摘要 |
<p>One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for authenticating and individual's identity. The system operates by receiving an identification credential from the individual, such as an ID card, that contains information about the individual including biometric data. This ID card is signed with a private key. The system also receives a biometric sample from the individual, such as a finger print. The system validates the identification credential with the corresponding public key and compares the biometric data with the biometric sample. If the difference between the data and the sample is below a predetermined threshold, the system reports a positive identification. Otherwise, the system reports a negative identification. Note that the system operates solely on information contained within the identification credential and without requiring a connection to a network or a database.</p> |