Karl W Mccalley

US Patent:

59828943, Nov 9, 1999

Filed:

Feb 6, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/796161

Inventors:

Karl W. McCalley - Indian Harbor Beach FL
John C. Schmitt - Indialantic FL

Assignee:

AuthenTec, Inc. - Melbourne FL

International Classification:

H04L 900

US Classification:

380 9

Abstract:

A system having enhanced security includes: a plurality of components; at least one security circuit associated with at least one component; and at least one master circuit associated with at least one component and connected in communication with the security circuit. More particularly, the security circuit when in the virgin state is switchable to a desired enrolled state for the master circuit. The master circuit according to one aspect of the invention preferably determines if the security circuit is in the virgin state and switches the security circuit to the desired enrolled state. The master circuit also preferably prevents operation of the system responsive to a security circuit being in an enrolled state other than the desired enrolled state for the master circuit. A security circuit may be restored to the virgin state in response to a user token or a fingerprint of the user. Method aspects of the invention are also disclosed.

US Patent:

59564156, Sep 21, 1999

Filed:

Jan 26, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/592472

Inventors:

Karl W. McCalley - Indian Harbor Beach FL
Steven D. Wilson - Chicago IL
Dale R. Setlak - Melbourne FL
Nicolaas W. van Vonno - Melbourne FL
Charles L. Hewitt - Melbourne FL

Assignee:

Harris Corporation - Melbourne FL

International Classification:

G06K 900

US Classification:

382124

Abstract:

A fingerprint sensor package includes a tamper-resistant housing, a fingerprint sensor mounted in the housing, and an encryption output circuit mounted within the housing and operatively connected to the fingerprint sensor for generating an encrypted output signal related to a sensed fingerprint. The fingerprint sensor package may include a processor operatively connected between the fingerprint sensor and the encryption circuit. In addition, the package may also include a reference fingerprint memory for storing reference fingerprint information. Accordingly, the processor may have the capability to determine if a sensed fingerprint matches a stored reference fingerprint. To further enhance security of the stored reference fingerprint information, the sensor package also preferably includes a removing circuit or device for removing reference fingerprint information from the reference fingerprint storage means responsive to tampering. In one embodiment of the invention, the fingerprint sensor preferably includes an electric field integrated circuit fingerprint sensor. Method aspects of the invention are also disclosed.