Patent Application
20080148392
The present invention relates generally communication devices and more particularly to the storing, retrieving and viewing of personal passcodes used in communication devices.
Today, an individual is likely to use a variety of personal passcodes to access a wide variety of secure devices. Passcodes, in the form of individual passwords, personal identification numbers (pins), log-in information, core-identification, access phrases and the like are typically required for the individual to operate a computer, access email, retrieve bank records, open a safe, etc. These passcodes can vary in length and must often meet strict security guidelines, such as a lengthy multiple digits having a minimum number of letters, numbers and symbols. At any given time, an individual may have multiple passcodes covering one or more systems. The security integrated within many systems often requires that the passcodes not be formed of easily recognized words or phrases. Many systems and databases also require users to change passcodes on a regular basis. While updating passcodes does help protect the security of the user's information, many people find managing multiple passcodes and the constant updating of the passcodes to be problematic. Long strings of numbers along with complex lettering and symbol combinations are difficult for a user to remember. Unfortunately, some people may resort to writing and carrying passcodes on a piece of paper within wallets or purses, taping lists of passcodes under desks or even onto the device itself.
Accordingly, it would be desirable have a means to store, retrieve and view personal passcodes, in a secure and easily transportable fashion.
The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and to explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention.
Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.
Before describing in detail embodiments that are in accordance with the present invention, it should be observed that the embodiments reside primarily in an apparatus and method for storing and accessing a user's personal passcodes. For the purposes of this application, the term passcode shall refer to passwords, personal identification number (pin), log-in and core IDs and/or any combination of letters, numbers or symbols used by an individual for accessing a secure device, system, database, and the like. Accordingly, the apparatus and method components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.
In this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises . . . a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.
Upon initialization, a user enters and stores a personal identifier via keypad 308 and also scans fingerprint information via module 306, typically by swiping the index finger. Passcodes can then be automatically downloaded from an external computer via the USB 304 for storage into memory 314. The portable device is removed from the computer and carried by the user. The user can then later retrieve the stored passcodes by entering his or her personal identifier via the keypad 308 and swiping a finger, over fingerprint sensor module 306. The fingerprint sensor module 306 transfers the sensed fingerprint data to the microprocessor 302 for validation. The controller validates the user's personal identifier and fingerprint information to allow access to the stored passcodes. The stored passcodes are displayed on display 312 and the scroll keys of keypad 308 are used to scroll through and view the passcodes.
The utilizing of a USB connector and interface allows for complete a download of numerous passcodes. The use of a personal identifier provides additional security to that of the fingerprint swipe, but is also easy for the user to remember. The personal identifier is not restricted to the security requirements of typical passwords. The personal identifier could be a user's name, computer core ID or phone number, for example.
More than one person can use the portable passcode storage device of the present invention. The personal identifier simply identifies the user and the fingerprint swipe provides the secure access to that individual's passcode information. Thus, two people sharing a cell phone, for example, can store their passcode information on the same cell phone if desired. The execution code for the microprocessor 302 stores the passcodes under each individual's identifier, and permits access to the passcodes based on the fingerprint swipe aligning with the individual's identifier.
Following the entry of the fingerprint and personal identifier information, a plurality of the user's access-codes are downloaded at step 610 from a personal computer via the USB. When the user wishes to retrieve the passcodes at step 612, the user enters his/her personal identifier and swipes his/her fingerprint. Upon validation of the personal identifier and fingerprint at step 616, the passcodes are displayed to the user at step 618 ending the method at step 620.
Accordingly, there has been provided a method and apparatus for storing, retrieving and viewing a plurality of passcodes for one or more individuals in a simple yet secure fashion. By utilizing a user-selectable personal identifier in conjunction with fingerprint scanning and a USB port, individuals can now securely download, store and retrieve numerous passcodes. The retrieval is simple and quick. The user need only swipe their fingerprint and provide their unique personal identifier. Upon validation of the fingerprint and personal identifier, the user's individual passcodes are displayed. The components including memory, display, keypad, fingerprint scanner and USB can be formed into readily portable housing or integrated within a cell phone or two-way radio design.
In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present invention. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims. The invention is defined solely by the appended claims including any amendments made during the pendency of this application and all equivalents of those claims as issued.
