Identity verification system and method
Inventors
Assignees
US Department of Homeland Security
Publication Number
US-11538126-B2
Publication Date
2022-12-27
Expiration Date
2036-07-29
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Abstract
Collection, validation, accuracy checking, and matching of information for individuals, e.g., in-scope people entering/exiting a country is described. The systems, techniques, devices, methods, and approaches described herein can be used to collect biographic, biometric, and travel information for persons who enter a country with the expectation that the person will eventually exit. The system and method described herein include structures and procedures for determining whether the individual, based on his/her information, meets a predefined criterion that is associated with predefined procedures, e.g., special precautions are to be implemented. This document also describes how information for an individual can be matched with an existing record in order to ensure accurate recordkeeping.
Core Innovation
The invention describes systems, techniques, devices, methods, and approaches for collection, validation, accuracy checking, and matching of information for individuals entering or exiting a country, particularly in-scope individuals expected eventually to exit. Such information includes biographic, biometric, and travel information, with the goal of ensuring accurate recordkeeping and determining if an individual meets predefined criteria that trigger specific procedures, such as special precautions or heightened screening. The system can dynamically adjust procedures and screening based on discrepancies, threat levels, or other factors.
A major problem being solved is the daunting and time-consuming task of managing and matching massive volumes of records for individuals crossing international borders, with approximately one million people passing through U.S. Customs daily. Challenges include handling very large transaction volumes, the asymmetry between large biometric data and smaller biographic data, integrating proprietary biometric technologies, varying facility configurations, time zone differences, and peak volume periods. The system must efficiently identify individuals while minimizing dissatisfaction and ensuring data integrity, preventing errors like identity confusion, illegal use of identities, and fraudulent use of travel documents.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims present eight main inventive features covering a method and apparatus for identity verification using entry and exit collection devices and a central resource that manages and matches biometric and biographic data.
System comprising distinct entry collection device, exit collection device, and central resource
The method and apparatus involve an entry collection device that captures biometric and biographic information to create entry records, an exit collection device with a physical access control device that captures biometric and biographic information during exit attempts, and a central resource that stores entry records, receives manifests, generates lists of biographic and biometric information, and communicates these lists to exit devices. Each device has its own processor, memory, and communication unit.
Biometric and biographic information capture and matching
The system captures biometric and biographic information on entry and exit, storing entry records in a central database. Exit collection devices compare captured exit biometric information and biographic information against the prepositioned list. The matching module computes a percent match between entry and exit biometric data and evaluates it against a match threshold to decide whether to grant physical access.
Use of manifests and expected flight times to generate screening lists
The central resource receives manifests from airline servers, determines expected flight times, and generates lists comprising biographic and biometric information of individuals for use by exit collection devices in screening and matching processes prior to exit attempts.
Matching threshold control and iterative comparison
A matching module provides a match threshold and iteratively computes percent matches by comparing biometric information captured on entry and exit. If the match is not above the threshold, a failed match process is executed, including closing the access control device; if above, a passed match process is executed, including opening the device.
Physical and communicative coupling of access control and data capture
The physical access control device is either physically coupled or communicatively coupled (e.g., via wireless communication) with the exit collection device to perform coordinated biometric capture, data processing, and access control.
Dynamic adjustment of match threshold
The system can dynamically adjust the match threshold based on factors such as image quality, presence or absence of historical information, or elevated security needs, and may escalate iteration or threshold when initial matches fail.
Data formatting and record details
Entry and exit records can include unique identifiers and may be formatted in Unicode text format or comma separated file format. The system processes these records with biographic, biometric, or travel information.
Failed and passed match processes with additional actions
Upon passing match, actions include visual pass indicators, issuing pass receipts, collecting additional biometric info, or updating biographic info. Upon failing match, actions include alerting users, denying passage, capturing more biometric info, issuing fail receipts, or providing visual failure indicators.
The claims collectively cover a comprehensive identity verification system and method combining biometric and biographic data collection at entry and exit points, central record storage and manifest processing, dynamic matching with adjustable thresholds, physical and communicative integration with access control devices, and iterative processing to ensure accurate identity verification and control of access to restricted areas.
Stated Advantages
Supports screening of large numbers of individuals efficiently and accurately to maintain national security and enforce laws.
Handles massive transaction volumes with dynamic adjustment to discrepancies and varying threat levels.
Operates agnostically with respect to proprietary biometric algorithms and data formats, enabling interoperability.
Facilitates accurate recordkeeping by matching individuals exiting a country with their entry records.
Enables routing of individuals based on evaluated criteria such as language, cultural sensitivity, or risk factors.
Minimizes dissatisfaction by efficiently identifying individuals and streamlining processing.
Documented Applications
Screening individuals entering or exiting a country, e.g., customs screening in airports.
Collecting and matching biographic, biometric, and travel information in border security contexts.
Customer check-ins in travel or transportation systems.
Vehicle registrations and driver license registrations.
Permit collections such as building permits.
Identification of individuals in correctional institutions.
Massive data systems that contain biometric and/or biographic data for identification and verification.
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