System for verifying use of credit/identification card including recording physical attributes of unauthorized users

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for verifying an authorized user of a credit/identification card. The method includes the steps of scanning the card with an apparatus having a plurality of scanning devices for scanning a bar code, scanning the card for evidence of tampering, scanning at least one fingerprint on the card, and any other detectable information, and comparing the scanned information on the card to information of the owner stored on at least one accessible database in communication with the apparatus. Data transmissions between the apparatus and databases are protected by an encryption system. If the information on the card does not match the information germane to the owner of the card which is stored in the database, the card is withheld from the user. Otherwise, the user of the card is free to use it for a desired purpose.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method for verifying an authorized user of a credit/identification card comprising the steps of: inserting the card into an apparatus having a plurality of scanning stations, the card including a surface having a strip thereon which has information germane to the owner of the card, such as an identification number and other personal data, and at least one fingerprint thereon of the owner of the card;   scanning the strip of the card at an information strip scanning station of said apparatus for verifying the information of the card including the identification number;   comparing the information stored on the strip of the card to information of the owner stored on at least one accessible database in communication with said apparatus, the apparatus withholding the card from the user if the information on the card does not match the information germane to the owner of the card which is stored in the database;   scanning the surface of the card at a graphic scanning station of said apparatus which digitizes the surface of the card by imaging every line thereof;   converting the image of the surface of the card to a digital numeric sequence;   comparing the surface of the card as scanned by said graphic scanning device and converted to a digital numeric sequence to a digital numeric sequence stored in said database for determining whether the card has been tampered with, the apparatus withholding the card from the user if the surface of the card does not match the surface of the card stored by the database;   obtaining a fingerprint of the user;   scanning the fingerprint of the user at a fingerprint scanning station; and   comparing the fingerprint of the user to said fingerprint on the card and to a fingerprint of the owner of the card in the database to ensure authorized use of the card, the apparatus withholding the card from the user if the fingerprint scanned by the fingerprint scanning device does not match the fingerprints on the card and in the database; whereby, upon matching the user's fingerprint to the fingerprints on the card and in the database for ensuring the user of the card is the owner of the card, said apparatus allowing the user to use the card for a desired purpose,   said method further comprising the step of recording the fingerprint of the user of the card in the event the fingerprint of the user does not match the fingerprint on the card or the fingerprint of the owner of the card.   
     
     
       2. The method as set forth in claim 1 further comprising the steps of: requiring the user of the card to speak into a microphone of the apparatus for obtaining a voice print of the user; and   comparing the user's voice print to a voice print of the owner of the card which is stored in the database, the apparatus withholding the card from the user if the user's voice does not match the voice print of the owner stored in the database.   
     
     
       3. The method as set forth in claim 2 further comprising the steps of: obtaining a retinal print of the user at a retinal scanning station; and   comparing the user's retinal print to a retinal print of the owner of the card which is stored in the database, the apparatus withholding the card from the user if the user's retinal print does not match the retinal print of the owner stored in the database.   
     
     
       4. The method as set forth in claim 3 further comprising the steps of: scanning a photograph of the user on the card at a photograph scanning station;   comparing the photograph as scanned by the photograph scanning station to a photograph of the owner of the card which is stored on the database for ensuring that the card has not been tampered with, the apparatus withholding the card from the user if the photograph on the card does not match the photograph stored in the database.   
     
     
       5. The method as set forth in claim 1 further comprising the steps of: obtaining a retinal print of the user at a retinal scanning station; and   comparing the user's retinal print to a retinal print of the owner of the card which is stored in the database, the apparatus withholding the card from the user if the user's retinal print does not match the retinal print of the owner stored in the database.   
     
     
       6. The method as set forth in claim 1 further comprising the steps of: scanning a photograph of the user on the card at a photograph scanning station; and   comparing the photograph as scanned by the photograph scanning station to a photograph of the owner of the card which is stored on the database for ensuring that the card has not been tampered with, the apparatus withholding the card from the user if the photograph on the card does not match the photograph stored in the database.   
     
