Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to electrical and electronic hardware, computer software, wired and wireless network communications, and wearable computing devices for facilitating health and wellness-related information, and more particularly, to an apparatus or method for using a wearable device (or carried device) having sensors to identify a wearer and/or generate a biometric identifier for security and authentication purposes (e.g., using the generated biometric identifier similar to a passcode). In some embodiments, a biometric validator is included to validate the accuracy of the biometric identifier to authenticate the identity of the user. The biometric validator can determine conditions in which the biometric identifier is invalid (e.g., when a wearable device is no longer worn by a user).

Abstract: An access control system (10) comprises a server (12) suitable for controlling access; a biometric signal sensor (11); and an interface device (13) suitable for hooking up with the server and with the sensor, access being authorized to a person associated with a reference signal. The server and the interface device manage a common parameter that takes different values over time, and, respectively a first and a second non-invertible transformation function, these functions being parameterized as a function of the common parameter. The sensor senses a biometric signal and provides it to the interface device. At the interface device level, a transformed biometric signal is obtained by applying the first function to an element from the group comprising a characteristic emanating from the sensed signal and the sensed signal, then transmitted (14) to the server.

Abstract: A wireless deadman system for controlling operation of equipment from a portable device includes a base station with an equipment control system, the base station wirelessly transmitting operational parameters for the equipment. A portable display unit has a housing, an electronic display, an electronic circuit, and a data receiver. A portable authorization device includes a liveness sensor and transmits an authorization signal when the sensor detects a liveness input. The display unit receives an authorization status for operation of the equipment from the portable authorization device and receives the operational parameters from the base station, the display displaying the authorization status and the operational parameters of the equipment on the electronic display. The equipment control system allows the equipment to operate when the authorization signal is provided and prevents the equipment from operating after the authorization signal is no longer provided.

Abstract: The invention provides an access control system and method for ski areas or similar facilities which uses a combination of RFID enabled tags and video-image derived biometric information to control access through an access gate.

Abstract: A medical protection safety lockout system for procedures and devices which can be integrated internally or retrofitted externally to any electronic medical equipment providing treatment or diagnostic medical care to a patient. Methods include both Patient acceptance process, verifying patient acknowledgement and medical procedure consent, and Clinician acceptance process, acknowledging patient identity and appropriate clinical procedure sign-offs. The apparatus and methods deliver reliable and trustworthy patient safeguards to electronic medical equipment.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, an authentication system for authenticating the identity of an electronic identification document owner is provided, which comprises an electronic identification document comprising a first communication interface and a storage unit being arranged to store reference biometric information of the electronic identification document owner, and a mobile device comprising a second communication interface being arranged to establish a communication link with the first communication interface, a camera being arranged to take a picture of the electronic identification document owner, and a program element being arranged to extract biometric information from said picture and to initiate a comparison between the reference biometric information and the extracted biometric information.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a computer-readable medium includes computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a computer, are configured to receive biometric sample quality information. The biometric sample quality information describes quality of one or more biometric samples. Search performance parameters are received. A biometric query plan is generated in compliance with the search performance parameters. The biometric query plan provides a search plan for identifying potential matches to the one or more biometric samples.

Abstract: A portable biometric lighter device (100) generally involving a control unit (210), a biometric sensor, such as a fingerprint sensor (140), wherein the biometric sensor is configured to scan a biometric data of a user and is operably coupled to the control unit (210), and an ignition element, wherein the ignition element is activated by the control unit (210) upon a match of the scanned biometric data of the user and a biometric data of an authorized user that is stored in a memory device.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, the access control system comprises a door with an integrated mechatronic closing mechanism which is equipped with a receiver device. The receiver device is designed to receive and evaluate capacitive-resistive signals that are emitted by a transmitter and are transmitted via a user's body. The closing mechanism opens or does open the door in accordance with a result of said evaluation. In said one embodiment of the invention, the closing mechanism is battery-operated and has no permanent electric connection to an object that is not located on or in the door.

Abstract: Various apparatus, methods, techniques and systems are disclosed for admitting, tracking, monitoring and processing data about visitors and vehicles that visit an access-controlled environment. A network having one or more greeting stations and a number of linked answering stations collects and manages data concerning visitors and/or vehicles in the access-controlled environment, and can manage or assist individuals in managing granting access to the access-controlled environment, monitoring visitors and vehicles present in the access-controlled environment, limiting movement and access to certain areas in the access-controlled environment and generating records and other data about each visit. Some embodiments of the network are also adaptable for use in providing traveler assistance and consular services for various types of individuals.

