a subsequent alignment of the biometric image within a known frame of reference relative to the template data on the basis of the provided data and the other data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Activcard Ireland Limited
    Inventor: Robert D. Hillhouse
  • Patent number: 7391891
    Abstract: A method for matching biometric data on an authentication server is disclosed. An authentication server is provided having biometric template data stored thereon. A plurality of workstation processors in communication with the authentication server is also provided. A sensed biometric image is provided to a processor out of the plurality of workstation processors from an individual. From the authentication server to the processor, co-ordinate data relating to a plurality of non-contiguous features of the template data are provided. Characteristic data is extracted from the biometric image, the characteristic data for correlation with the provided co-ordinate data allowing for a subsequent alignment of the biometric image within a known frame of reference relative to the template data on the basis of the provided data and the other data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Activcard Ireland Limited
    Inventor: Robert D. Hillhouse
  • Patent number: 7372979
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for authenticating a user In dependence upon biometric Input information is disclosed. According to the method when a user is identified, their biometric information or data derived therefrom is automatically stored. The data is then used in subsequent user identification attempts as a template. The original templates are not replaced but those templates that are automatically stored are replaced at intervals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Activcard Ireland Limited
    Inventors: Robert Hillhouse, John Boyer
  • Patent number: 7369684
    Abstract: A biometric sensing device includes sensing arrays for sensing a biological surface swiped across the sensing arrays in an arbitrary direction. This device allows for simultaneously sensing different features of a biological surface where the features have the smallest distinguishable features of different size. Using the technique of interleaving partial images, the resolution of the biometric sensing device is increased. Therefore, a small and robust biometric sensing device is provided, which allows for sensing high resolution images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Activcard Ireland Limited
    Inventors: Laurence Hamid, Scott Newman Ashdown
  • Patent number: 7366328
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for detecting a latent fingerprint image provided to a biometric input device of a fingerprint based security system. First and second images of the fingerprint are captured during a time period interval ?t. At least one of the first and second images are analyzed to identify an extractable feature within a global reference frame, the extractable feature usable for authenticating an individual. The first and second images are compared one with the other to determine differences indicative of motion about the identified extractable feature within a local reference frame during the time period interval ?t. Absent motion about the identified extractable feature being detected, the fingerprint is registered as a latent fingerprint and cannot be used to authenticate the individual who is seeking authorization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Activcard Ireland Limited
    Inventors: Laurence Hamid, John Boyer
  • Patent number: 7356169
    Abstract: Provided is a method of transforming an image of a biometric surface comprising the steps of sensing a biometric surface to provide biometric image data, receiving data relating to a plurality of parameters for use in transforming image data different parameters for resulting in differently transformed image data for a same biometric image data, the data received from another processor, transforming the biometric image data in accordance with the received data to provide transformed biometric image data in a format relating to the received data, and providing the transformed biometric image data as output image data having the format, wherein the transformed biometric image data is different for different parameters enabling provision of images of a same biometric surface having different image formats. There is further provided a biometric imaging device for executing the above described method, as well as memory for storing data, relevant to the above-described method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Activcard Ireland Limited
    Inventor: Laurence Hamid
  • Publication number: 20080059798
    Abstract: An integrated security system which seamlessly assimilates with current generation logical security systems. The integrated security system incorporates a security controller having standard network interface capabilities including IEEE 802.x and takes advantage of the convenience and security offered by smart cards and related devices for both physical and logical security purposes. The invention is based on standard remote authentication dial-in service (RADIUS) protocols or TCP/IP using SSL, TLS, PCT or IPsec and stores a shared secret required by the secure communication protocols in a secure access module coupled to the security controller. The security controller is intended to be a networked client or embedded intelligent device controlled remotely by to an authentication server. In another embodiment of the invention one or more life cycle management transactions are performed with the secure access module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Applicant: Activcard Ireland, Limited
    Inventors: Dominique Fedronic, Wu Wen
  • Publication number: 20080013806
    Abstract: Provided is a biometric imaging device for imaging a biological feature, which includes a sensor for detecting an environmental parameter other than relating to surface topology of the biological feature. The detected environmental parameters like temperature and humidity levels are utilized in image reconstruction to eliminate erroneous structures caused by the environmental conditions. There is also provided a biometric imaging device, which includes a preparation device for use prior to sensing a biometric image. The preparation device is used for conditioning a parameter of the biometric information source, and/or for cleaning the biometric information source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Applicant: Activcard Ireland Limited
    Inventor: Laurence Hamid
  • Patent number: 7316030
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for authenticating at least one Personal Security Device PSD (1040) vis-ô-vis at least a first Remote Computer System (1050) over a first network (1045) using at least one Client (1010) as a host to said at least one PSD (1040), said method comprising the steps of: a) establishing at least one communications pipe (1075) over said first network (1045) between said at least one PSD (1040) and said at least first Remote Computer System (1050); and b) running a challenge/response process between said Remote Computer System (1050) and said at least one PSD (1040) through said at least one communications pipe (1075).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Activcard Ireland, Limited
    Inventors: Yves Louis Gabriel Audebert, Olivier Clemot
  • Publication number: 20070289003
    Abstract: A method of supporting a substantially secure backup copy of a key-server database, said database comprising security information specific to a plurality of users, absent the need for a duplicate key-server is disclosed. According to the method, each individual's security data is stored within the key-server database and is also stored on a portable data storage device, such as a smart card or a PCMCIA token. If the key-server crashes and the database stored thereon is lost, a duplicate key-server database is reconstructed using the aggregate of the partial database files stored on each individual's portable data storage device. Similarly, when a portable data storage device is lost, it can be rebuilt from the data stored within the key-server.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: Activcard Ireland Limited
