Authentication systems and methods for aerospace systems

Inventors

Behm, Michael F.

Assignees

Gentex Corp Carbondale

Abstract

An authentication system includes a communication circuit configured to communicate with a remote server and at least one scanning apparatus configured to capture biometric data. The system further includes a controller in communication with the communication circuit and the scanning apparatus. The controller is configured to receive a request for a security authorization and capture the biometric data with the scanning apparatus. The controller is further configured to compare the biometric data to authentication data. The authentication data includes an identification profile configured to authenticate a previously identified individual. The controller is further configured to authenticate the previously identified individual based on the identification profile and communicate a privilege level associated with the identification profile to the air travel device.

Core Innovation

The invention relates to an authentication system in communication with an air travel device. The authentication system includes an entertainment device in connection with a passenger seat of an aircraft configured to display video content, and at least one access device comprising a security interface in connection with the passenger seat, where the security interface includes a first scanning apparatus and a second scanning apparatus.

The controller receives a request for a security authorization, captures first biometric data of a user with the first scanning apparatus, and processes a first authentication based on the first biometric data. The controller identifies a first privilege level for the user based on the first authentication, where the first privilege level provides access to an itinerary and preferences of the user and presents profile information for the user, including menu options and entertainment preferences, on the entertainment device in response to the first privilege level.

The controller then captures second biometric data different from the first biometric data with the second scanning apparatus and processes a second authentication based on the second biometric data. The controller identifies a second privilege level for the user based on the second authentication, where the second privilege level is increased relative to the first privilege level, providing editing privileges to the itinerary and purchase authorization for the user.

Claims Coverage

This document includes three independent claims that define an authentication system and a passenger activity method using first and second scanning apparatuses to assign first and second privilege levels that govern user access and entertainment profile presentation.

Across the independent claims, the core claim coverage centers on using two scanning apparatuses to perform first and second authentications, assigning first and second privilege levels from those authentications, and using the first privilege level to determine accessible account information and to present profile information on the passenger-seat entertainment device, while the second privilege level enables editing itinerary information and purchase authorization.

Stated Advantages

Documented Applications

No documented applications found