Abstract: A target authentication device includes an electrode to detect an electrical signal associated with a user of the device. The electrical signal represents an authentication code for the device. An authentication receiver module is coupled to the electrode. The module receives the electrical signal from the electrode and determines whether the electrical signal matches a predetermined criterion to authenticate the identity of the user based on the electrical signal. An authentication module is also disclosed. The authentication module includes one electrode to couple an electrical signal associated with a user to a user of a target authentication device, the electrical signal represents an authentication code for the device. An authentication transmission module is coupled to the electrode. The authentication transmission module transmits the electrical signal from the electrode. A method of authenticating the identity of a user of a target authentication device also is disclosed.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a biometric authentication unit that authenticates one piece of biometric information based on registered biometric information, wherein the one piece of biometric information is image information unique to a living body, and a plurality of pieces of user information are associated with the one piece of biometric information, and the registered biometric information is biometric information registered in advance, and a login processing unit that selects, based on user specification information for specifying user information used for login processing, one of the plurality of pieces of user information associated with the biometric information successfully authenticated by the biometric authentication unit so that the login processing unit uses the selected one of the plurality of pieces of user information to perform the login processing.

Abstract: Embodiments may take the form of devices and methods to help expedite matching biometric data in a validation process. One embodiment, for example, may take the form of a method for biometric validation including receiving a biometric input and retrieving metadata data of a most recently matched template. The method also includes evaluating the metadata and selecting one or more nodes from the most recently matched template for comparison. Additionally, the method includes comparing the selected one or more nodes with the received biometric input and determining if the selected one or more nodes match with the received biometric input. Also, the method includes validating the received biometric input if the selected one or more nodes match with the received biometric input.

Abstract: The disclosed Biometric Card Pointer arrangements store (207) a card user's biometric signature in a local memory (124) in a verification station (127) the first time the card user uses the verification station (127) in question. The biometric signature is stored at a memory address (607) defined by the card information (605) on the user's card (601). All future uses of the particular verification station (127) by someone submitting the aforementioned card (601) requires the card user to submit both the card and a biometric signature, which is verified against the signature stored at the memory address defined by the card information (605) thereby determining if the person submitting the card is authorized to do so.

Abstract: A vehicle screening method and system. A vehicle occupant can be identified utilizing one or more biometric identifiers input by or obtained from the vehicle occupant via a biometric input device. A barcode can also be provided by the vehicle occupant from a scanned card or other structure upon which the barcode is maintained. Additionally, a unique identification number can be provided by the user in order to match the unique identification number against a database of identification numbers, thereby permitting the vehicle occupant to be remotely screened and verified for entry into a secure facility based on the biometric identifier(s), the barcode and the unique identification number.

Abstract: Operating a remote control to identify a user by receiving touch pad input from at least one touch sensitive element of the remote control that has a plurality of touch sensitive elements. The touch pad input corresponds to the user's touch of at least some of the plurality of touch sensitive elements. The touch pad input is at least partially processed by processing circuitry of the remote control and transmitted to a multimedia system console via a communications interface of the remote control for processing of the at least partially processed touch pad input to identify the user via pattern recognition. At least partially processing the touch pad input can be by identifying at least one finger orientation, at least one finger spacing, at least one finger width, a plurality of finger knuckle/joint locations, and/or a plurality of finger lengths based upon the touch pad input.

Abstract: This is directed to an electronic device having an integrated sensor for detecting a user's cardiac activity and cardiac electrical signals. The electronic device can include a heart sensor having several leads for detecting a user's cardiac signals. The leads can be coupled to interior surfaces of the electronic device housing to hide the sensor from view, such that electrical signals generated by the user can be transmitted from the user's skin through the electronic device housing to the leads. In some embodiments, the leads can be coupled to pads placed on the exterior of the housing. The pads and housing can be finished to ensure that the pads are not visibly or haptically distinguishable on the device, thus improving the aesthetic qualities of the device. Using the detected signals, the electronic device can identify or authenticate the user and perform an operation based on the identity of the user.

