VALIDATION OF STATUS AND CORRELATION OF BAR CODE

INFORMATION INCLUDING SECURE IMAGE CAPTURE AND

CHARACTER RECOGNITION

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION FIELD OF THE INVENTION:

The method and apparatus of the current invention apply generally to identification of molecular structures, verification of the status of particular units of molecular structure and the correlation of media thus identified with previously or contemporaneously verified media, such as an individual presenting the media as indicia of identity and/or with other data. Credit card verification is chosen here as an example, by way of illustration only, and not to the exclusion of any other areas of commerce and industry. Continuous or pulsed beams of focused electromagnetic energy interrogate by scan, if necessary, or desirable, and collect emitted and/or reflected images from various thin, preferably planar, layers of organic (such as a human) and/or inorganic (such as a credit card) media. The images may comprise bar code, otherwise encoded data, readable printed matter, embossed text or graphics or other data or information. The graphic and/or holographic images are compared via a "split screen" processing program with previously stored and/or contemporaneously collected images and/or other data. If correlative identity of the media is confirmed, new data may be added.

The present invention may find particular application in the field of secure, image capture and character recognition in the securities, banking and currency industries. The embedding and reading of bar codes within checks, credit cards and other negotiable instruments is chosen as an example by way of illustration only. One or more planar layers including at least some data in bar code format are embedded in the negotiable instruments and read by readers operating outside the visible range of the electromagnetic spectrum. The embedded information may be encrypted and/or surrounded by other planar layers that may be monopolar or bipolar reflective, transparent to or absorbent of one or more regions of the spectrum to further enhance security.

PRIOR RELATED ART

Methods of identifying an individual with a high degree of accuracy have been many and varied. Fingerprinting, photographing, retinal scans, handprints, dental records, footprints, personal identification numbers or "PINs", dog tags, identification bracelets, tattoos and various combinations of these and other indicia of identity have been used with differing degrees of success. Positive, accurate, physically non-intrusive, methods of positive identification have been illusive. None to date has been found to be completely secure.

For example, US Patent No. 's 4, 186,378, 4,993,068, 5,229,764, 5,408,536, and 5,469,506 all generally describe an identification process, for example, whereby certain physical (for example, biometric) characteristics of the individual proffering identification media are compared with criteria stored in the identification media itself or retrieved from data bases of personal information. However, the physical characteristics may be limited to one or a limited combination of characteristics taken from, for example, the group of fingerprint, retinal scan or other immutable characteristic. Of course, certain of these may be inconvenient to obtain quickly from an individual such as a fingerprint or retinal scan.

US Patent No.'s 4,320,387, 4,354,260 and 5,012,229 describe wrist worn identity media that may be in the form of wrist watches or identity bracelets. When these combine their operation with a time clock, they can time and date stamp any introduced or retrieved information as taught by US Patent No. 5,189,700.

US Patent No. 4,729, 128 describes an ultrasonic imaging means for capturing data from a plurality of lamina that is designed to specifically exclude reading by visual means. Further, data may be written by engraving, etching, etc. of acoustically functional material. However, such devices and media as described may be too expensive for the credit card or other industries that may use them.

The growing need for a fast, simple to use, non-intrusive method of inexpensive, tamper- proof individual identification has become more apparent with the worldwide increase in complexity and speed of commercial, political and social interaction. Today, positive identification is only one factor. While validation of individual identity is of primary concern, once this has been accomplished, verification of status and correlation with other information seem equally important.

The credit card industry is a good example. Before extending credit to a card holder, a merchant wants to positively identify the holder, verify the credit worthiness of the card and

confirm the holder's ownership of the card. Efforts to achieve these ends have not been highly successful. Billions of dollars are lost annually as the result of misuse of cards and cardnumbers. Most of these losses are due to some type of fraud as opposed to card holder financial problems. Some of the known solutions to credit card fraud are now described.

U.S. Patent No. 's 4,745,268 and 4,692,394 to Jerome Drexler describe a personal information card wherein data is provided on the front or reverse of the card but is not embedded in layers within the card. For example, a pre-formed strip of laser recording material is suggested for implementation on the surface of a card.

U.S. Patent No. 4,837,425 describes a token having the form of a handle and a lamina or sheet including an optically readable portion in the form of a bar code. Again, data is not stored internal to the token.

U.S. Patent No. 5, 160, 171 suggests the application of an infrared (otherwise invisible) marking on a document for security coding the document. The mark appears on the exterior of the document or other media.

U.S. Patent No. 5,483,363 describes a device having various relief structures that may be read by reflective imaging. The data contained in the embossing is on the surface of the media and is therefore corruptible.

Rudland, U.S. Patent No. 4,538,059 describes an identification card or badge including a code readable by an optoelectronic reader from a sheet having an outer face but invisible in ordinary light operating in the infrared region. The code is self-checking and occupies a small portion of the card area.

Meanwhile, memory sizes have been increasing. Static and FLASH random access memories having battery back-up and secure read/write memories known as erasable/programmable read only memories have been designed which contain millions of bits of information stored in relatively small areas.