     
       7. An apparatus for verifying an authorized user of a credit/identification card including a surface having a strip thereon which has information germane to the owner of the card, such as an identification number and other personal data, and at least one fingerprint thereon of the owner of the card, said apparatus a comprising: an information strip scanning device for scanning the information strip of the card;   means for comparing the information contained in the strip to information of the owner stored on at least one accessible database in communication with said apparatus, the apparatus withholding the card from the user if the information on the card does not match the information germane to the owner of the card which is stored in the database;   a graphic scanning device for scanning the surface of the card, said graphic scanning device digitizing the surface of the card by imaging every line thereof;   means for converting the image of the surface of the card to a digital numeric sequence;   means for comparing the surface of the card as scanned by said graphic scanning device and converted to a digital numeric sequence by said converting means to a digital numeric sequence stored in said database for determining whether the card has been tampered with, the apparatus withholding the card from the user if the surface of the card does not match the surface of the card stored by the database;   a fingerprint scanning device having a pad upon which the user of the card presses with a finger for obtaining a fingerprint of the user, said fingerprint scanning device scanning the fingerprint of the user; and   means for comparing the fingerprint of the user to said fingerprint on the card and to a fingerprint of the owner of the card in the database to ensure authorized use of the card, the apparatus withholding the card from the user if the fingerprint scanned by the fingerprint scanning device does not match the fingerprints on the card and in the database, whereby, upon matching the user's fingerprint to the fingerprints on the card and in the database for ensuring the user of the card is the owner of the card, said apparatus allowing the user to use the card for a desired purpose,   said apparatus further comprising means for recording the fingerprint of the user of the card in the event the fingerprint of the user does not match the fingerprint on the card or the fingerprint of the owner of the card.   
     
     
       8. The apparatus as set forth in claim 7 further comprising: a microphone;   means for recording the user of the card's voice after the user has spoken into the microphone for obtaining a voice print of the user; and   means for comparing the user's voice print to a voice print of the owner of the card which is stored in the database, the apparatus withholding the card from the user if the user's voice does not match the voice print of the owner stored in the database.   
     
     
       9. The apparatus as set forth in claim 8 further comprising: a retinal scanning device for obtaining a retinal print of the user after the user looks into the retinal scanning device; and   means for comparing the user's retinal print to a retinal print of the owner of the card which is stored in the database, the apparatus withholding the card from the user if the user's retinal print does not match the retinal print of the owner stored in the database.   
     
     
       10. The apparatus as set forth in claim 9 further comprising: a scanning device for scanning a photograph of the user on the card; and   means for comparing the photograph as scanned by the scanning device to a photograph of the owner of the card which is stored on the database for ensuring that the card has not been tampered with, the apparatus withholding the card from the user if the photograph on the card does not match the photograph stored in the database.   
     
     
       11. The apparatus as set forth in claim 9 further comprising: a scanning device for scanning a photograph of the user on the card; and   means for comparing the photograph as scanned by the scanning device to a photograph of the owner of the card which is stored on the database for ensuring that the card has not been tampered with, the apparatus withholding the card from the user if the photograph on the card does not match the photograph stored in the database, said voice print, retinal print and photograph comparing means comprising a microprocessor.   
     
     
       12. The apparatus as set forth in claim 7 further comprising: a retinal scanning device for obtaining a retinal print of the user after the user looks into the retinal scanning device; and   means for comparing the user's retinal print to a retinal print of the owner of the card which is stored in the database, the apparatus withholding the card from the user if the user's retinal print does not match the retinal print of the owner stored in the database.   
     
     
       13. The apparatus as set forth in claim 7 further comprising: a scanning device for scanning a photograph of the user on the card; and   means for comparing the photograph as scanned by the scanning device to a photograph of the owner of the card which is stored on the database for ensuring that the card has not been tampered with, the apparatus withholding the card from the user if the photograph on the card does not match the photograph stored in the database.   
     
