Biometric tokenless electronic rewards system and method

Abstract

Disclosed is a system and method for processing tokenless electronic consumer rewards between a reward provider and a recipient using an electronic identicator comparator and at least one recipient biometric data. The process uses apparatus for creating an electronic registry of a reward provider's products or services each having a predetermined rewards value, the rewards being disbursed to recipients based upon the occurrence of predetermined criteria; recipient registration, wherein the recipient registers with the electronic identicator comparator at least one registration biometric sample, and recipient specific data; recipient identification, wherein the identicator comparator compares a recipient bid biometric sample with previously registered biometric samples for producing either a successful or failed identification of the recipient; and recipient rewards issuance, wherein the rewards provider issues rewards to the recipient. This method and system can process an electronic consumer rewards transaction without the recipient using any unique identification tokens.

Claims

1. A method for processing tokenless electronic consumer rewards between a reward provider and a recipient using an electronic identicator comparator and at least one recipient biometric data, comprising:

a. creating an electronic registry of a reward provider's products or services each having a predetermined rewards value, the rewards being disbursed to recipients based upon an occurrence of predetermined criteria, thus forming a rewards registry;

b. a recipient registration step, wherein the recipient registers with the electronic identicator comparator at least one registration biometric sample, and recipient specific data;

c. a tokenless recipient identification step, wherein the identicator comparator compares a recipient bid biometric sample with previously registered biometric samples for producing either a successful or failed identification of the recipient;

d. an electronic rewards calculation step, wherein upon the successful identification of the recipient, the recipient's rewards are calculated resultant from the recipient's product purchases pursuant to a reward provider's proposed commercial transaction and pursuant to a recipient purchasing registry;

e. a recipient rewards issuance step, wherein the rewards provider issues electronic rewards to the successfully identified recipient; and

f. a recipient notification step, wherein pursuant to a consummation of the commercial transaction, the recipient is notified of the results of the electronic rewards calculation,

wherein an electronic consumer rewards transaction is conducted without the recipient using any tokens.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising a commercial transaction adjustment step, wherein the proposed commercial transaction is adjusted pursuant to the electronic rewards calculation.

3. The method of claim 1 further comprising a recipient notification step, wherein the recipient is notified of the results of the recipient rewards account adjustment.

4. A method for processing tokenless electronic consumer rewards between a reward provider and a recipient using an electronic identicator comparator and at least one recipient biometric data, comprising:

a. creating an electronic registry of a reward provider's products or services each having a predetermined rewards value, the rewards being disbursed to recipients based upon an occurrence of predetermined criteria, thus forming a rewards registry;

b. a recipient registration step, wherein the recipient registers with the electronic identicator comparator at least one registration biometric sample, and recipient specific data;

c. a tokenless recipient identification step, wherein the identicator comparator compares a recipient bid biometric sample with previously registered biometric samples for producing either a successful or failed identification of the recipient;

d. a recipient rewards issuance step, wherein the rewards provider issues electronic rewards to the successfully identified recipient; and

e. an external communications step, wherein a computer system communicates with one or more external computer systems in order to perform various functions, including determining if the recipient has multiple rewards that are linked to certain purchases,

wherein an electronic consumer rewards transaction is conducted without the recipient using any tokens.

5. A method for processing tokenless electronic consumer rewards between a reward provider and a recipient using an electronic identicator comparator and at least one recipient biometric data, comprising:

a. creating an electronic registry of a reward provider's products or services each having a predetermined rewards value, the rewards being disbursed to recipients based upon an occurrence of predetermined criteria, thus forming a rewards registry;

b. a recipient registration step, wherein the recipient registers with the electronic identicator comparator at least one registration biometric sample, and recipient specific data;

c. a tokenless recipient identification step, wherein the identicator comparator compares a recipient bid biometric sample with previously registered biometric samples for producing either a successful or failed identification of the recipient; and

d. a recipient rewards issuance step, wherein the rewards provider issues electronic rewards to the successfully identified recipient,

wherein an electronic consumer rewards transaction is conducted without the recipient using any tokens, the recipient is co-located with the reward provider, and transaction proposals and other information is transmitted from reward provider to recipient and vice versa using an intranet.

6. A method for processing tokenless electronic consumer rewards between a reward provider and a recipient using an electronic identicator comparator and at least one recipient biometric data, comprising:

a. creating an electronic registry of a reward provider's products or services each having a predetermined rewards value, the rewards being disbursed to recipients based upon an occurrence of predetermined criteria, thus forming a rewards registry;

b. a recipient registration step, wherein the recipient registers with the electronic identicator comparator at least one registration biometric sample, and recipient specific data;

c. a tokenless recipient identification step, wherein the identicator comparator compares a recipient bid biometric sample with previously registered biometric samples for producing either a successful or failed identification of the recipient; and

d. a recipient rewards issuance step, wherein the rewards provider issues electronic rewards to the successfully identified recipient,

wherein an electronic consumer rewards transaction is conducted without the recipient using any tokens, the recipient is remote from the reward provider, and transaction proposals and other information is transmitted from reward provider to recipient and vice versa using the Internet.

7. A method for processing tokenless electronic consumer rewards between a reward provider and a recipient using an electronic identicator comparator and at least one recipient biometric data, comprising:

a. creating an electronic registry of a reward provider's products or services each having a predetermined rewards value, the rewards being disbursed to recipients based upon an occurrence of predetermined criteria, thus forming a rewards registry;

b. a recipient registration step, wherein the recipient registers with the electronic identicator comparator at least one registration biometric sample, and recipient specific data;

c. a tokenless recipient identification step, wherein the identicator comparator compares a recipient bid biometric sample with previously registered biometric samples for producing either a successful or failed identification of the recipient;

d. a recipient rewards issuance step, wherein the rewards provider issued electronic rewards to the successfully identified recipient; and

e. a fraud detection step, wherein:

1. the biometric samples of individuals who have previously attempted fraud upon an identification computer system are stored within a fraud biometric database; and

2. the biometric samples of individuals registering with the system are compared against the biometric samples in the fraud biometric sample database to screen for fraud attempts,

wherein an electronic consumer rewards transaction is conducted without the recipient using any tokens.

8. A method for processing tokenless electronic consumer rewards between a reward provider and a recipient using an electronic identicator comparator and at least one recipient biometric data, comprising:

a. creating an electronic registry of a reward provider's products or services each having a predetermined rewards value, the rewards being disbursed to recipients based upon an occurrence of predetermined criteria, thus forming a rewards registry;

b. a recipient registration step, wherein the recipient registers with the electronic identicator comparator at least one registration biometric sample, and recipient specific data;

c. a tokenless recipient identification step, wherein the identicator comparator compares a recipient bid biometric sample with previously registered biometric samples for producing either a successful or failed identification of the recipient;

d. a recipient rewards issuance step, wherein the rewards provider issues electronic rewards to the successfully identified recipient; and

e. a recipient PIN creation step, comprising:

1. a recipient PIN selection step, wherein the recipient selects a PIN;

2. a biometric comparison step, wherein a computer system then conducts a comparison of the biometric gathered from the recipient with any biometrics already grouped with the selected PIN, such a grouping of any biometrics associated with the same PIN defining a PIN basket;

3. in the event the new registrant's biometric is too similar to any of the registered biometrics currently in the selected PIN basket, that PIN is rejected and an alternative PIN is selected by the recipient for another such biometric comparison; and

4. once the computer system is presented with a PIN basket that has no confusingly similar biometrics, the new registrant's biometric is stored in that PIN basket,

wherein an electronic consumer rewards transaction is conducted without the recipient using any tokens.

9. The method of claim 8 further comprising a fraud prevention step, wherein in the event of the theft of biometric information, the PIN basket in which the person's biometric samples reside is changed to prevent fraudulent use of the biometric sample to authorize transactions.

10. The method of claim 8 further comprising:

a. a bid step, comprising entering a bid personal identification number by a candidate individual, and entering a bid biometric sample by said candidate individual;

b. a comparison step comprising: locating the biometric basket that is entered by said candidate individual, and; comparing of the bid biometric sample from said candidate individual with all of the biometric samples stored in the identified biometric basket for producing either a successful or failed identification result.