In addition to increasing storage capacity, memories are now more secure. Efforts to reverse engineer or otherwise alter a "secure" memory may destroy its contents. Bilateral communication lines between user and memory may be guarded by complex cryptographic techniques designed to thwart unauthorized access.

However, current systems may still be circumvented when the access codes are obtained by unintended, unauthorized persons whose identity is mistakenly validated. Such security failures tend to be far more serious when new methods are relied upon as being "virtually" tamper-proof.

Moreover, besides individuals, negotiable instruments and currency require identity and validity. Recently, the "super dollar" has entered the United States from abroad threatening the very fabric of the country. Counterfeiters have copied with a considerable degree of success most of the sophisticated measures taken to prevent the free passage of such currency. Credit cards, stock certificates, bond certificates, checks and other negotiable instruments are endangered by sophisticated electronic printing equipment available through existent technology. The new technologies have been successfully used by counterfeiters to make excellent quality forgeries, such as the super dollar, which can easily fool citizens and even commercial establishments.

Remedial measures attempted to date include utilizing extremely fine engraving, secret marks and special papers including certain cloths with special silk or plastic thread to thwart the counterfeiters, but these have not successfully protected our currency or the negotiable instrument industry.

Besides the security methods described above, a document verification system is described by U.S. Patent No. 5,475,205 for verifying documents having conductive or semiconductive ink. In another system, electronic circuits may be printed on the surface of a document as described by U.S. Patent No. 5,471,039. A document processing system for processing documents in a line is described by U.S. Patent no. 5,467,164, but the documents may not be processed in batches. Not only is counterfeiting of negotiable instruments such as credit cards or currency a problem in the art, but, also, the passing of fraudulent checks, welfare abuse through counterfeit or improper use of food stamps and the like are well known problems.

Bar codes are known to be the most error-free method of manually entering data into a computer. Typically such systems incorporate illuminating light sources in the visible, such as red, and in the invisible such as infrared region and, individual photodetectors, photodetector arrays or laser beam systems which collect via image collection optics the reflected/emitted radiation differential and thus the information contained in the code. Such devices are described generally by U.S. Patent No. 5,578,571. These devices, however, concentrate on an external layer and the bar code image contained thereon facing the reader and not on any image on the reverse of the media or embedded therein

Consequently, there remains a need in the art for a method and apparatus that supplies the credit card, commercial, banking, medical, governmental, educational, travel and other fields of commerce and industry with a tamper-proof means of positive identification, status validation and accurate information correlation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The state of the art for the positive identification of credit cards and card holders, the validation of the status of each, the correlation and validation of the relationship of the card and the individual proffering it was recently described in detail in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. (Attorney Docket Number 3192.53531), filed February 26, 1996 entitled "A method for Positive Identification Validation of Status and Correlation of Information" by the same inventor, incorporated herein by reference.

The invention described by that application addresses these needs by positively identifying both the individual presenting a purported credit instrument such as a plastic card device or negotiable instrument, positively identifying the device or instrument itself; validating the current status of both the individual and the device/instrument and correlating the individual with the device and/or other data relevant to the transaction at issue. This novel approach to the resolution of issues identified above utilizes portions of the apparatus and methods disclosed in several pending U.S. Patent Applications of the same inventor including Serial Number 08/576,479 filed December 21, 1995 entitled "A method for the Identification, Location and Alteration of Molecular Structures for Various media Including the Eradication of Cells in Living Organisms" and Serial Number 08/562,947 filed November 27, 1995 entitled "Method for the Capture of Data and Images Utilizing a Minimum of Mechanical Activity". The resulting positive identification of media, validation of status and retrieval of correlated identity information from a database for comparison with media data constitutes an improvement over current techniques for credit card/negotiable instrument or other individual media verification, status validation and information correlation.

The method and apparatus of the current invention extend well beyond the application of these concepts to the credit card industry. Most, if not all certification and information documents now carried by individuals for purposes of identification and specific authorization related to social, political, industrial and commercial access to facilities and/or information may be similarly adopted to this form of secure system and incorporated in a single, small, easy to carry, unobtrusive molecular structure that may be rendered inactive and useless if separated from its true owner.

Thus, for example, an individual may wear a bracelet, carry a single plastic card or negotiable instruments of paper or cloth or a combination or be fitted with a false thumbnail (attached to his real one) which contains such data in a bar code format or other format on the

surface or embedded therein as that required for identification and authorization of an airplane pilot, a ship captain, a secure laboratory worker, a noncitizen employee, a member of a social club, a senator, etc. Negotiable paper such as personal checks may comprise the present invention in layered paper or cloth or similar form in single or multiple layers. Further, since the subject device may be altered and its data updated during use, current information will be available to the parry to whom the device is presented. Such data updating may be undertaken by means described in the above-identified applications of the assignee and may include the application of gamma or particulate (alpha, beta or electron radiation) or electromagnetic energy radiation at certain frequencies such as gamma radiation. Because of the enormous storage capacity made available by the current invention, a single individual unit may contain sufficient data to be aptly described as a portable encyclopedic reference work detailing all desired, appropriate data and images relevant to accomplishing its intended purpose.