     
       14. The apparatus as set forth in claim 7 further comprising an encryption device for encrypting and decrypting data transmissions between said apparatus and said database, said database including a corresponding encryption device. 
     
     
       15. A method of verifying an authorized user of a credit/identification card comprising the steps of: reading an information strip on the card, said information strip having information germane to the owner of the card;   comparing said information to a corresponding set of information stored in a remote database, whereby said card is withheld if said information does not match said corresponding set of information stored in the remote database;   obtaining a digitized image of a surface of said card;   comparing said obtained digitized image of said card to a corresponding digitized image of said card stored in said remote database, whereby said card is withheld if said obtained digitized image does not match said corresponding digitized image stored in said remote database;   obtaining an image of a physical attribute of the user of the card;   comparing said obtained image of said physical attribute of said user to a corresponding image of said physical attribute of said owner stored in said remote database, whereby said card is withheld if said obtained image of said physical attribute does not match said stored image of said physical attribute, and further whereby said obtained image of said physical attribute is recorded if said obtained image of said physical attribute does not match said stored image of said physical attribute, said user being allowed to conduct a desired electronic transaction if said obtained image of said physical attribute of said user matches said stored image of said physical attribute of said owner.   
     
     
       16. The method of claim 15 wherein said physical attribute comprises a fingerprint. 
     
     
       17. The method of claim 16 further comprising the step of obtaining an image of a second physical attribute of said user, and comparing said obtained image of said second physical attribute of said user to a corresponding image of a second physical attribute of said owner stored in said remote database, whereby said card is withheld if said obtained image of said second physical attribute does not match said corresponding stored image of said second physical attribute, and further whereby said obtained image of said second physical attribute is recorded if said obtained image of said second physical attribute does not match said corresponding stored image of said second physical attribute, said user being allowed to conduct a desired electronic transaction if said obtained image of said second physical attribute of said user matches said stored image of said second physical attribute of said owner. 
     
     
       18. The method of claim 17 wherein said second physical attribute comprises a voice print. 
     
     
       19. The method of claim 17 wherein said second physical attribute comprises a retinal print. 
     
     
       20. The method of claim 15 further comprising the step of encrypting transmissions of said information to and from said remote database. 
     
     
       21. The method of claim 15 wherein said physical attribute comprises a voice print. 
     
     
       22. The method of claim 15 wherein said physical attribute comprises a retinal print. 
     
     
       23. Apparatus for verifying an authorized user of a credit/identification card comprising: means for reading an information strip on said card, said information strip having information germane to the owner of the card;   means for communicating with a remote database having corresponding set of information germane to said owner of said card;   means for comparing said information to said corresponding set of information stored in said remote database, said card being withheld by said apparatus if said information does not match said corresponding set of information stored in the remote database;   means for obtaining a digitized image of a surface of said card;   means for comparing said obtained digitized image of said card to a corresponding digitized image of said card stored in said remote database, said card being withheld by said apparatus if said obtained digitized image does not match said corresponding digitized image stored in said remote database;   means for obtaining an image of a physical attribute of the user of the card;   means for comparing said obtained image of said physical attribute of said user to a corresponding image of said physical attribute of said owner stored in said remote database, said card being withheld by said apparatus if said obtained image of said physical attribute does not match said stored image of said physical attribute; and   means for recording said obtained image of said physical attribute if said obtained image of said physical attribute does not match said stored image of said physical attribute,   said user being allowed to conduct a desired electronic transaction if said obtained image of said physical attribute of said user matches said stored image of said physical attribute of said owner.   
     
     
       24. The apparatus of claim 23 wherein said physical attribute of said user comprises a fingerprint. 
     
     
       25. The apparatus of claim 24 further comprising means for obtaining an image of a second physical attribute of said user, and means for comparing said obtained image of said second physical attribute of said user to a corresponding image of a second physical attribute of said owner stored in said remote database, said card being withheld if said obtained image of said second physical attribute does not match said corresponding stored image of said second physical attribute, said apparatus still further comprising means for recording said obtained image of said second physical attribute if said obtained image of said second physical attribute does not match said corresponding stored image of said second physical attribute, said user being allowed to conduct a desired electronic transaction if said obtained image of said second physical attribute of said user matches said stored image of said second physical attribute of said owner.   
     
