Abstract: A biometric authentication device for use with a data card such as an optical card, a memory chip card, or a smart card. The biometric device includes a fingerprint module having a fingerprint sensor for capturing a user's fingerprint placed onto the fingerprint sensor. The biometric device includes a portion adapted to receive and read a card containing optical or electronic fingerprint information. The biometric device includes processing capabilities to determine a match between data from the user's fingerprint captured from the fingerprint sensor and the electronic fingerprint data stored on the optical or smart card. Determination of the match between the captured fingerprint data and the electronic fingerprint data enables biometric verification of identification of the end user. The biometric device is useful in time and attendance, access and control, as well as user identification and verification applications.

Abstract: A biometric network for use in time and attendance applications is disclosed. The system includes at least one biometric device which is capable of identifying a user and generating data related to the user. The biometric device compares live biometric data, for example, fingerprint data, with stored biometric data, such as on an optical data card, memory card, smart card, or other biometric storage device. The invention includes a central data center which communicates with the biometric devices and receives the generated data transmitted from the biometric devices. The devices may be connected to the central data center via serial connection, wireless connection, modem, ethernet or the Internet. The generated data may relate to the attendance of the user at a particular location, the timing of particular events, such as entrance and exiting time, check-in times, or other time-stamp requirements.