While these methods are all possible with the current invention, it is also feasible and advisable to implement the changes slowly via first adding to the current technology while retaining all current features such as the magnetic strip and the embossing already on the card or the so-called MICR or other printed data on a negotiable instrument such as a check. Many end users will continue to make use only of the existing technology and both the card issuers and the merchants as well as the card holders will want to retain for an indefinite period the familiar plastic card. Others, such as banks may wish to immediately utilize the added storage capacity for their transactional needs, but they may see this as something to first be added to their ATM cards, negotiable instrument or to all three. One of the significant features of the current invention is its flexibility: it permits adding the new technology while retaining the present card, check and the current readers thereof with only slight modification. Semi-permanent memories can be designed to be stacked, one plane above another so that a contemporary credit card or negotiable instrument can contain a memory having several planar layers and yet have a thickness even less than that of today's typical plastic credit card.

With currency and with negotiable instruments, the individual instrument may be constructed in such a way as to include embedded data regarding the instrument and establishing its validity. For example, one or more bar codes are embedded within a credit card, check, currency bill, stock certificate, bond certificate, food stamp, postage stamp or other media, the secure identification of which is desired. The identification information contained on the face or reverse of the instrument such as its serial number and the like can be compared with embedded

and potentially encrypted information to determine the validity of the instrument and, thus, thwart counterfeiters who by copying the exterior of the instrument would be unable to incorporate the embedded data of the present invention as well.

According to the present invention, a conventional bar code reader may be retrofitted with an mfrared filter placed between any photodetector or photodetector array and, if necessary, focusing means added to focus on the multiple planar layers of the presented media. The interposed filter, for example, could be used alone or in combination with amplification after image collection to enhance the mfrared image collection potential. Also, the known light emitter could be enhanced or filtered to improve invisible range receptivity by the photodetector(s). Consequently, a holographic image of multiple layers of visible to the presenter or invisible to the eye data can be collected. Typically, the serial number (or other identifying code) collected from the surface can be stored and compared, once processed, with similar data obtained from an embedded layer, the embedded data being preferably encrypted or otherwise encoded and then preserved at least as some bar code data. Finally, the reader device may be focused on a particular layer or unfocused so as to intentionally collect all invisible radiations at all depths or sequentially focused from the surface through its depth or scan several negotiable instruments simultaneously. Finally, the bar code or other data may be printed on either side of each layer of permanent or semi-permanent memory of the instrument.

For example, one bar code of one layer may contain a key designating its field of information, and the key used to decrypt data maintained in encrypted form in another bar code in another layer or region of the same layer or on the reverse side of that layer of the negotiable instrument. The key of one or each bar code may further signify whether it contains data relative to verification of the instrument such as whether it comprises a check, credit card currency bill or stock certificate.

These and other features of the present invention will become clearer from reading the following detailed description of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the invention, one should refer to the embodiments illustrated in greater detail in the accompanying drawings and described below by way of examples of the invention.

In the drawings:

Figure IA shows a first embodiment of media according to the present invention in the form of an identity bracelet 101 having a multi-layered semi-permanent memory 102 embedded therein.

Figure IB shows a second embodiment of media according to the present invention in the form of a card 110.

Figure IC is a third embodiment of media according to the present invention in the form of a memory device 120 for intrusive wear, for example, just under the skin of an individual.

Figure ID shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention, a false nail for adhesive wear over one or more of an individual's fingernails, such as a thumbnail.

Figure IE shows a fifth embodiment of the present invention, a negotiable instrument such as a personal check having MICR account data thereon but comprising a layered memory media, for example, of paper embodied therein.

Figure 2A depicts the method and apparatus of the present invention as configured for positively identifying an individual presenting media according to one of the media embodiments of Figure 1 or related media including indicia of their identity, validating the status of the individual and the status of the presented media and correlating information proffered by the individual with information previously stored regarding the individual in the media and in a centrally maintained database so that the individual, for example, may enter into a commercial transaction, and further permitting modification of information stored in the media or in the central database immediately thereafter.

Figure 2B is a drawing showing how data is stored in semi-permanent memory 102 of the identity media of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a drawing showing a bar code and other information reader device according to the present invention including a radiation emitter, a photodetector array and optional focusing means and filters for collecting electromagnetic energy emissions both inside the visible spectrum (conventional red or white light) and outside the visible spectrum, such as in the infrared.

It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to exact scale and that certain aspects of the embodiments are illustrated by graphic symbols, schematic representations and fragmentary views. It should also be understood that when referring to physical relationships of components by terms such as "upper", "lower", "upward", "downward", "vertical", "horizontal", "left", "right", or the like, such terms have reference solely to the orientation depicted in the drawings. Actual embodiments or installations thereof may differ.