Abstract: A secure and modular architecture for monitoring and controlling clusters of pay entertainment and gaming devices. The architecture allows flexible and secure use of state-of-the-art multimedia and Internet technologies to attract the younger player generation used to flashy and networked games. Cash or cash-less entertainment and gaming devices are supported.

Abstract: A system and method for identity verification in a detention environment and for tracking information between individuals in a detention environment with individuals who are not in the detention environment across disparate functional systems.

Abstract: The provenance of passengers intending to depart on a vehicle from a transportation facility, is ensured by providing biometric reading devices at both a check-in station and a departure area station of the facility. The name and/or other information concerning a passenger arriving at the facility is also entered for assessment into a background check system. A biometric template of the passenger is acquired by the reading device at the check-in station and forwarded to the departure area station. When the passenger appears at the latter station, a second biometric template is acquired by the reading device there. The second template is compared with each of a number of templates that were forwarded from the check-in station. If no match exists, or if the background check system returns an unsatisfactory assessment, the passenger is refused boarding onto the vehicle.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining whether a particular individual is to be granted, among other things, access to information, access to a particular room or other space, or permission to perform a given act or transaction are disclosed. For example, disclosed is an exemplary method that includes performing multiple biometrics tests on the individual to retrieve multiple biometrics test results, performing at least a first data fusion operation on the multiple biometrics test results to determine an identity result, performing at least one biological state test to determine one or more biological state test results of the individual, and conditionally granting authority to the individual based on the identity result and the one or more biological state results.

Abstract: A keyboard includes a fingerprint input unit, a storage unit, a switch unit, and a control unit. The fingerprint input unit receives fingerprint information of a user. The storage unit stores a fingerprint model. The control unit is connected to the fingerprint input unit, the storage unit, and the switch unit. The control unit receives the fingerprint information of the user from the fingerprint input unit and compares the received fingerprint information with the fingerprint model stored in the storage unit. If the received fingerprint information is consistent with the fingerprint model, the control unit controls the switch unit to be turned on, to output a control signal to power on a computer connected to the keyboard.

Abstract: An image-capturing module for simplifying optical component includes a first substrate unit, an image-capturing unit, an optical imaging unit, a second substrate unit, a light-emitting unit and a cover unit. The second substrate unit is disposed on the outer surface of the optical imaging unit and electrically connected to the first substrate unit. The light-emitting unit has a light-emitting element electrically disposed on the second substrate unit. The cover unit has a reflective layer formed on an inner surface thereof. Therefore, the light beams generated by the light-emitting element are reflected by the reflective layer to form first reflected light beams projected onto the object, then the first reflected light beams are reflected by the object to form second reflected light beams projected onto the optical imaging unit, and then the second reflected light beams pass through the optical imaging unit and project onto the image-capturing unit.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to systems, methods, and computer program products for implementing a biometric authentication system. The biometric authentication system receives biometric information for a user, stores the information in a secure memory device, and compares the biometric information to a scan received at a later time to determine if the user has authenticated the user's identity. Once the user's identity is authenticated, the user may gain access to data, such as user data stored on an associated device, or may cause an action to occur. Various actions that may be prompted by authentication are provided, such as facilitating transactions, accessing remote servers, or authenticating the user's identity to third parties.

Abstract: The system employs the use of biometric authentication, a fraud control gateway and widget, and a point of sale sensor to restrict the use of credit cards or other financial tokens to authenticated actual owners of the card or token. The card or token holder will have biometric information entered into a database during an initiation or enrollment process, and subsequent uses of the card may be authenticated by comparing the biometric information of the attempted user to biometric information stored in the system. The biometric component is used for voice authentication. As part of a multi-factor security schema, the biometric authentication is combined with a series of point of sale and fraud control methods to ensure a comprehensive security umbrella for financial transactions. Both financial institution limits to transactions and consumer-preferred limits to transactions are employed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for the determination of an attribute of the tissue of an individual use non-invasive Raman spectroscopy. For example, the alcohol concentration in the blood or tissue of an individual can be determined non-invasively. A portion of the tissue is illuminated with light, the light propagates into the tissue where it is Raman scattered within the tissue. The Raman scattered light is then detected and can be combined with a model relating Raman spectra to alcohol concentration in order to determine the alcohol concentration in the blood or tissue of the individual. Correction techniques can be used to reduce determination errors due to detection of light other than that from Raman scattering from the alcohol in the tissue.