11. A method for processing tokenless electronic consumer rewards between a reward provider and a recipient using an electronic identicator comparator and at least one recipient biometric data, comprising:

a. creating an electronic registry of a reward provider's products or services each having a predetermined rewards value, the rewards being disbursed to recipients based upon an occurrence of predetermined criteria, thus forming a rewards registry;

b. a recipient registration step, wherein the recipient registers with the electronic identicator comparator at least one registration biometric sample, and recipient specific data;

c. a tokenless recipient identification step, wherein the identicator comparator compares a recipient bid biometric sample with previously registered biometric samples for producing either a successful or failed identification of the recipient;

d. a recipient rewards issuance step, wherein the rewards provider issues electronic rewards to the successfully identified recipient; and

e. a recipient PIN selection step, wherein the recipient selects a PIN from several generated for him by a computer system as follows, comprising:

1. an automatic comparison step, wherein a comparison of the new registrant's biometric with any biometrics resident in various PIN baskets is automatically conducted; and

2. a selection step, wherein several PIN options without a confusingly similar biometric are presented to the new registrant from which the recipient may select one PIN,

wherein an electronic consumer rewards transaction is conducted without the recipient using any tokens.

12. A method for processing tokenless electronic consumer rewards between a reward provider and a recipient using an electronic identicator comparator and at least one recipient biometric data, comprising:

a. creating an electronic registry of a reward provider's products or services each having a predetermined rewards value, the rewards being disbursed to recipients based upon an occurrence of predetermined criteria, thus forming a rewards registry;

b. a recipient registration step, wherein the recipient registers with the electronic identicator comparator at least one registration biometric sample, and recipient specific data;

c. a tokenless recipient identification step, wherein the identicator comparator compares a recipient bid biometric sample with previously registered biometric samples for producing either a successful or failed identification of the recipient;

d. a recipient rewards issuance step, wherein the rewards provider issues electronic rewards to the successfully identified recipient; and

e. rapid search of previously stored biometric samples from individuals using at least two biometric baskets, at least one biometric basket containing at least two algorithmically unique biometric samples from different individuals, as follows:

1. a storage step further comprising gathering a biometric from an individual;

2. a selection step, wherein a recipient's personal identification number is selected that indexes a biometric basket;

3. a comparison step, wherein the biometric sample gathered from said individual is compared with all previously stored biometric samples in the biometric basket to make sure that the biometric sample gathered from the individual is algorithmically unique from all biometric samples currently stored in said biometric basket, for producing a successful or failed uniqueness result; and

4. upon return of a successful uniqueness result, the gathered biometric sample is stored in the selected biometric basket,

wherein an electronic consumer rewards transaction is conducted without the recipient using any tokens.

13. A method for processing tokenless electronic consumer rewards between a reward provider and a recipient using an electronic identicator comparator and at least one recipient biometric data, comprising:

a. creating an electronic registry of a reward provider's products or services each having a predetermined rewards value, the rewards being disbursed to recipients based upon an occurrence of predetermined criteria, thus forming a rewards registry;

b. a recipient registration step, wherein the recipient registers with the electronic identicator comparator at least one registration biometric sample, and recipient specific data;

c. converting a raster image of a biometric sample to vector lines in order to generate an identification value for the biometric sample;

d. a tokenless recipient identification step, wherein the identicator comparator compares a recipient bid biometric sample with previously registered biometric samples for producing either a successful or failed identification of the recipient; and

e. a recipient rewards issuance step, wherein the rewards provider issues electronic rewards to the successfully identified recipient,

wherein an electronic consumer rewards transaction is conducted without the recipient using any tokens.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein:

a. the biometric is a fingerprint;

b. the raster image pixels are converted to vector lines along the fingerprint ridges and the vector lines are classified and converted according to type;

c. the line types are then analyzed and a list of identification features corresponding to the vector line types is generated;

d. the identification features between the vector lines types are compared the image is classified according to fingerprint class;

e. a numerical encoding is generated to classify the biometric sample's identifying features, said number being a biometric sorting number.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein the biometric sorting number comprises any of the following: it is shared by several registered biometrics which have similar principle biometric characteristics; it contains one singular biometric.

16. A method for processing tokenless electronic consumer rewards between a reward provider and a recipient using an electronic identicator comparator and at least one recipient biometric data, comprising:

a. creating an electronic registry of a reward provider's products or services each having a predetermined rewards value, the rewards being disbursed to recipients based upon an occurrence of predetermined criteria, thus forming a rewards registry;

b. a recipient registration step, wherein the recipient registers with the electronic identicator comparator at least one registration biometric sample, and recipient specific data;

c. a use-sensitive tokenless identification step for rapidly determining a frequent user's identity by performing a comparison of the frequent user's biometric with another frequent user biometric stored in a local computer which contains a subset of the total system's biometric samples for producing either a successful or failed identification of the recipient; and

d. a recipient rewards issuance step, wherein the rewards provider issues electronic rewards to the successfully identified recipient,

wherein an electronic consumer rewards transaction is conducted without the recipient using any tokens.

17. A method for processing tokenless electronic consumer rewards between a reward provider and a recipient using an electronic identicator comparator and at least one recipient biometric data, comprising:

a. creating an electronic registry of a reward provider's products or services each having a predetermined rewards value, the rewards being disbursed to recipients based upon an occurrence of predetermined criteria, thus forming a rewards registry;

b. a recipient registration step, wherein the recipient registers with the electronic identicator comparator at least one registration biometric sample, and recipient specific data;

c. a tokenless recipient identification step, wherein the identicator comparator compares a recipient bid biometric sample with previously registered biometric samples for producing either a successful or failed identification of the recipient;

d. a recipient rewards issuance step, wherein the rewards provider issues electronic rewards to the successfully identified recipient; and

e. a computer system authenticator step, comprising a private code, distinct from a personal identification number and not used to gain access to the computer system, previously gathered from the user and recorded in the central computer data bases, and presented to only the user after an identification attempt, whereby the user is assured that the authentic computer system was used to process the account access because a false computer system would not be able to present the customer's private code,

wherein an electronic consumer rewards transaction is conducted without the recipient using any tokens.

18. A system for processing tokenless electronic consumer rewards between a reward provider and a recipient using an electronic identicator comparator and at least one recipient biometric data, comprising;

a. means for creating an electronic registry of a reward provider's products or services each having a predetermined rewards value, the rewards being disbursed to recipients based upon an occurrence of predetermined criteria;

b. means for recipient registration, wherein the recipient registers with the electronic identicator comparator at least one registration biometric sample, and recipient specific data;

c. means for tokenless recipient identification, wherein the identicator comparator compares a recipient bid biometric sample with previously registered biometric samples for producing either a successful or failed identification of the recipient;

d. means for electronic rewards calculation, wherein upon the successful identification of the recipient, the recipient's rewards are calculated resultant from the recipient's product purchases pursuant to a reward provider's proposed commercial transaction and pursuant to a recipient purchasing registry;

e. means for recipient rewards issuance, wherein the rewards provider issues electronic rewards to the successfully identified recipient; and

f. means for recipient notification, wherein pursuant to a consummation of the commercial transaction, the recipient is notified of the results of the electronic rewards calculation,

wherein an electronic consumer rewards transaction is conducted without the recipient using any tokens.

19. The system of claim 18 further comprising means for commercial transaction adjustment, wherein the proposed commercial transaction is adjusted pursuant to the electronic rewards calculation.

20. The system of claim 18 further comprising means for recipient notification, wherein the recipient is notified of the results of the recipient rewards account adjustment.

21. A system for processing tokenless electronic consumer rewards between a reward provider and a recipient using an electronic identicator comparator and at least one recipient biometric data, comprising:

a. means for creating an electronic registry of a reward provider's products or services each having a predetermined rewards value, the rewards being disbursed to recipients based upon an occurrence of predetermined criteria;

b. means for recipient registration, wherein the recipient registers with the electronic identicator comparator at least one registration biometric sample, and recipient specific data;

c. means for tokenless recipient identification, wherein the identicator comparator compares a recipient bid biometric sample with previously registered biometric samples for producing either a successful or failed identification of the recipient;

d. means for recipient rewards issuance, wherein the rewards provider issues electronic rewards to the successfully identified recipient;

e. means for external communications, wherein a computer system communicates with one or more external computer systems in order to perform various functions, including determining if the recipient has multiple rewards that are linked to certain purchases,

wherein an electronic consumer rewards transaction is conducted without the recipient using any tokens.

22. A system for processing tokenless electronic consumer rewards between a reward provider and a recipient using an electronic identicator comparator and at least one recipient biometric data, comprising:

a. means for creating an electronic registry of a reward provider's products or services each having a predetermined rewards value, the rewards being disbursed to recipients based upon an occurrence of predetermined criteria;

b. means for recipient registration, wherein the recipient registers with the electronic identicator comparator at least one registration biometric sample, and recipient specific data;

c. means for tokenless recipient identification, wherein the identicator comparator compares a recipient bid biometric sample with previously registered biometric samples for producing either a successful or failed identification of the recipient; and

d. means for recipient rewards issuance, wherein the rewards provider issues electronic rewards to the successfully identified recipient,

wherein an electronic consumer rewards transaction is conducted without the recipient using any tokens, the recipient is co-located with the reward provider, and transaction proposals and other information is transmitted from reward provider to recipient and vice versa using an intranet.