While much mechanical detail, including other plan and section views of the particular embodiments depicted have been omitted, such detail is not per se part of the present invention and is considered within the comprehension of those skilled in the art in light of the present disclosure. The resulting simplified presentation is believed to be more readable and informative and readily understandable by those skilled in the art. It should also be understood, of course, that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to Figure 1, there are shown several exemplary embodiments of media according to the present invention. Figure IA shows an identity bracelet (or necklace or anklet) media 101 for wear on the body of the individual. In one preferred embodiment, the identity bracelet may contain a secure memory 102 comprised of thin, stacked planer media and containing encoded or encrypted data. The planar media comprise paper, plastic, metallic foil, silica, magnetic or other permanent or semi-permanent memory containing data/information stored therein, typically in encoded or even cryptographically secure form. The planar media may comprise organic (human tissue) or inorganic (silica or glass or glass emulsion, metallic foil or the like) material. The individual layers (or sheets) 102-1 to 102-n are shown in greatly expanded form and together comprise n layers. The number of layers n is virtually unlimited but for the molecular thickness of the layers or the thickness of any space or material between layers. The thickness of these n layers of, for example, semi-permanent memory should not exceed the thickness of the housing 103 for the memory 102. The form of data storage is preferably semi-permanent in nature and requires no power for preservation. For example, certain papers may be molecularly aligned to rjerrnit writing and erasing of data using particular frequencies of radiation. Also certain coatings are known, for example, for metallic foils which may be changed from an amorphous to a crystalline state and reversed upon exposure to certain radiation. Another form of semi-permanent memory useful in accordance with the present invention is thin plastic film with various coatings. The layers or sheets of paper, silica, glass, layers of thin plastic film or metallic foil or the like may have data written or stored on either side of a layer or sheet and together form a three dimensional memory 102. Other semi-permanent memory forms that may be less desirable for a particular application include those that will fail to pass, without destruction of data, through security scanners, for example, those used at airports to check for weapons. Preferably the memory and many portions thereof are time and date-stamped. In other words, referring briefly to Figure 2B, the data 280 having been secured in memory 102 is stored with an associated date

and time of entry and/or data or rights expiration 280a. The expiration date 280a, for example, may indicate when the data 280 is no longer valid or, in the case of data relating to certain rights which may be stored in data memory, the expiration data of those rights. In another preferred embodiment, the memory 102 may comprise a securely-contained rechargeable power supply (not shown), but known in the art, and multi-layered integrated circuit memory. There may be further included a clock element, processor and software algorithm (not shown) for calculating accurate time of day and date powered by the power supply. One object, however, of the present invention is to provide an inexpensive identity media, and it may be presumed that a powered integrated circuit memory and the like may be too expensive to implement in comparison with paper, plastic, silica, glass or metallic foil layered media. On the other hand, the present invention contemplates the use of the heat emitted from the human body as a source of power for recharging the power supply of this and the other described embodiments as practical.

Figure IB shows a typical credit card-like media 110 but according to the present invention also containing a memory 102 as described above which may be preferably paper, plastic, silica, glass, metallic foil or other layered media or may, in another embodiment, contain a rechargeable power supply and an integrated circuit memory element powered by the power supply. Figure IC shows a memory device 102 encased in a housing 120 and designed for surgical implantation on the surface of the human body, for example, just under the skin. Again, the media may incorporate or include a memory comprising layered media that, in this instance, would not cause an allergic reaction to the individual. It is also intended that the present invention may take advantage of the several layers of human tissue of the human body by semipermanently storing data therein. In another embodiment, the media may comprise a rechargeable power supply (for example, of the type used for powering state-of-the-art heart pacemaker, insulin injection and like devices). Besides a credit card, the card media may take the form of a driver's license, a military identification card, a passport, a matriculation card or other form.

Figure ID shows an embodiment comprising a false nail with layered memory 102 included therein or thereon. If thereon, it is preferable the memory 102 be located on the inside of the false nail closest to the actual finger nail to which it will adhere. In one embodiment, the removal of the false nail may alter or destroy its contents.

Figure IE shows an embodiment comprising a negotiable instrument such as a check, checks typically including MICR account and bank data MICR thereon further including according to the present invention a layered, for example, paper memory 102 which may comprise the entire

^ize of the negotiable instrument or a small portion thereof as shown. The negotiable instrument may comprise a note, a loan document, a mortgage, a stock certificate, a bond certificate, a food stamp, a postage stamp, a car title or comprise other exemplary form. The negotiable instrument may have appear on its front or reverse surface a bank identification code, personal identification data, serial number or other identification data which is visible to a reader. In an intermediate layer of memory 102 may be bar code or otherwise formatted data related thereto.

Information stored in the various layered memories 102 must be maintained in one or a plurality of predetermined formats and is preferably stored in accordance with a preferred one of a plurality of possible encryption schemes. Moreover, the data may be written in one or a number of a plurality of inks, visible, invisible, magnetic, nonmagnetic, conductive, non-conductive or other ink or otherwise stored in electronic or other form. Thus, by way of example, one preferred set of formats may be identified, one of which including bar code format, and its associated media have a unique name or code indicative of the format set and may be referred to herein as a media type code.