    Inventors: Laurence Hamid, Robert Hillhouse
  • Publication number: 20070263911
    Abstract: A method of recognizing an injury pattern on a fingerprint is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing biometric information to a contact imager; imaging and characterizing the biometric information; comparing an image of the biometric information against previously stored templates; upon a comparison result of the comparison, determining an injury pattern; wherein upon an injury pattern determination, performing a comparison against a stored template based on features extracted from the biometric data and the damage data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Publication date: November 15, 2007
    Applicant: Activcard Ireland Limited
    Inventor: Laurence Hamid
  • Publication number: 20070226791
    Abstract: A system and method of securely supporting password change is disclosed. The method performed by the system includes the steps of detecting an occurrence of a password change operation in execution on a system and receiving a new password by the system; detecting the new password when provided; storing data indicative of the new password in a database independent of the password database of the system for later retrieval; and providing the data indicative of the new password from the independent database to the password database.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Applicant: Activcard Ireland Limited
    Inventor: Marc Charbonneau
  • Patent number: 7274807
    Abstract: A method for matching biometric data on a smart card is disclosed. A smart card is provided having biometric template data stored thereon. A host processor in communication with the smart card is also provided. A sensed biometric image is provided to the host processor from an individual. From the smart card to the host processor, co-ordinate data relating to a plurality of non-contiguous features of the template data are provided. Other data is extracted from the biometric image, the other data for correlation with the provided co-ordinate data allowing for a subsequent alignment of the biometric image within a known frame of reference relative to the template data on the basis of the provided data and the other data. Once aligned, biometric data is extracted from the biometric image, the biometric data within the known frame of reference and then the extracted biometric data is transmitted to the smartcard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Activcard Ireland Limited
    Inventors: Robert D. Hillhouse, Laurence Hamid
  • Patent number: 7274804
    Abstract: A method of hashing biometric data for generation of a public template is disclosed. According to the method, a hash function is provided for hashing of feature data the hash function a function of data within the biometric information and determinable therefrom but resulting in a hashing result from which the original feature data is indiscernible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Activcard Ireland Limited
    Inventor: Laurence Hamid
  • Patent number: 7272248
    Abstract: Provided is a biometric imaging device for imaging a biological feature, which includes a sensor for detecting an environmental parameter other than relating to surface topology of said biological feature. The detected environmental parameters like temperature and humidity levels are utilized in image reconstruction to eliminate erroneous structures caused by the environmental conditions. There is also provided a biometric imaging device, which includes a preparation device for use prior to sensing a biometric image. The preparation device is used for conditioning a parameter of the biometric information source, and/or for cleaning the biometric information source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Activcard Ireland Limited
    Inventor: Laurence Hamid
  • Patent number: 7272247
    Abstract: An improved method and system for reading and analyzing fingerprints is disclosed. According to the present invention, fingerprints are scanned and then analyzed to determine a value in dependence upon a predetermined acquisition parameter, such as for instance one of a moisture content of the fingertip and an applied fingertip pressure. The scanned fingerprint is subsequently processed to remove “false minutiae” in dependence upon the determined value, whilst retaining authentic minutiae for user authentication. Processing the fingertip to determine a condition thereof prior to image processing results in a more selective removal of minutiae, thus resulting in a larger set of minutiae being retained for comparison to a stored biometric template.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Activcard Ireland Limited
    Inventor: Laurence Hamid
  • Publication number: 20070206841
    Abstract: A method of recognizing an injury pattern on a fingerprint is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing biometric information to a contact imager; imaging and characterizing the biometric information; comparing an image of the biometric information against previously stored templates; upon a comparison result of the comparison, determining an injury pattern; wherein upon an injury pattern determination, performing a comparison against a stored template based on features extracted from the biometric data and the damage data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Publication date: September 6, 2007
    Applicant: Activcard Ireland Limited
    Inventor: Laurence Hamid
  • Publication number: 20070206842
    Abstract: Disclosed is a biometric imaging device a method of processing images of biometric surfaces that are captured using said imaging device. According to the instant invention, an image of a biometric surface presented by an individual is captured by a sensor of the imaging device, either as a single image or as a plurality of overlapping image portions that are combinable to form a single composite image. The imaging device also includes a memory buffer for retrievably storing image data relating to the image of the biometric surface. A processor of the imaging device is provided for analyzing the stored image data to determine a location of a feature of interest and for providing an output image of a known size and shape for use by a host system that is in communication with the imaging device for identifying the individual.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Publication date: September 6, 2007
    Applicant: Activcard Ireland Limited
    Inventor: Laurence Hamid
  • Patent number: 7251828
    Abstract: A method of supporting a substantially secure backup copy of a key-server database, said database comprising security information specific to a plurality of users, absent the need for a duplicate key-server is disclosed. According to the method, each individual's security data is stored within the key-server database and is also stored on a portable data storage device, such as a smart card or a PCMCIA token. If the key-server crashes and the database stored thereon is lost, a duplicate key-server database is reconstructed using the aggregate of the partial database files stored on each individual's portable data storage device. Similarly, when a portable data storage device is lost, it can be rebuilt from the data stored within the key-server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Activcard Ireland Limited
    Inventors: Laurence Hamid, Robert D. Hillhouse
  • Patent number: 7249261
    Abstract: A method of securely supporting password change is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: detecting an occurrence of a password change operation in execution on a system and receiving a new password by the system; detecting the new password when provided; storing data indicative of the new password in a database other than the password database of the system for later retrieval, the data indicative of the new password for provision to the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Activcard Ireland Limited
    Inventor: Marc Charbonneau