23. A system for processing tokenless electronic consumer rewards between a reward provider and a recipient using an electronic identicator comparator and at least one recipient biometric data, comprising:

a. means for creating an electronic registry of a reward provider's products or services each having a predetermined rewards value, the rewards being disbursed to recipients based upon an occurrence of predetermined criteria;

b. means for recipient registration, wherein the recipient registers with the electronic identicator comparator at least one registration biometric sample, and recipient specific data;

c. means for tokenless recipient identification, wherein the identicator comparator compares a recipient bid biometric sample with previously registered biometric samples for producing either a successful or failed identification of the recipient; and

d. means for recipient rewards issuance, wherein the rewards provider issues electronic rewards to the successfully identified recipient,

wherein an electronic consumer rewards transaction is conducted without the recipient using any tokens, the recipient is remote from the reward provider, and transaction proposals and other information is transmitted from reward provider to recipient and vice versa using the Internet.

24. A system for processing tokenless electronic consumer rewards between a reward provider and a recipient using an electronic identicator comparator and at least one recipient biometric data, comprising:

a. means for creating an electronic registry of a reward provider's products or services each having a predetermined rewards value, the rewards being disbursed to recipients based upon an occurrence of predetermined criteria;

b. means for recipient registration, wherein the recipient registers with the electronic identicator comparator at least one registration biometric sample, and recipient specific data;

c. means for tokenless recipient identification, wherein the identicator comparator compares a recipient bid biometric sample with previously registered biometric samples for producing either a successful or failed identification of the recipient;

d. means for recipient rewards issuance, wherein the rewards provider issues electronic rewards to the successfully identified recipient; and

e. means for fraud detection, comprising:

1. means for data storage, wherein the biometric samples of recipients who have previously attempted fraud upon an identification computer system are stored within a fraud biometric database; and

2. means for biometric comparison, wherein the biometric samples of those recipients registering with the system are compared against the biometric samples in the fraud biometric sample database to screen for fraud attempts,

wherein an electronic consumer rewards transaction is conducted without the recipient using any tokens.

25. A system for processing tokenless electronic consumer rewards between a reward provider and a recipient using an electronic identicator comparator and at least one recipient biometric data, comprising:

a. means for creating an electronic registry of a reward provider's products or services each having a predetermined rewards value, the rewards being disbursed to recipients based upon an occurrence of predetermined criteria;

b. means for recipient registration, wherein the recipient registers with the electronic identicator comparator at least one registration biometric sample, and recipient specific data;

c. means for tokenless recipient identification, wherein the identicator comparator compares a recipient bid biometric sample with previously registered biometric samples for producing either a successful or failed identification of the recipient;

d. means for recipient rewards issuance, wherein the rewards provider issues electronic rewards to the successfully identified recipient; and

e. means for the recipient to create his own PIN, comprising:

1. means for recipient PIN selection, wherein the recipient selects a PIN;

2. means for biometric comparison, wherein a computer system then conducts a comparison of the biometric gathered from the recipient with any biometrics already grouped with the selected PIN, such a grouping of any biometrics associated with the same PIN defining a PIN basket;

3. means for rejecting the selected PIN in the event the new registrant's biometric is too similar to any of the registered biometrics currently in the selected PIN basket; and

4. means for storage, wherein once the computer system is presented with a PIN basket that has no confusingly similar biometrics, the new registrant's biometric is stored in that PIN basket,

wherein an electronic consumer rewards transaction is conducted without the recipient using any tokens.

26. The system of claim 25 further comprising means for fraud prevention, wherein in the event of the theft of biometric information, the PIN basket in which the person's biometric samples reside is changed to prevent fraudulent use of the biometric sample to authorize transactions.

27. The system of claim 25 further comprising:

a. means for entering a bid biometric, wherein a bid personal identification number is entered by a candidate individual, and a bid biometric sample is entered by said candidate individual;

b. means for comparison, comprising: locating the biometric basket that is entered by said candidate individual, and; comparing of the bid biometric sample from said candidate individual with all of the biometric samples stored in the identified biometric basket for producing either a successful or failed identification result.

28. A system for processing tokenless electronic consumer rewards between a reward provider and a recipient using an electronic identicator comparator and at least one recipient biometric data, comprising:

a. means for creating an electronic registry of a reward provider's products or services each having a predetermined rewards value, the rewards being disbursed to recipients based upon an occurrence of predetermined criteria;

b. means for recipient registration, wherein the recipient registers with the electronic identicator comparator at least one registration biometric sample, and recipient specific data;

c. means for tokenless recipient identification, wherein the identicator comparator compares a recipient bid biometric sample with previously registered biometric samples for producing either a successful or failed identification of the recipient;

d. means for recipient rewards issuance, wherein the rewards provider issues electronic rewards to the successfully identified recipient; and

e. means for the recipient to select a PIN from several generated for him by a computer system, comprising:

1. means for automatic comparison, wherein a comparison of the new registrant's biometric with any biometrics resident in various PIN baskets is automatically conducted; and

2. means for selection, wherein several PIN options without a confusingly similar biometric are presented to the new registrant from which the recipient may select one PIN,

wherein an electronic consumer rewards transaction is conducted without the recipient using any tokens.

29. A system for processing tokenless electronic consumer rewards between a reward provider and a recipient using an electronic identicator comparator and at least one recipient biometric data, comprising:

a. means for creating an electronic registry of a reward provider's products or services each having a predetermined rewards value, the rewards being disbursed to recipients based upon an occurrence of predetermined criteria;

b. means for recipient registration, wherein the recipient registers with the electronic identicator comparator at least one registration biometric sample, and recipient specific data;

c. means for tokenless recipient identification, wherein the identicator comparator compares a recipient bid biometric sample with previously registered biometric samples for producing either a successful or failed identification of the recipient;

d. means for recipient rewards issuance, wherein the rewards provider issues electronic rewards to the successfully identified recipient; and

e. means for rapid search of previously stored biometric samples from individuals, using at least two biometric baskets, at least one biometric basket containing at least two algorithmically unique biometric samples from different individuals, comprising:

1. means for storage of a biometric gathered from an individual;

2. means for PIN selection, wherein a recipient's personal identification number is selected that indexes a biometric basket;

3. means for comparison, wherein the biometric sample gathered from said individual recipient is compared with all previously stored biometric samples in the biometric basket to make sure that the biometric sample gathered from the individual recipient is algorithmically unique from all biometric samples currently stored in said biometric basket, for producing a successful or failed uniqueness result; and

4. means for biometric storage, wherein upon return of a successful uniqueness result, the gathered biometric sample is stored in the selected biometric basket,

wherein an electronic consumer rewards transaction is conducted without the recipient using any tokens.

30. A system for processing tokenless electronic consumer rewards between a reward provider and a recipient using an electronic identicator comparator and at least one recipient biometric data, comprising:

a. means for creating an electronic registry of a reward provider's products or services each having a predetermined rewards value, the rewards being disbursed to recipients based upon an occurrence of predetermined criteria;

b. means for recipient registration, wherein the recipient registers with the electronic identicator comparator at least one registration biometric sample, and recipient specific data;

c. means for conversion a raster image of a biometric sample to vector lines in order to generate an identification value for the biometric sample;

d. means for tokenless recipient identification, wherein the identicator comparator compares a recipient bid biometric sample with previously registered biometric samples for producing either a successful or failed identification of the recipient;

e. means for recipient rewards issuance, wherein the rewards provider issues electronic rewards to the successfully identified recipient,

wherein an electronic consumer rewards transaction is conducted without the recipient using any tokens.

31. The system of claim 30 wherein the biometric is a fingerprint, said system further comprising;

a. means for conversion, wherein raster image pixels are converted to vector lines along the fingerprint ridges and the vector lines are classified and converted according to type;

b. means for data analysis, wherein the line types are then analyzed and a list of identification features corresponding to the vector line types is generated;

c. means for comparison, wherein the identification features between the vector lines types are compared and the image is classified according to fingerprint class;

d. means for number generation, wherein a numerical encoding is generated to classify the biometric sample's identifying features, said number being a biometric sorting number.

32. The system of claim 31 further comprising means for any of the following: sharing of the biometric sorting number by several registered biometrics which have similar principle biometric characteristics; the biometric sorting number containing one singular biometric.