Abstract: An automatic lock and automatic unlock method for a computer system and the associated computer system are provided. The method includes steps of detecting whether a user is in a predetermined range when a computer system is in an unlock status and recording a duration during which the user is not in the predetermined range, controlling the computer system to enter a lock status when the duration is greater than a predetermined time, determining whether the user has an effective authority when the computer system is in the lock status and the user is detected in the predetermined range, and controlling the computer system to enter the unlock status when the user has the effective authority.

Abstract: A system includes a processor and a memory accessible to the processor. The memory includes instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform operations including, in response to an activation event, sending information to a biometric input device to activate the biometric input device. The operations further include receiving biometric data corresponding to a particular user from the biometric input device. The operations include determining whether an identification of the particular user matches the biometric data. In response to determining that the identification of the particular user matches the biometric data, a service is provided to a device associated with the particular user.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide for a biometric system with an optically adaptive interface. In some embodiments, an optically adaptive interface changes optical characteristics in response to the placement of a finger on the optically adaptive interface. In some embodiments, the optically adaptive interface can include an active layer and a surface layer. The active layer and the surface layer can have different optical properties. For example, one layer may be opaque and the other transparent, the two layers may have complementary colors, the two layers may have orthogonal polarization reflectors, one layer may be reflective and the other absorptive, etc. Moreover, the active layer can be a fluid with either high or low viscosity. For example, the viscosity can be such that the active layer fluid is either completely displaced or not displaced in locations corresponding to finger valleys.

Abstract: A biological information acquiring apparatus includes light source units configured to irradiate light onto a living body, a light receiving unit including a light receiving element, the light receiving element including pixels, each of the pixels receiving at least one of a transmission light and a reflection light, and a nonuniform filter disposed on the light receiving unit and on a light path of at least one of the transmission light and the reflection light, the nonuniform filter having a light transmittance that varies with area of the nonuniform filter. The light source units are disposed around the light receiving unit discretely, and the light transmittance of the nonuniform filter is set so that a light intensity of at least one of the transmission light and the reflection light is uniform over an entire surface of the light receiving element.

Abstract: The invention is directed towards methods, systems and apparatuses, see FIG. 1, (100) for providing secure and private interactions. The invention provides capability for verifying the identity of a party initiating an electronic interaction with another party through data input module (140) which is verified by the identity verification module (150), which further includes a self-destruct mechanism (153). Embodiments of the invention include secure methods for conducting transactions and for limiting the transfer and distribution of personal data to only those data that are absolutely necessary for the completion of the transactions. The invention facilitates the transfer of additional personal data contingent upon an agreement that appropriately compensates the provider of the personal data.

Abstract: A biometric identity confirmation system is based on pulse waveform data for the subject. During an initial enrollment mode, pulse waveform data for a known subject are used to generate subject characterization data for the known subject. The subject characterization data includes an exemplar created by synchronous averaging of pulse waveform data over multiple pulse cycles. A number of trigger candidate are identified for the start point of each pulse cycle. The time delay between trigger candidates is analyzed to discard false trigger candidate and identify true candidates, which are then used as the start points for each pulse cycle in synchronous averaging of the pulse waveform data. During a subsequent identity authentication mode, pulse waveform data for a test subject are analyzed using the subject characterization data to confirm whether the identity of the test subject matches the known subject.

Abstract: Real time facial images of individuals transacting accounts held in a bank facility are taken following the grant of authorization to the individual to access the account under the bank's required identification protocol, the real time facial images being matched to recorded facial images of account holders maintained by the bank to further authenticate the transacting individual as having authorized account access.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed which may comprise a biometric object sensor that may comprise at least one conductive layer formed from a transparent or translucent material and formed in at least one of on, in or under an outer layer of a user device housing; at least one of a transmitter trace and at least one of a receiver trace formed from the at least one of the transparent or translucent material in the conductive layer. The transparent or translucent material may form at least a portion of a touch screen display on a user device. The at least one of a transmitter trace and at least one of a receiver trace may comprise one of a plurality of transmitter traces and a receiver trace and a plurality of receiver traces and a transmitter trace or a plurality of transmitter traces and a plurality of receiver traces.

