Abstract: A directional, wireless, user-authenticating electronic token is disclosed. The token is embedded as an integrated system (generally, within a protective electronic enclosure). Typically the present invention includes a fingerprint sensor, a processor, a power source, a token transceiver and antenna, and orientation indicia. The antenna propagates highly directional signals. This allows users to orient (i.e., “aim”) token signals toward intended transceivers (POS machines, doors, computers, etc.), while reducing risks of transacting with “unintended” transceivers outside the aimed beam. The present invention offers an improved design for electronic wireless hardware tokens: providing versatile, secure, directional, wireless, user-authenticating devices (e.g., advanced ID cards, smartcards, hybrid cards, dongles, etc.). Such devices reduce risk of unintended emissions (i.e., signals radiating in the direction of unintended transceivers).

Abstract: An Internet Transaction Authentication (ITA) is a customer authentication apparatus disclosed herein. One embodiment employs an enclosure with USB interface capability; a second embodiment employs a similar enclosure with local wireless connectivity. ITA apparatuses achieve two important authentication goals: (1) Cryptographic authentication of websites to customers by providing real-time website validity confirmation so customers know when they've reached legitimate websites (i.e., visual, audible and displayed confirmation); (2) the ITA authenticates customer fingerprint (s) and, if verified, cryptographically authenticates customers to websites to prevent imposters from attempting transactions. Instead of making online transactions under control of programs in the customer PC, the ITA performs the complete transaction using biometric user authentication and strong cryptographic device authentication, all provisioned entirely within the ITA, itself.

Abstract: A pushbutton-enabled, wireless proximity smartcard or passport system is disclosed for improving smartcard security. The apparatus of the invention comprises a pushbutton-enabled smartcard or other pushbutton-enabled identity credential device that requires a user to press down upon an enabling switch embedded in the smartcard, prior to data transmission. This prevents the identity device from being deliberately or accidentally read at times and places that are unintended. The system of the invention includes users, proximity smartcards or other wirelessly-operable identity credentials, and smartcard readers connected to a host system. The method, apparatus, and system of the present invention are particularly suited to reducing exposure to risks associated with unwanted, unintended electronic intrusions on otherwise desirable electronic products.

Abstract: An Internet Transaction Authentication (ITA) is a customer authentication apparatus disclosed herein. One embodiment employs an enclosure with USB interface capability; a second embodiment employs a similar enclosure with local wireless connectivity. ITA apparatuses achieve two important authentication goals: (1) Cryptographic authentication of websites to customers by providing real-time website validity confirmation so customers know when they've reached legitimate websites (i.e., visual, audible and displayed confirmation); (2) the ITA authenticates customer fingerprint(s) and, if verified, cryptographically authenticates customers to websites to prevent imposters from attempting transactions. Instead of making online transactions under control of programs in the customer PC, the ITA performs the complete transaction using biometric user authentication and strong cryptographic device authentication, all provisioned entirely within the ITA, itself.

Abstract: A wireless biometric cardholding apparatus is disclosed. The invention facilitates remote reading and writing smartcards after a user has been biometrically authenticated. The invention promotes secure, wireless exchange of data between standard smartcards and an application, via a remote external RF transceiver. This invention enables enrolled users to access physical, logical, or financial resources and/or other protected assets. The cardholding apparatus holds a conventional identifying card, badge, or smartcard. One preferred embodiment is constructed of clear plastic and/or is of sufficiently open design that it displays visible ID credentials. The invention actively reads identification data from the smartcard, cryptographically protects data, and transmits it by means of radio or other wireless communications to a reader terminal.

Abstract: The “first apparatus” disclosed is an ergonomic, removably-attachable biometric user authentication module, attachable onto a wristwatch band (or other surface) directly proximate to a user. This first apparatus includes (1) an attaching subsystem (e.g., bendable tabs, Velcro™ straps, etc.); and (2) a biometric authentication subsystem module. The first apparatus attaches onto any convenient “target” surface, but wristwatch bands are ideal for many users. The invention method, is a secure wireless protocol for communicating “successful biometric authentication” messages from the first apparatus, to a verification transceiver/reader (a “second apparatus”) which grants or denies user(s) access to transaction(s) and/or controlled resource(s), facilities, etc. The transceiver/reader is an “access governance” device that ensures only authorized users can access controlled (e.g., financial, physical, logical, etc.) resources.

Abstract: A pushbutton-enabled, wireless proximity smartcard or passport system is disclosed for improving smartcard security. The apparatus of the invention comprises a pushbutton-enabled smartcard or other pushbutton-enabled identity credential device that requires a user to press down upon an enabling switch embedded in the smartcard, prior to data transmission. This prevents the identity device from being deliberately or accidentally read at times and places that are unintended. The system of the invention includes users, proximity smartcards or other wirelessly-operable identity credentials, and smartcard readers connected to a host system. The method, apparatus, and system of the present invention are particularly suited to reducing exposure to risks associated with unwanted, unintended electronic intrusions on otherwise desirable electronic products.