33. A system for processing tokenless electronic consumer rewards between a reward provider and a recipient using an electronic identicator comparator and at least one recipient biometric data, comprising:

a. means for creating an electronic registry of a reward provider's products or services each having a predetermined rewards value, the rewards being disbursed to recipients based upon an occurrence of predetermined criteria;

b. means for recipient registration, wherein the recipient registers with the electronic identicator comparator at least one registration biometric sample, and recipient specific data;

c. means for use-sensitive tokenless identification, wherein a frequent user's identity is rapidly determined by performance of a comparison of the frequent user's biometric with other frequent user biometric stored in a local computer which contains a subset of the total system's biometric samples for producing either a successful or failed identification of the recipient;

d. means for tokenless recipient identification, wherein the identicator comparator compares a recipient bid biometric sample with previously registered biometric samples for producing either a successful or failed identification of the recipient; and

e. means for recipient rewards issuance, wherein the rewards provider issues electronic rewards to the successfully identified recipient,

wherein an electronic consumer rewards transaction is conducted without the recipient using any tokens.

34. A system for processing tokenless electronic consumer rewards between a reward provider and a recipient using an electronic identicator comparator and at least one recipient biometric data, comprising:

a. means for creating an electronic registry of a reward provider's products or services each having a predetermined rewards value, the rewards being disbursed to recipients based upon an occurrence of predetermined criteria;

b. means for recipient registration, wherein the recipient registers with the electronic identicator comparator at least one registration biometric sample, and recipient specific data;

c. means for tokenless recipient identification, wherein the identicator comparator compares a recipient bid biometric sample with previously registered biometric samples for producing either a successful or failed identification of the recipient;

d. means for recipient rewards issuance, wherein the rewards provider issues electronic rewards to the successfully identified recipient; and

e. means for computer system authentication, comprising a private code, distinct from a personal identification number and not used to gain access to a computer system, previously gathered from the user and recorded in the central computer data bases, and presented to only the user after an identification attempt, whereby the user is assured that the authentic computer system was used to process the account access because a false computer system would not be able to present the customer's private code,

wherein an electronic consumer rewards transaction is conducted without the recipient using any tokens.

35. A system for processing tokenless electronic consumer rewards between a reward provider and a recipient using an electronic identicator comparator and at least one recipient biometric data, comprising:

a. means for creating an electronic registry of a reward provider's products or services each having a predetermined rewards value, the rewards being disbursed to recipients based upon an occurrence of predetermined criteria;

b. means for recipient registration, wherein the recipient registers with the electronic identicator comparator at least one registration biometric sample, and recipient specific data;

c. means for tokenless recipient identification, wherein the identicator comparator compares a recipient bid biometric sample with previously registered biometric samples for producing either a successful or failed identification of the recipient;

d. means for recipient rewards issuance, wherein the rewards provider issues electronic rewards to the successfully identified recipient; and

e. fraud detector engine further comprising a fraud biometric comparator and fraud biometric data bases containing a subset of the biometric samples stored in the master Computer,

wherein an electronic consumer rewards transaction is conducted without the recipient using any tokens.

36. A device for processing tokenless electronic consumer rewards between a reward provider and a recipient using an electronic identicator comparator and at least one recipient biometric data, comprising:

a. an electronic registry device for storing a reward provider's products or services each having a predetermined rewards value, the rewards being disbursed to recipients based upon an occurrence of predetermined criteria;

b. a recipient registration device for registration of at least one registration biometric sample and recipient specific data with the electronic identicator;

c. a tokenless recipient identification device for comparing a recipients bid biometric sample with previously registered biometric samples for producing either a successful or failed identification of the recipient;

d. an electronic rewards calculation device for calculating the recipient's rewards resultant from the recipient's product purchases pursuant to a reward provider's proposed commercial transaction and pursuant to a recipient purchasing registry, upon the successful identification of the recipient;

e. a recipient rewards issuance device for the rewards provider issuing electronic rewards to the successfully identified recipient; and

f. a recipient notification device for notifying the recipient of the results of the electronic rewards calculation pursuant to a consummation of the commercial transaction,

wherein an electronic consumer rewards transaction is conducted without the recipient using any tokens.

37. The device of claim 36 further comprising a commercial transaction adjustment device for adjusting the proposed commercial transaction is pursuant to the electronic rewards calculation.

38. The device of claim 36 further comprising a recipient notification device for notifying the recipient of the results of the recipient rewards account adjustment.

39. A device for processing tokenless electronic consumer rewards between a reward provider and a recipient using an electronic identicator comparator and at least one recipient biometric data, comprising:

a. an electronic registry device for storing a reward provider's products or services each having a predetermined rewards value, the rewards being disbursed to recipients based upon an occurrence of predetermined criteria;

b. a recipient registration device for registration of at least one registration biometric sample and recipient specific data with the electronic identicator;

c. a tokenless recipient identification device for comparing a recipient bid biometric sample with previously registered biometric samples for producing either a successful or failed identification of the recipient;

d. a recipient rewards issuance device for the rewards provider issuing electronic rewards to the successfully identified recipient; and

e. an external communications device for a computer system to communicate with one or more external computer systems in order to perform various functions including determining if the recipient has multiple rewards that are linked to certain purchases,

wherein an electronic consumer rewards transaction is conducted without the recipient using any tokens.

40. A device for processing tokenless electronic consumer rewards between a reward provider and a recipient using an electronic identicator comparator and at least one recipient biometric data, comprising:

a. an electronic registry device for storing a reward provider's products or services each having a predetermined rewards value, the rewards being disbursed to recipients based upon an occurrence of predetermined criteria;

b. a recipient registration device for registration of at least one registration biometric sample and recipient specific data with the electronic identicator;

c. a tokenless recipient identification device for comparing a recipient bid biometric sample with previously registered biometric samples for producing either a successful or failed identification of the recipient; and

d. a recipient rewards issuance device for the rewards provider issuing electronic rewards to the successfully identified recipient,

wherein an electronic consumer rewards transaction is conducted without the recipient using any tokens, the recipient is co-located with the reward provider, and transaction proposals and other information is transmitted from reward provider to recipient and vice versa using an intranet.

41. A device for processing tokenless electronic consumer rewards between a reward provider and a recipient using an electronic identicator comparator and at least one recipient biometric data, comprising:

a. an electronic registry device for storing a reward provider's products or services each having a predetermined rewards value, the rewards being disbursed to recipients based upon an occurrence of predetermined criteria;

b. a recipient registration device for registration of at least one registration biometric sample and recipient specific data with the electronic identicator;

c. a tokenless recipient identification device for comparing a recipient bid biometric sample with previously registered biometric samples for producing either a successful or failed identification of the recipient; and

d. a recipient rewards issuance device for the rewards provider issuing electronic rewards to the successfully identified recipient,

wherein an electronic consumer rewards transaction is conducted without the recipient using any tokens, the recipient is remote from the reward provider, and transaction proposals and other information is transmitted from reward provider to recipient and vice versa using the Internet.

42. A device for processing tokenless electronic consumer rewards between a reward provider and a recipient using an electronic identicator comparator and at least one recipient biometric data, comprising:

a. an electronic registry device for storing a reward provider's products or services each having a predetermined rewards value, the rewards being disbursed to recipients based upon an occurrence of predetermined criteria;

b. a recipient registration device for registration of at least one registration biometric sample and recipient specific data with the electronic identicator;

c. a tokenless recipient identification device for comparing a recipient bid biometric sample with previously registered biometric samples for producing either a successful or failed identification of the recipient;

d. a recipient rewards issuance device for the rewards provider issuing electronic rewards to the successfully identified recipient; and

e. a fraud detection device, comprising:

1. a data storage device, for storing the biometric samples of individuals who have previously attempted fraud upon an identification computer system within a fraud biometric database; and

2. a biometric comparison device, for comparing the biometric samples of those individuals registering with the system against the biometric samples in the fraud biometric sample database to screen for fraud attempts,

wherein an electronic consumer rewards transaction is conducted without the recipient using any tokens.

43. A device for processing tokenless electronic consumer rewards between a reward provider and a recipient using an electronic identicator comparator and at least one recipient biometric data, comprising:

a. an electronic registry device for storing a reward provider's products or services each having a predetermined rewards value, the rewards being disbursed to recipients based upon an occurrence of predetermined criteria;

b. a recipient registration device for registration of at least one registration biometric sample and recipient specific data with the electronic identicator;

c. a tokenless recipient identification device for comparing a recipient bid biometric sample with previously registered biometric samples for producing either a successful or failed identification of the recipient;

d. a recipient rewards issuance device for the rewards provider issuing electronic rewards to the successfully identified recipient; and

e. a device for the recipient to create his own PIN, comprising:

1. a recipient PIN selection device for the recipient to select a PIN;

2. a biometric comparison device for a computer system to conduct a comparison of the biometric gathered from the recipient with any biometrics already grouped with the selected PIN, such a grouping of any biometrics associated with the same PIN defining a PIN basket;

3. a PIN rejection device for rejecting the selected PIN in the event the new registrant's biometric is too similar to any of the registered biometrics currently in the selected PIN basket; and

4. a storage device for storing the new registrant's biometric in the PIN basket when the computer system is presented with a PIN basket that has no confusingly similar biometrics,

wherein an electronic consumer rewards transaction is conducted without the recipient using any tokens.