Moreover, the media to be presented by an individual including indicia of identity may comprise a stack of papers, fingerprint reproduction, dental records, genetic information, photographic materials or other identity indicating media which is more conventional in comparison with the media depicted in Figure 1. The media may store biometric data or data obtained from the biology of an individual or secondary indicia of the proffering individual such as social security number, driver's license number, credit card number, bank account number, personal identification number or code and the like. Such data in bar code or MICR or other format may supplement or replace the data provided by the media storage devices 102 of Figure 1. Moreover, such data may or may not be encrypted in form. Yet the individual presenting such identity media may, in accordance with the present invention, identify the media type so that the operation of Figure 2A may be carried out as will now be described where media type defines more than whether it comprises paper, photographic materials or the like but identifies the media sufficiently for identifying to a data capture device the format or series of formats the data may be in for the data capture device.

Referring now to Figure 2 A, the method and apparatus of the present invention will be further explained. An individual 201 approaches an identity checkpoint. At the identity checkpoint, there is provided a data capture device 202 as described by US Application Serial Number 08/562,947 filed November 27, 1995 and incorporated herein by reference as to its entire

contents. The data capture device 202 described therein captures data stored in layered media including data on the surface or reverse without requiring any manipulation of the media while utilizing a minimum of mechanical activity. For example, a layered media memory 102 of Figure 1, a layered paper, plastic, silica or glass or metallic foil memory, a layered integrated circuit memory, a stack of papers, photographic data and the like, containing biometric and non- biometric identification data, may be scanned and its information content stored with a minimum of mechanical movement. According to the features of the present invention, no electrical connection with the identity media is required. The presented identity media is simply placed on a platform 210 and scanned by scanning elements 211 for radiated differential electromagnetic energy at varying layers or strata of the media. If multiple media are presented, platform 210 may move horizontally H compared with vertically V oriented scanning elements 211 to present the multiple media sequentially for scanning. The device simply focuses on one layer or side of a layer of particular presented media at a time and collects all data stored thereon by collecting the emitted radiation. Alteratively, all data may be captured emitting radiation in the infrared in an unfocused mode of operation. Moreover, various bands of frequencies may be used in sequence for scanning in the infrared, ultrasonic, ultraviolet, visible, X-ray or other spectrum utilizing various filtering and detection means known in the art. Consequently, any one or all of the media embodiments described above in regard to the discussion of Figure 1 above may have their data contents dumped into a temporary memory 230. Referring briefly to Figure 2B, preferably a format identity code is included as a portion of a header 270 at a predetermined location or field 270a for identifying a predetermined format of all data stored in semi-permanent memory 102 of the identity media. Header 270 for data 280 stored in the memory 102 includes a format identity code field 270a. Alternatively, the individual may identify the form of the identity media presented as having one predetermined format known to the data capture unit 202. This media identity may be entered, for example, by voice recognition for further identification of the individual proffering the media via a microphone (not shown) coupled to processor 220. Also, the sound signals generated by the uttered words may be processed in accordance with well known speech processing techniques to determine the identity of the type of proffered identity media. In the alternative, a keypad or other more conventional data input device (also not shown) may be used to indicate to the data capture unit 202 the unique format of the proffered identity media. In this manner, a look-up table of the image capture unit memory 230 can be used to identify the media type and, consequently, its storage format and data storage format such as

MICR, bar code or the like and thus whether and what type of encryption may have been used for encrypting stored information for decryption purposes. The data is then decrypted, if necessary, for example, by retrieving a key from the same or another layer of memory and the result and stored in a further secure memory 240. Data capture device 202 therefor performs the function of retrieving stored information, stored in bulk format, by scanning each side of each layer 102-1 to 102-n of Figure 1, for example, in sequence of the storage media contents with minimum mechanical movement of the media and stores the information in temporary memory 230. Thereafter, the data is decrypted according to the reverse of the method of data encryption used to secure the data in the media memory (if appropriate) and stores the decrypted information in secure memory 240.

The system of the present invention, besides data capture unit 202, further comprises a data transceiver unit 203 for communicating with a local or centralized database 204 over transmission media 205 such as optical fiber, ribbon cable, coaxial cable, satellite, telephone wire, radio or other communication media. Once the data from the individual's identity media is stored in secure memory 240 and the individual having identified the form of the media, pointers into the secure memory 240 may be deterrnined from the known format for pertinent encoded information. For example, the form identity may be a master identity card having a predetermined data format where in that format a preferable pointer that is located and retrieved from secure memory 240 is the individual's social security number. Other secure forms of unique individual identity that may be less preferable include a driver's license number (if different from social security number), bank account number, credit card number, telephone number, address, military serial number (if different from social security number), blood type, dental records, genetic code, fingerprint or the like. Over a preferably secure transmission link 205, then, furthering the social security number example, the retrieved social security number along with a unique media identifier code (for example, from field 270a of header 270) is transmitted and utilized for retrieving correlation data from a local or centralized database 204.

