TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an enrolment device for enrolment of a biometric template in a biometrically-enabled smartcard.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Enrolment of a reference template of a user in a biometrically-enabled smartcard, e.g. a debit or credit card, is usually performed under supervision of trained personnel, e.g. at a bank. Since this may be impractical and time-consuming, home enrolment may be more convenient for the user.

[0003] Currently most enrolment solutions use a stand-alone card holder with limited guidance.

[0004] US 2021/ 0028938 discloses an enrolment device in galvanic connection with a fingerprint-enabled smartcard, where the enrolment device comprises a progress bar to aid a user during home enrolment.

[0005] Further, since biometric smartcards are not yet generally well known, it may be difficult for the user to use the smartcard properly.

SUMMARY

[0006] It is an objective of the present invention to facilitate enrolment with a biometrically-enabled smartcard. The smartcard is typically a contactless smartcard e.g. for making payments, such as a debit or credit card, for identification and/or for providing access.

[0007] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an enrolment device for enrolment of a biometric template in a biometrically-enabled smartcard. The enrolment device comprises a smartcard communication interface for powering and wireless communication with the smartcard, and a terminal communication interface for wireless communication with a user terminal. The enrolment device also comprises processing circuitry, and storage storing instructions executable by said processing circuitry whereby the enrolment device is operative to perform an embodiment of a method of the present disclosure. [0008] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method performed by an enrolment device for enrolment of a biometric template in a biometrically-enabled smartcard. The method comprises providing the enrolment device in an enrolment mode. While the enrolment device is in the enrolment mode, the method comprises, by wirelessly powering and communicating with the smartcard, instructing the smartcard to perform an enrolment process for enrolling a biometric reference template in the smartcard, and by wirelessly communicating with the user terminal, informing the user terminal about the enrolment process being performed. The method also comprises switching the enrolment device to a training mode. While the enrolment device is in the training mode, the method comprises, by wirelessly powering and communicating with the smartcard, instructing the smartcard to perform a training process for testing determining that a biometric test template obtained by a biometric sensor in the smartcard matches the enrolled reference template stored in the smartcard, and by wirelessly communicating with the user terminal, informing the user terminal about the training process being performed.

[0009] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an enrolment system comprising an embodiment of the enrolment device of the present disclosure, an embodiment of the smartcard of the present disclosure, and an embodiment of the user terminal of the present disclosure.

[0010] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method performed by an embodiment of the enrolment system of the present disclosure. The method comprises providing the enrolment device in the training mode. The method also comprises, by the biometric sensor, obtaining the test template. Then, the method also comprises, in the smartcard, determining that the test template matches the enrolled reference template, and updating the enrolled reference template based on the obtained test template.

[0011] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer program product comprising computer-executable components for causing an enrolment device to perform an embodiment of a method of the present disclosure when the computer-executable components are run on processing circuitry comprised in the device.

[0012] The use of wireless communication with the card, rather than communication via a galvanic connection, improves robustness by reducing the need for correct and stable positioning of the card in relation to the enrolment device. To further aid in positioning of the card, especially during the enrolment process, the enrolment device may in some embodiments comprise a positioning arrangement, e.g. including notches in a surface of the enrolment device onto which the smartcard is placed, for aiding in holding the smartcard in a fixed position.

[0013] The use of wireless communication with the smartcard also enables simulating use of the biometrically-enabled contactless smartcard during a training process, to train the user in proper use of the smartcard. In some embodiments, the training may also be used to update the enrolled reference template, for improved future use of the smartcard.

[0014] Preferably, the wireless communication between the enrolment device and the smartcard is by Near-Field Communication (NFC), which is also standard for many contactless smartcards during use for payments, identification or the like.

[0015] Communication with a user terminal, e.g. the user’s smartphone, enables informing the user via a user interface, e.g. graphical user interface (GUI), about progress of the enrolment process and the training process, obviating the need for a user interface in the enrolment device. Wireless communication, e.g. via Bluetooth or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), is preferred for easier use of the enrolment device.

[0016] It is to be noted that any feature of any of the aspects may be applied to any other aspect, wherever appropriate. Likewise, any advantage of any of the aspects may apply to any of the other aspects. Other objectives, features and advantages of the enclosed embodiments will be apparent from the following detailed disclosure, from the attached dependent claims as well as from the drawings.