44. The device of claim 43 further comprising:

a. a bid biometric entering device for entering a bid personal identification number by a candidate individual, for entering a bid biometric sample by said candidate individual;

b. a comparison device, for: locating the biometric basket that is entered by said candidate individual, and; comparing of the bid biometric sample from said candidate individual with all of the biometric samples stored in the identified biometric basket for producing either a successful or failed identification result.

45. A device for processing tokenless electronic consumer rewards between a reward provider and a recipient using an electronic identicator comparator and at least one recipient biometric data, comprising:

a. an electronic registry device for storing a reward provider's products or services each having a predetermined rewards value, the rewards being disbursed to recipients based upon an occurrence of predetermined criteria;

b. a recipient registration device for registration of at least one registration biometric sample and recipient specific data with the electronic identicator;

c. a tokenless recipient identification device for comparing a recipient bid biometric sample with previously registered biometric samples for producing either a successful or failed identification of the recipient;

d. a recipient rewards issuance device for the rewards provider issuing electronic rewards to the successfully identified recipient; and

e. a recipient PIN selection device for the recipient to select a PIN from several generated for him by a computer system, comprising:

1. an automatic comparison device for automatically comparing the new registrant's biometric with any biometrics resident in various PIN baskets; and

2. a selection device for the recipient to select one PIN from several PIN options without a confusingly similar biometric which are presented to the next registrant,

wherein an electronic consumer rewards transaction is conducted without the recipient using any tokens.

46. A device for processing tokenless electronic consumer rewards between a reward provider and a recipient using an electronic identicator comparator and at least one recipient biometric data, comprising:

a. an electronic registry device for storing a reward provider's products or services each having a predetermined rewards value, the rewards being disbursed to recipients based upon an occurrence of predetermined criteria;

b. a recipient registration device for registration of at least one registration biometric sample and recipient specific data with the electronic identicator;

c. a tokenless recipient identification device for comparing a recipient bid biometric sample with previously registered biometric samples for producing either a successful or failed identification of the recipient;

d. a recipient rewards issuance device for the rewards provider issuing electronic rewards to the successfully identified recipient; and

e. a fraud prevention device for changing the PIN basket in which the person's biometric samples reside is changed to prevent fraudulent use of the biometric sample to authorize transactions,

wherein an electronic consumer rewards transaction is conducted without the recipient using any tokens.

47. A device for processing tokenless electronic consumer rewards between a reward provider and a recipient using an electronic identicator comparator and at least one recipient biometric data, comprising:

a. an electronic registry device for storing a reward provider's products or services each having a predetermined rewards value, the rewards being disbursed to recipients based upon an occurrence of predetermined criteria;

b. a recipient registration device for registration of at least one registration biometric sample and recipient specific data with the electronic identicator;

c. a tokenless recipient identification device for comparing a recipient bid biometric sample with previously registered biometric samples for producing either a successful or failed identification of the recipient;

d. a recipient rewards issuance device for the rewards provider issuing electronic rewards to the successfully identified recipient; and

e. a rapid search device for rapidly searching previously stored biometric samples from individuals, using at least two biometric baskets, at least one biometric basket containing at least two algorithmically unique biometric samples from different individuals, comprising:

1. a storage device for registration of a biometric gathered from an individual;

2. a PIN selection device for selecting an individual's personal identification number that indexes a biometric basket;

3. a comparison device for comparing the biometric sample gathered from said recipient with all previously stored biometric samples in the biometric basket to make sure that the biometric sample gathered from the individual is algorithmically unique from all biometric samples currently stored in said biometric basket, for producing a successful or failed uniqueness result; and

4. a biometric storage device for storing the gathered biometric sample in the selected biometric basket, upon return of a successful uniqueness result,

wherein an electronic consumer rewards transaction is conducted without the recipient using any tokens.

48. A device for processing tokenless electronic consumer rewards between a reward provider and a recipient using an electronic identicator comparator and at least one recipient biometric data, comprising:

a. an electronic registry device for storing a reward provider's products or services each having a predetermined rewards value, the rewards being disbursed to recipients based upon an occurrence of predetermined criteria;

b. a recipient registration device for registration of at least one registration biometric sample and recipient specific data with the electronic identicator;

c. a conversion of a raster image of a biometric sample to vector lines in order to generate an identification value for the biometric sample;

d. a tokenless recipient identification device for comparing a recipient bid biometric sample with previously registered biometric samples for producing either a successful or failed identification of the recipient; and

e. a recipient rewards issuance device for the rewards provider issuing electronic rewards to the successfully identified recipient,

wherein an electronic consumer rewards transaction is conducted without the recipient using any tokens.

49. The device of claim 48 wherein the biometric is a fingerprint, said system further comprising;

a. a conversion device for converting raster image pixels to vector lines along the fingerprint ridges and the vector lines are classified and converted according to type;

b. a data analysis device for analyzing the line types and generating a list of identification features corresponding to the vector line types;

c. a comparison device for comparing the identification features between the vector lines types and classifying the image according to fingerprint class;

d. a number generation device for generating a numerical encoding to classify the biometric sample's identifying features, said number being a biometric sorting number.

50. The device of claim 49 further comprising a device for any of the following: sharing of the biometric sorting number by several registered biometrics which have similar principle biometric characteristics; the biometric sorting number containing one singular biometric.

51. A device for processing tokenless electronic consumer rewards between a reward provider and a recipient using an electronic identicator comparator and at least one recipient biometric data, comprising:

a. an electronic registry device for storing a reward provider's products or services each having a predetermined rewards value, the rewards being disbursed to recipients based upon an occurrence of predetermined criteria;

b. a recipient registration device for registration of at least one registration biometric sample and recipient specific data with the electronic identicator;

c. a use-sensitive tokenless identification device, for rapidly determining a frequent user's identity by performance of a comparison of the frequent user's biometric with other frequent user biometric stored in a local computer which contains a subset of the total system's biometric samples for producing either a successful or failed identification of the recipient;

d. a recipient rewards issuance device for the rewards provider issuing electronic rewards to the successfully identified recipient,

wherein an electronic consumer rewards transaction is conducted without the recipient using any tokens.

52. A device for processing tokenless electronic consumer rewards between a reward provider and a recipient using an electronic identicator comparator and at least one recipient biometric data, comprising:

a. an electronic registry device for storing a reward provider's products or services each having a predetermined rewards value, the rewards being disbursed to recipients based upon an occurrence of predetermined criteria;

b. a recipient registration device for registration of at least one registration biometric sample and recipient specific data with the electronic identicator;

c. a tokenless recipient identification device for comparing a recipient bid biometric sample with previously registered biometric samples for producing either a successful or failed identification of the recipient;

d. a recipient rewards issuance device for the rewards provider issuing electronic rewards to the successfully identified recipient; and

e. a computer system authentication device, comprising a private code, distinct from a personal identification number and not used to gain access to a computer system previously gathered from the user and recorded in the central computer data bases, and presented to only the user after an identification attempt, for the user to be assured that the authentic computer system was used to process the account access because a false computer system would not be able to present the customer's private code,

wherein an electronic consumer rewards transaction is conducted without the recipient using any tokens.

53. A device for processing tokenless electronic consumer rewards between a reward provider and a recipient using an electronic identicator comparator and at least one recipient biometric data, comprising:

a. an electronic registry device for storing a reward provider's products or services each having a predetermined rewards value, the rewards being disbursed to recipients based upon an occurrence of predetermined criteria;

b. a recipient registration device for registration of at least one registration biometric sample and recipient specific data with the electronic identicator;

c. a tokenless recipient identification device for comparing a recipient bid biometric sample with previously registered biometric samples for producing either a successful or failed identification of the recipient;

d. a recipient rewards issuance device for the rewards provider issuing electronic rewards to the successfully identified recipient; and

e. a fraud detector device further comprising a fraud biometric comparator and fraud biometric data bases containing a subset of the biometric samples stored in the master computer,

wherein an electronic consumer rewards transaction is conducted without the recipient using any tokens.