Abstract: Systems and methods for implementing a sequence of fingerprints for biometric authentication are provided. A sequence of fingerprints is more difficult to fraudulently circumvent than a single finger or thumb print. A sequence of fingerprints takes advantage of inexpensive fingerprint scanners and easily available fingerprints. A sequence of fingerprints may be used in conjunction with additional biometric authentications and/or confidential access sequences. The sequence of fingerprints may include prints of the digits of the foot. The sequence of fingerprints for biometric authentication may be system or user defined.

Abstract: A system and algorithms to authenticate a person where a system only has some standard personal text data about the person, and cannot have a real biometric template obtained using an enrollment procedure. The authentication allows access to restricted resources by the person. This method is especially useful when it is used as an auxiliary authentication service with other methods such as password or Callback that dramatically lower the chances for an imposter.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods for providing a micro-scanning system with low settle times for fingerprint image capture are provided. In one embodiment, a flexure apparatus includes a stiffening device and parallelogram structures. The flexure apparatus is configured to move an image sensor to different positions to capture images that can be used to form a composite image according to micro-scanning techniques. The stiffening device allows the resonant frequency of the flexure apparatus to be established at a higher level than the operation frequency of the flexure apparatus, minimizing the settle time required for the flexure apparatus.

Abstract: A device may receive a request to authenticate a user, automatically establish a multimedia session with the user in response to receiving the request, and capture a group of biometric identifiers for the user from the multimedia session. The device may further perform a group of biometric authentication operations using the analyzed or captured biometric identifiers to obtain a group of authentication scores, determine whether the user is properly authenticated based on the group of authentication scores, and transmit a message representing the determination of whether the user is properly authenticated.

Abstract: Techniques for preventing a driver of a moving vehicle from using a handheld device while driving. An example system of the invention includes a plurality of biometric sensors configured to receive biometric data from the driver and a user of the handheld device. Contemporaneously with operation of the vehicle and the handheld device, the biometric data is analyzed in order to determine a match between the identity of the vehicle driver and the user of the handheld device. A controller is configured to selectively interrupt operation of the vehicle or handheld device upon detecting the match.

Abstract: Provided is a biometric authentication device that can enhance usability, suppress deterioration of authentication accuracy due to ambient noise, and increase tolerance to wiretapping. A biometric authentication device generates a signal pattern toward a living body by using a signal pattern generating means 11, and transmits the signal pattern to the living body in accordance with the signal pattern by a signal transmitting means 12. Further, the device receives a response signal transmitted through the living body by a signal receiving means 13. The device then calculates transfer feature in accordance with the signal pattern and the response signal by a transfer feature calculating means 14. Further, the device extracts and collates a feature amount in accordance with the transfer features.

Abstract: Systems and methods for authenticating electronic transactions are provided. The authentication methods employ a combination of security features. These security features can be based, for example, on unique knowledge of the person being authenticated, unique personal features and attributes of the person, the ability of the person to respond, and to do so in a fashion that a machine cannot, and so forth. Methods for enrolling the person prior to authentication are also provided, as well as systems for enrollment and authentication.

Abstract: Enhanced security is provided in a system comprising a medical device and a monitoring device. The medical device is configured for implantation into a living organism, and comprises processing circuitry and an interface for communicating with the monitoring device. Access to the medical device by the monitoring device is controlled based on measurement of one or more physiological values of the living organism by at least one of the two devices. In an illustrative embodiment, the medical device and the monitoring device are configured to include respective physiological value sensors for measuring respective dynamic physiological values of the living organism. The medical device is further configured to determine if the dynamic physiological values are sufficiently similar to one another and to grant or deny the monitoring device access to the medical device based on the determination.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for the determination of an attribute of the tissue of an individual use non-invasive Raman spectroscopy. For example, the alcohol concentration in the blood or tissue of an individual can be determined non-invasively. A portion of the tissue is illuminated with light, the light propagates into the tissue where it is Raman scattered within the tissue. The Raman scattered light is then detected and can be combined with a model relating Raman spectra to alcohol concentration in order to determine the alcohol concentration in the blood or tissue of the individual. Correction techniques can be used to reduce determination errors due to detection of light other than that from Raman scattering from the alcohol in the tissue.