Preferably, the correlation data is collected only in accordance with the media identifier code of field 270a or received via an input device such as a microphone or keypad as described above. In other words, if the media contains, in addition to social security number, credit card numbers, drivers license numbers, health record data, bank data and so on, only like data is retrieved from the central database 204 and returned for correlation with stored media data. Moreover, any such data is preferably returned in a secure manner to processor 220 for the data

capture unit 202. On the other hand, furthering this example, no driving record data or other unrequested data need be returned over the transmission media 205.

At processor 220 for the data capture unit 202, the retrieved data is compared with the like data obtained from secure memory 240 for the data capture unit 202. If there is a high degree of correlation between the retrieved data and the secure memory data, then it may be assumed that the identity media is valid. Of course, if there is a low degree of correlation between the retrieved data and the secure memory data, then it may be assumed that the proffered identity media is not valid. Moreover, in the retrieval process, it may be determined that the social security number identifies an individual who is deceased and, if so, the data capture unit 202 will signal the potential for the identity media being invalid.

While the media including indicia of the identity of a presenting individual may be valid, there still may be doubt as to the true identity of the individual proffering the identity media. Some of this concern may be alleviated if, in fact, the identity media is embedded in the individual's body or comprises human tissue as, for example, in accordance with the embodiment 120 of Figure IC. Nevertheless, a device 250, as described in accordance with U.S. Application Serial No. 08/576,479 filed December 21, 1995 and incoφorated herein as to its entire contents, may be employed as described herein. That device provides a scan of the individual in accordance with a number of frequency bands including, but not limited to, ultrasound, infrared, x-ray and the like to obtain a composite collection of images via scanning apparatus 250. The imaging obtained from the scan may comprise, for example, an image of the entire exterior of the individual without clothing (using infrared scanning), also, complete bone or skeletal structure (through x-ray), organ structure and activity (through ultrasound) and so on. Any one or all of the above forms of imaging are well known to uniquely identify an individual. Moreover, portions of the body may be more thoroughly imaged such as one's hand or foot print images, and these may be obtained and used for identity purposes as in a more conventional manner. Digital imaging media is preferable to analog imaging in accordance with the present invention. If the image is obtained by unit 250 in analog form (such as on photographic film), it is preferable that the image so obtained be converted to digital form for processing by processor 220. On the other hand, a security officer at the check point may be provided with a dual screen display (not shown), but known in the art, for manual comparison of a current image against a previously stored image.

Preferably devices 202 and 250 may be formed in the manner of a hand-held wand or other portable device. Certainly, the more portable the devices, the more limitless their application. It is also possible that devices 202 and 250 may be formed in the same housing and share similar components.

As described in connection with the data obtained from the presented identity media 101, 110, 120 or like media, the image capture unit 250 via transmission media 205 transmits the individual's identity code, such as social security number, along with an image collection identifier for identifying the collection of image data obtained via device 250. This image collection identifier code may be considered analogous to the format identifier code stored in field 270a of Figure 2B in the manner of its input and transmission. In response to the transmitted request, like image information, if maintained in the central database 204, may be retrieved for the individual who has been scanned and imaged. Also, in a similar manner, a correlation between the retrieved image data and the obtained image data is performed to deteirnine the likelihood that the individual is, in fact, the individual presenting the identification media.

The correlation may be performed by comparing the graphic and/or holographic current image data via a "split screen" digital processing program of processor 220 with the previously stored and recently retrieved images and/or information. A security officer or, further to this credit card example, the person authorized to complete the commercial transaction may also manually compare the two graphical representations, as introduced above, or allow a comparison algorithm to perform a digital image data correlation whose output may be a percentage of match or successful data correlation.

This latter image data correlation step may not be required according to the present invention, but, if performed, the step of obtaining and correlating image data of the individual proffering their identity media clearly improves the results of insuring that the individual proffering the identification media is in fact the individual identified by the media once all correlations are performed of both the identity media correlation and the individual's image data correlation.

Once the identity media from unit 202 and/or the image data from unit 250 correlation have been performed satisfactorily, a transaction may be permitted to occur depending on the status of the data maintained by the media. For example, further to the example of a credit or commercial transaction, the user of the media is now validated to proceed depending on stored credit/cash data stored on their card 110 or negotiable instrument. Provided their credit cash limit

is not violated, the media 101, 110, 120 having been placed in the data capture unit 202 is further modified in accordance with the transaction. In particular, data representing the credit/cash value of the card 110 may be changed, the transaction recorded therein including identity, quantity and price of goods purchased via the transaction and the individual may proceed with their business. When and as the data 280 is entered into identity media memory 102, the transaction is preferably time and date stamped in accordance with an accurate time and date stamp 280a generated by the data capture unit 202. Moreover, the location of the transaction is preferably recorded, preferably by entry of compressed, encoded retail or other commercial establishment identity data which is unique to the commercial establishment which can later, if necessary, be output and decompressed as necessary. Of course, before the transaction occurs, the "credit" card identity media 110 must be checked as to its expiration date stamp. This is especially useful in the event a user has inadvertently forgotten to pay an annual renewal or other fee. If such is the case, the user may agree at the checkpoint to have their card 110 validated and their annual fee subtracted and collected at the same time as the commercial transaction is performed.