[0017] Generally, all terms used in the claims are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the technical field, unless explicitly defined otherwise herein. All references to "a/an/the element, apparatus, component, means, step, etc." are to be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of the element, apparatus, component, means, step, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise. The steps of any method disclosed herein do not have to be performed in the exact order disclosed, unless explicitly stated. The use of “first”, “second” etc. for different features/ components of the present disclosure are only intended to distinguish the features/components from other similar features/ components and not to impart any order or hierarchy to the features/components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Embodiments will be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig 1 schematically illustrates a smartcard placed onto an embodiment of an enrolment device in accordance with the present invention.

Fig 2 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of an enrolment device in accordance with the present invention.

Fig 3a schematically illustrates use of an enrolment device in an enrolment mode, in accordance with the present invention.

Fig 3b schematically illustrates use of an enrolment device in a training mode, in accordance with the present invention.

Fig 4 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a system in accordance with the present invention.

Fig 5 is a schematic flow chart of some embodiments of a method performed by an enrolment device, in accordance with the present invention.

Fig 6 is a schematic flow chart of some embodiments of a method performed by an enrolment system, in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which certain embodiments are shown. However, other embodiments in many different forms are possible within the scope of the present disclosure. Rather, the following embodiments are provided by way of example so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the description.

[0020] Figure 1 illustrates an enrolment device 1 on which a smartcard 10 is positioned. [0021] The enrolment device i may comprise a landing pad 2, onto a surface of which the smartcard may conveniently be positioned. In some embodiments, the enrolment device 1, e.g. the landing pad 2 thereof, may comprise a positioning arrangement 4, e.g. including notches in a surface of the enrolment device onto which the smartcard is positioned, for aiding in holding the smartcard in a fixed position. Thus, the enrolment device preferably does not comprise a sleeve for insertion of the smartcard. Instead, since there is no need for a galvanic connection with the card, the landing pad 2 can be used for easy positioning and removal of the smartcard without moving or abrasive parts.

[0022] The enrolment device 1 may comprise a control part 3, e.g. including electronics for the components discussed with reference to figure 2. Typically, the enrolment device 1 maybe designed such that the landing pad 2 extends from the control part 3, e.g. with a housing of the enrolment device 1 which is common to both the landing pad 2 and the control part 3.

[0023] The biometrically-enabled smartcard 10 comprises a biometric sensor 12, typically a fingerprint but other biometric sensors are also contemplated. The biometric sensor may use any suitable technology, such as capacitive, optical etc, typically a capacitive sensor. Herein, an example of the biometric sensor 12 is a capacitive fingerprint sensor.

[0024] The smartcard may comprise an Integrated Circuit (IC) chip 11. The chip 11 may e.g. comprise storage for storing the reference template, processing circuitry for performing the enrolment process and/or the training process, and/or stored instructions, e.g. software (SW), to be run on processing circuitry in the smartcard.

[0025] The smartcard 10 is configured for being powered wirelessly, e.g. by NFC, by the enrolment device, e.g. including powering the biometric sensor 12 and/or the chip 11. By using wireless powering of and communication with the smartcard, a landing pad 2 can be used instead of a conventional sleeve for receiving the smartcard.

[0026] Figure 2 illustrates some components in the enrolment device 1.

[0027] The enrolment device 1 comprises processing circuitry 21 e.g. a central processing unit (CPU). The processing circuitry 21 may comprise one or a plurality of processing units in the form of microprocessor(s). However, other suitable devices with computing capabilities could be comprised in the processing circuitry 21, e.g. an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or a complex programmable logic device (CPLD). The processing circuitry 21 is configured to run one or several computer program(s) or software (SW) 23 stored in a storage 22 of one or several storage unit(s) e.g. a memory. The storage 22 is regarded as a computer readable means, forming a computer program product together with the SW

23 stored thereon as computer-executable components, and may e.g. be in the form of a Random Access Memory (RAM), a Flash memory or other solid state memory, or a hard disk, or be a combination thereof. The processing circuitry 21 may also be configured to store data in the storage 22, as needed.

[0028] The enrolment device 1 also comprises a terminal communication interface

24 for wireless communication with a user terminal, e.g. smartphone. For instance, the terminal communication interface 24 may be configured for communication in accordance with a Bluetooth or BLE communication standard.

[0029] The enrolment device 1 also comprises a smartcard communication interface

25 for wireless communication with the smartcard 10. For instance, the smartcard communication interface 25 may be configured for communication in accordance with an NFC communication standard.