Abstract: A biometric authentication device includes: a storage unit to store a first enrolled template and first information including a parameter representing an input environment of the first enrolled template; a receiving unit to receive biometric information from the terminal device, a second enrolled template stored in the terminal device, and second information including a parameter representing an input environment of the second enrolled template; an authentication unit to perform authentication by matching the received biometric information and the first enrolled template; a selecting unit to select the first enrolled template or the second enrolled template, based on the first and second information, when the biometric information is accepted; and an updating unit to update the first enrolled template stored in the storage unit to the second enrolled template when the second enrolled template is selected.

Abstract: A healthcare management system and method provide efficient and secure access to private information. A portable physical device, referred to herein as a Personal Digital Key or “PDK”, stores one or more profiles in memory. The biometric profile is acquired in a secure trusted process and is uniquely associated with an individual that is authorized to use and is associated with the PDK. The PDK can wirelessly transmit the identification information including a unique PDK identification number and the biometric profile over a secure wireless channel for use in an authentication process. The PDK is configured to wirelessly communicate with a reader. A provider interface coupled to the reader, and the reader is further configured to receive profile information from the PDK. The healthcare management system also includes an auto login server configured to communicate with the provider interface to allow access to information in a patient database.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and system for defeating replay attacks against biometric authentication systems by randomly prompting the subject to adjust a part of their body in some measurable way. The timing of these adjustments would be used to verify that the biometric input is coming from a live subject and not a recording. One embodiment of the design would include a commodity camera-equipped mobile device (130) connected to an authentication server (110) via the Internet (120). In this embodiment an encrypted video stream of the subject—for example his or her hand (140a)—would be established from the mobile device to the authentication server. The authentication server would generate a unique series of time delays, at which intervals a prompt—for example to extend or retract a specific finger—would be relayed from the server to the mobile device and subsequently the subject.

Abstract: A method and system for associating a biometric reference template with an identification tag for a physical object. A processor of a computer system ascertains that an attribute included in the identification tag is signed with a digital signature. The attribute includes a privacy policy identifier which identifies a privacy policy pertaining to the identification tag. The identification tag is embedded in or attached to a physical object. The identification tag includes a first biometric reference template identifier that uniquely identifies biometric data pertaining to a person. The biometric reference template includes a second biometric reference template identifier that uniquely identifies the biometric data. The processor confirms that the digital signature matches a signature stored in a database of the computer system. The processor verifies that the first biometric reference template identifier matches the second biometric reference template identifier.

Abstract: A display control unit performs a control of displaying first image information on a display unit. An electric-power supply unit converts thermal energy generated from a body temperature of a user into electric power upon the user contacting the electric-power supply unit, and supplies the electric power to the display control unit. A determination unit determines whether the user is in contact with the electric-power supply unit. When it is determined that the user is not in contact with the electric-power supply unit, the display control unit performs a control of rewriting the first image information displayed on the display unit with second image information.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for validating a biometrical acquisition, mainly the acquisition of a body imprint of a body area such as fingerprints or a face imprint, wherein the method involves together with the biometric acquisition: lighting the body area using at least one radiation having at least two respective different wavelengths between approximately 500 nm and 1150 nm; taking at least two reflectometry measurements concerning said and at least two wavelengths for measuring the reflection index of the tissues for these wavelengths; calculating the ratio for two measured indices; and comparing the ratio with a range of reference values characterizing a haemoglobin-containing living tissue in terms of proportions of oxygenated and non-oxygenated forms characteristic of the living states for the wavelengths in question; if the ratio is included in said range, the body area is considered as living and the biometrical acquisition is validated; and conversely, if the body area is considered as not li

Abstract: Disclosed are bag check machines, including related methods, apparatus, and systems, including computer program products, implementing and using techniques for allowing a user to self-check one or more items for transportation. The user is first enrolled in a self-check program by reading personal ID information from a government-issued identification (ID) document and verifying the ID document based on the personal ID information. Biometric data from the user is captured and stored, in an encoded form, on a portable ID storage medium issued to the user. For the user to self-check one or more items, encoded biometric data is read from the portable ID storage medium, and biometric data is captured from the user. When the captured biometric data matches the biometric data read from the portable ID storage medium, the user is authorized to check-in the item or items.