Description

FIELD

The invention relates generally to electronic rewards computer systems designed to calculate and store incentive rewards, and more specifically to biometric tokenless computer systems which do not require the recipient to use any man-made portable memory devices such as smart cards or magnetic swipe cards.

BACKGROUND

Consumer-oriented rewards systems have become an integral part of retail point of sale and internet commerce marketing. Retailers have multiple objectives: to attract consumers to increase the price-point of their purchases; to induce consumers to increase the frequency of their purchases from a particular retailer, and establishing a loyal purchasing pattern by the consumer with that retailer; to increase the number of consumers who purchase from a particular retailer, and to obtain demographic data from consumers about their purchasing. Rewards systems are often customized for each reward provider, hence the recipient must carry a different rewards token for each retailer in order to receive that retailer's consumer incentive rewards. Hence, in addition to their debit and credit cards, consumers are now encumbered with additional cards to carry, all of which can easily be lost, damaged or stolen. After initially signing up with these incentive programs, consumers soon dispense with their incentive cards, therefore, either the consumer incentive program offered by the retailer fails or is not as successful as it was once thought to be.

Such rewards systems may take many forms, such as providing the consumer with immediate discounts on purchased goods, accrued miles on frequent flyer programs offered by airlines, or accrued points towards the purchase of a product.

Additionally, the use of cards by consumers for accessing such rewards systems is costly and disadvantageous. Namely, retailers must absorb the cost of producing such tokens and then distributing them to consumers. Furthermore, as tokens are lost, damaged, or stolen, retailers absorb the cost of replacing the token to the consumer. Further, retailers use these tokens to only identify the consumer's rewards account, rather than being able to identify the consumer directly.

Last, such tokens have additional costs to the retailer in that the desired demographic and purchasing-pattern data can be easily de-linked once the token is separated from the consumer. This occurs because a fraudulent party makes purchases with a token that incorrectly identifies the user's rewards account as the original consumer's, thereby attributing such purchases by the fraudulent party to the original consumer's purchasing profile. At the same time, when the genuine consumer demands their rightful rewards upon making their own purchases without their appropriate rewards token, the retailer must use another, likely generic (e.g., store account), rewards account in order to accommodate that consumer's requirement of benefiting from the incentives rightly due to them based on their purchases. Hence, the retailer's franchise on accurate consumer purchasing patterns can be significantly diluted by such unreliable information, thereby causing the retailer additional losses as their target-marketing campaigns and inventory-efficiency strategies are adversely affected by this inaccurate demographic data.

The use of various biometrics, such as fingerprints, hand prints, voice prints, retinal images, handwriting samples and the like have been suggested for identification of individuals. However, because the biometrics are generally stored in electronic (and thus reproducible) form on a token and because the comparison and verification process is not isolated from the hardware and software directly used by the recipient attempting access, the problem of having to carry cards is not alleviated.

It has also been suggested that smartcards can also be used for tracking the rewards accrued by a consumer. However, smartcard-based system will cost significantly more than the "dumb" card. A smartcard costs in excess of $3, and a biometric smartcard is projected to cost in excess of $5. In addition, each point of sale station would need a smartcard reader. Furthermore, the net result of "smartening" the token is centralization of function. This may look interesting during design, but in actual use results in increased vulnerability for the consumer. Given the number of functions that the smartcard will be performing, the loss or damage of this all-controlling card will be excruciatingly inconvenient for the cardholder. Losing a card full of accrued rewards will result loss of the accumulated rewards.

There is a need for an electronic rewards transaction system that uses a strong link to the person being identified, as opposed to merely verifying a recipient's possession of any physical objects that can be freely transferred.

A further need in an electronic rewards transaction system is ensuring consumer convenience by providing authorization without forcing the consumer to possess, carry, and present one or more proprietary tokens, such as man-made portable memory devices, in order to accumulate the rewards. Anyone who has lost a card, left it at home, had a card stolen knows well the keenly and immediately-felt inconvenience caused by such problems. Therefore, there is a need for an electronic biometric rewards transaction system that is entirely tokenless.

There is another need in the industry for a transaction system that is sufficiently versatile to accommodate both consumers who desire to use personal identification numbers (PINs) for added security and also consumers who prefer not to use them.

Lastly, such a system must be affordable and flexible enough to be operatively compatible with existing networks having a variety of electronic transaction devices and system configurations.

SUMMARY

It is an object of the invention therefore to provide a computer system that eliminates the need for a user to possess and present a man-made memory device, such as a smart card or magnetic swipe card, in order to initiate a system access request.

It is another object of the invention to provide a computer system that is capable of verifying a user's identity, as opposed to verifying possession of propriety objects and information. It is yet another object of the invention to verify user identity based on one or more unique characteristics physically personal to the user.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a computer system wherein access is secure, yet designed to be convenient and easy for a consumer to use. Yet another object of the invention is to enable a user to earn incentive rewards which are either immediately provided to the user or are stored for later access by the user.

Yet another object of the invention is to enable retailers to correctly identify a consumer using the computer system so that their purchasing patterns can be linked to their personal demographic data. In this way, the retailer can more efficiently deliver products and services to pre-identified or interested consumers. A method for processing tokenless electronic consumer rewards is described between a reward provider and a recipient using an electronic identicator comparator and at least one recipient biometric data. The method comprises creating an electronic registry of a reward provider's products or services each having a predetermined rewards value, the rewards being disbursed to recipients based upon the occurrence of predetermined criteria; a recipient registration step, wherein the recipient registers with the electronic identicator comparator at least one registration biometric sample, and recipient specific data; a recipient identification step, wherein the identicator comparator compares a recipient bid biometric sample with previously registered biometric samples for producing either a successful or failed identification of the recipient; and recipient rewards issuance step, wherein the rewards provider issues rewards to the recipient, wherein an electronic consumer rewards transaction is conducted without the recipient using any tokens, such as any plastic card or driver's licenses, or man-made portable memory devices, during the identification step. The present invention satisfies these needs by providing a significantly improved system and method for processing tokenless electronic consumer rewards between a reward provider and a recipient using an electronic identicator comparator and at least one recipient biometric data, comprising; creating an electronic registry of a reward provider's products or services each having a predetermined rewards value, the rewards being disbursed to recipients based upon the occurance of predetermined criteria; recipient registration, wherein the recipient registers with the electronic identicator comparator at least one registration biometric sample, and recipient specific data; recipient identification, wherein the identicator comparator compares a recipient bid biometric sample with previously registered biometric samples for producing either a successful or failed identification of the recipient; and recipient rewards issuance, wherein the rewards provider issues rewards to the recipient. The above-mentioned method and system processes an electronic consumer rewards transaction without the recipient using any tokens such as any plastic card or drivers licenses, or man made portable memory devices such as smart cards, or magnetic stripe cards.

According to one embodiment of the invention, there is a system and a method for processing tokenless electronic rewards transactions between a reward provider and a recipient comprising: recipient rewards registry recordation, wherein an electronic record is created of a registry of a reward provider's products and the rewards that accrue to a recipient based upon the recipient's purchase of said products; recipient registration, wherein the recipient registers with the electronic identicator system at least one registration biometric sample; a proposal, wherein the reward provider proposes a commercial transaction to the recipient; recipient identification, wherein the electronic identicator compares a recipient bid biometric sample with previously registered biometric samples for producing either a successful or failed identification of the recipient; electronic rewards calculation, wherein upon the successful identification of the recipient, the recipient's rewards are calculated resultant from the recipient's product purchases pursuant to the reward provider's proposed commercial transaction and pursuant to the recipient purchasing registry; recipient notification, wherein pursuant to the consummation of the commercial transaction, the recipient is notified of the results of the electronic rewards calculation; and, wherein a tokenless electronic rewards transaction is conducted without the recipient using any portable man-made memory devices such as smartcards or magnetic stripe cards.

According to several embodiments of this invention, the recipient rewards registry may take many forms: it may be a registry of immediate cash discounts or rebates provided to recipient during a commercial transaction; it may be the accrual of points which are credited towards the future purchase of a product or service, such as an automobile, frequent flyer miles, or free air time for phone calls. The rewards within said registry may be tied, for example, to certain product purchases, certain purchasing patterns reflecting frequency or loyalty, or certain purchase dollar amounts.

