Biometric identity disambiguation
Inventors
Assignees
US Department of Homeland Security
Publication Number
US-11531737-B1
Publication Date
2022-12-20
Expiration Date
2036-07-29
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Abstract
Systems, devices and methods for use in biometric identification are disclosed for use resolution of ambiguity as to what identity is being asserted and/or which reference identities are to be used to build a gallery for identification. In implementations, are described to resolve ambiguity and in particular situations in which a unique authoritative identifier is unavailable for use in locating relevant references to serve as the basis for biometric matching and identification.
Core Innovation
The invention describes systems, devices, and methods for biometric identification that resolve ambiguity regarding the asserted identity and the selection of reference identities used for biometric matching. In particular, it addresses situations where a unique authoritative identifier is unavailable for locating relevant references, which complicates biometric identification.
The problem solved is the complexity and resource demand involved in large-scale identification of individuals, especially when there is ambiguity about the identity asserted or which references to use for comparison. Such ambiguity leads to inefficiency in biometric matching because biometric information processing is computationally heavy compared to biographic information, causing delays and inaccuracies in identification systems.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes several independent claims focused on a system and method for controlling access using biographic and biometric information. The key inventive features involve obtaining, comparing, and weighting biographic and biometric information to resolve identity ambiguity and facilitate accurate access control.
User interface for obtaining proffered biographic information
A user interface adapted to obtain proffered biographic information from a person as an asserted identity.
Biographic similarity calculation
Logic configured to calculate a measure of biographic similarity between proffered biographic information and saved biographic information in identity records, focusing on first name, last name, and date of birth comparisons.
Biometric similarity computation conditional on biographic match
Logic adapted to compute biometric similarity only for identity records where biographic similarity exceeds a predetermined threshold, thereby reducing computational load.
Access control signal output based on biometric similarity
Processing system outputs an access control signal when biometric similarity exceeds a predetermined biometric similarity threshold, enabling response actions.
Weighted biographic comparison considering nicknames and alternative spellings
Biographic comparator logic incorporates weighting schemes that treat nicknames and alternative spellings as substantially similar, assigning similarity scores accordingly.
Populating identity records with new biometric information
System populates identity records with biometric information of the person when prior biometric information does not correspond, based on highest biographic similarity.
Integration with electronic access control device
System includes access control circuitry responsive to signals generated from biometric matching to control physical access devices.
The claims collectively cover a system and method that integrate biographic and biometric information comparison using weighted similarity measures and thresholding to resolve identity ambiguity and control access effectively. The inventive features emphasize efficient data processing, improved accuracy in identity matching, and practical access control implementations.
Stated Advantages
Reduction in computational resource demand for biometric matching by limiting biometric comparisons to references exceeding a biographic similarity threshold.
Improved operational efficiency of identification devices through selective reference matching that reduces processing time and communication bandwidth usage.
Decreased overall identification time by resolving ambiguity in identity assertion and reference selection.
Enhanced identification accuracy by integrating weighted biographic similarity measures, including handling of nicknames and alternative spellings.
Documented Applications
Identification and security screening at airports, such as passenger screening prior to boarding flights.
Identification for border checkpoints and port-of-entry processing.
Verification processes for registration and testing facilities.
Access control for events including concerts, gatherings, and meetings.
Use in exclusion identification to bar individuals from facilities or events, e.g., persons with derogatory status at a concert venue.
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