[0030] Figures 3 illustrate how a user can use the enrolment device 1 for the enrolment process (figure 3a) and the training process (figure 3b).

[0031] During the enrolment process, as illustrated in figure 3a, the smartcard 10 is fixedly positioned against the landing pad 2 of the enrolment device 1. The card is powered by the smartcard communication interface 25. The user then presses a finger 30 against the fingerprint sensor 12, allowing the sensor to sense the fingerprint of the finger 30 for preparing a reference template of said fingerprint. Typically, the enrolment process includes pressing the pressing the finger against the fingerprint sensor 12 a plurality of times, lifting the finger in between and possibly moving the finger slightly between the different times to obtain a larger and more well defined reference template. When a suitable reference template has been obtained, the reference template is stored on the card 10, e.g. in the chip 11, and the enrolment process can be concluded. In some embodiments, the enrolment process may include enrolment of respective reference templates for fingerprints of more than one finger 30 of the user. [0032] During the training process, as illustrated in figure 3b, the smartcard 10 may instead be held by the user to interact, e.g. contactless, with the enrolment device 1 in a use scenario. Thus, he smartcard 10 is usually not positioned on the surface of the landing pad 2 during the training process, when the enrolment device is in its training mode. The enrolment device 1 may for example mimic a payment terminal for training the user in performing payments with the biometrically-enabled smart card 10. Thus, the user may press the finger 30 against the fingerprint sensor 12 and move the smartcard towards or into contact with the landing pad 2. Thus, the use of the landing pad 2 and wireless communication with the smartcard, rather than e.g. a conventional sleeve and galvanic connection, enables the enrolment device to more convincingly mimic use of the smartcard in the training process. When the smartcard is close enough to the landing pad 2, the smartcard is powered by the smartcard communication interface 25, whereby the card operates to test whether a biometric test template obtained by the fingerprint sensor 12 from the finger 30 matches the enrolled reference template stored in the smartcard during the enrolment process. The user can thus check that the smartcard functions properly, e.g. verify that the enrolled reference template works in a use scenario, and the user is trained in how to properly use the smartcard.

[0033] In a general embodiment, the enrolment device 1 comprises a smartcard communication interface 25 for powering and wireless communication with the smartcard 10, and a terminal communication interface 24 for wireless communication with the user terminal 40. Further, the enrolment device 1 is enabled to, in an enrolment mode, instruct the smartcard 10 to perform an enrolment process for enrolling a biometric reference template in the smartcard, and inform the user terminal 40 about the enrolment process being performed. Also, the enrolment device 1 is enabled to, in a training mode, instruct the smartcard 10 to perform a training process for determining that a biometric test template obtained by a biometric sensor 12 in the smartcard matches the enrolled reference template stored in the smartcard, and inform the user terminal 40 about the training process being performed.

[0034] In some embodiments, during the training process, the smartcard 10 can update the enrolled reference template in the smartcard based on the test template. The already enrolled reference template may then be improved on during the training process, provided that the test template has been determined to match the reference template. In some embodiments, the enrolment device 1 may, still or again by wirelessly powering and communicating 41 with the smartcard 10, instruct the smartcard 10 to update the enrolled reference template in the smartcard based on the test template during the training process. Alternatively, the smartcard 10 may be enabled to update the enrolled reference template during use, after the enrolment process, including during the training process such as while the enrolment device 1 is in the training mode. Then, there is no need for the enrolment device 1 to specifically instruct the smartcard 10 to update the reference template during the training process.

[0035] Figure 4 illustrates an enrolment system 45 comprising the enrolment device 1 and smartcard 10 discussed above, and also the user terminal 40, e.g. a smartphone of the user. The enrolment device 1 is in wireless communication 41 with the smartcard 10 via the smartcard communication interface 25 and in wireless communication 42 with the user terminal 40 via the terminal communication interface 24.

[0036] By wirelessly communicating 42 with the user terminal, the enrolment device

1 can inform the user terminal, and thus the user via a user interface of the user terminal, about the enrolment or training process being performed. For instance, the enrolment device 1 may send information about the status and/or progress of the process, and/ or send instructions to the user on how to proceed, e.g. whether or how to reposition the finger 30 against the fingerprint sensor 12. Additionally, the user may control the enrolment device, e.g. to start or stop the enrolment or training process, or to switch between the enrolment and training modes, by means of the user terminal 40 via the communication 42 between the user terminal 40 and the enrolment device 1. The user terminal 40 may thus obviate the need for a user interface in the enrolment device.