     
       26. The apparatus of claim 25 wherein said second physical attribute comprises a voice print. 
     
     
       27. The apparatus of claim 25 wherein said second physical attribute comprises a retinal print. 
     
     
       28. The apparatus of claim 23 further comprising means for encrypting data transmissions between said apparatus and said remote database. 
     
     
       29. The apparatus of claim 23 wherein said physical attribute of said user comprises a voice print. 
     
     
       30. The apparatus of claim 23 wherein said physical attribute of said user comprises a retinal print. 
     
     
       31. A method for conducting a secure electronic transaction using a credit/identification card comprising the steps of: reading an information strip on the card, said information strip having information germane to the owner of the card;   comparing said information to a corresponding set of information stored in a remote database, whereby said card is withheld if said information does not match said corresponding set of information stored in the remote database;   obtaining an image of a physical attribute of the user of the card;   comparing said obtained image of said physical attribute of said user to a corresponding image of said physical attribute of said owner stored in said remote database, whereby said card is withheld if said obtained image of said physical attribute does not match said stored image of said physical attribute, and further whereby said obtained image of said physical attribute is recorded if said obtained image of said physical attribute does not match said stored image of said physical attribute; and   selecting a desired electronic transaction from a predetermined menu system, said user being allowed to conduct a desired electronic transaction if said obtained image of said physical attribute of said user matches said stored image of said physical attribute of said owner.   
     
     
       32. The method of claim 31 wherein said physical attribute comprises a fingerprint. 
     
     
       33. The method of claim 32 further comprising the step of obtaining an image of a second physical attribute of said user, and comparing said obtained image of said second physical attribute of said user to a corresponding image of a second physical attribute of said owner stored in said remote database, whereby said card is withheld if said obtained image of said second physical attribute does not match said corresponding stored image of said second physical attribute, and further whereby said obtained image of said second physical attribute is recorded if said obtained image of said second physical attribute does not match said corresponding stored image of said second physical attribute, said user being allowed to conduct a desired electronic transaction if said obtained image of said second physical attribute of said user matches said stored image of said second physical attribute of said owner. 
     
     
       34. The method of claim 33 wherein said second physical attribute comprises a voice print. 
     
     
       35. The method of claim 33 wherein said second physical attribute comprises a retinal print. 
     
     
       36. The method of claim 31 further comprising the step of encrypting transmissions of said information to and from said remote database. 
     
     
       37. The method of claim 31 wherein said physical attribute comprises a voice print. 
     
     
       38. The method of claim 31 wherein said physical attribute comprises a retinal print. 
     
     
       39. Apparatus for conducting a secure electronic transaction using a credit/identification card comprising: means for reading an information strip on said card, said information strip having information germane to the owner of the card;   means for communicating with a remote database having corresponding set of information germane to said owner of said card;   means for comparing said information to said corresponding set of information stored in said remote database, said card being withheld by said apparatus if said information does not match said corresponding set of information stored in the remote database;   means for obtaining an image of a physical attribute of the user of the card;   means for comparing said obtained image of said physical attribute of said user to a corresponding image of said physical attribute of said owner stored in said remote database, said card being withheld by said apparatus if said obtained image of said physical attribute does not match said stored image of said physical attribute; and   means for recording said obtained image of said physical attribute if said obtained image of said physical attribute does not match said stored image of said physical attribute,   said user being allowed to conduct a desired electronic transaction if said obtained image of said physical attribute of said user matches said stored image of said physical attribute of said owner.   
     