According to another embodiment of this invention, the system and the method may further provide a commercial transaction adjustment step, wherein the reward provider's proposed commercial transaction is adjusted pursuant to the electronic rewards calculation.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, there is a system and method for processing tokenless electronic rewards transactions between a reward provider and a recipient comprising: recipient rewards registry recordation, wherein an electronic record is created of a registry of a reward provider's products and the rewards that accrue to a recipient based upon the recipient's purchasing of said products; recipient registration, wherein the recipient registers with the electronic identicator system at least one registration biometric sample and an electronic rewards account; a proposal, wherein the reward provider proposes a commercial transaction to the recipient; recipient identification, wherein the electronic identicator compares a recipient bid biometric sample with previously registered biometric samples for producing either a successful or failed identification of the recipient; electronic rewards calculation, wherein upon the successful identification of the recipient, the recipient's rewards are calculated resultant from the recipient's product purchases in the reward provider's proposed commercial transaction and pursuant to the recipient purchasing registry; recipient rewards account adjustment, wherein the recipient's rewards account is adjusted pursuant to the electronic rewards calculation; recipient notification, wherein pursuant to the consummation of the commercial transaction, the recipient is notified of the results of the recipient rewards account adjustment; and, wherein a tokenless electronic rewards transaction is conducted without the recipient using any portable man-made memory devices such as smartcards or magnetic stripe cards.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the accrued rewards resultant from recipient's purchases are stored in the recipient's or user's rewards account, along with the recipient's corresponding demographic data and purchasing patterns.

For some rewards transactions, it is not appropriate to conduct an immediate adjustment of either the commercial transaction or the recipient's rewards account. These cases include transactions where the exact reward to be credited is not known at the time of commercial transaction, or when a recipient's purchasing patterns or demographics need to be analyzed in order to determine the appropriate award. As a result, in an alternate embodiment of the invention, the computer system stores the recipient's purchases, purchasing patterns, and/or demographic data for subsequent analysis, instead of executing an immediate rewards calculation.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the computer system communicates with one or more external computer systems in order to perform various functions, including determining if the recipient has multiple rewards that are linked to certain purchases.

In another embodiment of the invention, the recipient is co-located with the reward provider, and transaction proposals and other information is transmitted from reward provider to recipient and vice versa using a computer network such as an Intranet. In another embodiment of the invention, the recipient is remote from the reward provider, and transaction proposals and other information is transmitted from reward provider to recipient and vice versa using a computer network such as the Internet.

In most instances, the recipient being identified and the computer system are remote and physically separate from each other. All electronic communications to and from the computer system are encrypted using industry standard encryption technology, preferably the DES (Data Encryption Standard) with 112-bit encryption keys. Each identification station has its own set of encryption keys that are known only to that particular station and the computer system.

In another embodiment of the invention, the rewards transaction computer system further comprises a fraud detector engine further comprising a fraud biometric comparator and fraud biometric data bases containing a subset of the biometric samples stored in the master computer. The biometric samples of individuals who have previously attempted fraud upon the identification computer system are stored within the fraud biometric database. Thereafter, the biometric samples of those who are registering with the system are compared against the biometric samples in the fraud biometric sample database to screen for fraud attempts. This system therefore will eliminate registration of repeat offenders.

In another embodiment of the invention, the recipient uses a PIN as a secondary security means in addition to his biometric. As such, the invention incorporates something the recipient uniquely possesses (his biometric) with something the recipient uniquely knows (his PIN).

In another embodiment of the invention, the recipient may create his own PIN. The computer system then conducts a comparison of the biometric gathered with any biometrics already grouped with the selected PIN. Such a grouping of any biometrics associated with the same PIN is known herein as a PIN basket. In the event the new registrant's biometric is too similar to any of the registered biometrics currently in the selected PIN basket, that PIN is rejected and an alternative PIN is selected by the recipient for another such biometric comparison. Once the computer system is presented with a PIN basket that has no confusingly similar biometrics, the new registrant's biometric is stored in that PIN basket.

In another embodiment of the invention, the recipient may select a PIN from several generated for him by the computer system. This is done by having the computer system automatically conduct comparisons of the new registrant's biometric with any biometrics resident in various PIN baskets. Once the computer system has generated several PIN options without a confusingly similar biometric, these PINs are presented to the new registrant from which the recipient may select one PIN. In another embodiment of the invention, in the unlikely event of the theft of biometric information, the situation can be remedied by simply changing the PIN basket in which the person's biometric samples reside. After this is done, the criminal can no longer use the biometric sample to authorize transactions.

In another embodiment of the invention, the transaction rewards computer system utilizes a method for rapid search of previously stored biometric samples from individuals using at least two biometric baskets, at least one biometric basket containing at least two algorithmically unique biometric samples from different individuals. Each biometric basket is represented by the recipient's PIN and contains less than the total number of samples registered with the system. Therefore, each biometric basket is identified by the recipient's personal identification number, and is known herein as a "biometric basket code" or "BBC". The method comprises: a storage step further comprising gathering a biometric from an individual; selection of a recipient's personal identification number that indexes a biometric basket, hence creating the BBC; locating the biometric basket identified by the BBC; comparing the biometric sample gathered from said individual with all previously stored biometric samples in the BBC to make sure that the biometric sample gathered from the individual is algorithmically unique from all biometric samples currently stored in said biometric basket, for producing a successful or failed uniqueness result. Upon return of a successful uniqueness result, the gathered biometric sample is stored in the selected biometric basket. There is a bid step further comprising: a) entering a bid personal identification number by a candidate individual, and; b) entering a bid biometric sample by said candidate individual. There is also a comparison step comprising: a) locating the BBC that is entered by said candidate individual, and; b) comparison of the bid biometric sample from said candidate individual with all of the biometric samples stored in the identified BBC for producing either a successful or failed identification result.

In another embodiment of the invention, the transaction rewards computer utilizes a system and method for rapid search of previously stored biometric samples using conversion of an image-enhanced digitized raster biometric sample, such as a fingerprint image, to vector lines in order to generate an identification value for the biometric sample. Any biometric can be used, such as a fingerprint, retina of the eye, iris of the eye, voice print, facial vascular patterns and the like. In the example of fingerprints, the raster image pixels are converted to vector lines along the fingerprint ridges and the vector lines are classified and converted according to type. The line types are then analyzed and a list of identification features corresponding to the vector line types is generated. The identification features between the vector lines types are compared and the image is classified according to fingerprint class. The computer system then generates a numerical encoding to classify the biometric sample's identifying features. This number is known herein as a biometric sorting number, or "BSN".

The BSN may be a number shared by several registered biometrics which have similar principle biometric characteristics, or it may be a number containing one singular biometric. In the case of fingerprints, the present fingerprint identification system, based on well-known research performed by Sir Edward Richard Henry and further by the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation, uses such main number classifications as arches, loops, and whorls. Therefore, all fingerprints with a similar loop pattern may be located within the same BSN. Subsequent to this initial search, the biometric will then have to be compared to all biometrics in that BSN in order to make a determination that the submitted biometric matches the correlated registration biometric. Alternatively, the to computer may directly generate a BSN specifying that unique fingerprint and placing it in a file with no other biometrics. This BSN is generated directly by a more detailed analysis of the biometric sample's characteristics in order to determine that it is distinct from all previously registered biometrics, whether they reside in a BSN or whether they are in their own singular file. Such algorithmically-based biometric characteristic sorting and classification systems, using mathematical algorithms, are known in the art for fingerprints and for other biometrics such as retina of the eye, voice print, and face vascular patterns.

In another embodiment of the invention, the transaction rewards computer system has a use-sensitive tokenless identification means for rapidly determining a frequent user's identity by performing a comparison of the frequent user's biometric with other frequent user biometric stored in a local computer which contains a subset of the total system's biometric samples. This same means can be used for rapidly accessing and amending a recipient's rewards account. This system comprises at least two local computer systems and a master computer system. The master computer has a master computer comparison engine, also referred to as a comparator. The master computer comparator further has a master user biometric database which contains or stores the biometric samples or rewards accounts of all users registered with the rewards transaction computer system. The computer system further comprises at least two local computers which are physically remote from each other. Each local computer further comprises a local user biometric database containing a subset of the biometric samples or rewards accounts contained in the master central database. If upon submission of a bid biometric or a bid rewards account, a local computer returns a failed identification result, the bid biometric or rewards account is transmitted to the master computer for comparison of the entered bid biometric sample or rewards account to the biometric samples or rewards accounts stored in the master comparator for producing either a failed or successful second identification result.

In another embodiment of the invention, the local computers are connected to each other by third interconnecting means such as an ATM network, the Internet, a private intranet, a telephone network, or a cable TV network. If a first local computer returns a failed identification result, in addition to or independent of the search of the master computer biometric sample or rewards database, the biometric sample or rewards database of a second local computer can also be searched, as the local computers' biometric sample or rewards account databases contain a subset of biometric samples or rewards accounts from the master computer and different sets of biometric samples or rewards accounts from each other.