Now if there is an expiration of the identity media, a mismatch of correlation of media data and/or individual identity data, then the security officer may take appropriate action depending on the circumstances. One alternative is to permanently alter credit cash value data. Another alternative is to destroy the memory 102 of the identity media in its entirety. Different alternatives may be fashioned and authorized to the security officer depending on the circumstances.

Other examples of the present invention are contemplated outside of the credit card transaction example described above. One example is that of a driver's or other operator's license issued by a state or other governmental authority. Similar identity information regarding the identity of the individual presenting the media may be stored along with their driving record, automobile insurance identification or related information. Likewise, the contemplated media may comprise a pilot's license, boat captain's license, truck driver's license or the like. When a police officer stops a vehicle by the individual carrying the present identity media example, the officer may have a police vehicle equipped with a data capture unit 202 and image capture unit 250 and other features of the checkpoint of Figure 2 A. Consequently, in the manner discussed above, the police officer may insure that the proffered media 101 , 110, 120 are valid for the individual in the first instance and validly determine their driving record and insurance information. Moreover, an image from an image capture unit 250, at least of a character of obtaining an infrared digital

video image of the proffering individual, may be obtained and compared with previously stored image data for the individual; further image data may be obtained using other frequencies.

Once the individual is positively identified, the police officer may take appropriate action such as arresting the individual, if the individual is determined to have an outstanding arrest warrant, or take other appropriate action. For a routine traffic violation, a warning notice may be stored in their identity media 101, 110, 120 so as to flag the warning for another police officer making a subsequent traffic stop of the same individual. That officer would then know that the individual had been previously warned without having to learn the same via a separate communication with a centralized police computer database 204.

Another of the applications of the present invention is a medical identity media. For purposes of explaining this application, for example, one may assume that a medical emergency has occurred. The identity media is obtained from the person suffering the medical emergency and their medical history obtained from the media. Blood type, allergies, prior illnesses, surgeries and/or accidents such as broken bones may be obtained from the media and verified from a central database 204 as described above. Moreover, biographical/medical history data may be stored such as causes of death of parents/grandparents/siblings. Genealogical data may be stored including but not limited to whether the individual has genes that indicate susceptibility to hereditary illness, such as certain forms of breast cancer. In this manner, prompt, appropriate action can be taken by medical personnel to deal with the medical emergency. Moreover, by appropriate on-the-scene imaging, the data may be verified by scarining the individual suffering the emergency illness. For example, through scanning the individual, previous scars, broken limbs and the like may be correlated with like identity media 101, 110, 120 data and/or database 204 data.

Other applications of the present invention include the following: employment related identity media, citizenship related identity media, educational identity media such as matriculation cards, travel identity media such as ticket and itinerary data and luggage tags. For example, employment data may comprise entire employment histories as well as current personnel records for a current employer. The identity media card may be used at security checkpoints at entrances to employer facilities.

Citizenship data may be stored in accordance with the above described media and thus such identity media may replace green cards or passports or other citizenship media that is conventionally used for the purpose.

Educational media according to the present invention may prevent an unauthorized athlete from achieving varsity or playing status for having already playing in the capacity of varsity athlete at another or other universities. Grades/courses/course descriptions/aptitude/achievement test scores and the like may be stored and compared between or among universities to achieve a greater degree of reciprocity and/or harmonization among the educational community and personalized, verified and authenticated to the individual proffering media according to the present invention.

Travel identity media may replace conventional tickets/reservation data. In this manner, a single identity media may record travel reservations, bookings, luggage tags and the like for an entire vacation for an entire family.

Moreover, the present identity media may be a true single identity media for an individual encompassing all or any combination of the above described applications. Thus, the same identity media may be applicable in the event of medical emergencies as in the event of a commercial transaction.

Now that the drawing of Figure 2 A has been explained, further applications of the present invention may be explained. It is a principle of the present invention that a single identity media 101, 110, 120 may contain a practically limitless encyclopedia of identity data for correlation with previously stored information of like type. Consequently, for example, in the commercial application, bank data, account balances and even complete asset/liability/income information may be semi-permanently stored in a single identity media. Consequently, there is a considerable opportunity for manipulation and application of the stored data via a data capture unit 202 in combination with a controlling data processor 220. For example, data processor 220 may be applied to forecast income potential or calculate tax liabilities to a federal, state or local government. The applications are practically limitless.