     
       40. The apparatus of claim 39 wherein said physical attribute of said user comprises a fingerprint. 
     
     
       41. The apparatus of claim 40 further comprising means for obtaining an image of a second physical attribute of said user, and means for comparing said obtained image of said second physical attribute of said user to a corresponding image of a second physical attribute of said owner stored in said remote database, said card being withheld if said obtained image of said second physical attribute does not match said corresponding stored image of said second physical attribute, said apparatus still further comprising means for recording said obtained image of said second physical attribute if said obtained image of said second physical attribute does not match said corresponding stored image of said second physical attribute, said user being allowed to conduct a desired electronic transaction if said obtained image of said second physical attribute of said user matches said stored image of said second physical attribute of said owner.   
     
     
       42. The apparatus of claim 41 wherein said second physical attribute comprises a voice print. 
     
     
       43. The apparatus of claim 41 wherein said second physical attribute comprises a retinal print. 
     
     
       44. The apparatus of claim 39 further comprising means for encrypting data transmissions between said apparatus and said remote database. 
     
     
       45. The apparatus of claim 39 wherein said physical attribute of said user comprises a voice print. 
     
     
       46. The apparatus of claim 39 wherein said physical attribute of said user comprises a retinal print. .Iadd. 
     
     
       47.  A method for electronically verifying an authorized user of a credit/identification card comprising the steps of: scanning an information strip of an identification card in a scanning apparatus to obtain an identification code assigned to an owner of a card;   locating an information file of the owner stored on a database in communicating with said scanning apparatus, said information file being located using said identification code;   obtaining an image of a physical attribute of the user of said identification card;   comparing said obtained image of the user of the card to an image of a corresponding physical attribute of the owner of the card stored in the information file of the owner of the card to positively identify the user of the card as the owner of the card whereby upon matching the user's image to the owner's corresponding image said user is authorized to use the card for a desired purpose; and   recording the image of the user of the card in the event the image of the physical attribute of the user does not match the corresponding image of the corresponding physical attribute of the owner of the card stored in the information file of the owner of the card. .Iaddend..Iadd.48. The method as set forth in claim 47 further comprising the steps of obtaining an image of a second physical attribute of the user of said identification card;   comparing said second obtained image of the user of the card to a second image of a corresponding physical attribute of the owner of the card stored in the information file to further positively identify the user of the card as the owner of the card whereby upon matching the user's obtained images to the owner's corresponding images said user is authorized to use the card for a desired purpose; and   recording the obtained images of the user of the card in the event the images of the physical attributes of the user do not match the corresponding images of the corresponding physical attributes of the owner of the card stored in the information file of the owner of the card. .Iaddend..Iadd.49. The method as set forth in claim 47 wherein said step of obtaining an image of a physical attribute of the user comprises obtaining a scanned image of a fingerprint of the user. .Iaddend..Iadd.50. The method as set forth in claim 47 wherein said step of obtaining an image of a physical attribute of the user comprises obtaining a scanned image of a retinal print of the user. .Iaddend..Iadd.51. The method as set forth in claim 47 wherein said step of obtaining an image of a physical attribute of the user comprises obtaining a scanned image of a retinal print of the user. .Iaddend..Iadd.52. The method as set forth in claim 47 wherein said step of obtaining an image of a physical attribute of the user comprises obtaining a photographic image of the user's facial features. .Iaddend..Iadd.53. The method as set forth in claim 48 wherein said steps of obtaining images of physical attributes of the user comprise the steps of obtaining a scanned image of a fingerprint of the user, and obtaining a second image of a retinal print of the user.   
     