Another embodiment of the invention utilizes an identification computer system authenticator wherein a private code, distinct from a personal identification number and not used to gain access to the computer system, is previously gathered from the user and recorded in the central computer data bases, and is presented to only the user after an identification attempt, whereby the user is assured that the authentic computer system was used to process the account access because a false computer system would not be able to present the customer's private code.

The present invention is clearly advantageous over the prior art in a number of ways. First, it is extremely easy and efficient for the consumer to use because it eliminates the need to carry and present any tokens in order to access one's rewards accounts. The present invention eliminates all the inconveniences associated with carrying, safeguarding, and locating tokens. Further, because tokens are often specific to a particular computer system that further requires remembering a secret PIN code assigned to the particular token, this invention offers eliminates all such tokens and also offers the option of eliminating the need for memorization and recollection of any PIN. The consumer is now uniquely empowered, by means of this invention, to conveniently conduct his personal and/or professional electronic rewards transactions at any time without dependence upon tokens which may be stolen, lost, damaged, or forgotten.

The invention is clearly advantageous from a convenience standpoint to retailers by making electronic rewards transactions less cumbersome and more spontaneous. The paperwork of electronic rewards transactions is significantly reduced as compared to card purchases wherein separate receipts are generated and must be retained by the reward provider and the consumer.

Because the system of the invention is designed to provide a consumer with simultaneous direct access to all of his rewards accounts, the need for transactions involving cash money, checks, credit drafts and the like will be greatly reduced, thereby reducing the cost of equipment and staff required to collect, account, and process such transactions and their associated paperwork.

Moreover, the invention is markedly advantageous and superior to existing systems in being highly fraud resistant. As discussed above, present authorization systems are inherently unreliable because they base determination of a user's identity on the physical presentation of a manufactured object along with, in some cases, information that the user knows. Unfortunately, both the token and information can be transferred to another, through loss, theft or by voluntary action of the authorized user. Thus, unless the loss or unintended transfer of these items is realized and reported by the authorized user, anyone possessing such items will be recognized by existing authorization systems as the consumer to whom that token and its corresponding rewards accounts are assigned.

The invention further prevents fraud by storing authentication information and carrying out identity verification operations at a location that is operationally isolated from the user requesting authorization, thereby preventing the user from acquiring copies of the authentication information or from tampering with the verification process. Such a system is clearly superior to existing token-based systems wherein the biometric authentication information are stored on and can be recovered from the token, and wherein the actual identity determination is performed at the same location as the user during the authorization process.

These and other advantages of the invention will become more fully apparent when the following detailed description of the invention is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram of the system of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagram of an embodiment of the Data Processing Center (DPC), also referred to as the indenticator, and its internal databases and execution modules;

FIG. 3 is a diagram of a terminal, the biometric input apparatus and its components, and the interconnections between them;

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of the preferred steps taken by the DPC during identification of a recipient user;

FIGS. 5 and 6 show representational diagrams of the steps taken during the authorization of issuance of a reward by the reward provider;

FIGS. 7a, 7b, 7c and 7d show various configurations of the DPC in relation to reward providers, retailers or other rewards providers to individual users or recipients registered with the system;

FIGS. 8 and 9 show the embodiments of the invention using the DPC of FIG. 2 and the terminal of FIG. 3 in various system configurations which employ DPC procedures related to use sensitivity of the system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention provides a tokenless method for identifying recipients for the purpose of authorizing an electronic rewards transactions. In a preferred embodiment, consumers conduct these transactions without the use of a personal identification number ("PIN") or any tokens, such as cards, badges or identification cards including drivers licenses, or telephone numbers.

Turning now to the figures, the overall configuration of an embodiment of the invention and its components are shown in FIG. 1. Essentially a Data Processing Center (DPC) 1 is connected to various terminals 2 through various types of communication means 3. The DPC is also connected and communicates with independent computer networks 4. In a preferred embodiment, the DPC contains several databases and software execution modules as shown in FIG. 2. In other embodiments of the invention, the databases are backed up or "mirrored" in distinct physical locations for safety reasons. The Firewall Machine 5 is responsible for prevention of electronic intrusion of the system while the Gateway Machine 6 is responsible for routing all requests from the user, including adding, deleting and otherwise modifying all databases. In a preferred embodiment, the Gateway Machine is also responsible for decryption and de-packaging of data that has arrived from the terminals using the MACM module 7, MDM module 8, and the SNM module 9. The BSN module 10 is used to locate the biometric data. Alternatively, in other embodiments, no BSN is used and the Gateway Machine's comparator compares bid biometric samples to all registered biometric samples in the system. FIG. 3 depicts an example of a terminal 2 and the biometric input device 12, which has a biometric scanner 13, data entry means such as a key pad 14, and a display panel 15.

The biometric scanner can be any one of fingerprint scanner, voice input device (microphone), palm print scanner, retinal scanner or the like, although the fingerprint scanner will be used as an example. The biometric input device is further equipped with computing modules 16, device drivers, and erasable and non-erasable memory modules. The biometric input device communicates with the terminal through preferably a serial port 17. The terminal 2 communicates through a modem 18 with the DPC 1 through messages 19 and responses 20 using one of the interconnecting means in FIG. 1 such as a cable TV network, cellular telephone network, telephone network, the Internet, or an X.25 network, at the BIA.

Biometric Input Apparatus (BIA):

The BIA is a combination of hardware and software whose job is to gather, encode, and encrypt biometric data for use in identification of the users or recipient. Actions of the BIA are directed by an outside controlling entity called a terminal, which issues commands and receives results over the BIA's serial line.

BIA software can be tailored for various BIA hardware such as: personal computer (or "PC"), retail, registration, internal, issuer, and integrated remote. Each software load provides a different, use-specific command set. For instance, the registration software load does not accept requests to form retail transaction messages. Likewise, the retail software command set cannot send recipient registration messages. In a preferred embodiment, to provide another layer of security, the DPC knows what software package is loaded into each BIA; any attempts by a BIA to send a message that it is normally not able to send is rejected by the DPC and the event is treated as a major security violation.

In a preferred embodiment, each BIA has unique encryption codes that are known only to the DPC, and specific BIA embodiments are only allowed to perform operations limited to its designated function. Each biometric input apparatus has a hardware identification code previously registered with the DPC, which makes the biometric input apparatus uniquely identifiable to the DPC in each subsequent transmission from that biometric input apparatus.

Depending on the task at hand, BIA models are either partially or fully integrated with the terminal. Partially integrated devices are physically separate from the terminal, and they include wireless and retail point of sale BIAs. Fully integrated devices are contained within the physical enclosure of the terminal itself, for instance a telephone. It is preferred that the BIA never disclose any secret encryption codes to any external source.

The external interface to the BIA is much like a standard modem; commands are sent to it from a controlling terminal using the external serial line. When a command completes, a response code is sent from the BIA to the terminal. The particulars of the BIA software command interface detailed below illustrate one particular embodiment; other embodiments may mimic popular Key pad interfaces, such as magnetic stripe card readers.

All BIA data fields are preferably in printable ASCII, with fields separated by field separator control characters, and records separated by new lines. Encrypted fields are binary converted to 64-bit ASCII using the base-64 conversion library (all known in the industry).

Terminals

Terminals interface with BIAs and connect with the DPC via well known mechanisms for digital networking such as modem, X.25 packet network, telephone network, the Internet, a private intranet, or even a Cable TV network. In a different embodiment, terminals require different versions of the BIA to perform their tasks. Any electronic device that can issue commands to and receive results from the biometric input device is considered to be a terminal.

Some terminals are application programs that run on a general-purpose microcomputer, while other terminals are combinations of special-purpose hardware and software as show in FIG. 1. In a preferred embodiment, whenever a terminal provides information to the system, the system validates the terminal in some manner, either through presentation to the recipient for confirmation, or by cross-checking through other previously registered information.

While terminals are able to read some parts of BIA messages to validate that the data was processed properly by the BIA, terminals cannot read biometric identification information including the biometric data, encryption keys, or any account index codes.

It is understood that there are many different types of terminals could be employed depending on their location and manner of use; for example cable-TV point of sale terminal, Phone point of sale terminal, retail point of sale terminal and the like; which each is connected to a specific model BIA.

System Description: Data Processing Center

The Data Processing Center (DPC), also known as the identicator, handles recipient registration, recipient identification electronic rewards transactions, and in some cases: reward provider identification, and registration of reward providers. Each DPC site is made up of a number of computers and databases connected together over a LAN as illustrated in FIG. 2. In preferred embodiments, multiple identical DPC sites are employed to ensure reliable service in the face of disaster or serious hardware failure at any single DPC site.

DPC components fall into three categories: hardware, software, and databases. A preferred embodiment of the invention contains the following;

Hardware

FW