Abstract: An identification badge apparatus, method, and system are disclosed. The apparatus has radio reception capabilities for receiving audio alerts from alert origination facilities, e.g., local and/or central badge monitoring console(s). One optional version of the apparatus includes a biometric authentication sensor. Apparatus output components include a receiver and a loudspeaker; optional input components include a microphone and a transceiver for sending responses back to alert originators. Typical applications include user authentication; presence detection; proximity sensing; alarms; paging; etc. Other applications include personnel and vehicle monitoring; asset tracking; and others where audio feedback supports application objectives. The invention is customizable for one-way or for two-way feedback applications. Application managers are typically security offices; medical personnel; battlefield commanders; and first responders (police, firemen, ambulance, etc.).

Abstract: An ergonomic, easy-to-use, device-independent, authenticator apparatus is disclosed. The authenticator of the present invention is used in conjunction with a communicating device such as a cellular telephone. The authenticator and the communicating device together are used to communicate a user's identity and location data to a tracking center. The authenticator apparatus itself includes a fingerprint sensor with a processor for enrolling user fingerprints and for subsequently authenticating enrolled user fingerprints. The processor also includes an acoustic signal generator function which is enabled by the fingerprint sensor, but only after successful authentication by the fingerprint sensor has been completed. The invention is particularly useful for monitoring persons who must remotely prove their location and identity to a centralized and/or distributed tracking and/or monitoring center.

Abstract: The invention disclosed provides a mobile, portable, secure, eyewear display system with an attached or embedded miniaturized display, with user access controlled by biometric (or other) identity credentials. Effectively, the invention detects users “coming and going”, ensuring users only display and access data they have privileges to access. Users initially provide biometric (fingerprints, iris, retina, voice, etc.) and/or non-biometric identity credentials to enroll in (and subsequently authenticate themselves to) the eyewear display system. The system also detects when a user physically exits the system, using one or more “presence detection” devices (e.g., optical, acoustic, iris, or retinal presence sensors), thereby ensuring every user is authenticated prior to each session. One or more display screens can be embedded in (and/or attached onto) one or both lenses in the eyewear display system.

Abstract: A protective cover apparatus is disclosed to help protect a biometric fingerprint sensor and to help conserve battery power. The protective cover is typically implemented by installing it into a retaining track on the frame containing the fingerprint sensor. The cover apparatus, and the method of using it, can be deployed to protect almost any biometric fingerprint sensor implementation. The protective cover can be especially useful when implemented into small, portable, and/or mobile products adapted for high-volume authentication applications aboard small products (e.g., particularly smartcard devices, handheld devices, and other portable devices and applications using fingerprint sensors and battery power). The protective cover can also be used to turn power on and off, to help conserve battery power. The present invention also provides a retraction mechanism for retracting the cover, either by a manual push from the user, or by means of a touch-actuated retraction mechanism.

Abstract: Biometrically-enabled smartcards containing fingerprint sensors, template storage, and authentication processing require electrical power. At current state-of-the-art, biometric electronics are incompatible with radio-frequency-powered cards operating at low power levels. It's been a problem combining these technologies into one thin smartcard without adding batteries and/or recharging regimens. Disclosed is a batteryless, “contact/contactless” smartcard with built-in biometric fingerprint sensor, template storage and processor to authenticate users. The card's biometric authentication processing circuitry obtains its' initial power from contact smartcard readers, while performing authentication during card insertion. In one embodiment, the card enables contactless functions upon user entry into controlled facilities, and disables contactless functions upon egress.

Abstract: An easy-to-use, versatile, disposable, customer-replaceable, multi-use, DNA sample collection disk apparatus for use with fixed, portable, or field-based DNA sample collection, analysis, and detection systems is disclosed. General features of the invention are its' small form factor, portability, wearability, ease-of-use, and self-contained capacity to collect and analyze multiple different human DNA samples and sample types. The special utility of the invention is demonstrated in the field wherein neither trained medical personnel, nor conventional DNA testing labs, are necessary to operate the invention. Invention preferred embodiments include multipurpose cards or badges designed to (1) electronically authenticate subjects identities using DNA samples, and/or electronically detect presence or absence of biological agents (e.g., anthrax) and/or chemical agents (e.g., Sarin) using DNA samples; and (2) perform other DNA-based, protein-based, or other analytic and/or identification functions.

Abstract: A biometrically authenticated, ergonomic, telecommunicating geographic position locating system, apparatus, and method is disclosed. The invention uses fingerprint biometrics and GPS, facilitating probationary release of lower-priority, non-violent offenders into “house arrest” detention, in lieu of more expensive prison detention. The invention allows federal, state, or local authorities to provide an accurate, economical “Probation Release System” application. The invention uses biometrics and GPS embedded in cellular telephones carried by released, probationary persons. Central site monitoring capabilities of the invention allow constant monitoring of many probationary persons' movements. Authorities can contact any probationary individual any time to request they provide fingerprint verification and GPS position location.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for designing and manufacturing smartcards containing a low cost, embeddable, fully-integrated, fingerprint authentication system module. In a first preferred embodiment, the smartcard module contains a complete, unitary, autonomous data processing subsystem comprising a consolidated fingerprint authentication sensor including a data processor and memory; a power subsystem; and a smartcard interface subsystem. In a second preferred embodiment, the authentication system module of the present invention additionally contains an optional communication subsystem (e.g., ISO 14443 or other communication subsystem). The very small form factor of the enclosure for embedding the authentication system module provides a system module that is easily installed into an appropriate material substrate such as a smartcard body in a “one pass” automated insertion, saving manufacturing time, cost, and effort.