The data stored in the identity media 101, 110, 120 may likewise reflect on the character and personality of the individual proffering the identity media. The data processor 220 may be used to forecast that individual's tastes, preferences or, even, their aversions. Consequently, a thorough individual profile may be developed for uniquely identifying an individual's preferences/dislikes. In other words, an individual's talents, abilities, needs, desires, negative valences, achievements, and the like may be either described by included data 280 of the identity media 101, 110, 120 explicitly or be derivable therefrom. Further to the derivation of a profile, the identity media may point to paths the individual is likely to follow, the benefits - political,

commercial and social - the individual is likely to provide to their self and to others (or conversely the liabilities to self and others may be derivable). Prime irritants and anxiety producers, prime pleasures and mollifiers, known propensities and predilections, paths likely to follow, predictability of behavior may all be derivable from the identity media 101, 110, 120. Consequently, there may result certain "privacy" issues related to the collection of such an encyclopedic reference work for each individual. Nevertheless, the present invention contemplates that the data 270, 280 be encrypted and secured when stored in semi-permanent memory 102 as one means of insuring data privacy.

Once an encyclopedic reference, however, exists, there is an obvious requirement to standardize the format in which the data is maintained in the identity media, hence, the need for an identity media "type" or code field 270a as described above. Such a type code then can be used via a look-up table memory to obtain an index to the encyclopedic work - namely, an indexed catalog and text including all topics and images stored in the identity media 101, 110, 120.

Referring now to Figure 3, there is shown an image capture unit 202 of Figure 2 A in greater detail. In one embodiment, Figure 3 comprises a conventional bar code reader adapted for photodetection in the infrared or both visible and invisible regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. Sensors 309 sense electromagnetic radiation or emissions; optional field flattener 310 provides undistorted views of planar layers 313, 319 of an instrument or plurality of instruments simultaneously under scrutiny. Bar code or other coded information capture unit 202 further comprises filters 312 comprising portions for passing all radiation and other portions for passing only certain bands of radiation such as invisible radiation in the infrared region. Optics 311 focus collected radiation to the field flattener 310 and sensor/detectors 309. Either optics 311 may move and focus or an unfocused image, holographic or three dimensional in nature may be captured in an unfocused data collection mode. Reading platform 318 may move horizontally or vertically as before described. Optional filters 320 may be housed in the platform. Energy emitters 314,

316 may be located so as to irradiate from the side as 316 or from the diagonal as 314. Slit filter

317 may be provided to control the emitted radiation in a similar manner to filter 315.

Thus, most of the components of Figure 3 are found in a conventional bar code reader but the present invention is characterized by operation in the visible and invisible bands of the spectrum. An instrument or series of instruments 313, 319 have data on either surface or embedded in layered permanent or semi-permanent memory 321 embedded therein. Data read from the surface 313 or reverse 319, for example, a serial number of the instrument is compared

with data, for example, in bar code format, contained in an intermediate layer of semi-permanent memory 321 including the top and reverse surfaces of the instrument. The bar code may be written in "invisible" ink that absorbs other radiation than the infrared or vice versa. The bar coded information may appear at plural layers of the document under scrutiny. The bar coded format may be one of many formats of data stored in or on the document, MICR, MPEGJJ and other formats of digital or compressed digital data being stored therein or thereon. Any of these may appear on any layers of memory in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Also the present image capture unit may collect signature information from the negotiable instrument and via the processor of Figure 2 determine a correlation with a previously stored signature on or in the card or in an associated memory.

Moreover, a key or plurality of keys' such as a public/private key pair may be obtained from memory 321 from intermediate or surface layers for decrypting other data in the memory 321. Data may be written in invisible, visible, conductive, semiconductive, magnetic or other ink or a combination thereof as a further security measure. Still other data of the layers of memory 321 may be in the format of Figure 2B and determine the plurality of formats used, for example, including multiple bar code data, MICR data, compressed MPEG video data or other known data format. Consequently, an instrument may be validated by comparing data on one layer with data on another or the same layer of memory 321 establishing a probability of correlations and thereby validation. Counterfeit instruments can be easily discriminated from valid instruments using a similar process as that described above with respect to positive identification of personal identity media and individual proffering the media.

Thus there has been described a new identity media and/or instrument having multiple applications which is inexpensive in construction. The new identity media or instrument is preferably used in combination with an image capture unit which is capable of obtaining all digital data stored in the identity media or instrument with a minimum of mechanical movement. The identity media may be processed simultaneously in batches or individually in sequence according to the present invention. A method for validating identity media or instruments and positively identifying an individual proffering such an identity media further includes the optional step of scanning the individual via a range of scanning frequencies for obtaining image data that uniquely identifies that individual. Both the identity media data and the image data are correlated with previously stored data of a centralized database for obtaining a probability of correlation which 1) validates the identity media and 2) verifies the true identity of the proffering individual.

Thereafter, the identity media may be updated with new information depending on the purpose the individual has in proffering their identity media. Other applications and embodiments of the present apparatus may have come to mind as well as other applications of the method of the present invention from reading the above description of the invention which should only be deemed to be limited by the scope of the claims which follow. Similarly any instrument may be instrument may be validated by comparing data on one layer with data on the same or another layer of memory. Also, any US patent applications or US patent references identified herein should be deemed to be incorporated by reference as to their entire contents for the purposes of understanding the principles of the present invention as defined by the claims.