[0037] Figure 5 illustrates some embodiments of a method which may be performed by the enrolment device 1. The enrolment device 1 is provided Si in its enrolment mode. The enrolment device may e.g. be activated or turned-on and then automatically be provided in the enrolment mode. Alternatively, the enrolment device 1 maybe switched to the enrolment mode, e.g. from the training mode, for instance in response to user instructions received from the user terminal 40.

[0038] While the enrolment device 1 is in the enrolment mode, the enrolment device can instruct S2 the smartcard 10 to perform an enrolment process for enrolling a biometric reference template in the smartcard 10. The instructions are typically communicated 41 over the wireless smartcard communication interface 25 which also powers the smart card 10. Also while the enrolment device 1 is in the enrolment mode, the enrolment device 1 can inform S3 the user terminal 40 about the enrolment process being performed. The information is typically communicated 42 over the wireless terminal communication interface 24. The information sent to the user terminal 40 may e.g. include information to the user about the status of the enrolment process, for instance including instructions to the user on how to proceed, e.g. in interaction with the smartcard 10, to successfully conclude the enrolment process. As discussed herein, the smartcard 10 is preferably in a fixed position relative to the enrolment device, e.g. positioned against a surface of a landing pad 2 of the enrolment device, during the enrolment process.

[0039] The enrolment device 1 is switched S4 from the enrolment mode to the training mode, typically after successful conclusion of the enrolment process whereby the reference template is enrolled, including stored, in the smartcard 10. In some embodiments, the enrolment device is switched S4 to the training mode in response to instructions received from the user terminal 40.

[0040] While the enrolment device 1 is in the training mode, the enrolment device can instruct S5 the smartcard 10 to perform a training process for determining that a biometric test template obtained by the biometric sensor 12, typically fingerprint sensor, in the smartcard 10 matches the enrolled reference template stored in the smartcard. The instructions are typically communicated 41 over the wireless smartcard communication interface 25 which also powers the smartcard 10. Also while the enrolment device 1 is in the enrolment mode, the enrolment device 1 can inform S6 the user terminal 40 about the training process being performed. The information is typically communicated 42 over the wireless terminal communication interface 24. The information sent to the user terminal 40 may e.g. include information to the user about the status of the training process, for instance including instructions to the user on how to proceed, e.g. in interaction with the smartcard 10 and the enrolment device 1, to successfully use the smartcard e.g. for performing a payment contactless.

[0041] In some embodiments, during the training process and while the enrolment device 1 is in the training mode, the enrolment device 1 may instruct S7 the smartcard to update the enrolled reference template in the smartcard 10 based on the obtained test template. Also these instructions are typically communicated 41 over the wireless smart card communication interface 25 which also powers the smart card 10. However, in other embodiments, the smartcard is enabled to update the enrolled reference template based on the obtained test template without the need for any instructions from the enrolment device i.

[0042] Figure 6 illustrates some embodiments of a method which maybe performed by the system 45 comprising an embodiment of the enrolment device 1 and an embodiment of the smartcard 10. The method is for updating the enrolled reference template which is stored in the smartcard 10, based on the test template obtained by the biometric sensor 12 of the smartcard 10. The method comprises providing S11 the enrolment device 1 in the training mode. The enrolment device may e.g. be activated or turned-on and then automatically be provided in the training mode. Alternatively, the enrolment device 1 maybe switched to the training mode, e.g. from the enrolment mode, for instance in response to user instructions received from the user terminal 40.

[0043] Then, in the smartcard 10, the method comprises, by the biometric sensor 12, obtaining S12 the test template, determining S13 that the test template matches the enrolled reference template, and updating S14 the enrolled reference template based on the obtained S12 test template. This illustrates an advantage with some embodiments of the present invention, where the training process performed when the enrolment device 1 is in its training mode allows the reference template to be updated and thus typically improved, to improve the chances of the smartcard 10, as used by the user, functioning to satisfaction when in use, e.g. form making payments.

[0044] The present disclosure has mainly been described above with reference to a few embodiments. However, as is readily appreciated by a person skilled in the art, other embodiments than the ones disclosed above are equally possible within the scope of the present disclosure, as defined by the appended claims.