     
        .Iaddend..Iadd.     The method as set forth in claim 48 wherein said steps of obtaining images of physical attributes of the user comprise the steps of obtaining a scanned image of a fingerprint of the user, and obtaining a voice print of the user. .Iaddend..Iadd.55. The method as set forth in claim 48 wherein said steps of obtaining images of physical attributes of the user comprise the steps of obtaining a scanned image of a retinal print of the user, and obtaining a voice print of the user. .Iaddend..Iadd.56. The method as set forth in claim 47 further comprising the step of encrypting communication of said information to and from said remote database. .Iaddend..Iadd.57. The method as set forth in claim 48 further comprising the step of encrypting communication of said information to and from said remote database. .Iaddend..Iadd.58. The method as set forth in claim 47 further comprising the step of selecting a desired electronic transaction from a predetermined menu system when said user is authorized to use said card. .Iaddend..Iadd.59. The method of claim 47 further comprising the step of comparing said recorded image of said physical attribute of the individual to a set of images of physical attributes of other individuals stored in a second database in an attempt to identify said individual. .Iaddend..Iadd.60. An apparatus for verifying an authorized user of a credit/identification card including an information strip thereon which has information germane to the owner of the card including an identification code assigned to the owner of the card, said apparatus a comprising: a scanning device for scanning the information strip of the card and obtaining said identification code from said information strip;   means for communicating with a remote database and for locating an information file on said database which corresponds to said identification code;   means for obtaining an image of a physical attribute of the user of the card;   means for comparing said obtained image of the user of the card to an image of a corresponding physical attribute of the owner of the card stored in the information file of the owner of the card to positively identify the user of the card as the owner of the card whereby upon matching the user's image to the owner's corresponding image said user is authorized to use the card for a desired purpose; and   means for recording the image of the user of the card in the event the image of the physical attribute of the user does not match the corresponding image of the corresponding physical attribute of the owner of the card stored in the information file of the owner of the card. .Iaddend..Iadd.61. The apparatus as set forth in claim 60 wherein said means for obtaining an image of a physical attribute of the user comprises a fingerprint scanning device, and said stored image of a physical attribute of the owner comprises a stored image of a fingerprint of the owner of the card. .Iaddend..Iadd.62. The apparatus as set forth in claim 60 wherein said means for obtaining an image of a physical attribute of the user comprises a microphone for obtaining a voice print of the user, and said stored image of a physical attribute of the owner comprises a stored voice print of the owner of the card. .Iaddend..Iadd.63. The apparatus as set forth in claim 60 wherein said means for obtaining an image of a physical attribute of the user comprises a retinal scanning device for obtaining a retinal print of the user, and said stored image of a physical attribute of the owner comprises a stored image of a retinal print of the owner of the card. .Iaddend..Iadd.64. The apparatus as set forth in claim 60 wherein said means for obtaining an image of a physical attribute of the user comprises a photo scanning device, and said stored image of a physical attribute of the owner comprises a stored photo image of facial attributes of the owner of the card. .Iaddend..Iadd.65. The apparatus as set forth in claim 60 further comprising an encryption device for encrypting and decrypting data transmissions between said apparatus and said database, said database including a corresponding encryption   
     
     
        device. .Iaddend..Iadd.66.  A method for electronically verifying the identity of an individual attempting to electronically gain access to a computer system comprising the steps of: obtaining an identification code assigned to an owner of an account on said computer system;   locating an information file of said owner stored on a database in communication with said computer system, said information file being located using said identification code;   obtaining an image of a physical attribute of said individual;   comparing said obtained image of said individual to an image of a corresponding physical attribute of said owner of said account stored in the information file of the owner of the account to positively identify the individual as the owner of the identification code whereby upon matching the individual's image to the owner's corresponding image said user is authorized to gain access to said computer system; and   recording the image of the individual in the event the image of the physical attribute of the individual does not match the corresponding image of the corresponding physical attribute of the owner of the identification code stored in the information file of the owner of the account. .Iaddend..Iadd.67. The method as set forth in claim 66 wherein said step of obtaining an image of a physical attribute of the user comprises obtaining a scanned image of a fingerprint of the user. .Iaddend..Iadd.68. The method as set forth in claim 66 wherein said step of obtaining an image of a physical attribute of the user comprises obtaining a scanned image of a retinal print of the user. .Iaddend..Iadd.69. The method as set forth in claim 66 wherein said step of obtaining an image of a physical attribute of the user comprises   
     
     
        obtaining a voice print of the user. .Iaddend..Iadd.70.  The method of claim 66 further comprising the step of comparing said recorded image of said physical attribute of the individual to a set of images of physical attributes of other individuals stored in a second database in an attempt to identify said individual. .Iaddend.